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The Mackenzies Take London #1
My Fair Scot
Can Penelope turn Callum into the perfect gentleman in three weeks, or is it a pleasurable lifelong task?
Callum MacKenzie, the Marquess of Morven, is sent south to London by his father, the Duke of Bonnyrigg, to find the sort of wife who will bring the family the respectability it needs to rise in the world. After a disastrous start, and with invitations drying up, his aunt decides Callum needs a tutor in social etiquette, rules, and manners. And the best tutor in London is Penelope Armstrong.
Penelope is not just any tutor. She is a fallen woman with a murky past who is trying to reinvent herself. Turning Callum from a Scottish barbarian to a charming gentleman might be her biggest challenge yet.
As soon as Penelope and Callum set eyes on each other, sparks fly. Can Penelope tutor the highlander to appeal to London ladies without falling in love with him herself? And can Callum do his father’s bidding and find a suitable wife, when he knows he would rather marry his teacher?
Callum MacKenzie, the Marquess of Morven, is sent south to London by his father, the Duke of Bonnyrigg, to find the sort of wife who will bring the family the respectability it needs to rise in the world. After a disastrous start, and with invitations drying up, his aunt decides Callum needs a tutor in social etiquette, rules, and manners. And the best tutor in London is Penelope Armstrong.
Penelope is not just any tutor. She is a fallen woman with a murky past who is trying to reinvent herself. Turning Callum from a Scottish barbarian to a charming gentleman might be her biggest challenge yet.
As soon as Penelope and Callum set eyes on each other, sparks fly. Can Penelope tutor the highlander to appeal to London ladies without falling in love with him herself? And can Callum do his father’s bidding and find a suitable wife, when he knows he would rather marry his teacher?
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2026
6 people want to read
About the author
Sara Bennett
127 books213 followersSara Bennett writes with passion. She has been published by Avon HarperCollins in the USA, and also publishes independently. She recently wrote a series of Regency novellas about Second Chances called Mockingbird Square. The four novellas are Unforgettable, Enraptured, Surrender and Reckless. They're available at all eBook stores.
Currently she is writing a second series of Mockingbird Square. The first three novellas, Fascination, Seduction and Temptation are available, and Obsession is under way.
Sara also writes paranormal romance as Sara Mackenzie, steamy historical romance as Evie North, and Australian Women's Fiction as Kaye Dobbie.
Currently she is writing a second series of Mockingbird Square. The first three novellas, Fascination, Seduction and Temptation are available, and Obsession is under way.
Sara also writes paranormal romance as Sara Mackenzie, steamy historical romance as Evie North, and Australian Women's Fiction as Kaye Dobbie.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
You can always tempt me with a wayward kilt or the rumble of a Scottish burr whispered over the Highlands. I was immediately drawn to My Fair Scot by its title, but that's where the interest stopped. This book gave me a sour taste in my mouth. There was no romance and it was pure lust between the main couple. I never thought I would give that criticism in my 20 years of reading this genre, but here we are. Penelope was a former prostitute who chose to hang up her garters and give etiquette lessons to the gentry instead. Talk about irony. Callum was sent north to find a wife and some manners, naturally bringing these two together. I didn't sense a connection between these two other than basic human urges. It made me feel gross. I'm not a big fan of historical sex worker stories as they bum me out. I wouldn't have picked this up if I knew that was her history because all the synopsis said was "fallen woman", which could mean anything in that time period. I wish there was more clarity in descriptions so readers know what they're getting into before reading. I may or may not continue this series as it did hold promise. Maybe the next book will have a more meaningful connection than just lusty gazes. I understand he's a brawny Highlander, but there's more to love than just looks!
You can always tempt me with a wayward kilt or the rumble of a Scottish burr whispered over the Highlands. I was immediately drawn to My Fair Scot by its title, but that's where the interest stopped. This book gave me a sour taste in my mouth. There was no romance and it was pure lust between the main couple. I never thought I would give that criticism in my 20 years of reading this genre, but here we are. Penelope was a former prostitute who chose to hang up her garters and give etiquette lessons to the gentry instead. Talk about irony. Callum was sent north to find a wife and some manners, naturally bringing these two together. I didn't sense a connection between these two other than basic human urges. It made me feel gross. I'm not a big fan of historical sex worker stories as they bum me out. I wouldn't have picked this up if I knew that was her history because all the synopsis said was "fallen woman", which could mean anything in that time period. I wish there was more clarity in descriptions so readers know what they're getting into before reading. I may or may not continue this series as it did hold promise. Maybe the next book will have a more meaningful connection than just lusty gazes. I understand he's a brawny Highlander, but there's more to love than just looks!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tropes: reverse Pygmalion/My Fair Lady; class/status difference
Steam level: 3
3.75 stars bumped up. Sara Bennett has been writing romance for years and knows what she's about. The MC's here are very likable, with no real personality clashes to create misunderstandings. It's an insta-connection that worked for me because MMC Callum is a sweetheart and MFC Penelope is easy to root for. I'm not into overdone Scottish dialect and thankfully, that's not emphasized here. Selina and Angus are the main characters' older and wiser assistants/besties; they're cute. If you're a fan of writers like Julie Anne Long or Linda Rae Sande, who focus on characterization and giving sidekicks lots of time, you'll probably like this book.
My quibble: this is the 3rd HR I've read in a row with a brother who's pretty unlikable and, although this guy grovelled, I still didn't buy it by the end. It's becoming one of my pet peeves. I wish Penelope's younger sibling had at least secured employment before they'd made up, because there's not enough to recommend him here imo if he features in an upcoming book.
Overall, though, a fun and fluffy read.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary review. Thanks to the author, Dragonblade, and Net Galley.
Steam level: 3
3.75 stars bumped up. Sara Bennett has been writing romance for years and knows what she's about. The MC's here are very likable, with no real personality clashes to create misunderstandings. It's an insta-connection that worked for me because MMC Callum is a sweetheart and MFC Penelope is easy to root for. I'm not into overdone Scottish dialect and thankfully, that's not emphasized here. Selina and Angus are the main characters' older and wiser assistants/besties; they're cute. If you're a fan of writers like Julie Anne Long or Linda Rae Sande, who focus on characterization and giving sidekicks lots of time, you'll probably like this book.
My quibble: this is the 3rd HR I've read in a row with a brother who's pretty unlikable and, although this guy grovelled, I still didn't buy it by the end. It's becoming one of my pet peeves. I wish Penelope's younger sibling had at least secured employment before they'd made up, because there's not enough to recommend him here imo if he features in an upcoming book.
Overall, though, a fun and fluffy read.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary review. Thanks to the author, Dragonblade, and Net Galley.
March 6, 2026
My Fair Scot by Sara Bennett is a light historical romance built around a fun premise: a rough Scottish marquess being transformed into a proper London gentleman by an etiquette tutor with a complicated past.
The concept is engaging and creates the potential for a charming opposites-attract romance. There are some entertaining moments between Callum and Penelope, and readers who enjoy lighter, trope-driven historical romances may find it a quick and enjoyable read.
For me, the writing style felt somewhat simplistic at times, which made parts of the story feel a bit juvenile and made it harder to fully connect with the characters. Given the shorter length of the book, the story moves quickly, but I personally tend to prefer historical romances with deeper character development and more layered storytelling.
Overall, while it wasn’t quite the right fit for my reading preferences, readers looking for a lighter and easy-to-read historical romance may still enjoy it.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The concept is engaging and creates the potential for a charming opposites-attract romance. There are some entertaining moments between Callum and Penelope, and readers who enjoy lighter, trope-driven historical romances may find it a quick and enjoyable read.
For me, the writing style felt somewhat simplistic at times, which made parts of the story feel a bit juvenile and made it harder to fully connect with the characters. Given the shorter length of the book, the story moves quickly, but I personally tend to prefer historical romances with deeper character development and more layered storytelling.
Overall, while it wasn’t quite the right fit for my reading preferences, readers looking for a lighter and easy-to-read historical romance may still enjoy it.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Simply a Wonderful Romantic Story
I loved this story from the very start, and it did not disappoint me one single bit.
The authors descriptive and charismatic writing made the characters come to life for me.
Penelope was once a courtesan now teaching manners so people would fit into society appropriately.
Callum was strapping handsome man that captured her heart right from the start.
Their attraction grows at a fast pace where the pages were about to ignite. Fan worthy ladies.
The secondary characters were just as wonderful as they gave me another love story.
The authors descriptive and charismatic writing made the characters come to life for me.
I laughed, shed tears, loved the sizzling love scenes.
Just a perfect story for me and I'm looking forward to more from this author
💖Mature Advisory:3/5
📖 I received an ARC copy from NetGalley for my honest opinion
🥰Cover was perfect for the story.
I loved this story from the very start, and it did not disappoint me one single bit.
The authors descriptive and charismatic writing made the characters come to life for me.
Penelope was once a courtesan now teaching manners so people would fit into society appropriately.
Callum was strapping handsome man that captured her heart right from the start.
Their attraction grows at a fast pace where the pages were about to ignite. Fan worthy ladies.
The secondary characters were just as wonderful as they gave me another love story.
The authors descriptive and charismatic writing made the characters come to life for me.
I laughed, shed tears, loved the sizzling love scenes.
Just a perfect story for me and I'm looking forward to more from this author
💖Mature Advisory:3/5
📖 I received an ARC copy from NetGalley for my honest opinion
🥰Cover was perfect for the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It has a great storyline, Highlander goes to London, a woman tries to repair her past, and an unexpected romance. It’s well written and entertaining. I fell in love with the two main characters Penelope Callum and their connection was instant. There is also a secondary romance that added a little something extra with Selina and Angus. It’s definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2026
We get a highlander and a fallen woman in this historical romance. Our hero has been told to bring home a respectable, well born bride from London.
Our heroine has been looking after her younger brother since the death of her parents. Unfortunately her past is affecting her options for making a living.
I did love all the characters in this story. Our hero in particular was really good. I'm hoping it is part of a series . The siblings seem like they might be fun.
Great fun.
Our heroine has been looking after her younger brother since the death of her parents. Unfortunately her past is affecting her options for making a living.
I did love all the characters in this story. Our hero in particular was really good. I'm hoping it is part of a series . The siblings seem like they might be fun.
Great fun.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Callum's father sends him to London from the Highlands. He goes to stay with his aunt who hires Penelope to get him more accustomed to the ways of the London ton in order to find a wife. Even though the beautiful Penelope has a checked past, they fall in love. Will his family accept her? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.
March 6, 2026
A wonderful light hearted romance. Lots of enjoyable moments between Callum and Penelope.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews