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The Scotsman

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Pushed beyond his limits. . .Scotsman Alexander Fraser has lost too much in his fight for freedom from the English. So when his younger brother is taken hostage by the cruel Earl of Warfield, Alex retaliates by kidnapping the earl's delicate daughter . . . only to find she's nothing he expected.Taken for ransom. . .Catherine Worth, daughter of Warfield, knows her value. She's worth nothing to her father except as, now tarnished, property to be traded through marriage to a titled ally. He won't trade a valuable prisoner for her return. Her life is in the hands of her cold and ruthless captor as he realizes that there will be no trade. What she doesn't count on is falling in love with a man like none she's ever known.Neither expected passion. Neither expected the choices they'd face. Alex must someday give her up . . . or forfeit his brother's life. Virginia Brown has written more than fifty historical and contemporary romance novels. Many of her books have been nominated for Romantic Times' Reviewer's Choice Award, Career Achievement Award for Love and Laughter, and Career Achievement Award for Adventure. She is also the author of the bestselling Dixie Diva mystery series and the acclaimed mainstream Southern drama/mystery, Dark River Road, which won the national Epic e-Book Award in 2013 for Best Mainstream.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2017

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About the author

Virginia Brown

105 books108 followers
Since writing her first romance novel in 1984, Virginia Brown has written nearly 50 romance novels. Many of her books have been nominated for Romantic Times' Reviewer's Choice, Career Achievement Award for Love and Laughter, and Career Achievement Award for Adventure. Her works regularly appear on national bestseller lists. Having written under several different names about historical eras such as the old West, Regency-era, and the American Civil War, she now writes under a new pseudonym, Juliana Garnett, to focus upon the medieval era.

A native of Tennessee, Virginia spent her childhood traveling with her parents as a "military brat,” living all over the US and in Japan. This influenced her love of travel and adventure, which is reflected in her work.

Twice a year, Virginia visits England to research her novels, and includes Scotland in her travels. She feels this adds a new dimension to her work, and enables her to more authentically impart the true flavor of the geographical and historical sites.

In addition to appearing on the nationally syndicated television program What's Hot, What's Not, Virginia Brown has been interviewed by Jane Pauley on the Today Show, and regularly appears on local television and radio shows in addition to coverage by the press. She also experienced a first for a romance writer by appearing on the cover of Memphis, the magazine.

Virginia is the mother of four grown children, and now enjoys her menagerie of dogs that includes a fat beagle, two part-chows, a hound and five cats. As the grandmother of three lovely children, one of her greatest pleasures these days is visiting with Justin, Christina, and Gaby.

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Jultri.
1,229 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2021
Solid writing by an author previously unknown to me. Lots of historical details but unfortunately I find myself not too fond of this era, 14th century border country, where the Scots united under the Bruce fought against the domination of the English. The Scottish hero, in an attempt to get bargaining leverage to obtain his brother's freedom, took the daughter of a vicious English earl hostage. It started with some uncomfortable allusions to sexual violence against the resisting heroine that appeared to turn the hero on. I thought, it had the feel of a bodice ripper (not a surprise since it is a re-release of a 1988 book apparently), and I wasn't too sure whether to keep going. Luckily, it got over the non-PC rapey undertones quickly, and the writing was good so I stuck with it. I felt, that the heroine capitulated too fast - betraying her country and family ties without a backward glance. And how did a supposedly clever girl find herself 20 miles in the wrong direction as she couldn't tell East from West? There was a bit too much gore and war crimes for my liking, which I guess was a reflection of the unrest of the era.

This a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Barbee.
803 reviews21 followers
February 11, 2019
Book: The Scotsman
by Virginia Brown

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
1. Tartan Book Reviews
2. Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3. Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
4.Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Overall Rating: 5 Stars and 5 Kilts

Scottish Borderlands, October 1313

The hero of the story of Scotman is Alexander Fraser. He is a man mentally and physically thrashed by the English. He is at his rock bottom of the barrel with nothing left. So when he hears a the cruel, English Earl of Warfield has his brother and he has nothing to offer as payment for his release! As he is poverty stricken by the Sassenach dogs too! He is desperate and does what any red blooded highlander would do, he kidnaps the Earls daughter! Expecting a docile English Rose except this is the furthest from the truth.

Earl of Warfield’s daughter Catherine Worth is the heroine of this story. This English beauty is headstrong, ornery tenacious and relentless at first as captive. Until she starts to feel things for Alexander that she has never felt for any man. She knows her father feels nothing for her. Just something to use to gain wealth and gold in a marriage contact, no matter how old or cruel her future jailer would be! She has been in the dark how brutal and sadistic her father actually is. She soon opens her eyes to this fact and readers will find out her true reaction!

As these two star crossed lovers will they stay together or forced apart? As it seems Alexander’s brothers life is to be forfeited if he does not return his daughter. Yet it is not out of love, only selfish evil purposes. What will Alexander and Catherine do?


