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Kilted Lovers
The brilliant new novel from the Queen of royal-rom-coms!
All Lady Alice Walpole wants is to be swept off her feet, but she keeps finding herself on one bad date after another. And when she’s caught partying too hard with her latest royal beau, her father banishes her to Balmoral to clean up her act.
Fraser Bell just wants to do his job as Piper to the Sovereign at Balmoral. He prefers tartan to tuxedos, and spends his days with horses rather than dealing with people, so when he’s assigned to wake Alice up to the sound of bagpipes every morning, he’s less than pleased.
But as her time in Scotland stretches on, Alice finds herself falling for the rugged landscape – and maybe even Fraser, too. Soon, returning to her glittering but empty life in London sounds less like an escape, and more like a punishment.
She wears tiaras, and he wears tartan, but for this unlikely couple, can romance ever reign?
All Lady Alice Walpole wants is to be swept off her feet, but she keeps finding herself on one bad date after another. And when she’s caught partying too hard with her latest royal beau, her father banishes her to Balmoral to clean up her act.
Fraser Bell just wants to do his job as Piper to the Sovereign at Balmoral. He prefers tartan to tuxedos, and spends his days with horses rather than dealing with people, so when he’s assigned to wake Alice up to the sound of bagpipes every morning, he’s less than pleased.
But as her time in Scotland stretches on, Alice finds herself falling for the rugged landscape – and maybe even Fraser, too. Soon, returning to her glittering but empty life in London sounds less like an escape, and more like a punishment.
She wears tiaras, and he wears tartan, but for this unlikely couple, can romance ever reign?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2025
73 people are currently reading
1255 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
March 15, 2025
I went into “Kilted Lovers” (or “Regally Blonde”) thinking it was going to be a cute, feel-good romance; it was so much more than that. This was a story filled with abundant eye-opening lessons of learning to let people in to see the parts you hide from others, coming to terms that those who don’t hold your best interests at heart aren’t worth bending over backwards for their approval, and accepting the truth that you are never too hard to be loved by those who matter most to you ♥️
Lady Alice Walpole may not be easily relatable as most rom-com heroines, but I saw so much of myself in her. She comes off as a superficial socialite with royal relatives but discovers who she truly is in the Balmoral countryside of Scotland. My heart hurt reading of her internal conflict of being forced to hide her lingering feelings of loneliness and worthlessness because I find myself in the same place as her more often than not. Throughout the book, she struggles immensely with her self-esteem and in turn, influences how worthy she sees herself as someone who deserves to be loved unconditionally. She spends so much time trying to make others happy that she doesn’t take the time to realize that she too, deserves happiness.
Depression is not a pretty sight to see sometimes and it’s not always the feeling of not wanting to get out of bed, which is described so perfectly through Alice in this story. It’s so important that it shows Alice, this noble lady with all the luxury she could ever want in London, as a lost girl who knows that she’s privileged but also deserves to be allowed to grieve and break down as every normal human being should be able to. The mental health themes and awareness in this have been my favourite representation that I’ve read in contemporary romance so far 🧠
Throughout the novel, we are introduced to a number of lovable characters that truly highlight the beauty of found family in this. Mrs. Mary Buchanan with her stern love, Jimmy Campbell with his compassionate manner, and Sophie with her selflessness. Through them, Alice learns that she isn’t hard to love as everyone else in her life has made her out to be. They are all positive influences in her life despite her being very reluctant to let them in her life. They’re all so heartwarming with their own easy-to-love and distinct personalities that it almost makes you feel that they’re comforting you and Alice at the same time.
Alice’s friendship with Sophie Chorley, one of the maids at Balmoral Castle, was particularly very precious to read. Although Alice and Sophie come from completely different worlds, they welcome each other with open arms and never judge the other for not having the same opportunities in life. Sophie taking care of Alice constantly as a concerned friend and not as an employed servant, especially during her rock bottom moments, was such a great symbol to how they were there for each other and learned to trust the other so quickly 💞
This contemporary romance wouldn’t be complete with our MMC, Fraser Bell. A hardworking pipe major to the sovereign of the UK and a humble stable hand at the castle, Fraser challenges Alice to see things from a different perspective. He was a very healthy MMC; he respected her boundaries, only ever acted in her best interests even if it left him heartbroken, and loved her from afar even though he knew it was likely she might not ever feel the same. Even if he and Alice were apart, he never stopped worrying about her until he knew she was safe. I thought it was so refreshing to see someone sensitive like Fraser being able to show his emotions and cry without having the need to apologize for not being manly enough or inadequate for Alice. He was secure in his own identity and only wished the best for Alice without pushing her to change or adapt into his world 🏰
The greatest strengths I believe in “Kilted Lovers” are the beautiful storytelling and descriptions as well as the well-rounded character development of Alice. The ending was so satisfying because I really did feel like it tied up all her loose ends in a way that she didn’t have to fit into the mold that society and her parents want her to be in. Depression is a part of her, but it doesn’t dictate the selfless and hopeful person she is on the inside. Love doesn’t automatically solve her problems; she finds the courage inside all of her insecurities to carve out the life she wants for herself. I feel so grateful to have found this book and been given the opportunity to read it. I’m not the only one that feels the same as Alice does; that in itself gives me so much comfort that there is hope for a happily ever after past the storm if you have the right people by your side ☀️
Tropes:
- Noble-lady FMC x pipe major/stable hand MMC 👑 🐎
- Coming-of-age romance
- Mental health rep: depression 🧠
- Found family 🏠
- Clean/closed-door romance 🚪
- English and Scottish history 🇬🇧🏴
- Set in small town countryside 🌾
Thank you to Megan Clawson, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
”Using my own sadness, my hatred of myself and my life as an excuse to sabotage the happiness of everyone else, I didn’t stop once to realize just what I do have. I have been loved this whole time, and not once did I allow myself to see it.”
Lady Alice Walpole may not be easily relatable as most rom-com heroines, but I saw so much of myself in her. She comes off as a superficial socialite with royal relatives but discovers who she truly is in the Balmoral countryside of Scotland. My heart hurt reading of her internal conflict of being forced to hide her lingering feelings of loneliness and worthlessness because I find myself in the same place as her more often than not. Throughout the book, she struggles immensely with her self-esteem and in turn, influences how worthy she sees herself as someone who deserves to be loved unconditionally. She spends so much time trying to make others happy that she doesn’t take the time to realize that she too, deserves happiness.
Depression is not a pretty sight to see sometimes and it’s not always the feeling of not wanting to get out of bed, which is described so perfectly through Alice in this story. It’s so important that it shows Alice, this noble lady with all the luxury she could ever want in London, as a lost girl who knows that she’s privileged but also deserves to be allowed to grieve and break down as every normal human being should be able to. The mental health themes and awareness in this have been my favourite representation that I’ve read in contemporary romance so far 🧠
Throughout the novel, we are introduced to a number of lovable characters that truly highlight the beauty of found family in this. Mrs. Mary Buchanan with her stern love, Jimmy Campbell with his compassionate manner, and Sophie with her selflessness. Through them, Alice learns that she isn’t hard to love as everyone else in her life has made her out to be. They are all positive influences in her life despite her being very reluctant to let them in her life. They’re all so heartwarming with their own easy-to-love and distinct personalities that it almost makes you feel that they’re comforting you and Alice at the same time.
Alice’s friendship with Sophie Chorley, one of the maids at Balmoral Castle, was particularly very precious to read. Although Alice and Sophie come from completely different worlds, they welcome each other with open arms and never judge the other for not having the same opportunities in life. Sophie taking care of Alice constantly as a concerned friend and not as an employed servant, especially during her rock bottom moments, was such a great symbol to how they were there for each other and learned to trust the other so quickly 💞
This contemporary romance wouldn’t be complete with our MMC, Fraser Bell. A hardworking pipe major to the sovereign of the UK and a humble stable hand at the castle, Fraser challenges Alice to see things from a different perspective. He was a very healthy MMC; he respected her boundaries, only ever acted in her best interests even if it left him heartbroken, and loved her from afar even though he knew it was likely she might not ever feel the same. Even if he and Alice were apart, he never stopped worrying about her until he knew she was safe. I thought it was so refreshing to see someone sensitive like Fraser being able to show his emotions and cry without having the need to apologize for not being manly enough or inadequate for Alice. He was secure in his own identity and only wished the best for Alice without pushing her to change or adapt into his world 🏰
”There is no such thing as the perfect time, or the perfect circumstance… If you want something, you make room for it, you make it work, and every struggle to get there will be the most rewarding thing you’ve ever done.”
The greatest strengths I believe in “Kilted Lovers” are the beautiful storytelling and descriptions as well as the well-rounded character development of Alice. The ending was so satisfying because I really did feel like it tied up all her loose ends in a way that she didn’t have to fit into the mold that society and her parents want her to be in. Depression is a part of her, but it doesn’t dictate the selfless and hopeful person she is on the inside. Love doesn’t automatically solve her problems; she finds the courage inside all of her insecurities to carve out the life she wants for herself. I feel so grateful to have found this book and been given the opportunity to read it. I’m not the only one that feels the same as Alice does; that in itself gives me so much comfort that there is hope for a happily ever after past the storm if you have the right people by your side ☀️
”Falling in love isn’t going to miraculously fix everything. Take your time, to heal, to get to know yourself, your own mind. If your love is meant to be, it will wait.”
Tropes:
- Noble-lady FMC x pipe major/stable hand MMC 👑 🐎
- Coming-of-age romance
- Mental health rep: depression 🧠
- Found family 🏠
- Clean/closed-door romance 🚪
- English and Scottish history 🇬🇧🏴
- Set in small town countryside 🌾
Thank you to Megan Clawson, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
January 20, 2025
Copy received via Netgalley/Avon Books UK for a honest read.
Another enjoyable book from Megan Clawson that had me smiling, but also, which I was not expecting, hard hitting topics like dealing with mental illness, feeling that your self worth is tied up in how others see you etc. And this made it all feel quite real.
But mostly, at heart, it is a romance.
Lady Alice Walpole, banished from polite societe - albeit to a castle - deals with all of the above, plus fighting an attraction to a sexy ginger piper.
I enjoyed the setting - though it is absolutely unattainable for any reader lol. I liked Alice's self reflection, her discovery of her own worth, her learning that disposing of those fairweather friends that aren't really friends, and finding true friendship and love.
There were some characters that I utterly adored, and others not so much. I mostly liked Alice and her personal growth through it all.
I hope we get more of these 'royal adjacent' adventures in the future.
5 STARS
Another enjoyable book from Megan Clawson that had me smiling, but also, which I was not expecting, hard hitting topics like dealing with mental illness, feeling that your self worth is tied up in how others see you etc. And this made it all feel quite real.
But mostly, at heart, it is a romance.
Lady Alice Walpole, banished from polite societe - albeit to a castle - deals with all of the above, plus fighting an attraction to a sexy ginger piper.
I enjoyed the setting - though it is absolutely unattainable for any reader lol. I liked Alice's self reflection, her discovery of her own worth, her learning that disposing of those fairweather friends that aren't really friends, and finding true friendship and love.
There were some characters that I utterly adored, and others not so much. I mostly liked Alice and her personal growth through it all.
I hope we get more of these 'royal adjacent' adventures in the future.
5 STARS
July 4, 2025
Leuk dat het zich in Schotland afspeelt, ik snap waarom het hoofdpersonage zo verliefd op dat land is geworden 😛 Was verder oké, leuke storyline maar merkte dat ik er op het begin wel moeite had om in te komen
March 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this Royal romance between a British princess with depression and the royal pipe major/stable hand she meets when she spends the summer at Balmoral. There's great mental health rep, female friendship and found family not to mention a swoony, Jamie Fraser worthy MMC. Great on audio with fantastic accents and perfect for fans of authors like Pepper Basham. The depression rep in this book is just so well done and relatable and made the FMC so easy to root for. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
CW: depression
CW: depression
March 11, 2025
My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I love this author! A sad and lonely Royal is sent to Balmoral by her parents to avoid the spotlight and learn a lesson. While there, she befriends a maid and the Pipe Major/stablehand. Throw in a little Emma action and she tried to match make but it ends up sideways. The lead character has depression so that is explored a bit in this book.
March 19, 2025
Well, no. This book had no plot, there was no character development, no romance, no nothing.
This girl, who gets sent away by her family because she was behaving badly, goes to Balmoral, to the king's residence where she befreinds a servant and the piper boy. No descriptions of these two people, zero. I found out the piper was a redhead halfway through the book.
She barely talks to the guy, until he kisses her and suddenly she falls in love with him? We know nothing about this guy, we barely know his name since she keeps referring to him as the piper.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc though
This girl, who gets sent away by her family because she was behaving badly, goes to Balmoral, to the king's residence where she befreinds a servant and the piper boy. No descriptions of these two people, zero. I found out the piper was a redhead halfway through the book.
She barely talks to the guy, until he kisses her and suddenly she falls in love with him? We know nothing about this guy, we barely know his name since she keeps referring to him as the piper.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc though
March 23, 2025
Copy received via NetGalley from Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review.
I am in love with everything Fraser and Alice right now…their story was so perfectly imperfect so just couldn’t help but adore them.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a royal romance throw in the enemies to lovers trope and I was hooked. It made me realise just how much I love them.
From the moment Fraser and Alice’s eyes met there was a connection and I was rooting for them instantly.
Not only were the main characters fun to read but the secondary characters had me smiling, laughing and loving them. The whole place feels like one big family and it made my heart so happy.
Although fun to read, Kilted Lovers does include hard hitting topics such as mental health issues. The things this woman has gone through, goes through may seem minimal to others but shows how much mental health can impact in different ways.
Seeing the character growth throughout the book has been wonderful to watch and I’m just in awe right now.
Kilted Lovers is a royal enemies to lovers romance. A book about finding one’s self in things that matter. A book about realising family isn’t just blood but those who make you feel safe and grounded. It’s heartbreaking at times but beautiful.
I am in love with everything Fraser and Alice right now…their story was so perfectly imperfect so just couldn’t help but adore them.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a royal romance throw in the enemies to lovers trope and I was hooked. It made me realise just how much I love them.
From the moment Fraser and Alice’s eyes met there was a connection and I was rooting for them instantly.
Not only were the main characters fun to read but the secondary characters had me smiling, laughing and loving them. The whole place feels like one big family and it made my heart so happy.
Although fun to read, Kilted Lovers does include hard hitting topics such as mental health issues. The things this woman has gone through, goes through may seem minimal to others but shows how much mental health can impact in different ways.
Seeing the character growth throughout the book has been wonderful to watch and I’m just in awe right now.
Kilted Lovers is a royal enemies to lovers romance. A book about finding one’s self in things that matter. A book about realising family isn’t just blood but those who make you feel safe and grounded. It’s heartbreaking at times but beautiful.
March 19, 2025
A masterful modern fairytale. We get a bit of Emma meddlesome matchmaking, Beauty and the Beast castle life, as well as the reality of generational trauma, mental health struggles, and a search for purpose. Clawson delivers a royal fantasy that is truely relatable and familiar to the everyday reader.
Lady Alice Walpole's royal status did not hinder me from relating to her. From the start, she recognized her privilege and felt out of place within her social circle. Alice latched onto many poor choice coping mechanisms and even worse relationships not because she is vapid or lazy, but because her brain has told her that's all she deserves. Even with all the resources, wealth, and status in her world, Alice's brain betrays her. Her journey to develop meaningful personal relationships, establish healthy coping skills, and shed the burden of expectations is one that looks like mine, yours, ours.
I love that Clawson infuses so much life and humor into her work. Alice's found family within Balmoral Castle provides both distraction and relief from her daily struggles. Piper Fraser Bell sees all of Alice and loves her in totality. Sophie goes above and beyond to befriend Alice - not for duty but for love. Together, they create a safe space for Alice to be vulnerable.
I appreciated that Alice's journey is imperfect and love isn't a fix all. It's in the highs and lows of life that we find joy, and love, and humor. The work Alice does to create a better more fulfilling life is so admirable. I was cheering for her om every page.
Highly recommend KILTED LOVERS for a royal fantasy romance and the representation of persevering through hardship. Megan Clawson once again sends her words directly to my heart. Thank you.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Lady Alice Walpole's royal status did not hinder me from relating to her. From the start, she recognized her privilege and felt out of place within her social circle. Alice latched onto many poor choice coping mechanisms and even worse relationships not because she is vapid or lazy, but because her brain has told her that's all she deserves. Even with all the resources, wealth, and status in her world, Alice's brain betrays her. Her journey to develop meaningful personal relationships, establish healthy coping skills, and shed the burden of expectations is one that looks like mine, yours, ours.
I love that Clawson infuses so much life and humor into her work. Alice's found family within Balmoral Castle provides both distraction and relief from her daily struggles. Piper Fraser Bell sees all of Alice and loves her in totality. Sophie goes above and beyond to befriend Alice - not for duty but for love. Together, they create a safe space for Alice to be vulnerable.
I appreciated that Alice's journey is imperfect and love isn't a fix all. It's in the highs and lows of life that we find joy, and love, and humor. The work Alice does to create a better more fulfilling life is so admirable. I was cheering for her om every page.
Highly recommend KILTED LOVERS for a royal fantasy romance and the representation of persevering through hardship. Megan Clawson once again sends her words directly to my heart. Thank you.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 29, 2025
Like both of Megan Clawson’s other books, I’ve really loved this one! Set largely at Balmoral, it’s a touching story of finding true love and recognising it even when it’s right in front of you. It’s about changing perceptions and discovering who you are and who you want to be.
‘Kilted Lovers’ deals with some difficult things like depression, which really hit home with me, as something I’ve been dealing with since I was 18. I actually started crying which I haven’t done with a book for a while. That shows just how good and relevant the book is, and how accurate the portrayal of the difficulties of dealing with depression is. People suffer depression differently, though I can recognise a lot of what Alice is dealing with in the story and how she wants to deal with it.
The characters are completely lovable – Lady Alice Walpole is the protagonist, and it is her character development that we follow through her problems and realisation that who she was and who she wants to be are not the same person. Sophie was quite possibly my absolute favourite character in the story and Alice wants to be more like her – it’s easy to see why. But Mrs Buchanan and Jimmy I loved as well, And, of course, Fraser, the piper who is the romantic hero of the story.
It’s not just a royal romance, but deals with real-life problems as well, sensitively and realistically. It’s a brilliant story that I devoured, and didn’t want to put it down but sadly had to for work, though I did read a lot of it on a train journey which gave me good reading time. It’s an absolute triumph of a royal romance mixing love, meddling, and misunderstandings in the right combination to create a magical story that, despite the protagonist being a member of the royal family, you can still completely connect with.
‘Kilted Lovers’ deals with some difficult things like depression, which really hit home with me, as something I’ve been dealing with since I was 18. I actually started crying which I haven’t done with a book for a while. That shows just how good and relevant the book is, and how accurate the portrayal of the difficulties of dealing with depression is. People suffer depression differently, though I can recognise a lot of what Alice is dealing with in the story and how she wants to deal with it.
The characters are completely lovable – Lady Alice Walpole is the protagonist, and it is her character development that we follow through her problems and realisation that who she was and who she wants to be are not the same person. Sophie was quite possibly my absolute favourite character in the story and Alice wants to be more like her – it’s easy to see why. But Mrs Buchanan and Jimmy I loved as well, And, of course, Fraser, the piper who is the romantic hero of the story.
It’s not just a royal romance, but deals with real-life problems as well, sensitively and realistically. It’s a brilliant story that I devoured, and didn’t want to put it down but sadly had to for work, though I did read a lot of it on a train journey which gave me good reading time. It’s an absolute triumph of a royal romance mixing love, meddling, and misunderstandings in the right combination to create a magical story that, despite the protagonist being a member of the royal family, you can still completely connect with.
April 12, 2025
This book was like a warm hug. Whoever said Megan Clawson is the queen of royal of royal rom-coms ARE NOT LYING. This book has been my most anticipated read since Megan first announced it, and it has not disappointed.
Firstly, I loved the self-discovery element to it. Watching our main character, Alice, develop as a person was so beautiful and so realistic. I truly loved the mental health part to it, and it resonated with me, and many other readers. Secondly, THE SIDE CHARACTERS. I have never fallen in love with side characters more. Sophie was just brilliant, and I literally need a spin-off for her at this point. ALSO, I was so invested with Jimmy and Buchanan (Mary). They were everything, and I stand by that - may also need a spin-off for them.. But my last point is the romance itself of course. Alice and Fraser were perfect - truly. I loved watching them go from strangers to friends to lovers. Their entire plot was so unique and just beautiful. Fraser, the man you are!
I highly recommend this book. It was just so lovely and definitely something I will be thinking about for a while.
P. S. LOVED THE MENTIONING OF THEO FROM LOVE AT FIRST KNIGHT.
My favourite quote, “I love him. Like Darcy loves Elizabeth. Like Heathcliff loves Cathy. Like the sun loves the moon. Against all better judgement. Against the wishes and expectations of all those who don't matter to me. Messily, violently, and yet as easily as breathing.”
Firstly, I loved the self-discovery element to it. Watching our main character, Alice, develop as a person was so beautiful and so realistic. I truly loved the mental health part to it, and it resonated with me, and many other readers. Secondly, THE SIDE CHARACTERS. I have never fallen in love with side characters more. Sophie was just brilliant, and I literally need a spin-off for her at this point. ALSO, I was so invested with Jimmy and Buchanan (Mary). They were everything, and I stand by that - may also need a spin-off for them.. But my last point is the romance itself of course. Alice and Fraser were perfect - truly. I loved watching them go from strangers to friends to lovers. Their entire plot was so unique and just beautiful. Fraser, the man you are!
I highly recommend this book. It was just so lovely and definitely something I will be thinking about for a while.
P. S. LOVED THE MENTIONING OF THEO FROM LOVE AT FIRST KNIGHT.
My favourite quote, “I love him. Like Darcy loves Elizabeth. Like Heathcliff loves Cathy. Like the sun loves the moon. Against all better judgement. Against the wishes and expectations of all those who don't matter to me. Messily, violently, and yet as easily as breathing.”
September 5, 2025
I think this is my second time ever giving one star ...
I am so disappointed in this book. The setting and the idea behind it had the potential to be a wholesome, modern bridgeton love story.
Alice was honestly insufferable, which made it hard to sympathise with her and root for her. She was extremely self-absorbed, and personally, I couldn't see this change that she felt she had gone through. Even working on community centres to 'deserve Sophie and Fraser' didn't do it for me. The real growth would be reaching out to Sophie and inviting her herself to the opening of the community centre they started working on together. Instead, she just followed this illusion of turning into a better person, without actually making amends and facing people she hurt.
There wasn't enough interaction between Alice and Fraser for the story to work as a romance. They spoke a couple of times, half of that he was very standoffish, and she herself felt like he couldn't wait to get away. I understand that his behaviour was mostly to highlight her status and how different they are in terms of social standing, but that is why the reader needs more of those interaction to feel convinced that those two actually should be together. The setting was great to exploit the theme of closed proximity, force them to interact with each other, despite them fighting their feelings (Alice for Sophie's sake), but Alice ended up hanging out with him because she was bored and the only time they were forced to be together was one dance at the ball (I know he also had to play the pipes for her, but he was literally outside).
I am so disappointed in this book. The setting and the idea behind it had the potential to be a wholesome, modern bridgeton love story.
Alice was honestly insufferable, which made it hard to sympathise with her and root for her. She was extremely self-absorbed, and personally, I couldn't see this change that she felt she had gone through. Even working on community centres to 'deserve Sophie and Fraser' didn't do it for me. The real growth would be reaching out to Sophie and inviting her herself to the opening of the community centre they started working on together. Instead, she just followed this illusion of turning into a better person, without actually making amends and facing people she hurt.
There wasn't enough interaction between Alice and Fraser for the story to work as a romance. They spoke a couple of times, half of that he was very standoffish, and she herself felt like he couldn't wait to get away. I understand that his behaviour was mostly to highlight her status and how different they are in terms of social standing, but that is why the reader needs more of those interaction to feel convinced that those two actually should be together. The setting was great to exploit the theme of closed proximity, force them to interact with each other, despite them fighting their feelings (Alice for Sophie's sake), but Alice ended up hanging out with him because she was bored and the only time they were forced to be together was one dance at the ball (I know he also had to play the pipes for her, but he was literally outside).
November 18, 2025
2,5* - Honestly I really disliked the FMC Alice. Just a spoilt and priviledged rich girl who has no clue how the real world works. She’s very selfish and self-centered and doesn’t stop to think of how her actions have consequences for the people around her! And okay I get that money doesn’t buy happiness and I understand that she’s had a tough life. Dealing with depression and having absent parents who’d rather scold her and send her off to Schotland, than actually talk to her and listen to how she’s feeling. Also what’s her deal with love? She’s hellbent on playing cupid and claims to be an expert on love but girlie is just completely delusional. Her non-existent romantic relationship with one of the other rich kids was a prime example of that! Having been sent away to Schotland, trying to call and text him multiple times a day, having those go unanswered and then still being under the impression that he’s going to propose to her?!?! And after months of no contact whatsoever?? Who are you kidding? Honestly??
And what’s up with her and Fraser? This is supposed to be some cute romance but these people have been avoinding each other for the most part of the book and after one kiss they declare their love for each other? No leading up to it or anything, just Bam?!?!
Alice does kind of redeem herself towards the end of the book (hence 2,5*) so at least there’s that :)
And what’s up with her and Fraser? This is supposed to be some cute romance but these people have been avoinding each other for the most part of the book and after one kiss they declare their love for each other? No leading up to it or anything, just Bam?!?!
Alice does kind of redeem herself towards the end of the book (hence 2,5*) so at least there’s that :)
January 20, 2025
Regally Blonde was not the light, funny read I anticipated. Beneath the surface of this love story, are themes of mental health, friendship, and personal growth.
It took me a little while to get fully immersed in the story, as the first characters introduced didn’t feel particularly likable or relatable, which made it hard to connect with. However, things shifted once Alice arrived in Scotland. The setting and her journey brought a new depth to the narrative, and I found myself becoming more invested in the characters and their development. The plot gained momentum as well, though I did find myself using my Kindle’s dictionary now and then to look up some of the Scottish words and expressions—definitely a learning curve, but it added an authentic touch to the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
It took me a little while to get fully immersed in the story, as the first characters introduced didn’t feel particularly likable or relatable, which made it hard to connect with. However, things shifted once Alice arrived in Scotland. The setting and her journey brought a new depth to the narrative, and I found myself becoming more invested in the characters and their development. The plot gained momentum as well, though I did find myself using my Kindle’s dictionary now and then to look up some of the Scottish words and expressions—definitely a learning curve, but it added an authentic touch to the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 17, 2025
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was very excited to read this book. It had all of my favorite elements: Scotland, minor royalty, romance, pipers...I also appreciated the deep work that Lady Alice went through finding her purpose, the best way to behave, and dealing with her own mental health struggles. I also loved the not-the-one romantic interest and how she was brought to her senses about him (very much befits the epigram, which is laugh-out-loud funny). I must admit that watching Alice's journey of self-improvement was hard at times, especially watching her repeat the same mistakes over and over again, but I suppose that does make it realistic, and I applaud Clawson's bravery in drawing upon her own mental health struggles. Overall, it was a fun read, but not quite as gripping and escapist as I'd hoped. I'd still gladly read anything else that Megan Clawson writes (including digging into her back catalogue).
I was very excited to read this book. It had all of my favorite elements: Scotland, minor royalty, romance, pipers...I also appreciated the deep work that Lady Alice went through finding her purpose, the best way to behave, and dealing with her own mental health struggles. I also loved the not-the-one romantic interest and how she was brought to her senses about him (very much befits the epigram, which is laugh-out-loud funny). I must admit that watching Alice's journey of self-improvement was hard at times, especially watching her repeat the same mistakes over and over again, but I suppose that does make it realistic, and I applaud Clawson's bravery in drawing upon her own mental health struggles. Overall, it was a fun read, but not quite as gripping and escapist as I'd hoped. I'd still gladly read anything else that Megan Clawson writes (including digging into her back catalogue).
October 16, 2025
Overall, this was a cute romance book with no spice. The characters were cute and lovely in all their interactions, and their personalities just fit together so well. The romance was great at the slow-burning aspect, as it took its time to build. There was also a nice touch of found family as Alice, our female lead, gained wonderful new relationships with so many characters. It was a good representation of depression in the form of hiding it from others, and it felt realistic in the portrayal. The male lead, Faser, was an absolute sweetheart as he didn't have any dramatic issues that plagued him. Kilted Lovers was a decent romance novel, especially in its aspects of friendships and romantic relationships.
April 2, 2025
3.5⭐️ (rounded to 4)
This ended up being a really lovely read. I did struggle however with the first half of the book, with it being very heavy on the mental health and feelings of depression from the get go. I felt like I related to her, with being no stranger to these kinds of mental health issues myself and it got me a little down 😅 But, the story as a whole was very lovely.
I really enjoyed Fraser and Sophie's characters, and reading about their friendship with the FMC was just so uplifting. 🫶🏼 Fraser is definitely book boyfriend material.
June 26, 2025
oh I adored this book...it broke my reading "dry spell" with such a surprisingly relatable main character. there are frank discussions about depression, taking medication to combat mental illnesses, confronting the demon of loneliness and complex family relationships all neatly wrapped in a love story. but it's more than even just a love story with two unlikely leads, it's a beautiful love letter to Scotland as well. I won't lie, I kept imagining Sam Heugen as Fraser Bell (I mean hello, sharing the name "Fraser" is a dead giveaway), but everything is so well detailed. I'm glad I picked this up from my local Ripped Bodice bookstore. Now I just need Netflix or Amazon to adapt it into a movie so that I can see those grand vistas of Scotland again.
August 29, 2025
first off, I bought this book on a dare. I told my friend to pick anything out of the romance section and this is what he came up with. that being said, I did that because I wanted a dumb fluffy romance to read. this was not that at all. dont get me wrong, im all about journeys of self discovery but I was expecting a lot more love and a lot less self sabotage. the concept of the plot is good, it had the potential to be what I wanted it to be and fell oh so short. for a romance the grad total of times they kissed….. 2. that my friends is what we call false advertising. even when the “romance” plot was thrown in, it was either rushed or just left me mad because alice is an idiot and I figured out the sophie “plot twist” the second time they hung out. not a bad book overall, but for how egregious the title and cover art was I was expecting a watpad romance that I could laugh at. disappointed needless to say. this book is the closest ive gotten to dnf.
February 22, 2025
This is my second book by this author, and I liked seeing a little tie back to her other characters which was fun and it’s always sweet to have a little royal romance makes me feel like I could fall in love with a prince and keeps my hopes alive. I also really appreciated the mental health/illness representation. I thought it was really well handled and I will pick up other books by the author again!
March 23, 2025
This book has something for everyone. A romance between a disgraced member of the royal family and a Scottish piper, dealing with mental health, and learning who you are outside of others' expectations. Alice's journey through all of this while being banished to Blamoral for the summer is something that is at times hard to read but is very authentic-feeling in the way that emotions are spoken about. This book was a delightful read and I'm excited to go back and read Clawson's other books in the series.
June 2, 2025
I enjoyed this book about a disgraced princess who is sent to Balmoral Castle in Scotland after a series of bad press in London. Lady Alice also suffers from depression and does not the support she needs from her family. She ends up making friends with Sophie who is a maid at the castle and she ends up being the only real friend Alice has ever had. Alice falls in love with the Piper at the castle but she must work on herself before she can ever be happy.
January 31, 2025
I enjoyed this book throughout, it kept me wanting more. Based in Scotland it was truly a dream to read. Mental health is a hard topic to talk about, but bravo Megan.
The attraction and feelings are all that a person could want.
This is an amazing book, give it a go.
The attraction and feelings are all that a person could want.
This is an amazing book, give it a go.
March 10, 2025
Clawson expertly crafts a tale with all the best elements: romance, friendship, and soul-searching, all set against a beautiful Scottish landscape. This is also a heartwarming tale about how it's never too late to find out who you truly are and how, sometimes, the best family is the one you choose.
April 18, 2025
Just okay. Short, mostly fluffy, pretty predictable. Entirely PG.
December 25, 2025
More enteraining than I first expected
December 28, 2025
Scotland🏴!!!
The story is somewhat easy, but very enjoyable!
The story is somewhat easy, but very enjoyable!
April 21, 2025
Oh I had such a great time reading Kilted Lovers, it was fun and I loved the characters. I was so excited for another royal romance from Megan Clawson and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I adored the friendship that grew in this book between Alice and Sophie, who was one of the maids at Balmoral. Sophie was so wonderful and took care of Alice during her vulnerable moments.
Fraser Bell 🥹 oh Fraser. Such a great character; so respectful and also sensitive. He acted in Alice’s best interests and I feel like he always wanted her safe. He really is a likeable character and from the moment him and Alice met; there was 100% a connection and I was absolutely all for it and rooting for them instantly.
While we get some friendship, humour and romance from the book, there is also mental health themes and awareness. A really great read and I absolutely recommend. Looking forward to hopefully more royal romance reads from @meganambxr
I adored the friendship that grew in this book between Alice and Sophie, who was one of the maids at Balmoral. Sophie was so wonderful and took care of Alice during her vulnerable moments.
Fraser Bell 🥹 oh Fraser. Such a great character; so respectful and also sensitive. He acted in Alice’s best interests and I feel like he always wanted her safe. He really is a likeable character and from the moment him and Alice met; there was 100% a connection and I was absolutely all for it and rooting for them instantly.
While we get some friendship, humour and romance from the book, there is also mental health themes and awareness. A really great read and I absolutely recommend. Looking forward to hopefully more royal romance reads from @meganambxr
March 19, 2025
Kilted Lovers is my new favourite book by Clawson, I like each one more than the last. Moving the setting from London to Scotland really helped distinguish this story and I loved all of the side characters. I found Alice quite frustrating at times but seeing her character develop throughout the book was lovely. This book deals with more serious themes of mental health and acceptance both from family and yourself. I felt like the love story was a little too 'insta-love' for me at times, but it developed well and the other relationships Alice formed were heartwarming. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a romance read with a little more depth.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2025
❝Fate always needs a hand and Balmoral should always be full of love.❞
________________________________________
Kilted Lovers ~ Megan Clawson
Grab a warm drink, a blanket, and cosy down in the corner 💌
~ quick stats ~
Characters: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Stars ~ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
I didn’t want this book to end!
Megan Clawson, you are an incredibly clever and admirable woman who has written yet another infinite star romance book! I was so excited and happy to receive the arc for this one as I absolutely devoured and loved your first two novels.
The mental health awareness in this book is beautiful yet so deep and sad to read. The scene when Alice arrives at Balmoral and takes a minute in her room in the silence, but that silence allows her to get trapped in her thoughts, which warp to “something vile, twisted and gnarled into a rat-king of self-destruction” - self destruction being the key phrase here - makes it all the more real and relatable.
The romance between in this novel was everything, my heart was so happy!! There were many modern twists on fairytale stories which made it all the more enchanting. There are so many sweet scenes that make me love “love” so much more.
Whilst I was reading this, I was constantly thinking that this would be a perfect film and most likely would be one of my favourites! And talking about films/series, I kept picturing Sophie as Anne from Motherland — both are hilarious icons. Anddd this is like Wild Child with a royal twist!
I cannot wait to add the physical copy to my bookshelf and read Megan’s next book!!
~
OHMYGOD OHMYGOD a new Megan Clawson book, everybody remain calm!
Favourites Bookshelf
________________________________________
Kilted Lovers ~ Megan Clawson
Grab a warm drink, a blanket, and cosy down in the corner 💌
~ quick stats ~
Characters: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Stars ~ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
I didn’t want this book to end!
Megan Clawson, you are an incredibly clever and admirable woman who has written yet another infinite star romance book! I was so excited and happy to receive the arc for this one as I absolutely devoured and loved your first two novels.
The mental health awareness in this book is beautiful yet so deep and sad to read. The scene when Alice arrives at Balmoral and takes a minute in her room in the silence, but that silence allows her to get trapped in her thoughts, which warp to “something vile, twisted and gnarled into a rat-king of self-destruction” - self destruction being the key phrase here - makes it all the more real and relatable.
The romance between in this novel was everything, my heart was so happy!! There were many modern twists on fairytale stories which made it all the more enchanting. There are so many sweet scenes that make me love “love” so much more.
Whilst I was reading this, I was constantly thinking that this would be a perfect film and most likely would be one of my favourites! And talking about films/series, I kept picturing Sophie as Anne from Motherland — both are hilarious icons. Anddd this is like Wild Child with a royal twist!
I cannot wait to add the physical copy to my bookshelf and read Megan’s next book!!
~
OHMYGOD OHMYGOD a new Megan Clawson book, everybody remain calm!
Favourites Bookshelf
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