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How to Be a Scottish Mistress

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She's his in every way. . . When newly widowed Lady Fiona Libourg flees to Scotland in need of protection, Lord Gavin McLendon is powerless to refuse the British beauty. Especially when she offers herself in exchange. Now the brooding Scottish warrior can think of nothing else but ravishing his delectable new mistress, even though he's dutybound to marry another. . .

But one. . .

Fiona is shocked when Gavin accepts her scandalous offer--and fretful at the thought that he will discover how little she knows of seduction. But when Gavin proves to be a skilled and achingly sensuous teacher, Fiona doesn't want their passionate arrangement to end. Now she can't help but wonder just what it would take to go from Scottish mistress. . .to Scottish wife.

Praise for the novels of Adrienne Basso

"Basso has a gift for creating stories tinged with simmering passion and poignancy." --"Romantic Times " on "How to Enjoy a Scandal"

"Basso expertly combines subtly nuanced characters with an impeccably crafted Regency setting and a revenge-fueled plot deftly laced with danger and desire." --"Booklist " on "A Little Bit Sinful"

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

89 people are currently reading
729 people want to read

About the author

Adrienne Basso

26 books240 followers
Between stints as a corporate financial analyst, marketing consultant and public librarian, Adrienne Basso has parlayed her vivid imagination and desire to tell romantic stories into a twenty-four-year writing career. She has published contemporary, Regency, Victorian, vampire, and Scottish medieval romance novels. She enjoys the challenge of creating stories that emphasize the everlasting power of love and is truly delighted that her characters always achieve the fantasy of living happily ever after. A native New Yorker, Adrienne, her husband, and their incomparable dog now live in New Jersey.

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5 stars
196 (32%)
4 stars
224 (37%)
3 stars
122 (20%)
2 stars
41 (6%)
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11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for NMmomof4.
1,787 reviews5,031 followers
July 30, 2019
4 Stars

Overall Opinion: This was a nice surprise! I have been traveling and also consumed with binge watching some tv lately, so this was my first book in a while to read. I enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the characters, I liked their relationship, it was pretty hot for a HR, and I was super happy that it ended with some good closure in the epilogue! Overall 4 stars because I liked it 🤗

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Fiona and Gavin's story. Fiona meets Gavin when he is an unexpected Scottish ally of her English husband, so when she is in a dire situation with her stepson she turns to Gavin in her time of need as a last resort. Gavin is shocked when Fiona proposes that she becomes his mistress in exchange for training her injured stepson in becoming a knight, but he readily accepts. What they don't expect is to fall in love after giving in to their lusty thoughts. When the King demands that Gavin takes a Scottish wife to strengthen alliances, things get complicated...but they do end up with a HEA ending.

Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing mainly on Fiona and Gavin in 3rd person narrative.

Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.

Instalove: No. Instalust? Yes.

H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Gavin. I liked him. I wanted to shake him towards the end, but I mostly liked him and he made up for it by the epilogue.

h (heroine) rating: 4.5 stars. Fiona. I really liked her. I appreciated her strength as well as how she cared for others.

Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed

Push/Pull: Not until closer to the end

Heat level: Good. They have some pretty good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.