I hadn’t read a Viginia Brown book in over a decade. Oh my goodness I forgot how beautifully she writes. I totally got lost and absolutely loved The Scotsman and hope she continues on her Scottish journey. This book includes non stop action, drama, mystery, abduction, betrayal, treachery,?? suspense, hatred, emotional, trust, love and a page turning riveting adventure. In addition, a breathtaking setting, brilliant dialogue, awe inspiring plots and unforgettable characters!

My favorite story ingredients are true factual history weaved into a fictional historical romance! I absolutely loved this book so much! What a phenomenal read! I absolutely loved The Scotsman by Virginia Brown!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy and an advance reader copy from the publisher. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

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860 reviews8 followers
August 14, 2017
I received this book from net galley for an honest review. Thank you!!

This novel was a good read and a nice blend of history and romance. During this time, especially in England, women were controlled by men and they preferred obedience. They dictated to women and would even take without permission. Some women were able to read and increase their knowledge, but to their gender, were limited it what they could accomplish.
Catherine Worth, daughter of Warfield, knows she is just a pawn to her father and how he can increase his wealth. She defies him when she can, but has lived a sheltered life. The only person that means to care for her is her brother Nicolas. Catherine does not know all the cruelty her father has committed but will soon learn.
Scotsman Alexander Fraser has been fighting the English for too long. He knows what war does to people, but he tries to be a good leader to those in his protection. When he brother is taken hostage, Alex will do anything to get him back, which results in the abduction of Catherine. He is surprised at her beauty and more so of her stubborn nature.
Catherine tries to resist Alex, but does not want to continue to be a pawn to her father either. She realizes she has the opportunity to make her own choices, even though she is a hostage. Catherine begins to learn about Alex and the Scots as she waits for the ransom exchange. Her brother, Nicolas works endlessly trying to save Catherine, but her father is a different matter. When she discovers the true cruelty of her father, Catherine realizes several things. As she begins to fall in love with Alex, she tries not to confuse love and lust. Misunderstandings happen between Alex and Catherine, which led to unforeseen troubles. Alex has never understood what it truly means to love a woman, until he realizes what his life would be without Catherine, after seeing what happened to his mother. With war looming over their heads, the choices they make will not only affect them, but the ones they love as well.
Profile Image for A Klue.
1,500 reviews330 followers
August 11, 2017
According to the publishing information listed at the front of this book, this version of The Scotsman by Virginia Brown is a re-release from a 1998 publication. So check your shelves and your memory banks, folks, because if you are a fan of this author, you might already own it.

With that said, it’s a classic, plain and simple, my fellow Scottish romance book loving friends. With its old school Scotland vs England/Montague vs Capulet type story line, authentic dialect, detailed references to battles/allegiances/alliances and the never ending back and forth carnage resulting from the inevitable fallout of adversaries fighting in retaliation in support of their king, this author captured the feel for this era along with a main couple caught in the middle of it all. Yes, that would include Catherine, a feisty damsel in distress being held for ransom but desperate to be free of her cold-hearted warrior father, and Alex, a hero who is determined not to let his heart get involved in what must be done (ransom her in exchange for his brother and a fellow soldier).

Don’t get me wrong. I had quite a few bones to pick with Alex. He didn’t exactly come across as a Romeo Montague, folks. In fact, he stubbornly refused he felt anything but lust for Catherine, the heroine, throughout most of the book. Eventually taking her for his own, while she was being held captive, but knowing he would hand her over in a heartbeat in exchange for his demands didn’t put him high on my hero totem pole list. I’m still thinking he should have kept his hands and lips to himself until he was willing to throw his heart into the mix. I also didn’t feel it was necessary to include the baby mamma dramas (yes, its plural). However, that likely was a common occurrence back then.

Descriptive writing effectively visually drew me in the storyline. Though I was frustrated at the pace of these two knuckleheads admitting their feelings, you can’t help but feel sorry for the fact each one of them felt stuck between a rock and a hard place.

For someone who stays focused on romance, it did start to feel overly long. I must admit by the end I was more than ready for things to be wrapped up. Though there was enough drama and intrigue to keep me engaged enough to want to stick around and see them get their HEA.

Romance Safety Gang:

Title: The Scotsman, Author: Virginia Brown, Pages: 299, 1st released in 1998, new to me author, stand-alone, dialect takes a little getting used to, enemies to lovers, VERY graphic steamy scenes, lust to love, some violence, one attempted rape scene. Rating: 3.5 stars

(This review is based on advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. There was no compensation provided to the reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Profile Image for Carmella.
670 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2017
I received a copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

Amongst the bloody fighting between Scotland and England, Alex Fraser's younger brother is taken hostage with another by the Earl of Warfield. Alex knows that their future is not looking good. He decides he needs a bargaining tool and kidnaps the Earl's daughter Catherine, thinking to exchange her for his brother.

Catherine tries to tell Alex that her father doesn't value her as a daughter but he doesn't believe her of course. Even when Catherine's brother comes for her and tries to negotiate her release, Alex refuses.

Catherine is not afraid to speak her mind, much to Alex's dismay and soon the attraction grows between them. Catherine feels that she would rather give herself to Alex, whom she cares about, then some man her father wants an affiliation with.

Will Alex return Catherine to her father? Will his brother live? Can an Englishwoman survive in Scotland?

I loved this story! Catherine was never allowed to be around when politics were spoken about so her feelings towards Scots were just dirty beasts. She wouldn't really listen to Alex when he would explain issues at first but as she got to know him, it changed. The way he did it was great, between he and his friends it was explained and not forced on her. She had the chance to absorb the information.

Her decisions will be a permanent split between her and her family, would she give that up for love?
Can she and Alex survive if his brother doesn't come home?

The writing was done very well and the story had a great flow to it. If you love your Scotland men, this is a must read.
Profile Image for Donna.
514 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2017
Alexander Fraser must fight for Scotland any chance that he can. The English Earl of Warfield kidnaps his younger brother, Jamie Fraser! (swoon for all Outlander fans!) Catherine Worth is the Earl's daughter. She runs away from an impending marriage and right into the arms of Alex Fraser. She is rushed away to Scotland where she is held as ransom for the return of young Jamie. Alex is a tall, handsome and brooding fellow. Catherine is determined to hate her captor, even though he is so darn handsome! Will Alex keep her or trade her for his brother? I love romance and Scottish romance and found this story to be rather enjoyable! The plot was interesting and well-written. I loved the characters and think that it is a great addition to the historical romance genre.

The Scotsman by Virginia Brown is now available from Bell Bridge Books. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
456 reviews17 followers
December 27, 2017
I am unsure why I keep reading these Scottish historical romances.
I always end up feeling really sorry for the Scots and how the English treated them.

Anyhow this is a new author for me and I have to say I actually really enjoyed this.

Scotsman Alex Fraser kidnaps Catherine when his brother is taken hostage by her father. His enemy.
From the start sparks fly between the two of them and I found the dialogue between the two to be quite funny.
Obviously (because that’s how the English were/or seem to be in these books) Catherine’s father didn’t give two hoots about her and leaves her to be prisoner/hostage.

I thought the love story very sweet. The secondary characters were all interesting to.
My only real complaint was how quickly Catherine switched sides. But I suppose that was the point.

It was a reasonably good read, entertaining storyline with characters you do care about.
I enjoyed it and would try other ones from this author in the future.

Read and reviewed courtesy of Netgalley
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
August 26, 2017
'The Scotsmam' by Virginia Brown is the story of Alexander Fraser and Catherine Worth.
Alexander is a Scottish fighter whose younger brother Jamie was taken by the English Lord, Earl of Warfield. Alexander wants to get him back. Since he has no money he knows a hostage exchange would be his only choice. When they spot Catherine who is the Earl's daughter they take her. But she isn't the easy going hostage you would want.
Catherine knows her father is awful and he plans to marry her to just as awful person and is really is only her father's pawn. But when she is taken by Alexander she struggles at first but he brings out feelings she hasn't had before.
Exciting read!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."

Profile Image for Ira.
748 reviews14 followers
August 10, 2017
This book was nice but also rather foreseeable. I know, many of those books are foreseeable and that*s exactly why we read them but I felt as if something unique was missing. Oh, the hero and the heroine deal well with each other and their problems are tough and very real but somehow it couldn*t hold my attention. Maybe, if I read it again another time, I might be more captivated but somehow I doubt that. Oh, the story is fine and the characters are nice but... Of course, not everything was foreseeable but it was lacking some kind of spark and something that makes it different.
I liked it well enough but I'm not sure that I will ever read it again.
Profile Image for P Leslie.
3,243 reviews17 followers
August 12, 2017
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

This is the first book I've read by this author and I wasn't left disappointed. The author bought everything alive with her storytelling which was absolutely amazing.

Catherine was a spitfire and I admired her fighting spirit and courage throughout. Alex is enthralled with his beautiful English prisoner - the author captured his conflicted emotions and the intensity of his attraction beautifully.

This was a great read and I really enjoyed it.



Profile Image for Tammy.
9,120 reviews51 followers
September 1, 2017
Alexander’s brother has been taken hostage by the Earl of Warfield and having no money to pay the ransom he takes the Earl’s daughter, Catherine. I really liked this historical read. Alexander and Catherine have great chemistry and the story really draws you in. An entertaining read.
Profile Image for Dawn Wells.
769 reviews12 followers
September 2, 2017
The Scotsman

By Virginia Brown

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ great story line, the heroine Catherine makes the story enjoyable. The hero Alex makes it believable.

Passion, love, war and victory.
2,354 reviews14 followers
October 13, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review.. I am going to be completely honest..I could not get into it.. too much info, too much dialogue
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,356 reviews369 followers
Read
July 5, 2018
The story was okay. It was the language I found too much, if it's too authentic I find it hard to read this is just my personal opinion, others may not agree. I have not left stars as I feel this is just a personal preference and I didn't want to reflect badly on the book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews