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Windham Brides #2
Too Scot to Handle
A MAN WITH MANY TALENTS
As a captain in the army, Colin MacHugh led men, fixed what was broken, and fought hard. Now that he's a titled gentleman, he's still fighting-this time to keep his bachelorhood safe from all the marriage-minded debutantes. Then he meets the intriguing Miss Anwen Windham, whose demure nature masks a bonfire waiting to roar to life. When she asks for his help to raise money for the local orphanage, he's happy to oblige.
Anwen is amazed at how quickly Lord Colin takes in hand a pack of rambunctious orphan boys. Amazed at how he actually listens to her ideas. Amazed at the thrill she gets from the rumble of his Scottish burr and the heat of his touch. But not everyone enjoys the success of an upstart. And Colin has enemies who will stop at nothing to ruin him and anybody he holds dear.
As a captain in the army, Colin MacHugh led men, fixed what was broken, and fought hard. Now that he's a titled gentleman, he's still fighting-this time to keep his bachelorhood safe from all the marriage-minded debutantes. Then he meets the intriguing Miss Anwen Windham, whose demure nature masks a bonfire waiting to roar to life. When she asks for his help to raise money for the local orphanage, he's happy to oblige.
Anwen is amazed at how quickly Lord Colin takes in hand a pack of rambunctious orphan boys. Amazed at how he actually listens to her ideas. Amazed at the thrill she gets from the rumble of his Scottish burr and the heat of his touch. But not everyone enjoys the success of an upstart. And Colin has enemies who will stop at nothing to ruin him and anybody he holds dear.
346 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 25, 2017
658 people are currently reading
1802 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
182 books2,895 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
January 16, 2021
Oh! This one was just a nice surprise.
I wasn't even really expecting to like it a whole lot. Kind of figuring it would be a middle of the road read, you know? A bit of fluff.
But the way the characters acted? <--like reasonable folks?!
Wow.
In all honesty, it's not as though I found the romance all that steamy or Colin & Anwen particularly interesting individually. They were both likable and nice.
Decent human beings, if you will.
It was them together that I really enjoyed.
You know that trope in romances when the bad guy (who usually wants the heroine's dowry) threatens to ruin the hero she loves unless the heroine marries the villain of the story?
But she doesn't tell the hero what the villain said because she's afraid for her true love! Or something along those lines? And then the hero barely finds out in time to ride to her rescue, usually with one of her brothers or cousins in tow?
OR the villain threatens to ruin the heroine's reputation if the hero dowsn't leave town and forget all about her, and he doesn't tell the heroine because he doesn't want to upset her or some such nonsense?
NOT IN THIS BOOK.
When the asshole bad guy tries his shit, this couple talks to each other and figures a way out of it together.
And it made all the difference (to me) between a 3 star read and a 4 star read.
Every time I braced myself for whatever stupid thing they were going to do to 'protect' the other one, or every time I thought they'd find some silly reason not to admit that they loved each other...it just didn't happen.
Thank you, Ms. Burrowes, for that breath of fresh air.
James Langton - narrator <--he did a great job
I wasn't even really expecting to like it a whole lot. Kind of figuring it would be a middle of the road read, you know? A bit of fluff.
But the way the characters acted? <--like reasonable folks?!
Wow.
In all honesty, it's not as though I found the romance all that steamy or Colin & Anwen particularly interesting individually. They were both likable and nice.
Decent human beings, if you will.
It was them together that I really enjoyed.
You know that trope in romances when the bad guy (who usually wants the heroine's dowry) threatens to ruin the hero she loves unless the heroine marries the villain of the story?
But she doesn't tell the hero what the villain said because she's afraid for her true love! Or something along those lines? And then the hero barely finds out in time to ride to her rescue, usually with one of her brothers or cousins in tow?
OR the villain threatens to ruin the heroine's reputation if the hero dowsn't leave town and forget all about her, and he doesn't tell the heroine because he doesn't want to upset her or some such nonsense?
NOT IN THIS BOOK.
When the asshole bad guy tries his shit, this couple talks to each other and figures a way out of it together.
And it made all the difference (to me) between a 3 star read and a 4 star read.
Every time I braced myself for whatever stupid thing they were going to do to 'protect' the other one, or every time I thought they'd find some silly reason not to admit that they loved each other...it just didn't happen.
Thank you, Ms. Burrowes, for that breath of fresh air.
James Langton - narrator <--he did a great job
July 10, 2017
3.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After a sick childhood, Anwen is used to being fretted over and cosseted. However, when the orphanage and boys she's dedicated her time to are in financial straits, her inner fire is about to be seen by all.
Colin never wanted to be a duke's brother and learning how a lord is supposed to act is wearing. Discovering Anwen is not the quiet shy miss everyone thinks her to be, though, has him intrigued.
Anwen and Colin will fight for what is right while discovering the strength of each other.
Second in the Windham Brides series, we're immerged back into the author's regency London. There are, of course, Windham's flittering about but nothing overwhelming enough to keep a new to the world and series reader from starting here. The previous book stared the sister and brother of our main couple, so while they were introduced, their romance starts here.
"You are a bonfire in disguise," he said, smoothing a hand over her hair. "An ambush of a woman, and you have polite society thinking you're the quiet one."
Anwen is the shy and quiet sister who everyone tries to mother because of a frightening childhood sickness that almost claimed her life. She was sweet and kind but I enjoyed how she delighted and took strength from Colin telling her he enjoyed her inner fire. A hero that sees something in the heroine that no one else has payed attention to never fails to capture my heart. Colin was just as sweet as Anwen and sympathetic in his willingness to try and adapt to ton life. They come together as friends who slip comfortably into more as their chemistry prompts their friendship to develop into love. It's a graceful falling in love and I admit to missing a bit of dramatics as the middle slowed a wee bit for me.
Our villain and who Colin and Anwen must both struggle against, was a frenemy to end all frenemies. As the author stays pretty true to the time period, I found myself frustrated at how sedate or proper our couple must act toward him, when I really wanted them to give the frenemy a strong boot to the backside. Everyone is levelheaded and sane; you won't be reading this for the drama but rather for a charming story of two misplaced souls finding each other.
I enjoyed the supporting cast of Windhams and orphanage boys who add immensely to the world and story. The epilogue is so complete; you won't help but happy sigh after reading it. Colin is above all else a good guy, Anwen's shy but inner fire will inspire you, and this tender story will pleasantly pass the day away. This story is ultimately about finding that one person who sees you truly for who you are and loving you because of it.
I'm looking very forward to the next in the series starring Anwen's older sister and a certain recluse duke.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After a sick childhood, Anwen is used to being fretted over and cosseted. However, when the orphanage and boys she's dedicated her time to are in financial straits, her inner fire is about to be seen by all.
Colin never wanted to be a duke's brother and learning how a lord is supposed to act is wearing. Discovering Anwen is not the quiet shy miss everyone thinks her to be, though, has him intrigued.
Anwen and Colin will fight for what is right while discovering the strength of each other.
Second in the Windham Brides series, we're immerged back into the author's regency London. There are, of course, Windham's flittering about but nothing overwhelming enough to keep a new to the world and series reader from starting here. The previous book stared the sister and brother of our main couple, so while they were introduced, their romance starts here.
"You are a bonfire in disguise," he said, smoothing a hand over her hair. "An ambush of a woman, and you have polite society thinking you're the quiet one."
Anwen is the shy and quiet sister who everyone tries to mother because of a frightening childhood sickness that almost claimed her life. She was sweet and kind but I enjoyed how she delighted and took strength from Colin telling her he enjoyed her inner fire. A hero that sees something in the heroine that no one else has payed attention to never fails to capture my heart. Colin was just as sweet as Anwen and sympathetic in his willingness to try and adapt to ton life. They come together as friends who slip comfortably into more as their chemistry prompts their friendship to develop into love. It's a graceful falling in love and I admit to missing a bit of dramatics as the middle slowed a wee bit for me.
Our villain and who Colin and Anwen must both struggle against, was a frenemy to end all frenemies. As the author stays pretty true to the time period, I found myself frustrated at how sedate or proper our couple must act toward him, when I really wanted them to give the frenemy a strong boot to the backside. Everyone is levelheaded and sane; you won't be reading this for the drama but rather for a charming story of two misplaced souls finding each other.
I enjoyed the supporting cast of Windhams and orphanage boys who add immensely to the world and story. The epilogue is so complete; you won't help but happy sigh after reading it. Colin is above all else a good guy, Anwen's shy but inner fire will inspire you, and this tender story will pleasantly pass the day away. This story is ultimately about finding that one person who sees you truly for who you are and loving you because of it.
I'm looking very forward to the next in the series starring Anwen's older sister and a certain recluse duke.
October 7, 2017
DNF 72%
Yeah...no.
I didn't DNF this because I just couldn't read another page, I did it because I just didn't want to. It is a completely average book filled with absolutely terrible people. While I was reading it, I kept going because I wanted to see shitty people finally get their comeuppance. That's usually gratifying enough. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of putting it down for two days. When I finally did pick it back up I just couldn't muster up the energy to care.
Plot: Terrible people do awful things to decent people but never actually pay for doing said terrible things. Nice people have to deal with other people doing shitty things to them until finally, they manage to get away. Half-decent person contemplates just ditching nice person just to get away from the terrible people. Then two half decent people decide to be together while absofuckinglutely horrible people plot to tear them apart. You see where I'm going here? I just don't care.
This book wasn't interesting, it wasn't witty, it wasn't even a swoon-worthy read. It was either so unrealistically mushy or laughably unromantic. Take this gem of a deflowering at the 64% mark for example.
"He produced a handkerchief, rested his cheek against her thigh, and in a few strokes, spent his seed. While Anwen sprawled in a heap on the sofa, Colin's breath warmed her leg, and green branches stirred minutely in the conservatory's unseen breezes. He patted her knee. "All right then?"
So...romantic?
A part of me always wants to defend awkward love scenes like this saying things like Well, not every single virgin deflowering scene has to be epic and earth shattering or Losing your virginity isn't that great anyway, maybe it's better to keep it close to reality. But guess what, this is abook romance novel. It's fiction. It's fantasy. At least try to make it semi-romantic. Especially if the lack of romance isn't part of the plot. These two have already decided to marry and have spent an entire chapter spouting poetic confessions of love to one another. Get your shit together, Colin.
Anyway, I'm done. I'm out. Not wanting to read this is actually putting me behind on my other books because I keep telling myself not to start another book until I've finished this one. Well, guess what, I'm finished with you, annoying subpar romance novel. Go away and leave me alone. I tried. I failed. I'm outta here.
Yeah...no.
I didn't DNF this because I just couldn't read another page, I did it because I just didn't want to. It is a completely average book filled with absolutely terrible people. While I was reading it, I kept going because I wanted to see shitty people finally get their comeuppance. That's usually gratifying enough. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of putting it down for two days. When I finally did pick it back up I just couldn't muster up the energy to care.
Plot: Terrible people do awful things to decent people but never actually pay for doing said terrible things. Nice people have to deal with other people doing shitty things to them until finally, they manage to get away. Half-decent person contemplates just ditching nice person just to get away from the terrible people. Then two half decent people decide to be together while absofuckinglutely horrible people plot to tear them apart. You see where I'm going here? I just don't care.
This book wasn't interesting, it wasn't witty, it wasn't even a swoon-worthy read. It was either so unrealistically mushy or laughably unromantic. Take this gem of a deflowering at the 64% mark for example.
"He produced a handkerchief, rested his cheek against her thigh, and in a few strokes, spent his seed. While Anwen sprawled in a heap on the sofa, Colin's breath warmed her leg, and green branches stirred minutely in the conservatory's unseen breezes. He patted her knee. "All right then?"
So...romantic?
A part of me always wants to defend awkward love scenes like this saying things like Well, not every single virgin deflowering scene has to be epic and earth shattering or Losing your virginity isn't that great anyway, maybe it's better to keep it close to reality. But guess what, this is a
Anyway, I'm done. I'm out. Not wanting to read this is actually putting me behind on my other books because I keep telling myself not to start another book until I've finished this one. Well, guess what, I'm finished with you, annoying subpar romance novel. Go away and leave me alone. I tried. I failed. I'm outta here.
July 24, 2017
No rest for the red-haired and weary…
I’m getting the impression that having red hair was considered a disability… ummm… default… ahh… issue, back in the day. Oh, they stood out alright. Some women with red hair were even considered fiery and beautiful. But, for the most part, women with red hair were looked on with pity, like there was something wrong with them. To me, it’s kind of weird. It’s not like you have a choice with the hair colour you're born with. Maybe it’s a case of not being happy with what you’re born with. Maybe it’s that we’re jealous of redheads. Maybe we all want an excuse to be fiery and beautiful.
In Too Scot to Handle, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Anwen, to English society, is a quiet little red-haired wallflower. Seen and not heard, tiny in appearance, and not considered a beauty. By her family, Anwen is protected and somewhat sheltered. Her history of surviving a childhood illness means that they can’t help but see her as weak. But, someone sees Anwen in a very different light.
The red-haired Lord Colin MacHugh sees the real Anwen. Colin thinks Anwen is intriguing. Her fiery hair is matched by her fiery personality and the more time in each other’s company, the more she feels safe to expose her fire. Their original connection is through the marriage of Anwen’s sister and Colin’s brother who is a Scottish duke. They see each other at social gatherings and are always friendly to each other but it’s not until they are fighting for Anwen’s charity of choice, that they really come together.
Anwen is on the Lady’s committee for the Home for Wayward Urchins, a home for orphan boys. Unfortunately, funds are running out. If there is no money coming in, the home will have to be closed and the boys will be forced back to the streets to fend for themselves. There are directors in charge of making decisions, but it seems that no one is willing to act to make things better. Anwen is going to have to ask family and friends to help her raise funds to save her boys.
Colin, by accident, ends up as a director on the board for the Home for Wayward Urchins. It doesn’t take him long to realise that money isn’t their only problem. Some of the older boys are bored and sick of being disciplined for slights against their headmaster. Using some of his experience from his army days, Colin finds ways for the boys to become active and feel valued.
Anwen and Colin spend quite a bit of time together coming up with ideas to raise some charitable funds. While they’re occupied doing their best to help the boys, they also find themselves occupied with a bit of kissing and reaching for rainbows (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
I really enjoyed seeing Colin and Anwen’s love story play out. What I found completely refreshing was Colin and Anwen never questioned each other’s devotion. This supposedly is a Windham trait, but to be honest, I think it’s more about recognising a connection, believing in love and trusting your instincts. I wish there was a wee bit of Windham in every romance I read. I love it when a couple can hold strong together and have the angst swirl around them, and boy was there some angst.
Love seeing Percy, Esther and Rosecroft again and it was great getting to know Charlotte and Elizabeth better. Those Windham's are a crazy, loving and honourable bunch and I can't wait for more from them.
The best way to conquer a disability, default, issue is to match with another with the same disability, default, issue. Now I don't personally believe that having red hair is a disability, default, issue but I have heard that it's not a common thing scientifically speaking. Obviously, if two red haired people find each other and fall in love, it has to be fate. Two red heads together will create a spark which turns into a fire that has the potential to grow into a bonfire.
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 -
September 18, 2017
Rating between 3.5
ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review.
What a sweet and adult like romance. Both MC interacted and communicated in a manner that was enjoyable and low in the drama/conflict scale. The hero, Colin and the heroine Anwen treated each other with respect. The family interaction was fun and sweet.
Colin, was in the military until he became a titled gentlemen. He had to learn how to traverse through the process and deal with society's rules along with all the do's and don'ts. Colin doesn't feel comfortable in London but is trying to make the best out of the situation.
Anwen is strong, sweet and kind. She has endured some health challenges when she was younger and her family at times is overly concerned/overprotective of her. Anwen works as a volunteer at an orphanage that gives her purpose. But the orphanage runs into problems with finances and leadership decisions.
Anwen asks Colin for help in saving the orphanage and navigating through problems it's facing. The two embarking on helping the boys in the orphanage as well developing a friendship and respect for one another.
The development of Anwen and Colin feelings was sweet, steamy and endearing. I appreciated how their relationships evolved, as they were both open and honest with each other.
Well written with wonderful historical accuracy. Pacing was steady, but did find at certain times it lagged. The secondary characters were enjoyable and contributed the story.
ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review.
What a sweet and adult like romance. Both MC interacted and communicated in a manner that was enjoyable and low in the drama/conflict scale. The hero, Colin and the heroine Anwen treated each other with respect. The family interaction was fun and sweet.
Colin, was in the military until he became a titled gentlemen. He had to learn how to traverse through the process and deal with society's rules along with all the do's and don'ts. Colin doesn't feel comfortable in London but is trying to make the best out of the situation.
Anwen is strong, sweet and kind. She has endured some health challenges when she was younger and her family at times is overly concerned/overprotective of her. Anwen works as a volunteer at an orphanage that gives her purpose. But the orphanage runs into problems with finances and leadership decisions.
Anwen asks Colin for help in saving the orphanage and navigating through problems it's facing. The two embarking on helping the boys in the orphanage as well developing a friendship and respect for one another.
The development of Anwen and Colin feelings was sweet, steamy and endearing. I appreciated how their relationships evolved, as they were both open and honest with each other.