Descriptive sex: Yes

OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes

Possible Triggers: Yes

Closure: This had a super cute epilogue with what I would call a HEA ending

Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Profile Image for ♥ℳelody.
781 reviews844 followers
May 18, 2017
*5 beautiful sweet stars!*
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I think I've found a new author. This was a pure delight and everything I look for in a HR book. A highlander love story set in Medieval era. Generally I'm not a big fan of that era, the whole knight and court and dresses with veils is not my thing, but I enjoyed it here. I big part is probably because the story takes place in Scotland so it's more Highlander novel if anything, which I love. :) I adored Gavin McLendon, the tough brooding clansman Lord who takes in an English widow who is in dire straights to help her son. I haven't read a good mistress story in a while and this was exactly what I was looking for. The fact that they both go in it with open hearts and don't hold anything back I found really refreshing and so endearing. Gruff Gavin getting all sweet and sentimental around his English lass was really sweet and Fiona taking it all in was adorable. Gavin surprised me the most in this, I was expecting him to be a typical Scott stubborn-headed warrior and deny his feelings openly to Fiona, but he didn't. I loved how sweet, honest and considerate he was of Fiona and her feelings. He swept me off my feet right along with Fiona.
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I loved loved loved seeing every aspect of their relationship play out, all the small little moments, words, gestures, intimate moments that aren't usually depicted on the page the author totally captures which is something I always look for. Kudos to Basso! Of course the whole 'my duty v. following my heart' is played into this but thankfully it isn't dragged out forever. Like I said the hero endlessly surprised me with his actions and words. Looooove Gavin, such a big scrumptious lovebug. *swoon* This is a stand alone and I recommend it for anyone who loves Highlander novels with a lot of heart, romance, sexy times and some angst. I'm glad to see the author gave Gavin's bastard half brother Ewan a book. Saw a lot of potential there with him (and I'm so happy she didn't pair him up with Lady Aileen *shudder* the complete 180 turn this character took surprised and perplexed me a little). I will definitely be checking out other works by Adrienne Basso!
Profile Image for K.
302 reviews690 followers
January 19, 2016
3.5 stars.
Anytime my cousin sees a Historical Romance with half naked people on the cover she buys it for me. As you may have guessed, she bought it for me, i was touched! It was nothing special, it was predictable but captivating. I took it with me in the shower and didn't get out until i finished it. Yes, i did take a 2 hour long bath. You have no right to judge me.
Profile Image for Bookish.Midnight. and. black.
1,449 reviews72 followers
July 7, 2021
DNF at 15-20%. Not interesting enough.I read the ending just to see if the heroine get her HEA
After reading it I realized I wasted 5min for nothing ..🤦
Profile Image for C.
237 reviews23 followers
July 9, 2025
4.75⭐️
Profile Image for Deb Omnivorous Reader.
1,991 reviews177 followers
October 23, 2014
This was an ok read. I keep being drawn into historical fiction when I want a bit of romance, it is a repeating unhealthy pattern of mine. 'Unhealthy' because I care about historical accuracy and very few bodice rippers have any.

Widowed from the prior Lord Arundel, in the thirteenth century, Fiona runs across the border to Scotland to seek succour and refuge from a Scottish Laird, having little to offer to incline him to her cause she offers to become his mistress and is accepted.

It is a pretty good premise for this sort of novel and I liked the premise and the main characters. The romance was pretty satisfying and the sex was pleasant if not incendiary, I quite liked the choice of era but the historical detail was mostly unconvincing and the attempt to be'Scottish' was pretty lame.

Initially I thought that the editing or spell checking was to blame for the consistent, irritating use of the word Infirmary (Which is a hospital) when the meaning was clearly infirmity. This annoying misspelling first occurred around page 26 and I thought "use you spellchecker", by page 126, when it was still happening, I decided it was part of the attempt to be medieval. I didn't like it at all though, I know spelling used to be very fluid and that the meanings of words have changed over time, still, this one was silly.

The other constant irritation was the 'Tis and 'Twas scattered everywhere. Fine in speech but by the fifth Tis/Twas per page when the character is only thinking I was totally over it. Tis, Twas, and the occasional Och or Lassie were about as Scottish as it got and the descriptions of the current monarchy were the token bow to history. There was a predictably happy ending.

Anyway, an ok romance, especially for readers who like the genera and are not too particular about accuracy.
Profile Image for Lori ◡̈.
1,154 reviews
January 2, 2020
Although this story had a lot of history with Robert the Bruce vs. England, war was always on the brink of breaking out, etc and to me that's a little too tense and drama'ish :) But this author did a great job with the romance to be able to pull me in and enjoy the story. I did feel though that at about 60% thru the story, it was a given that the H and h already loved each other, so what was left to cover from there until the end was figuring out how to make it all come together to be possible.
Profile Image for My Book Addiction and More MBA.
1,958 reviews71 followers
July 23, 2013
HOW TO BE A SCOTTISH MISTRESS by Adrienne Basso is an exciting Medieval Historical Romance set in 1306-1307 Northern England and Scotland. Join Lady Firona Libougy, a young widow, who is loyal,smart,brave, which she shows time and again and Lord Gavin McLendon, a loyal "Bruce" follower on a journey of danger and finding love. A fast paced story from beginning to end. One you don't want to miss. Filled with tragedy,treason,passion,betrayal, clan wars, the fight for Scotland,and the power of true love. A powerful story that takes place during turmoil and treacherous times in England and Scotland's history. A must read for any historical readers who loves Sexy, Scottish men, and feisty,determined Ladies. Ms. Basso is a powerful and wonderful storyteller,who shows her research of Scotland and England through her stories. I would highly recommend "How To Be a Scottish Mistress",not just for its powerful storyline, but for its charismatic characters. Loved it! I can hardly wait to see what this talented author has for her readers next. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

519 reviews83 followers
January 31, 2019
I totally wasn’t expecting this to be medieval from both the blurb and the cover but I wasn’t disappointed! I actually really enjoyed this book even though mistress romances aren’t my favourite, there were just a couple of unanswered questions that frustrated me.
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Our heroine is made a widow when her lands are taken and her son is also harmed in the process. No one wants to train her son to fight or take his side for fear of reprisal from the King so she crosses the border into Scotland and approaches an Earl who was friends with her husband and trades herself to help her son.
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The hero was the perfect combination of chivalrous, take charge alpha and yet caring at the same time! There was the fact however that he was twice widowed and then never explained WHAT HAPPENED TO HIS LAST 2 WIVES? You don’t just lose them (or do you?). There was also too much focus on love for my liking (I know I’m picky), it’s just that both MCs and secondary characters had this fixation on love and marrying for love and I’m screaming internally at them “ITS THE 14th CENTURY YOU DONT GET TO MARRY FOR LOVE”.
Profile Image for May ّمي.
444 reviews20 followers
November 26, 2024
How long has it been since I could finish a book in one day? Years, This book brought back that passion.

Although the synopsis may elude to a weak/or corrupt woman, Fiona is a strong-willed, smart, and compassionate woman. I liked her.

The book provides three points of view. Hero, heroine and one more person. each POV is well-written, and shows character growth and has good timing. No flipping back and forth haphazardly.
1,176 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2017
A hot romance with a bit of intrigue. I was frustrated that Gavin was dense for so long, but otherwise a good book.
Profile Image for Theresa.
212 reviews
August 26, 2021
wow, now this was a historical romance to enhance the imagination from the reality the world is facing at the moment .... widowed Lady Fiona and her young son Spencer must get away from their war torn lands in England to start a new life, especially Spencer to be trained so that when he becomes a man he may once again rule on his father's estate! Fiona remembers her husband's friendship with a Scottish Laird Lord Gavin McLendon. The past years have seen Gavin widowed too. However will Fiona's brazen idea help in her mission? Of course, who would not accept this handsome still young woman as a mistress in every sense of the word? Gavin has a half-brother who has reigned hatred on the McLendon Clan because of their father's past deeds .. Ewan Gilroy's plan to kidnap Fiona and Gavin's new wife-to-be who will align all clans to help the Scottish King Robert war against the English - well that backfires as 'love', yes that emotion that no one wants to admit to throughout the book until the end, saves the day ! And what about Ewan Gilroy, well, in the future I am sure he grows a backbone and becomes important and has his romantic story to tell .. (chuckle!).
151 reviews8 followers
July 2, 2021
What a lovely surprise this book was. A story line in the beginning with which I had some serious doubts that ended up turning into something different and very enjoyable. I thought the story and subplot were very original and I loved the hero in the story. What didn't I like? Historical Scottish figure appears in the end and it was just a little too much of a happy ending where this figure was involved. I am not sure if the half-brother has his own story, but I would definitely be interested in reading about him. Really pleasantly surprised with this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
924 reviews
June 11, 2023
I did enjoy this book but didn’t love it for some reason. I thought the heroine was a bit unrealistic for the time period. It was the 1300s and she was a LADY who offered herself as a leman to the hero in front of his entire hall. I found it pretty shocking. And then she lived openly with him as his unmarried lover in his keep. She didn’t seem to have too many reservations about any of it either which I found odd. The book has plenty of steam but not quite as much angst as I wanted. Giving this 3.5 stars and rounding down.
Profile Image for Braveheart.
863 reviews
May 26, 2018
Happily taken by surprise !! This was a great little book ! Lady Fiona leaves England for Scotland in search of help for her 11 year old son and receives that and so much more ....sexy , hot romance 🔥🔥🔥 ....when she offers to be mistress of Lord Gavin MacLendon , a Scottish Earl . Lord but Gavin in one fine Hero and Lady Fiona his equal in every regard . First I’ve read from this author and I’m glad I did .
Profile Image for Gebby.
458 reviews
May 16, 2020
4 stars

Suka sama HR yang heroinenya jadi mistress si hero. Trus heronya cinta sama heroine, tp ada duty harus married sama respected noble woman, heroine pergi, heronya sedih. Hahaha.. kira2 ceritanya seperti itu. Konfliknya cuma di adik bastard si hero yang mau nyerang hero. Ga sampai bagaimana tapi oke. Cuma bahasanya agak aneh, karena ini scottish, ada beberapa bahasa kaya ga nyambung aja dan aneh dalam cerita scottish (kaya tau aja scottish kaya apa bahasanya).
174 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2022
Scottish Mistress

Good story with a sexy couple, a bit of angst and a nice HEA. It started pretty slow and yet I wanted more information on some of the secondary characters. Instead I got long-winded scene set ups. I found myself skimming until about 40% in. I feel like (hope) there is probably some additional books that tell us more about a couple of character. I’ll have to go look. All-in-all a very sweet, sexy love story that mostly satisfies.
Profile Image for Jackie.
337 reviews40 followers
October 27, 2019
Once I picked this book up I was quite nicely hooked . The beginning took too long to set up the mistress position and I didn’t like how Gavin offered to keep his mistress (Fiona) as well as the wife ... or how he couldn’t see how hurtful this was to the woman he loved. Nice ending
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
9 reviews
June 12, 2020
How to Be a Scottish Misstress

It's a great story of a man and a woman from two different world came together.
i recommend this book to anyone who who likes a romance that will take them to a different time and land.
194 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2018
Loved it

This was my first by this author and I absolutely loved it! Sexy and passionate, my kinda story n b
Profile Image for Jessica.
452 reviews24 followers
March 8, 2020
Scottish romance--what can I say?
16 reviews
June 10, 2023
great read

What a great book, could no put it down, thoroughly enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to read another of Adrienne Basso books!
Profile Image for Julie Read Our Lips! Book Review Blog.
354 reviews17 followers
September 22, 2014
Fiona is an English widow in dire need of protection for her late husband’s crippled son and herself. The only one she can turn to is a friend of her late husband, Gavin, a Scottish lord.

She seeks his protection since no one, not even her brother or any good knight, refuses to take her stepson and train him how to fight. Thinking her stepson might fare better in another court, she makes the trip to Gavin’s lands.

Once there, Gavin refuses to help her, though he can’t fight the attraction he feels for her. Gavin’s got his own problems. His bastard half brother is running amok on his lands, pillaging everywhere he can.

But Fiona sees a momentary flash of desire when Gavin looks at her and she rolls the dice, saying she’ll trade herself in exchange for lessons for her stepson. Gavin tells her that he’s not looking for marriage and Fiona clarifies that neither is she.

Gavin quickly accepts, much to the shock of his people. Things definitely take a turn at this point and Gavin’s castle will never be the same again. If only his bastard brother would cease his raids so he could stop to enjoy things.

But what will Gavin do when his king demands he marry a Scottish wife? Will he forsake Fiona and her stepson? Or is Gavin so head over heels for Fiona that he’ll defy everyone to be happy?

How To Be A Scottish Mistress features

erotica
oral sex
historical romance
psychic
paranormal romance
Scotland
mystery
intrigue

http://readourlipsblog.blogspot.com/2...
Profile Image for Cherie.
1,153 reviews21 followers
Read
April 19, 2016
Previously the heroine's husband did a gigantic favor for the hero, Gavin, by letting him stay on his land and giving him food and medicine for his men even though he was "the enemy" (being Scottish and the husband being an English border lord under King Edward). Someone tells King Edward who allows a nearby lord to attack the castle and her husband and all his knights but one are murdered in the middle of the night. The heroine escapes with a knight and her stepson. First she heads to her brother's location but he's an ass and doesn't care at all about her or the boy (who was hurt during the attack and his previously broken leg has not healed properly). She takes off for Scotland to ask the aforementioned Scottish lord for sanctuary and training for the boy. Scotland and England are still fighting each other so she, being English, puts Gavin at risk politically. Gavin is reluctant to grant her the same favor given him by her husband until she adds herself to the booty.

What a setup. Sorry, can't admire a man for humiliating a woman in such a way, especially a woman in distress. A happily ever after is not believable, in my mind and heart, from this scenario. This is a new author for me so I'll try another of her books since she came highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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