Stranded with the Scottish Earl

by Anna Campbell

Blame it on the rain…


After her engagement to a local landowner ends in scandal and recrimination, Miss Charlotte Warren vows never to marry. Her father might write to say he’s found her the perfect husband – she’s sticking to her spinsterish guns. But when in the middle of a spring flood, her father’s choice turns up on the doorstep under an unconvincing alias, she has no choice but to take him in.


That doesn’t mean she’s going to marry Lord Lyle. No way.


Except he’s very handsome… And he kisses like a dream…


And when a girl finds herself trapped alone in a great big house with a roguish Scottish earl, who knows what will happen? Even to the most resolute and independent lady.


Ewan Macrae, Earl of Lyle, doesn’t believe in love at first sight—until he sees Charlotte Warren’s portrait. One glimpse of the real Charlotte, and he knows this is the lassie he means to carry off to the Highlands as his bride.


But his beloved is no easy conquest. She’s stubborn and headstrong, and dead set against becoming a wife.


Will lashings of Scottish charm, some highly convenient privacy, a scattering of sizzling kisses, and an eventful day battling the elements to save the spring lambs combine to change Miss Warren’s mind about marriage?


They most definitely will, if this proud Scotsman has any say in the matter!

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Novella, Scotland, Regency, Historical Fiction

139 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2016

About the author

I've written 53 bestselling historical romances: 11 multi-award winning books for Hachette Grand Central Publishing and Avon HarperCollins, and more than 40 as an independently published author, These include my popular series The Sons of Sin (6 books), The Dashing Widows (7 books), The Lairds Most Likely (10 books), A Scandal in Mayfair (4 books), and Scoundrels of Mayfair (4 books). My new series, Cinderellas of Mayfair, launched with Sir Hugo Seeks a Wife in 2025.

When I'm not touring the world seeking inspiration for my passionate stories, I live on the beautiful east coast of Australia.

I've always been a voracious reader and I delve into many different genres, as you'll see if you check out my books list. Favorite authors include Dorothy Dunnett, Elly Griffiths, K.J. Charles, and Loretta Chase.

My website is http://www.annacampbell.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacampbell...

Twitter: AnnaCampbellOz

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Campbell/...

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-...

I love to hear from readers and you can contact me on AnnaCampbellOz@hotmail.com

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinderella’s got attitude.

I started Stranded with the Scottish Earl late the other night and only read the first 10% of the book when I took a little nap. This is not uncommon. I can be as tired as hell and a little nap will revive me enough to get another couple of hours reading in. Oh, the life of a dedicated reader…

Anyways…This little nap was different from most because I stepped into the story. I was there. Mind you, I was just an observer and it was like I was watching the story unfold live. I’m standing, my hands clasped to my bosom a big smile on my face and so excited when someone taps me on my shoulder. I look behind me and I'm surprised to see no one there. I looked up and there is Anna Campbell with a very displeased look on her face. See, it was kind of like I was on a stage but in miniature…sort of like the puppet shows of old. Ms Campbell was not happy that I was crashing the scene and proceeded to explain that my attire (tracky dacks and a long sleeve t-shirt) was not appropriate for the ambience. I did ask very nicely if she could give me an appropriate outfit, but alas I woke up before getting a chance.

Well, going from my memory because of course it had to be accurate (wink, wink) Hampshire in March was dank and miserable. Ewan Macrae, Earl of Lyle was handsome, cheeky and very much besotted with the very pretty Cinderella he meets. Now, Cinderella may be dressed in rags but she isn’t very convincing playing the part of Flora the housemaid.

Cinderella/Flora is really Charlotte Warren and way too confident to play a convincing servant. These two meet after Charlotte’s father, Sir John, decided Ewan would make a good husband for his beloved daughter. Sir John sends a quick message to Charlotte to inform her of his great find and that the Earl will be coming to visit her soon. This does not give Charlotte the warm and fuzzies because she has no intentions of marrying and had planned to spend the rest of her days managing her father's property.

Ewan had been in London with plans to find a wife. He meets Sir John while shopping for horses and they form a friendship. Over a few drinks, talk turns to family and Sir John can’t help but share his love for his strong and wilful daughter. For some unexplainable reason, Ewan is intrigued and wants to know more. When he sees a miniature of Charlotte he feels an overwhelming need to meet her.

Charlotte and Ewan’s first meeting is very amusing and what follows is a short story of love at first sight. We then see a determination on Ewan’s part to convince Charlotte to give him a chance. Charlotte isn’t easy to win over but when she looks past his good looks and sees the man inside, she can’t help but fall for him.

Yes, this is like a fairytale with love at first sight, arranged marriages and heroes who step in to save the day. We're not meeting a gentleman that's afraid of getting his hands dirty. This hero is all man and shows the heroine what he is made of dirty hands and all. These short novellas by Anna Campbell have become some of my favourite historical reads. I hope she continues to do more in the future.

I wonder if Anna Campbell will let me stick around a bit longer in my next dream?

To buy Stranded with the Scottish Earl from Amazon - http://amzn.to/29WpEQV


I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars - This was fine, but seems like a lesser example of the author's normally excellent novellas. Ultimately forgettable

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on The Book Nympho

Charlotte Warren, daughter of an English baronet, has vowed to never marry. She loves her independence and role in running her father's Bassington Grange estate in the Hampshire countryside. Scottish Earl Ewan Macrae is looking for a wife but isn't in any hurry...until he sees Charlotte for the first time.

Do you believe in love at first sight? Normally these type stories don't really work for me unless I'm in the mood for a fairy tale. But, I loved these two characters and how they related to each other from the onset. The physical attraction was obvious and undeniable but in every other way, their personalities seamed together with ease.

It's not a very long story but enough that I came to know Charlotte and Ewan intimately. The two days they spent together felt like weeks and that's Campbell's skill. She's excellent at characterizations and creating a strong sense of setting, as she does with this story. I really enjoyed this Cinderella tale that goes way beyond the fairy one.

(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a $0.99 novella that was worth the small price. It was overly romantic and a quick read that solely focused on the growing attraction between the two leads. Was it believable? Not really. But I enjoy a little extra fluffy sweetness every once in a while and the Scottish Earl, Ewan Macrae was quite a hunk.

The plot of this story is just as the title suggests. The Earl of Lyle meets Charlotte Warrens father in London and becomes intrigued with the man's daughter as he learns more about her. So, he sets off to the English countryside to meet her for himself. The vile weather of Hampshire strands them alone on the estate and thus he begins wooing the reluctant Charlotte in earnest. And that, my dear friends, is the entire plot. There are no stupid misunderstandings, no villains, no crazy parents...really no angst whatsoever. In a longer format, this may have been boring, but in the novella it was just enough to provide an escapist, fairytale story.

Now, as I said earlier, the Earl of Lyle is swoon worthy. He meets Charlotte, decides she is the woman for him, and turns all of his charm on her. And he has a lot of it. He is intelligent, handsome, and patient, willing to let Charlotte be a bit of a ninny as she finally makes up her mind about what she wants. And do you know how he convinces her? By rescuing sheep and cows. It was awesome. There is a reluctant Cinderella theme here and I loved how Campbell sets up how Charlotte finally gives in. I thought her hesitance was a little over-the-top and I didn't really like her while I was reading it, but now that I'm through the story, it really wasn't. The story does take place over the course of a little over two days, which is definitely fast. Very fast. I thought the 'I love yous' came really quickly and there wasn't much of a basis for a long term relationship. But...people, this is romanceland. Love at first sight can happen here and we can let ourselves believe it. So I did.

I think Anna Campbell likes to write short, overly romantic novellas as a break from her more angsty, darker full length novels. Expect the opposite of what you'd see in her novels. This is light, fluffy, unbelievable, and fun.

Overall rating is 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. There is an extended sex scene late in the novella and a second base make out scene early on. I'd recommend it for a quick escape, especially at the cheap price.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say other than this is such a fantastic story another keeper from MS Campbell who is a true story teller bringing fun, emotions and a sizzling sensual tale of love at first sight is such a storm.

When Ewan Macrae Earl of Lyle arrives on the a doorstep in the pouring rain at Bassington Grange to meet with the woman that he is determined to marry he is shocked to find Cinderella at the door but the beauty that he saw in the miniature is even more beautiful in person and Ewan is now even more determined to make her his wife but she is one stubborn and headstrong woman will he make her heart melt and get the kisses and loving that he so badly wants?

Charlotte Warren has been through a broken engagement that left her shrouded in a little scandal and she has made up her mind to not ever marry her father dotes on her and she pretty much runs the estate she is strong, determined and very independent, she does all in her power to turn the Earl away but to no avail so they end up stranded together during a stormy couple of days that sees the spark between them heat up to sizzling.

Truly this is such a fun, sensual and beautiful story with the feisty Charlotte pushing The Earl as much as she can little realizing that this strong Scottish Earl wants nothing more than a feisty strong willed woman to make his wife and when Charlotte finally gives in the pages burn up with the sizzle that arcs between them. Do yourself a favour get your drink of choice and sit back and enjoy you will not want to be disturbed while reading this one :)

[Phoenix77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Impressions: It's so cute and fluffy I'm gonna die!

A more eloquent way of putting it: Sometimes I just want to be entertained when I pick-up a romance. No drama, no angst and a simple story of a man and woman in love. Anna Campbell has been self-publishing some great short stories lately and her latest – Stranded with the Scottish Earl – is the perfect book to pick-up in between all those heavy, intense reads.

One would think that torrential rain and an unwelcoming woman would be enough to deter the Earl of Lyle from his personal quest to gain entry at Bassington Lea, and yet Ewan Macrae is far from dissuaded. In fact, the rain might be his best chance of getting past the beautiful guard at the door. Seeing the object of his quest dressed as a veritable Cinderella makes it easy for Ewan to play the charming anonymous rogue, making small talk under an assumed name and pleading his case until the roads leading away from the house are flooded just as his Cinderella warned him they would be. With no way to return to town, his new friend lets him into the house but keeps him as far from her person as possible.

Please read the full review at All About Romance

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather light story, fast paced and nicely written. I couldn't really relate to either of the characters so I felt rather blah about the book. Heroine seemed spinsterish even though we were told that she was "very beautiful". She acted like a bitter woman though. Hero was a Scottish earl, I can't quite figure out what made him Scottish other than the fact that the writer said he was. They were alone with each other for almost the entire book but I was sidelined by all the "spinsterish" act and the fact that she enjoyed "managing" the estates. I love a smart and capable woman but needing to feel capable is entirely a different matter.

So long story short, well written quick romance, low angst, light hearted characters.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This novella was slightly ridiculous but cute. Certain scenes had my eyes rolling so hard they stuck a little, other parts had my heart fluttering. You know, one of those.

This is a novella, so obviously pretty short. I'm going to try to be pretty vague, plot-wise. So one stormy night, Ewan, Earl of Lyle, shows up on Charlotte Warrens door. There's an adorable mix-up between them, as neither of them is particularly forthcoming about their identities. And they happen to be alone, so there's no one else to fool about who they really are. Honestly, it was my favorite part of the story. The banter was adorable and Ewan was just so charming. But that was also the most ridiculous part. Come on now, Charlotte was pretty smart, did she really think she could fool him? But once that's all out of the way, they get to the heart of the matter. Ewan wants to marry her, had wanted to marry her before he even met her, and Charlotte wants nothing to with him. Or any man, for that matter. She enjoys a decent amount of freedom and wants to keep it that way. These are my favorite kind of reluctant brides in HR, especially when it comes to marrying a relative stranger. Relatable to the max. So. Charlotte doesn't want to marry and Ewan is suffering from a mad case of love at first sight. Let the drama ensue!

So, what part was ridiculous? I'd like to think I'm the kind of person who would find it silly that Ewan fell in love with Charlotte on sight. But I'm not. I'm a sucker for love at first sight in romance. Or even love before first sight. Especially when it's the hero. Huh. Interesting. Now that I think about it, in my reading experience (could just be the books I've read) love at first sight is usually written as something that happens to a woman and it usually turns out horribly wrong, as though it's a lapse in judgment. Women fall in love so quickly and then later learn what a mistake it was. It's as though love at first is a character flaw for a woman, almost pathetic. But for a man, it's just romantic. Which is kind of bullshit when you think about it. And unfair. Okay, I think I'm really going off on a tangent here. Especially for so short a book. What was I saying?



My point is, he knew he wanted her, but she took convincing. It was really sweet. It made me all fluttery and I might have sighed a few times. What can I say? Tall, brawny, charming highlanders whispering Gaelic endearments just do it for me.



So, the part I actually found silly? The little things. The whole no servants thing might have helped the plot along but the explanation really didn't make sense. Charlotte had an absurd amount of skills for a woman well off enough to marry an earl. Everything from cooking, cleaning, starting fires, shepherding muddy sheep, picking up muddy sheep, and all other assorted animal husbandry skills. I wouldn't have been surprised if she starting bailing hay. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad she wasn't spoiled and useless, but holy shit, she's a wealthy land owner's daughter, not a farmer. I didn't need to be hit bashed over the head that hard with the fact that she's so much better than the ladies he's met in London.

Other than that, it was cute. Despite the occasional eye roll inducing chapter here and there. The writing was fine. There was saucy banter. They had great chemistry together and it was low on angst and conflict. It did its job admirably. Short. Sweet. Romantic. HEA. Bam.

Oh, and how could I forget this. That epilogue tho. So. Fucking. Adorable. I think I literally, audibly, awwwwed.

[MasterSal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lord this was dull. Turns out I had started this a year or so ago and then stopped as there wasn’t much here. The novella is short and deals with insta love between a feisty heiress who is different from other Englishwomen, and a Scottish earl who knows better than other men. It’s insta love and a ridiculous meeting which involves a storm, flooding and livestock.

It didn’t help that I read this on the plane while tired and cramped but Didn’t enjoy this one and I already don’t remember anything about the romance (I do remember the sheep - does that count).

Give this a pass and read others by Ms Campbell who is a usually reliable writer in creating chemistry between the leads

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find it difficult to write reviews for novellas without spoiling the plot so I'll try to entice you without too many details. Charlotte is an only child and does not want to give up her independence. She likes living on and managing her father's country estate. Ewan, Earl of Lyle, met her father in London and agreed to meet her as her father thought they would be a good match. Ewan arrives in the middle of a storm and her servants are in the village on the other side of the swollen creek. Not proper but he's stuck. They both pretend to be other people but that doesn't last long. The rest I hope you read for yourself as I believe you'll enjoy it. Anna Campbell is a very good author and I've enjoyed everything she's written. The epilogue is perfect!

4.5 stars rounded to 5

[P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charmer. Two characters only until the very end - well there is a dog, sheep and cattle too, and it is very fine. It's short but there's even an epilogue - also well done.

[Luz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a sweet, no-nonsense historical romance. I would say it’s a perfect book to read after reading dark and heavy series. This book was tender, full of love at first sight. The sex scene when they finally get together was delightful! And there were a few times I really laughed hard.

No slow burn, angst, villain, ow or cheating.

[Jaci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always adored Anna Campbell's books and this one is no exception. This novella is now one of my favorites of all time. Anna captures the heart and soul of her readers with her beautiful style.

Ewan is the perfect hero. He is strong, handsome, intelligent, compassionate and even though he is all male, he is not afraid to show his tender side. I cannot even count how many time I sighed at his actions or words in this story. If only he were real!! He was the ideal gentleman to unlock our heroine's heart.

Charlotte had been engaged before to a childhood friend who wanted her to change everything she was if she was to become his wife. She is a strong young lady who knows what she wants and has no intention of letting any man tell her what to do. Then Ewan shows up and her world is turned upside down. Is he the man to finally melt her resistance to marriage and can she open her heart and trust him not to break it?

This novel is only 99 cents!! It will be the best 99 cents you ever spent. I recommend this book with my whole heart. You will fall in love with Ewan just like I did.

Received this as a gift for an honest review.

[Bettye McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still, my foolish heart

This is a love at first sight, whirlwind romance kind of story.

During a fierce rainstorm, Ewan McCrae, Lord Lyle, arrives on the doorstep of Bassington Grange cold and wet and tired. The lass who opens the door insists he must go back before the bridge becomes impassable. Alas, it is already too late.

Charlotte Warren is alone, all the staff trapped on the other side of the flooded bridge. She has been forewarned that her father has found her a suitable husband and she wants nothing to do with him.

Now she is trapped, stranded with the Scottish earl.

[Deb Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stranded With The Scottish Earl by Anna Campbell is a totally fun read. This Regency romp is loaded with humor and sizzle. Stranded With The Scottish Earl is a fairly quick read, a perfect choice for those with limited time for reading. Charlotte and Lyle's story is fast paced with amazing, lovable characters. I enjoyed Stranded With The Scottish Earl and look forward to reading more from Anna Campbell in the future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I won a copy of this book at a facebook party.

[Lux Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entirety of the novel is set in single location, Hampshire, with just the hero and heroine in it (well, apart from the livestock and also the cameo appearance of Sir John Warren towards the end). It's absolutely refreshing to read a lovely story where the two main characters, Ewan Mcrae, Earl of Lyle and Miss Charlotte Warren keep the story moving with just the two of them. This is so clever of Anna Campbell to write this. Five stars.

[Amanda Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been working my way through Anna Campbell's Regency novellas and am thoroughly enjoying her writing. Her characters are likeable, believable, and the plots are great fun. I especially enjoyed this novella's setting and main characters.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely, charming story. A really enjoyable read. I love the falling in love on sight story.

[Sharlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this very sweet somewhat arranged marriage/love at first sight story!

[Aoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet novella. It takes a writer of Ms. Campbell's caliber to sell a whirlwind, love at first sight romance.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short.

[moi, k.y.a. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Scottish demesine kandım ama cık

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Quick, sweet read.

[Peggy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect story to read when you have a few hours free and you just want to dream away and relax for a little while. ‘Stranded with the Scottish Earl’ is a sweet romance novella that has a handsome, Scottish lord and a stubborn English woman in it. It swept me away from the beginning and I really enjoyed it.

Miss Charlotte Warren is living the perfect life or at least she believes it is and she thought her father thought so too so she’s a little surprised and hurt when she gets a letter from him telling her that he has found the perfect husband for her. In no way will she agree to marry this stranger!

Ewan Macrae, the Earl of Lyle is looking for a bride but he never thought that he would find her in a little village in the countryside but her father (who he met in London) made him curious enough to make Ewan decide to pay her a visit. But he never thought that a spring flood would leave them secluded from the outside world. Something that works in his favor because the woman that he meets isn’t very welcoming. But he knows in his heart that she’s the woman for him. So now he has a few days to convince Charlotte that marrying him wouldn’t be a bad idea. That he’s worth it and he will prove it in any way that he can.

I really loved the banter between Charlotte and Ewan and yes, everything did go fast but that’s much in the case in novellas. And sometimes you just want that magic where one look makes someone fall in love. Where love is simple. No fear, no hesitation just the knowledge that that one person is the one for you.

The story is told from both POV. I’m really happy that the writer Anna Campbell gave this story an epilogue! It gave this story that something more.

[Efthalia Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when good old Cinderella answers the door to a rakish devil? Her body temperature amps up a few notches.

Cinders aka Lady Charlotte knows her father has set her up with the dashing man that is standing on her doorstep. Thinking it unwise to reveal herself to him because she has no desire to marry a Scottish Lord, she gives him a false name and pretends to be the housemaid. The trouble is, unbeknownst to her, he knows who she is and finds it far to easy to participate in Lady Charlotte's game. Lady Charlotte is stubborn and doesn't give up her charade easily, that is, until he kisses her and she becomes a blubbering mess...kisses from a Scottish Lord will do that to a lass.

This book was a quick light and entertaining read and readers will chew it up in seconds. I loved it from the opening lines because not only did they hook me, they brought a huge smile to my lips.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big smile played on my lips while reading this historical romance. It's always thoroughly enjoyable reading Anna Campbell's light-hearted novellas. In this story you'll meet Charlotte Warren the feisty and beautiful heroine and Ewan Macrae, Earl of Lyle the scrummy and cheeky Scottish hero. Riding through a raging storm Ewan Macrae arrives at Bassington Grange. He meets Charlotte and it's love at first sight. No one is in residence so she turns him away, he rides towards the bridge, the river has risen and the bridge is under water due to the heavier rain. Ewan heads back and Charlotte has no choice but to invite him in, they are now trapped together... read this rollicking story to find out what ensues.

Loved, loved the epilogue - perfect ending for a great and delightful story!

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all of Anna Campbell's novellas but this one just might be my favorite. I couldn't possibly resist a charming, sexy, Scotsman who falls in love with a portrait; an independent, stubborn, English spinster who has vowed never to marry; and the overflowing river that traps the two of them together. I adore "trapped by the elements" stories! Add to that, Campbell's witty banter, sexual tension, humor, and charm, and you have a story that tickled my funny bone and captured my heart. Oh, and as a bonus, there's an epilogue that is an absolute delight. I'll be reading this one again!

Read full review at The Romance Dish

[Dottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my fourth novella from Anna Campbell. Having read her "Dashing Widows" series, I was very excited for this new release. I wasn't disappointed!

Ewan Macrae, the Earl of Lyle has found himself in quite the predicament after traveling to Bassington Grange to meet a girl who he's fallen head over heels in love with, just from seeing her portrait! The problem... Charlotte Warren is barring the door and refusing the handsome stranger admittance... did I mention that there's a flood in progress?!

There's doubt that Anna Campbell is a brilliant author! She gives her readers a steamy little story that keeps you interested chapter after chapter!

[Shelagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I last read one of Anna Campbell's stories. Stranded With The Scottish Earl reminded me what I've been missing.
There's a hint of Cinderella magic flowing through the story, which is a nice touch and a good way to explain the love at first sight theme. This is a gorgeous story! I couldn't put it down so it's a good thing this story is the length of a rainy afternoon.
With two strong characters in the beautiful, feisty Charlotte and the swoonworthy, witty and no-nonsense Ewan, the story hardly needed Anna Campbell to tell it at all. I laughed and smiled my way from the beginning to the end.

[Sandra R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written romance...