Well written with wonderful historical accuracy. Pacing was steady, but did find at certain times it lagged. The secondary characters were enjoyable and contributed the story.
July 31, 2017
This series can be named “Regency England Vademecum”! :)
At the beginning nothing very important happens, but the writing is just perfect if you want to know what the title gentlemen and ladiesdon’t do during their days and nights….
They drink tea, they endlessly talk about nothing whatsoever…
They change dresses like 10 times a day!! And not only women, but men too! O_O
They go strolling in the parks…
And in between all these activities, there’s a romance going on in between…
The hero and the heroine are nice people, but there’s no tension, because they admit very quickly that they like (and then love) each other.
The tension here is given by the covert betrayal by two people who profess they’re friends to the main couple. It starts slowly, but escalates as the book proceeds.
At first you could think that these people are just bored and are lusting for more and more things (being them material or just prestige) just like all the others of the Ton. But soon you see that actually they’re spiteful and envious. At the end I was just disgusted by them!
As the heroine concludes: as they’re of the Ton they get to go abroad as punishment, but if they’ve been common they’ve ended in prison or worse…
So, while the first part was rather boring (for me at least), the second was excellent!
At the beginning nothing very important happens, but the writing is just perfect if you want to know what the title gentlemen and ladies
They drink tea, they endlessly talk about nothing whatsoever…
They change dresses like 10 times a day!! And not only women, but men too! O_O
They go strolling in the parks…
And in between all these activities, there’s a romance going on in between…
The hero and the heroine are nice people, but there’s no tension, because they admit very quickly that they like (and then love) each other.
The tension here is given by the covert betrayal by two people who profess they’re friends to the main couple. It starts slowly, but escalates as the book proceeds.
At first you could think that these people are just bored and are lusting for more and more things (being them material or just prestige) just like all the others of the Ton. But soon you see that actually they’re spiteful and envious. At the end I was just disgusted by them!
As the heroine concludes: as they’re of the Ton they get to go abroad as punishment, but if they’ve been common they’ve ended in prison or worse…
So, while the first part was rather boring (for me at least), the second was excellent!
November 30, 2017
In all honesty, this isn’t my typical read. I read romance. I read historical fiction. I don’t typically read historical romance and if I do it isn’t Harlequin-esque. However, I won this book in a giveaway and thought I would give it a chance.
I would give this book a 2.5 star rating. It was an okay read and those that read a lot of historical romances may enjoy this one. I would consider it average with predictable and expected outcomes. Heck, the family tree in the beginning of the book even gives away the ending so yes, it’s predictable.
The romantic element was mediocre as was the chemistry between the main love interest. Again, nothing more than average. Additionally, due to the historical aspect of the novel, there was a certain narration/writing style that was used and unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan. I think the story could have been written in more of a modern style with it still maintaining the effect of being a historical fiction.
Overall, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this novel but if you do like historical romances, maybe check it out with the caution of not having high expectations.
***Thank you Grand Central Publishing, specifically the imprint of Forever Romance, for supplying me with this novel via a giveaway***
I would give this book a 2.5 star rating. It was an okay read and those that read a lot of historical romances may enjoy this one. I would consider it average with predictable and expected outcomes. Heck, the family tree in the beginning of the book even gives away the ending so yes, it’s predictable.
The romantic element was mediocre as was the chemistry between the main love interest. Again, nothing more than average. Additionally, due to the historical aspect of the novel, there was a certain narration/writing style that was used and unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan. I think the story could have been written in more of a modern style with it still maintaining the effect of being a historical fiction.
Overall, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this novel but if you do like historical romances, maybe check it out with the caution of not having high expectations.
***Thank you Grand Central Publishing, specifically the imprint of Forever Romance, for supplying me with this novel via a giveaway***
May 27, 2020
What a lovely, lovely second book in the Windham Brides Series by Grace Burrowes. It was perfectly written and you couldn't help but fall in love with the characters.
Narration was done very well also. Highly recommend.
4-Stars
Narration was done very well also. Highly recommend.
4-Stars
May 26, 2024
Review from 2017
I've given this a B+ for narration and a B for content at AudioGals.
Grace Burrowes has returned to her popular Windham family for her latest series, the Windham Brides, which follows the romantic fortunes of four sisters, the nieces of the Duke and Duchess of Moreland. The ladies are in London for the Season and are residing with their uncle and aunt while their parents – the duke’s brother and sister-in-law – have taken an extended holiday-cum-second honeymoon in Wales. As is the case with all Ms. Burrowes’ books, regular readers and listeners will welcome cameo appearances from other characters from both this series and some of her other books, but newcomers need not be too worried, as these are usually secondary characters whose presence is easily explained and knowledge of their stories is not usually essential to the understanding of what is happening in this one.
In the previous book, The Trouble with Dukes, Megan Windham, the third youngest sister, met her match in the big, braw, brooding Hamish MacHugh, a former army officer and the newly minted Duke of Murdoch. In Too Scot to Handle, the author turns her attention to his younger brother, Lord Colin, also formerly of His Majesty’s army and who has remained in London so that his sisters can continue to enjoy the Season while Hamish and his new bride have decamped to Scotland. Like Hamish, Colin, though resourceful and more charming than his brother, is somewhat uncomfortable in the world of the ton and finds the process of learning its ins and outs and dos and don’ts rather trying. Even though he is the brother of a duke, a Scottish dukedom doesn’t rank quite as highly with the snobby sticklers of London society, so Colin is having to tread carefully to make sure of his acceptance. He is being helped in this endeavour by the advice of Winthrop Montague, a man who is invited everywhere, knows everyone and, in spite of not being wealthy, is regarded by all as an arbiter of excellent taste.
Anwen Windham is tired of being molly-coddled by her over-protective sisters. She’s the youngest of the four and, having suffered a serious childhood illness, is still thought of as being weak and somewhat delicate, while in reality she’s strong, tenacious and determined. The focus of these things is currently the Home for Wayward Urchins, an orphanage for young boys from the streets; she is absolutely dedicated to improving the lot of the boys currently in residence, but the home is rapidly running out of funds, and due to the indolence of most of the committee members – and its chairman, Winthrop Montague – Anwen is having to sit by and watch things go from bad to worse. As a woman, she cannot be on the board of directors of the home, merely on the ladies’ committee, and they have no influence over the business side of the venture. Frustrated yet again by the committee’s failure to act, she storms out of a meeting with the headmaster only to run smack into Colin MacHugh, who has arrived to escort Montague’s sister home. Lady Rosalind, however, didn’t bother to turn up to the ladies’ meeting just as her brother didn’t bother to turn up at the committee meeting and Anwen is furious. Colin, whose familial connection means he now sees quite a lot of the Windham ladies, is rather taken with this hitherto unseen side of Anwen, and he escorts her home instead, along the way discovering much about the source of her anger, and then offering his help in whatever way she feels will be most useful.
Colin and Anwen bond over a shared vision for the orphanage, and with Colin’s army background and his own particular talent for organisation and getting what he wants out of people, he’s the perfect mentor for the four older boys we meet regularly during the course of the story; they’ve grown up on the streets as thieves and pickpockets and have never had a decent male role model until Colin takes them in hand. He’s the sort of man they don’t wish to let down; not because they fear punishment, but because he makes them want to do and be better.
Bonding over a shared vision leads to other sorts of bonding as Colin and Anwen develop a strong friendship at a sensible pace that slowly turns into something more. The romantic chemistry between them bubbles along nicely and I liked that they are honest with each other about how they feel and what they want from life. Colin may have been trying to avoid the matchmaking mamas, but when the right woman comes along, he’s not at all shy about making his feelings known to her.
Naturally, however, not everything in the garden of romance is rosy, and the snake in the grass in this instance is Montague, who, while purporting to be Colin’s friend, has in fact made him the subject of a rather nasty “prank”, whereby he and many of his cronies have run up bills at various places –tailors, bootmakers, watering holes – in Colin’s name and left him with rather an enormous tab. Not surprisingly, Colin is furious and begins to realise that Montague might not have been such a good friend after all – a fact borne out by later events when Montague levels some unfounded and unpleasant accusations at Colin which could have very serious consequences indeed.
When I listened to the previous book a couple of months ago, I pointed out to my fellow AudioGals that James Langton was doing sterling work, switching between accents from all the corners of the British Isles! The same is true here, as we have Colin (a Scot), Anwen and her sisters (from Wales) and Rosecroft (an Irishman) as well as the other characters, like the Duke and Duchess, Montague and his sister and various others who speak with upper-class English accents. Mr. Langton’s interpretation of Colin is perfect; that slight Scottish burr is sex-on-a-stick and while Anwen’s accent isn’t exactly Welsh, it has enough of a lilt to convincingly be “not-English”. As is ever the case, his character differentiation is very good and his vocal characterisations expertly convey subtleties of personality and expression. For instance Montague’s slightly nasal tone immediately conveys that this chap might not be the convivial fellow he paints himself as, while Rosecroft is jaunty and no-nonsense, but still the sort of fellow one wouldn’t want to cross. The four older boys at the orphanage are very well portrayed, too, a range of timbre and accent used to define them and make them sound age-appropriate.
Too Scot to Handle (and honestly – who comes up with these dumb titles?) is pretty much standard Grace Burrowes fare: a gently moving, sweetly sensual romance without too much conflict in which the protagonists’ wider family circle play an important part. Colin and Anwen are perfect for each other, their conversations are honest, flirtatious and sometimes revealing, and the listener is left in no doubt as to the strength of their feelings for each other. James Langton delivers another accomplished, nuanced performance that adds much to the story and I’m happy to recommend this audiobook to fans and newbies alike.
I've given this a B+ for narration and a B for content at AudioGals.
Grace Burrowes has returned to her popular Windham family for her latest series, the Windham Brides, which follows the romantic fortunes of four sisters, the nieces of the Duke and Duchess of Moreland. The ladies are in London for the Season and are residing with their uncle and aunt while their parents – the duke’s brother and sister-in-law – have taken an extended holiday-cum-second honeymoon in Wales. As is the case with all Ms. Burrowes’ books, regular readers and listeners will welcome cameo appearances from other characters from both this series and some of her other books, but newcomers need not be too worried, as these are usually secondary characters whose presence is easily explained and knowledge of their stories is not usually essential to the understanding of what is happening in this one.
In the previous book, The Trouble with Dukes, Megan Windham, the third youngest sister, met her match in the big, braw, brooding Hamish MacHugh, a former army officer and the newly minted Duke of Murdoch. In Too Scot to Handle, the author turns her attention to his younger brother, Lord Colin, also formerly of His Majesty’s army and who has remained in London so that his sisters can continue to enjoy the Season while Hamish and his new bride have decamped to Scotland. Like Hamish, Colin, though resourceful and more charming than his brother, is somewhat uncomfortable in the world of the ton and finds the process of learning its ins and outs and dos and don’ts rather trying. Even though he is the brother of a duke, a Scottish dukedom doesn’t rank quite as highly with the snobby sticklers of London society, so Colin is having to tread carefully to make sure of his acceptance. He is being helped in this endeavour by the advice of Winthrop Montague, a man who is invited everywhere, knows everyone and, in spite of not being wealthy, is regarded by all as an arbiter of excellent taste.
Anwen Windham is tired of being molly-coddled by her over-protective sisters. She’s the youngest of the four and, having suffered a serious childhood illness, is still thought of as being weak and somewhat delicate, while in reality she’s strong, tenacious and determined. The focus of these things is currently the Home for Wayward Urchins, an orphanage for young boys from the streets; she is absolutely dedicated to improving the lot of the boys currently in residence, but the home is rapidly running out of funds, and due to the indolence of most of the committee members – and its chairman, Winthrop Montague – Anwen is having to sit by and watch things go from bad to worse. As a woman, she cannot be on the board of directors of the home, merely on the ladies’ committee, and they have no influence over the business side of the venture. Frustrated yet again by the committee’s failure to act, she storms out of a meeting with the headmaster only to run smack into Colin MacHugh, who has arrived to escort Montague’s sister home. Lady Rosalind, however, didn’t bother to turn up to the ladies’ meeting just as her brother didn’t bother to turn up at the committee meeting and Anwen is furious. Colin, whose familial connection means he now sees quite a lot of the Windham ladies, is rather taken with this hitherto unseen side of Anwen, and he escorts her home instead, along the way discovering much about the source of her anger, and then offering his help in whatever way she feels will be most useful.
Colin and Anwen bond over a shared vision for the orphanage, and with Colin’s army background and his own particular talent for organisation and getting what he wants out of people, he’s the perfect mentor for the four older boys we meet regularly during the course of the story; they’ve grown up on the streets as thieves and pickpockets and have never had a decent male role model until Colin takes them in hand. He’s the sort of man they don’t wish to let down; not because they fear punishment, but because he makes them want to do and be better.
Bonding over a shared vision leads to other sorts of bonding as Colin and Anwen develop a strong friendship at a sensible pace that slowly turns into something more. The romantic chemistry between them bubbles along nicely and I liked that they are honest with each other about how they feel and what they want from life. Colin may have been trying to avoid the matchmaking mamas, but when the right woman comes along, he’s not at all shy about making his feelings known to her.
Naturally, however, not everything in the garden of romance is rosy, and the snake in the grass in this instance is Montague, who, while purporting to be Colin’s friend, has in fact made him the subject of a rather nasty “prank”, whereby he and many of his cronies have run up bills at various places –tailors, bootmakers, watering holes – in Colin’s name and left him with rather an enormous tab. Not surprisingly, Colin is furious and begins to realise that Montague might not have been such a good friend after all – a fact borne out by later events when Montague levels some unfounded and unpleasant accusations at Colin which could have very serious consequences indeed.
When I listened to the previous book a couple of months ago, I pointed out to my fellow AudioGals that James Langton was doing sterling work, switching between accents from all the corners of the British Isles! The same is true here, as we have Colin (a Scot), Anwen and her sisters (from Wales) and Rosecroft (an Irishman) as well as the other characters, like the Duke and Duchess, Montague and his sister and various others who speak with upper-class English accents. Mr. Langton’s interpretation of Colin is perfect; that slight Scottish burr is sex-on-a-stick and while Anwen’s accent isn’t exactly Welsh, it has enough of a lilt to convincingly be “not-English”. As is ever the case, his character differentiation is very good and his vocal characterisations expertly convey subtleties of personality and expression. For instance Montague’s slightly nasal tone immediately conveys that this chap might not be the convivial fellow he paints himself as, while Rosecroft is jaunty and no-nonsense, but still the sort of fellow one wouldn’t want to cross. The four older boys at the orphanage are very well portrayed, too, a range of timbre and accent used to define them and make them sound age-appropriate.
Too Scot to Handle (and honestly – who comes up with these dumb titles?) is pretty much standard Grace Burrowes fare: a gently moving, sweetly sensual romance without too much conflict in which the protagonists’ wider family circle play an important part. Colin and Anwen are perfect for each other, their conversations are honest, flirtatious and sometimes revealing, and the listener is left in no doubt as to the strength of their feelings for each other. James Langton delivers another accomplished, nuanced performance that adds much to the story and I’m happy to recommend this audiobook to fans and newbies alike.
August 11, 2017
Right. I am done. I have taken enough Grace Burrowes hits for the team, she has taken enough of my money over her last three or four books and I cannot do it any more. I cannot take the mediocrity. I simply cannot and I will not.
See my reviews for: Ashton: Lord of Truth Daniel's True Desire The Trouble with Dukes His Lordship's True Lady And just press repeat and play on the criticisms for this book too.
I. Am. So. Bored.
Just, pffffffft. She desperately needs to take a step back and do some proper plotting, some character development and some romance and relationship development. Stop churning out a book a week and get back to basics.
So, if someone else can read the next one and tell me whether to bother, that'd be great, because I am not picking it up otherwise.
See my reviews for: Ashton: Lord of Truth Daniel's True Desire The Trouble with Dukes His Lordship's True Lady And just press repeat and play on the criticisms for this book too.
I. Am. So. Bored.
Just, pffffffft. She desperately needs to take a step back and do some proper plotting, some character development and some romance and relationship development. Stop churning out a book a week and get back to basics.
So, if someone else can read the next one and tell me whether to bother, that'd be great, because I am not picking it up otherwise.
December 1, 2021
Nice Story, liked that the couple talked to each other, about what was important to them both. Especially when being threatened by the bad guy.
July 7, 2017
Too Scot to Handle was a fantastic story with an absolutely delightful romance and I really enjoyed it!
Colin MacHugh is trying to navigate being a newly titled gentleman while keeping himself free from marriage. The one woman who intrigues him is Anwen Windham, his brother Hamish’s new wife’s youngest sister. When Anwen asks for his help with the orphanage she volunteers at, he’s more than willing to lend a hand. Soon the two are exploring their newfound relationship when an enemy sets out to destroy everything they hold dear.
Anwen is a very caring person, both when it comes to her family and the children at the orphanage she volunteers at. Due to becoming seriously ill as a child, Anwen’s family tends to pay extra close attention to her health which usually makes her feel a bit smothered. She comes up with some pretty creative ways to be alone and I loved watching her find ways to sneak off. She also puts up a front that she’s meek and tries not to cause trouble for her family. As the book went on, she stuck up for herself more which made me happy.
Colin feels very out of place in London and would very much prefer to be home in Scotland. However, he takes his family duties very seriously and does what he can to fit into society. When an expensive prank is played on Colin by those he thought were his friends, he deals with it in a way I didn’t expect. Colin is quite clever and doesn’t always let people see that, so it was nice to see his more creative side come out.
I loved Anwen and Colin’s relationship right from the start. Colin doesn’t treat Anwen like a fragile doll and allows her to simply be herself. They communicate so well that there wasn’t any unnecessary drama between them, which was such a nice change from most romances. My favorite scenes were where they simply got to be alone and talk to each other. Their physical chemistry is pretty great as well, but those scenes weren’t anything particularly special. It’s pretty rare for me to enjoy aspects of a relationship more than the physical side, so I was surprised at how much I loved their relationship.
Overall, I enjoyed Too Scot to Handle more than the first book in the series, The Trouble with Dukes. In Too Scot to Handle it was a lot easier to decipher who was who in the Windham family and the romance was quite enjoyable. I will definitely be continuing on with the series and I’m excited that Elizabeth’s book, No Other Duke Will Do, is next.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Colin MacHugh is trying to navigate being a newly titled gentleman while keeping himself free from marriage. The one woman who intrigues him is Anwen Windham, his brother Hamish’s new wife’s youngest sister. When Anwen asks for his help with the orphanage she volunteers at, he’s more than willing to lend a hand. Soon the two are exploring their newfound relationship when an enemy sets out to destroy everything they hold dear.
Anwen is a very caring person, both when it comes to her family and the children at the orphanage she volunteers at. Due to becoming seriously ill as a child, Anwen’s family tends to pay extra close attention to her health which usually makes her feel a bit smothered. She comes up with some pretty creative ways to be alone and I loved watching her find ways to sneak off. She also puts up a front that she’s meek and tries not to cause trouble for her family. As the book went on, she stuck up for herself more which made me happy.
Colin feels very out of place in London and would very much prefer to be home in Scotland. However, he takes his family duties very seriously and does what he can to fit into society. When an expensive prank is played on Colin by those he thought were his friends, he deals with it in a way I didn’t expect. Colin is quite clever and doesn’t always let people see that, so it was nice to see his more creative side come out.
I loved Anwen and Colin’s relationship right from the start. Colin doesn’t treat Anwen like a fragile doll and allows her to simply be herself. They communicate so well that there wasn’t any unnecessary drama between them, which was such a nice change from most romances. My favorite scenes were where they simply got to be alone and talk to each other. Their physical chemistry is pretty great as well, but those scenes weren’t anything particularly special. It’s pretty rare for me to enjoy aspects of a relationship more than the physical side, so I was surprised at how much I loved their relationship.
Overall, I enjoyed Too Scot to Handle more than the first book in the series, The Trouble with Dukes. In Too Scot to Handle it was a lot easier to decipher who was who in the Windham family and the romance was quite enjoyable. I will definitely be continuing on with the series and I’m excited that Elizabeth’s book, No Other Duke Will Do, is next.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
July 9, 2017
There are a lot of Windhams running around, and this series is about the Windham cousins. Sure people are mentioned but you do not need to have read about all those siblings finding love to enjoying this new series. Of course the more Windham the merrier and they are fun to read.
I liked Anwen. Not one thing wrong with her. A good head on her shoulder, sweet and she good with her orphans.
Colin, well nothing wrong with Colin either. Two really nice people who fitted each other perfectly! And they knew it and they went for it.
Now I am not saying everything was trouble free. The orphanage that Anwen helps out with is in trouble. Money is needed and she wont leave them on the street.
But between that these two fall in love. There is some drama. There is this asshat. And then they live happily ever after.
I enjoyed it, and the next one looks to be really good. I am a sucker for a Duke book.
I liked Anwen. Not one thing wrong with her. A good head on her shoulder, sweet and she good with her orphans.
Colin, well nothing wrong with Colin either. Two really nice people who fitted each other perfectly! And they knew it and they went for it.
Now I am not saying everything was trouble free. The orphanage that Anwen helps out with is in trouble. Money is needed and she wont leave them on the street.
But between that these two fall in love. There is some drama. There is this asshat. And then they live happily ever after.
I enjoyed it, and the next one looks to be really good. I am a sucker for a Duke book.
July 23, 2017
Too Scot to Handle was a charming and romantic getaway for me. I found this book to be very entertaining, funny, and adorable. This book was a wonderful addition to the Windham Brides Series.
The main character, Anwen, was someone I could easily relate to. Anwen was a more shy and reserved woman who does everything in her power to bring joy to those she cares about. She had an inner strength that gave her a feisty side when she needed it. The main male character, Colin, saw that inner fire in her and loved it. It warmed my heart that Colin saw all the different sides of Anwen that other people didn't necessarily see. It showed that he paid attention to her and truly understood her. Colin was swoon-worthy and extremely adorable. His sympathetic heart and determination made me fall in love with him.
The romance between Anwen and Colin was adorable, steamy, and well paced. Their relationship started off slow as friends and as they got to know each other, they started to fall in love. Their chemistry, banter, and sexual tension kept building to a point that I wanted to scream! I was shipping them so hard and I couldn't wait for them to finally get together. I thought the author did a great job and creating a shippable couple! I loved how their romance was based on loving someone as they truly are.
The plot of this book did a great job at holding my interest. I found the story entertaining and fun to read! There were times where I felt like the book was a bit slow, but it was good overall!
Overall, this was a wonderful historical romance that I would recommend to fans of that genre! I cannot wait to read the next book in this series! BRING ON BOOK THREE!
3 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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The main character, Anwen, was someone I could easily relate to. Anwen was a more shy and reserved woman who does everything in her power to bring joy to those she cares about. She had an inner strength that gave her a feisty side when she needed it. The main male character, Colin, saw that inner fire in her and loved it. It warmed my heart that Colin saw all the different sides of Anwen that other people didn't necessarily see. It showed that he paid attention to her and truly understood her. Colin was swoon-worthy and extremely adorable. His sympathetic heart and determination made me fall in love with him.
The romance between Anwen and Colin was adorable, steamy, and well paced. Their relationship started off slow as friends and as they got to know each other, they started to fall in love. Their chemistry, banter, and sexual tension kept building to a point that I wanted to scream! I was shipping them so hard and I couldn't wait for them to finally get together. I thought the author did a great job and creating a shippable couple! I loved how their romance was based on loving someone as they truly are.
The plot of this book did a great job at holding my interest. I found the story entertaining and fun to read! There were times where I felt like the book was a bit slow, but it was good overall!
Overall, this was a wonderful historical romance that I would recommend to fans of that genre! I cannot wait to read the next book in this series! BRING ON BOOK THREE!
3 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
February 24, 2018
Eh.
I got about 75% of the way in, couldn't keep going and jumped to the last two chapters to finish. This story was cute but ultimately it couldn't hold my interest. There was way too much going on and way too many other characters filling up the page. We got POV's from not only the hero and heroine but the best friend, uncle, cousin(s), sisters, orphan children, newly married brother and probably a few others I forgot to mention.
It was a bit much. I know this is part of a series (actually a spin off of a series judging from that gigantic family tree at the beginning of the book) but I like my romances to focus more on the hero and heroine. So cute but not for me. Would not pick up another book by this author because it seems like multiple characters and POV's are a specialty of hers.
I got about 75% of the way in, couldn't keep going and jumped to the last two chapters to finish. This story was cute but ultimately it couldn't hold my interest. There was way too much going on and way too many other characters filling up the page. We got POV's from not only the hero and heroine but the best friend, uncle, cousin(s), sisters, orphan children, newly married brother and probably a few others I forgot to mention.
It was a bit much. I know this is part of a series (actually a spin off of a series judging from that gigantic family tree at the beginning of the book) but I like my romances to focus more on the hero and heroine. So cute but not for me. Would not pick up another book by this author because it seems like multiple characters and POV's are a specialty of hers.
August 14, 2017
This got boring. Could have been a novella.
November 5, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because of the excellent narration.
I listened to the audiobook edition, and James Langton did his usual excellent job (I just wish his female voices were less falsetto). I do believe that he has an accent for every county in the British Isles.
As often happens with Grace Burrowes' books, I enjoyed the experience and ended up with a happy smile on my face. Her characters are always interesting, and here she added the novelty of a group of orphan urchins.
As usual, she largely adheres to the strictures of Regency society, except for the sex. Her heroines are generally pretty audacious for their day. But darn, there are some hot love scenes to revel in.
I listened to the audiobook edition, and James Langton did his usual excellent job (I just wish his female voices were less falsetto). I do believe that he has an accent for every county in the British Isles.
As often happens with Grace Burrowes' books, I enjoyed the experience and ended up with a happy smile on my face. Her characters are always interesting, and here she added the novelty of a group of orphan urchins.
As usual, she largely adheres to the strictures of Regency society, except for the sex. Her heroines are generally pretty audacious for their day. But darn, there are some hot love scenes to revel in.
August 1, 2017
Grace Burrowes does it again!
Oh the comfortableness that eventually comes between those who are matched in Burrowes' historical romances. This trope of the strong quiet man coming to know a woman who has been underrated is once more is in ascendancy. Burrowes excels at this mix!
These men wrap their loved ones in ease and warmth. They want to protect their women and do so without confining them. Burrowes has a wonderful way of giving us this.
This story was interesting in many ways.
The plight of the destitute orphans is part of the story.
The treatment that young women could look for at balls by insipid, entitled young male heirs of little sense was was appalling, exposing the ingrained habits and the right to bad behaviour and stupidity that many of the ton felt was owed them.
Burrowes nicely contrasted them with men of the Windham stamp, who took their duties seriously and did not suffer fools gladly. The fight the newly minted Lord Colin, previously an army captain, has to enter the ranks of the ton is hampered by the self serving Lord who had decided to introduce Colin to the ways of the ton. A less than stellar character.
Colin runs across the intelligent and vastly underrated, Anwen Windham and life takes on a whole new hue for both of them.
Colin makes Anwen see sparkly rainbows. I love that!
Put that together with a lively bunch of orphans Anwen is caring for and there is plenty of opportunity for intriguing situations Colin and Anwen find themselves in.
A NetGalley ARC
Oh the comfortableness that eventually comes between those who are matched in Burrowes' historical romances. This trope of the strong quiet man coming to know a woman who has been underrated is once more is in ascendancy. Burrowes excels at this mix!
These men wrap their loved ones in ease and warmth. They want to protect their women and do so without confining them. Burrowes has a wonderful way of giving us this.
This story was interesting in many ways.
The plight of the destitute orphans is part of the story.
The treatment that young women could look for at balls by insipid, entitled young male heirs of little sense was was appalling, exposing the ingrained habits and the right to bad behaviour and stupidity that many of the ton felt was owed them.
Burrowes nicely contrasted them with men of the Windham stamp, who took their duties seriously and did not suffer fools gladly. The fight the newly minted Lord Colin, previously an army captain, has to enter the ranks of the ton is hampered by the self serving Lord who had decided to introduce Colin to the ways of the ton. A less than stellar character.
Colin runs across the intelligent and vastly underrated, Anwen Windham and life takes on a whole new hue for both of them.
Colin makes Anwen see sparkly rainbows. I love that!
Put that together with a lively bunch of orphans Anwen is caring for and there is plenty of opportunity for intriguing situations Colin and Anwen find themselves in.
A NetGalley ARC
June 23, 2017
Series: Windham Brides #2
Publication Date: 7/25/17
I absolutely LOVE Grace Burrowes’ world. Yes, she has basically populated her own world. She has several series with dozens of books and in any given book, you might encounter characters from any of her other books or series. If you think about it, this just makes sense. After all, they are all existing in the same basic time and place so why wouldn’t they know or know of each other. I really like that she does that.
The Windham’s all believe in marriage for love, and so far most of them have found it. This Windham series features the nieces of the Duke and Duchess of Moreland. So far, one of them has found love and marriage and this book features the next one to do so – Anwen Windham.
Anwen is the youngest of four sisters and she is really feeling constrained. Because she was ill and almost died when she was young, everyone treats her as if she is an invalid. She isn’t. She’s actually healthier than most of the others. But, in deference to them, she presents a false front to the world. Meek and mild isn’t anywhere close to an accurate description of Anwen, but it is the face she displays. At least, it is the face she displays to everyone except Colin MacHugh. With him, she feels comfortable and free enough to express her true self.
Lord Colin MacHugh is a very uncomfortable Scot thrown into the midst of the ton. He didn’t ask to be among the aristocracy and really doesn’t want to be there. He’d prefer to be home in Scotland tending to his distilleries. However, his brother is a newly minted Duke and as the heir presumptive Colin must make his bows to society. He’d have an easier time of it if his brother were there, but he has married Anwen’s sister and they are off on their honeymoon.
I really like the way the love and trust grew between Anwen and Colin. It only moved forward and grew with no backward movement or distrust when events occurred that could have made one distrust the other. The immediate response was ‘I know he/she didn’t do that’ and there was no convincing them otherwise. That isn’t something you see very often in a romance book.
I won’t give you a rehash of the story because that would spoil your read. You can see the gist of the story by reading the book blurb. Just know that Colin was the target of a very nasty and cunning individual who was supposed to be his friend.
I’m giving it 4-stars because I just didn’t like what happened with the villains of the story. Yes, I understand this is the Regency period and that the aristocracy is immune to most prosecutions and that scandal is to be avoided at all costs. However, Colin, Anwen, and the Windhams are some pretty shrewd, crafty and inventive folks themselves and I think they could have come up with something better as punishment.
"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 7/25/17
I absolutely LOVE Grace Burrowes’ world. Yes, she has basically populated her own world. She has several series with dozens of books and in any given book, you might encounter characters from any of her other books or series. If you think about it, this just makes sense. After all, they are all existing in the same basic time and place so why wouldn’t they know or know of each other. I really like that she does that.
The Windham’s all believe in marriage for love, and so far most of them have found it. This Windham series features the nieces of the Duke and Duchess of Moreland. So far, one of them has found love and marriage and this book features the next one to do so – Anwen Windham.
Anwen is the youngest of four sisters and she is really feeling constrained. Because she was ill and almost died when she was young, everyone treats her as if she is an invalid. She isn’t. She’s actually healthier than most of the others. But, in deference to them, she presents a false front to the world. Meek and mild isn’t anywhere close to an accurate description of Anwen, but it is the face she displays. At least, it is the face she displays to everyone except Colin MacHugh. With him, she feels comfortable and free enough to express her true self.
Lord Colin MacHugh is a very uncomfortable Scot thrown into the midst of the ton. He didn’t ask to be among the aristocracy and really doesn’t want to be there. He’d prefer to be home in Scotland tending to his distilleries. However, his brother is a newly minted Duke and as the heir presumptive Colin must make his bows to society. He’d have an easier time of it if his brother were there, but he has married Anwen’s sister and they are off on their honeymoon.
I really like the way the love and trust grew between Anwen and Colin. It only moved forward and grew with no backward movement or distrust when events occurred that could have made one distrust the other. The immediate response was ‘I know he/she didn’t do that’ and there was no convincing them otherwise. That isn’t something you see very often in a romance book.
I won’t give you a rehash of the story because that would spoil your read. You can see the gist of the story by reading the book blurb. Just know that Colin was the target of a very nasty and cunning individual who was supposed to be his friend.
I’m giving it 4-stars because I just didn’t like what happened with the villains of the story. Yes, I understand this is the Regency period and that the aristocracy is immune to most prosecutions and that scandal is to be avoided at all costs. However, Colin, Anwen, and the Windhams are some pretty shrewd, crafty and inventive folks themselves and I think they could have come up with something better as punishment.
"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Read
August 22, 2017From page 298: "Your situation has all the earmarks of a Windham courtship," Rosecroft said. "Complicated, full of drama, and undoubtedly a case of true love. Welcome to the family."
That sums up Too Scot to Handle.
That sums up Too Scot to Handle.
July 31, 2017
Fourth and Final Book for BookTubeAThon 2017 Completed!
Too Scot to Handle by Grace Burrowes
Second book in the Windham Brides series
3.25 stars
Whimsical Writing: 3
Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 3
Swoon Worthy Scale: 3
Villain Scale: 3.5
Character Scale: 4
Plotastic Scale: 3
Cover Thoughts: It’s kind of cringey and I don’t know why. I think it’s the dress.
Thank you, Forever Central Publishing for sending me a physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
Other Windham Brides books:
1) The Trouble with Dukes4.25 stars
Too Scot to Handle by Grace Burrowes
Second book in the Windham Brides series
3.25 stars
Too Scot to Handle follows Anwen Windham, a red-headed firecracker who never gets to speak or mind due to her succumbing to near-death at a young age. Her over-protective sisters don’t allow her much freedom, but one place she is able to help is at the orphanage, The House of Urchins. Colin MacHugh sees through Anwen’s quiet nature and they find themselves at a constant battle of wits. When the orphanage faces closing down, the Windhams through a card party to raise funds to save the boys. However, Colin has made enemies in the London ton and everything surrounding Anwen and Colin is about to implode if they don’t move quick enough to uncover who is plotting against them. One word that comes to mind when trying to describe this novel is underwhelming. I adored the previous novel to the Windham Brides and couldn’t wait to dive into this one. Sadly, I found this novel incredibly easy to put down and this is not a winning factor for a Historical Romance novel. HRs need to be fast-paced and un-putdownable. When I pick up an HR, I’m expecting to fly through this novel. When I pick an HR novel with a Scottish leading hero, I’m expecting to be smitten and ready to move to Scotland. This novel fell in the middle of those expectations. I do still want to move to Scotland and find myself a kilted hottie, but I wasn’t smitten with Colin and I feel like he’s a pretty forgettable hero. This novel does, thankfully, become fast-paced and the “mystery” enhanced the pace.
The writing in this novel is a little… flaky. The opening has a nice allusion to OG historical romance novel, Pride & Prejudice, which is sure to make Jane Austen fangirls swoon, but the opening chapter is a drag. Colin’s opening PoV was jarring and didn’t grab me into the story. However, it quickly goes into alternating PoVs with a wide cast of characters outside of the primary focus. I don’t mind Burrowes style of random PoVs, but it does take me away from the central story and it can get a little redundant and cumbersome for such a short novel. The only outside PoVs that were central to this story were the “villain” and besides that one PoV, I don’t feel it was necessary to have PoVs from the orphanage, the Windhams, and the previous couple from book 1 who are now recently married and honeymooning. It’s too ambitious for a novel that doesn’t need to be overly ambitious.
Whimsical Writing: 3
Anwen is a sweet character. She has a good heart and wants to help those in need, probably because she herself knows what it is like to be absolutely hopeless and near death. However, I didn’t find her all that interesting. She’s a nice character, but that’s it. Nice. Sweet. Plain. She doesn’t really bring anything to the table for me and I’m sure I’ll forget about her until I pick up the next Windham Brides novel. There was also a feminist conversation with her sisters about how they were tired of men being considered gentlemen when their actions were far from polite on the ballroom floor. However, this conversation quickly turned from a promising moment of feminists putting their feet down and turned to gossiping about the all so swoony hero and Anwen’s romance with him.
Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 3
Colin is also just a nice character. He was a soldier, but I didn’t really feel like he was. I’ve read HRs where the hero is a soldier and those novels really showed different facets of what a man faces. Love in the Afternoon is a perfect example of a hero suffering with PTSD and really struggling to face or fit in with society. A recent read, The Highland Commander, had an intense battle that the navy hero participated in and this really showed the risks that men enlist to in fighting for their country. Even the previous novel in this series, The Trouble with Dukes, shows how rumors about a soldier and his actions to defend his country could brand him as undesirable by polite society. However, Colin didn’t feel like a soldier. There was constant mentioning of it and his obsessive tendencies to have a regimented schedule, but it didn’t feel real. I do like Colin, but I don’t love him. He’s go the usual dashing qualities, but nothing that really stands out.
Swoon Worthy Scale: 3
The Villain- Well, I’m not sure how to express my extreme dislike for this character without spoiling several major plot points, so this section will be a spoiler section, so skip ahead past the villain scale if you don’t want to be spoiled. The Montague drama was extremely annoying. From the start, Montague is annoying, crass, and rude. Have you ever a met person who just says things that leave a bad taste in your mouth, but you don’t want to jump to conclusions about the person’s character? That’s how Montague is in this novel. Although I instantly saw him to be the dirty, conning, manipulative snake that he is and couldn’t for the life of me fathom why Colin would even stay in presence. It was obvious that they were never friends and were only using each other for different personal gains. Montague was using Colin for his money- to buy him beer- and make him look like a nice guy who is taking the wayward Scot in and showing him polite society. Colin was using Montague to learn about society and make connections. Colin was, in my opinion, wasting his time and it all came to fruition in the end when Montague showed his true colors. The true thief was obvious from the start, but that’s okay. It was still a fun “mystery”.
Villain Scale: 3.5
I love the sisterly bond between Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Anwen. There were some wonderful scenes full of love as well as annoyance. It felt authentic and it was one of my favorite parts of this novel.
Character Scale: 4
I did really like the couple in this story. They worked well together and were interesting. They don’t stand alone on their own, but as a couple they are cute. However, these cringey sex scenes have got to stop. Please don’t call orgasms rainbows. “Make me see rainbows. Make me feel rainbows.” NO THANK YOU! This novel is sure to be a hit for fans of Grace Burrowes and I do recommend it if you are a fan of The Trouble with Dukes.
Plotastic Scale: 3
Cover Thoughts: It’s kind of cringey and I don’t know why. I think it’s the dress.
Thank you, Forever Central Publishing for sending me a physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
Other Windham Brides books:
1) The Trouble with Dukes4.25 stars
November 16, 2021
Con il primo volume di questa serie avevo fatto parecchia confusione, perché, trattandosi del proseguo di una serie precedente della medesima autrice, appariva una selva di personaggi dati per già conosciuti. Per mia fortuna, stavolta l'autrice si concentra semplicemente su una coppia tutto sommato nuova, ovvero Anwen (un'altra delle nipoti del Duca di Westmoreland) e Colin (il fratello cadetto dei MacHugh).
Forse proprio il fatto che i due non sono eredi né personaggi di spicco all'interno della famiglia, li salva dal presentarsi con caratteri scontati e molto conformi alle convenienze; da un lato, Anwen, è membro di un comitato per il supporto di un orfanotrofio e non intende starsene seduta ad annuire di fronte alle decisioni dei consiglieri maschili, né limitarsi a organizzare feste di beneficenza o a realizzare ricami per raccogliere soldi.
L'incontro con Colin, scozzese pragmatico e impegnato in attività commerciali (quindi con approccio poco nobile e molto borghese) le apre gli occhi sulle potenzialità di investimenti e interessi da riscuotere, tanto che la nostra convince la nonna duchessa a trasformare la dimora avita in una bisca (legale) per una sera. E con successo.
In sostanza, una coppia sveglia e che non fa tanto conto su titoli o appoggi familiari, ma sui talenti personali e sull'intraprendenza, anche quando entrambi rischiano di essere travolti da parecchie bugie e da uno scandalo imminente.
Una lettura piacevole e un secondo volume senza dubbio migliore del precedente, con dialoghi vivaci e un gruppo di orfanelli birbanti pronti a sfruttare la loro esperienza di strada per aiutare il destino a prendere la giusta direzione.
E plauso alla duchessa matriarca, amante dei gossip e del cipiglio da dominatrice, che ruba con disinvoltura dal piattino di Sua Grazia...
Forse proprio il fatto che i due non sono eredi né personaggi di spicco all'interno della famiglia, li salva dal presentarsi con caratteri scontati e molto conformi alle convenienze; da un lato, Anwen, è membro di un comitato per il supporto di un orfanotrofio e non intende starsene seduta ad annuire di fronte alle decisioni dei consiglieri maschili, né limitarsi a organizzare feste di beneficenza o a realizzare ricami per raccogliere soldi.
L'incontro con Colin, scozzese pragmatico e impegnato in attività commerciali (quindi con approccio poco nobile e molto borghese) le apre gli occhi sulle potenzialità di investimenti e interessi da riscuotere, tanto che la nostra convince la nonna duchessa a trasformare la dimora avita in una bisca (legale) per una sera. E con successo.
In sostanza, una coppia sveglia e che non fa tanto conto su titoli o appoggi familiari, ma sui talenti personali e sull'intraprendenza, anche quando entrambi rischiano di essere travolti da parecchie bugie e da uno scandalo imminente.
Una lettura piacevole e un secondo volume senza dubbio migliore del precedente, con dialoghi vivaci e un gruppo di orfanelli birbanti pronti a sfruttare la loro esperienza di strada per aiutare il destino a prendere la giusta direzione.
E plauso alla duchessa matriarca, amante dei gossip e del cipiglio da dominatrice, che ruba con disinvoltura dal piattino di Sua Grazia...
June 19, 2017
Ms Burrowes has done it again. She has written a fabulous book about a hot Scot who is so brawny and handsome to boot. I really enjoyed reading this book because anything by the author is on my to read list. I liked the characters who had thoughts and feelings of their own. The story line kept my interest from first page. This is the second book of the Windham Brides series and can be read as a stand alone book.
Colin McHugh is the hot Scot who works for a living, but now has an English title that he's not too thrilled about. He wants to really be accepted so he makes friends with some fellows who take advantage of his largess. Since he's rich the ton of society really only tolerates him. When his so called friends prank Colin, he isn't smiling. He means to get even with those who did the deed.
Anwen Windham is really a cutie who goes after want she wants. She has a special affinity with the children from the streets who live at the House of Urchins. The establishment needs funding really bad and needs help with it. When she meets Colin, she sees someone different. He's a man who likes to listen to her and visa versa. They are a special pair who become close during their acquaintance. Their romance blossoms throughout the story which was lovely.
So please read this fun and witty book by one of my favorite authors.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
Colin McHugh is the hot Scot who works for a living, but now has an English title that he's not too thrilled about. He wants to really be accepted so he makes friends with some fellows who take advantage of his largess. Since he's rich the ton of society really only tolerates him. When his so called friends prank Colin, he isn't smiling. He means to get even with those who did the deed.
Anwen Windham is really a cutie who goes after want she wants. She has a special affinity with the children from the streets who live at the House of Urchins. The establishment needs funding really bad and needs help with it. When she meets Colin, she sees someone different. He's a man who likes to listen to her and visa versa. They are a special pair who become close during their acquaintance. Their romance blossoms throughout the story which was lovely.
So please read this fun and witty book by one of my favorite authors.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
August 3, 2017
ARC REVIEW
Too Scot to Handle is book two of the Windham Brides series a spinoff series to Grace Burrowes' Windham Family series. I tell you I was a little intimidated when I opened the book and saw that big family tree, but it is safe to say I read this one just fine without reading the first book or the books in the previous series. The Windham Brides are four sisters, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Megan, and Anwen Windham they are cousins to the Windhams in the other series.
This book was so fun to read, it was well written with the right amount of humor, deception, romance and action. The main characters kind of ease into their romance. Anwen is so concerned with the orphanage she is almost oblivious when Colin starts to show interest. It's an easy romance too, once they share with each other how they feel it's nice because they are both open and honest about everything, not even the vindictive and conniving actions of certain people can change that. Anwen has dedicated herself to the orphanage the House of Urchins. She's trying to find a way to make sure they have enough clothes, food, and coal for the winter months as well as the salary for the headmaster. The older boys are a rambunctious group who have a pivotal part in the main story line. Colin is out of the Army and at times wishes he was back in it, trying to fit in with the London society is very depressing, his so called friends are a bunch of idiots who spend money better than they make it and as much as Colin needs help fitting in his patience only goes so far. Anwen is the only person he's met that has ethics close to his and getting in on the board of directors for the House of Urchins is his way of getting close to her not to mention he agrees with her cause.
Anwen's overprotective family sees what is happening and makes sure they know everything about Colin, even though his brother did just marry Anwen's sister, in the book The Trouble with Dukes. Someone is out to get Colin, to scare him out of London and make a mockery of him, but not even blackmail will work. Colin quickly learns that even though Anwen's family is overprotective they will close ranks and protect what's theres and that now includes him since it's obvious Anwen loves him. But it's not just Colin that's in trouble but the orphanage is in trouble when a great amount of money has gone missing.
Overall, this was a great book, very enjoyable, loved the characters and the protagonist was perfectly hateful.
Too Scot to Handle is book two of the Windham Brides series a spinoff series to Grace Burrowes' Windham Family series. I tell you I was a little intimidated when I opened the book and saw that big family tree, but it is safe to say I read this one just fine without reading the first book or the books in the previous series. The Windham Brides are four sisters, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Megan, and Anwen Windham they are cousins to the Windhams in the other series.
This book was so fun to read, it was well written with the right amount of humor, deception, romance and action. The main characters kind of ease into their romance. Anwen is so concerned with the orphanage she is almost oblivious when Colin starts to show interest. It's an easy romance too, once they share with each other how they feel it's nice because they are both open and honest about everything, not even the vindictive and conniving actions of certain people can change that. Anwen has dedicated herself to the orphanage the House of Urchins. She's trying to find a way to make sure they have enough clothes, food, and coal for the winter months as well as the salary for the headmaster. The older boys are a rambunctious group who have a pivotal part in the main story line. Colin is out of the Army and at times wishes he was back in it, trying to fit in with the London society is very depressing, his so called friends are a bunch of idiots who spend money better than they make it and as much as Colin needs help fitting in his patience only goes so far. Anwen is the only person he's met that has ethics close to his and getting in on the board of directors for the House of Urchins is his way of getting close to her not to mention he agrees with her cause.
Anwen's overprotective family sees what is happening and makes sure they know everything about Colin, even though his brother did just marry Anwen's sister, in the book The Trouble with Dukes. Someone is out to get Colin, to scare him out of London and make a mockery of him, but not even blackmail will work. Colin quickly learns that even though Anwen's family is overprotective they will close ranks and protect what's theres and that now includes him since it's obvious Anwen loves him. But it's not just Colin that's in trouble but the orphanage is in trouble when a great amount of money has gone missing.
Overall, this was a great book, very enjoyable, loved the characters and the protagonist was perfectly hateful.
January 4, 2022
I enjoyed the story and the MCs were interesting, but it was a bit long and forgettable. I think the supporting characters were fun and made up for the dull moments. I will say that I did not enjoy James Langton as the narrator.
July 17, 2017
A quiet young English lady underestimated by everyone and a lively Scottish ex-soldier turned aristocrat who is trying to find his way in London Society are an unlikely pairing. More Windham fun and just enough villainy to make for an interesting story had me very delighted.
Too Scot to Handle is the second of the Windham Brides the spin-off series to the older Windhams series. One could get away with reading it out of order since the plot is standalone, but it makes better sense when read in order so the surrounding characters and their past stories won't make the reader curious.
I hate to admit it but I am enjoying this spin-off series more than most of the earlier Windham series. There is just something about these female cousins and the MacHugh family that make for a good story and engaging characters.
Anwen and Colin met in their older siblings' story which was the previous book and I liked them. It was great to get to know them better in their own story here. Colin is Scottish gentry now nobility as well as an ex-soldier. His life was simple and now its not. He's floundering while trying to fit into the world of English society where the rules are all different. He doesn't relate to or get the idle younger men that his old army friend mentors him through. Anwen knows society well, but she is on the outskirts too because her family always treated her like the sick younger sibling and never noticed that she is hearty and well and quite able to make her own way which she does through her work at a boys' orphanage.
The orphanage creates the conflict in the story as Anwen works to keep it open and give the boys a chance at a better life when others are indifferent or seeking to use the orphanage for their own ends. Anwen draws Colin in for her campaign and both learn that there is more to one another than they thought. I loved seeing them develop a friendship and then their romance that smoldered rather than sizzled. There was some excitement and suspense to make it extra interesting along with peek-ins with a few of the Windham family.
I can't wait to get Elizabeth's story next.
All in all, this was a fantastic story and I can definitely recommend it to those who enjoy a slightly spicy, slow burn historical romance and a very likeable pair.
My thanks to Forever for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Too Scot to Handle is the second of the Windham Brides the spin-off series to the older Windhams series. One could get away with reading it out of order since the plot is standalone, but it makes better sense when read in order so the surrounding characters and their past stories won't make the reader curious.
I hate to admit it but I am enjoying this spin-off series more than most of the earlier Windham series. There is just something about these female cousins and the MacHugh family that make for a good story and engaging characters.
Anwen and Colin met in their older siblings' story which was the previous book and I liked them. It was great to get to know them better in their own story here. Colin is Scottish gentry now nobility as well as an ex-soldier. His life was simple and now its not. He's floundering while trying to fit into the world of English society where the rules are all different. He doesn't relate to or get the idle younger men that his old army friend mentors him through. Anwen knows society well, but she is on the outskirts too because her family always treated her like the sick younger sibling and never noticed that she is hearty and well and quite able to make her own way which she does through her work at a boys' orphanage.
The orphanage creates the conflict in the story as Anwen works to keep it open and give the boys a chance at a better life when others are indifferent or seeking to use the orphanage for their own ends. Anwen draws Colin in for her campaign and both learn that there is more to one another than they thought. I loved seeing them develop a friendship and then their romance that smoldered rather than sizzled. There was some excitement and suspense to make it extra interesting along with peek-ins with a few of the Windham family.
I can't wait to get Elizabeth's story next.
All in all, this was a fantastic story and I can definitely recommend it to those who enjoy a slightly spicy, slow burn historical romance and a very likeable pair.
My thanks to Forever for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2020
A much more sensible villain and plotline compared to the first novel, but the characters imo not as charming. I liked the tropes well enough, but maybe its just me. I didnt give it as much attention as it deserved. Something about it bored me.
Still, there was nothing offensive enough to give it less than four stars and its an easy read.
Still, there was nothing offensive enough to give it less than four stars and its an easy read.
October 3, 2017
Ok historical.
February 3, 2018
I thought this book was super sweet. Both characters were extremely fluffy to each other.
April 8, 2019
3.5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟
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