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The Townsends #3
A Scot's Surrender
When his brother leaves him in charge of Llynmore Castle, Robert Townsend is determined to make everything go smoothly. What does it matter if he's inexplicably drawn to Ian Cameron, the estate’s stoic steward? Robert is sure he can ignore the way the Highlander's apparent dislike of him gets under his skin. They'll muddle along just fine so long as they avoid one another. An excellent plan…until a fire forces Ian into the castle—and Robert's personal space.
Ian Cameron has worked for everything he owns, unlike spoiled Robert Townsend. And he may not have friends, but he has the Highlands and the stars, and what more could he really need? But when a guest's stolen possession appears in his room, he doesn't have much choice but to admit to the handsome and aggravatingly charming Townsend brother that he needs help. To solve this mystery, they'll have to put aside their differences. And as Ian learns more about Robert, he'll have to guard his heart…or it may be the next thing stolen.
Each book in the Townsends series is a standalone story.
Ian Cameron has worked for everything he owns, unlike spoiled Robert Townsend. And he may not have friends, but he has the Highlands and the stars, and what more could he really need? But when a guest's stolen possession appears in his room, he doesn't have much choice but to admit to the handsome and aggravatingly charming Townsend brother that he needs help. To solve this mystery, they'll have to put aside their differences. And as Ian learns more about Robert, he'll have to guard his heart…or it may be the next thing stolen.
Each book in the Townsends series is a standalone story.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2018
32 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Lily Maxton
18 books158 followersLily Maxton grew up in the Midwest, reading, writing, and daydreaming amidst cornfields. After graduating with a degree in English, she decided to put her natural inclinations to good use and embark on a career as a writer.
When she’s not working on a new story, she likes to tour old houses, add to her tea stash, and think of reasons to avoid housework.
When she’s not working on a new story, she likes to tour old houses, add to her tea stash, and think of reasons to avoid housework.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
February 18, 2018
Even though this is Lily Maxton's first book featuring two male leads, I jumped at the chance to read it because I love historical romance.
Maxton can certainly write. The countryside setting was quaint, and the mystery was resolved in a rather unusual way. I giggled when Robert and Ian caught the thief.
This isn't a long book, but the characters are fairly well developed. The ending is a realistic, if tentative, HEA.
What was missing, at least for me, was that raw, overwhelming passion. I didn't feel the spark between the MCs. Something about the romance fell flat. The men seemed rather careful and stiff around each other.
There was also some drama involving secondary characters toward the end that had me rolling my eyes. This is the third book in what has thus far been a M/F series, and the secondary characters were a little too present.
Overall, this is an even-paced story with likable (if not terribly complex) MCs, a light enemies-to-lovers theme, and moderate steam. Give it a go if you like historical romance. Just don't expect any kilt action.
Maxton can certainly write. The countryside setting was quaint, and the mystery was resolved in a rather unusual way. I giggled when Robert and Ian caught the thief.
This isn't a long book, but the characters are fairly well developed. The ending is a realistic, if tentative, HEA.
What was missing, at least for me, was that raw, overwhelming passion. I didn't feel the spark between the MCs. Something about the romance fell flat. The men seemed rather careful and stiff around each other.
There was also some drama involving secondary characters toward the end that had me rolling my eyes. This is the third book in what has thus far been a M/F series, and the secondary characters were a little too present.
Overall, this is an even-paced story with likable (if not terribly complex) MCs, a light enemies-to-lovers theme, and moderate steam. Give it a go if you like historical romance. Just don't expect any kilt action.
August 9, 2018
*4.25 stars*
I'm seeing a lot of reviews that are all over the map for this one, but I thought A Scot's Surrender by new-to-me author Lily Maxton was pretty great.
I love, love, love historical romance, and when I get a well-done, slow-burn historical romance, well, you've got me.
This book is almost an enemies-to-lovers, which is always a weakness of mine. There was so much time for the relationship to develop, and I just loved watching the two MCs go from vaguely disliking each other to grudging friends to something more.
The plot is relatively simple, but the beauty is in the slow, measured writing that really leaves you no choice but to fall for these characters. There is a small mystery element, but the focus is on the slow crawl to romance, for sure.
There is a little steam but it's more sensual writing than explicit. Read the story for the emotions and not the heat.
I was really, really impressed by Lily Maxton, and it put her on the map for me. I'll be picking up her previous M/F books, and I can't wait to see what other M/M books she comes up with in the future. Highly recommend.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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I'm seeing a lot of reviews that are all over the map for this one, but I thought A Scot's Surrender by new-to-me author Lily Maxton was pretty great.
I love, love, love historical romance, and when I get a well-done, slow-burn historical romance, well, you've got me.
This book is almost an enemies-to-lovers, which is always a weakness of mine. There was so much time for the relationship to develop, and I just loved watching the two MCs go from vaguely disliking each other to grudging friends to something more.
The plot is relatively simple, but the beauty is in the slow, measured writing that really leaves you no choice but to fall for these characters. There is a small mystery element, but the focus is on the slow crawl to romance, for sure.
There is a little steam but it's more sensual writing than explicit. Read the story for the emotions and not the heat.
I was really, really impressed by Lily Maxton, and it put her on the map for me. I'll be picking up her previous M/F books, and I can't wait to see what other M/M books she comes up with in the future. Highly recommend.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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March 15, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up :) I still want an epilogue, and there was some drama I could've lived without, but the rest of it was just so sweet and funny, I can't not give this 5 stars!
Can we please just all take a moment to let the fact that Lily Maxton wrote her first m/m book as part of a series that features three hetero couples so far sink in? Because I think that's pretty wonderful.
Alrighty.
"It is the star to every wandering bark..."
Robert Townsend has always tried to be the charming one, to be there for everyone who needs him. So far, he's only met one infuriatingly handsome man who is able to resist his charms: his brother's factor, Ian Cameron.
When Robert's brother Theo and his new wife leave him in charge of the estate while they are traveling, he has no idea he's in for horrible weather that brings a group of strange travelers in need to his doorstep, forces him to grow up and make some choices he had rather put off just a bit longer, investigate a bunch of curious thefts, and, above all, live under the same roof as the handsome highlander he has had a crush on since he first saw him. When unforeseen circumstances force him to make a choice between what is expected of him and what he wants, Robert needs to think quickly before he loses what might turn out to be the love of his life...
I loved loved LOVED the first half of this book. It's deliciously slow-burning (I can already hear the complaints, so be warned: nothing physical happens between the leads up until the 50% mark), and I adored seeing those two fight their attraction. I loved Robert and his poetry-quoting, he is truly one of the nicest guys imaginable. Cameron was a bit more hesitant to trust his feelings because of some long-standing abandonment issues he has to overcome first, but I loved the gruff, practical, no-nonsense highlander. Together, I thought they were really adorable, the way they would sit outside and gaze at the stars. That was just the sweetest thing. I also absolutely adored the reveal of the thief. I laughed so hard, it was absolutely ingenious!
But. Then the dreaded last-minute drama struck. Because. Reasons. Around 70% All I'm saying is, given how easily it was resolved, it might as well have been left out entirely in my opinion.
But after that it luckily turned back to the sweet, fun story from the beginning and made up for that.
I really hope the last Townsend left will get her book next. Since there was no epilogue, I NEED to see those two again!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Edit: re-read June 25 before reading the next book.
I still absolutely LOVE these two together! It even made me cry several times, and the spoiler from above didn't bother me so much this time. <3
re-read 3 years later: I devoured the book in one sitting, and I still love it to pieces. Oh the feelz this book gives me! <3
Can we please just all take a moment to let the fact that Lily Maxton wrote her first m/m book as part of a series that features three hetero couples so far sink in? Because I think that's pretty wonderful.
Alrighty.
"It is the star to every wandering bark..."
Robert Townsend has always tried to be the charming one, to be there for everyone who needs him. So far, he's only met one infuriatingly handsome man who is able to resist his charms: his brother's factor, Ian Cameron.
When Robert's brother Theo and his new wife leave him in charge of the estate while they are traveling, he has no idea he's in for horrible weather that brings a group of strange travelers in need to his doorstep, forces him to grow up and make some choices he had rather put off just a bit longer, investigate a bunch of curious thefts, and, above all, live under the same roof as the handsome highlander he has had a crush on since he first saw him. When unforeseen circumstances force him to make a choice between what is expected of him and what he wants, Robert needs to think quickly before he loses what might turn out to be the love of his life...
I loved loved LOVED the first half of this book. It's deliciously slow-burning (I can already hear the complaints, so be warned: nothing physical happens between the leads up until the 50% mark), and I adored seeing those two fight their attraction. I loved Robert and his poetry-quoting, he is truly one of the nicest guys imaginable. Cameron was a bit more hesitant to trust his feelings because of some long-standing abandonment issues he has to overcome first, but I loved the gruff, practical, no-nonsense highlander. Together, I thought they were really adorable, the way they would sit outside and gaze at the stars. That was just the sweetest thing. I also absolutely adored the reveal of the thief. I laughed so hard, it was absolutely ingenious!
But. Then the dreaded last-minute drama struck. Because. Reasons. Around 70% All I'm saying is, given how easily it was resolved, it might as well have been left out entirely in my opinion.
But after that it luckily turned back to the sweet, fun story from the beginning and made up for that.
I really hope the last Townsend left will get her book next. Since there was no epilogue, I NEED to see those two again!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Edit: re-read June 25 before reading the next book.
I still absolutely LOVE these two together! It even made me cry several times, and the spoiler from above didn't bother me so much this time. <3
re-read 3 years later: I devoured the book in one sitting, and I still love it to pieces. Oh the feelz this book gives me! <3
October 30, 2018
4 Stars
The Townsends is an historical romance quartet following the lives and loves of four siblings living in a secluded castle in the Scottish Highlands.
This third book, featuring youngest brother Robert, is an M/M romance, and was definitely my inspiration for reading the entire series from the beginning – a series which was otherwise solely made up of M/F pairings. As a reading order nut, I was compelled to read all the books chronologically, and I’m so very glad I did. I’ve been captivated by all the characters that have graced the pages of this series so far, not to mention my seamless connection to, and enjoyment of, Maxton’s charming and remarkable writing style.
In A Scot’s Surrender we finally get to Robert’s story. It felt like a long-time coming, especially considering what an enjoyable part he played as an exceedingly lovable secondary character in siblings Theo and Eleanor’s books. I was excited to get to Robert’s story, for obvious reasons, and thankfully I wasn’t left disappointed.
Robert Townsend is such a lovable character. He’s the good-humoured brother; the one who strives to make sure everyone around him is looked after and in good spirits. To an outsider such as taciturn Ian, Robert seems like a frivolous young man of good fortune who carelessly whiles away his days. This couldn’t be further from the truth, though. Robert might seem carefree and jovial, but he’s a worrier at heart, taking on the burdens of others and always wanting those around him to be happy and whole, even at his own expense. He also has a secret and lucrative profession that even his dear siblings don’t yet know about, which adds to the weight of his worries.
Ian Cameron, on the other hand, is a character with a harder shell to crack. He works at Llynmore Castle as Theo Townsend’s steward, but he keeps to himself, talking very little and presenting a standoffish front that even Robert’s good humour can’t seem to infiltrate. Ian’s opinion of Robert is initially quite negative, seeing only his frolicsome nature and devilish good looks. But with increased proximity, Ian slowly discovers that Robert is much more than he seems, and before long Ian finds himself fighting his inconvenient attraction to the affluent younger man – a fight he finds himself losing the more Robert burrows his way into Ian’s previously impenetrable heart.
Although never truly enemies, this dynamic read as a bit of an enemies-to-lovers romance. Ian was such a grumpy bastard most of the time, but Robert’s determination to become friends with the reticent steward was fun to watch. Once the initial moments of Ian’s scorn subsided and his opinions on Robert shifted, they began to fit together like two halves of a whole and it was really beautiful to watch unfold.
As I said, I really connect with Maxton’s writing style. I can effortlessly visualise these characters so vividly, along with the gorgeous Scottish landscape depicted; it all plays out like a vibrant movie in my head. I actually consider Maxton one of my personal favourite new-to-me authors of the year and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed Robert and Ian’s story. Now on to Georgina’s final book and my time with the Townsends will finally be complete!
********************************
Fun Fact: I’ve been buddy reading this series with my mum and it’s been quite an experience indeed. She’s never really read in the historical romance genre before now, and she’s certainly never read an M/M romance. I was a bit apprehensive to see her reaction to the gay romance aspect, if I’m being honest. But I shouldn’t have worried, because like mother, like daughter, she absolutely loved Robert and Ian’s story, so much so that she dived straight into their Halloween novella that has just been released (Highland Haunting) and asked me for a list of M/M recommendations! Let the games begin...
The Townsends is an historical romance quartet following the lives and loves of four siblings living in a secluded castle in the Scottish Highlands.
This third book, featuring youngest brother Robert, is an M/M romance, and was definitely my inspiration for reading the entire series from the beginning – a series which was otherwise solely made up of M/F pairings. As a reading order nut, I was compelled to read all the books chronologically, and I’m so very glad I did. I’ve been captivated by all the characters that have graced the pages of this series so far, not to mention my seamless connection to, and enjoyment of, Maxton’s charming and remarkable writing style.
In A Scot’s Surrender we finally get to Robert’s story. It felt like a long-time coming, especially considering what an enjoyable part he played as an exceedingly lovable secondary character in siblings Theo and Eleanor’s books. I was excited to get to Robert’s story, for obvious reasons, and thankfully I wasn’t left disappointed.
Robert Townsend is such a lovable character. He’s the good-humoured brother; the one who strives to make sure everyone around him is looked after and in good spirits. To an outsider such as taciturn Ian, Robert seems like a frivolous young man of good fortune who carelessly whiles away his days. This couldn’t be further from the truth, though. Robert might seem carefree and jovial, but he’s a worrier at heart, taking on the burdens of others and always wanting those around him to be happy and whole, even at his own expense. He also has a secret and lucrative profession that even his dear siblings don’t yet know about, which adds to the weight of his worries.
Ian Cameron, on the other hand, is a character with a harder shell to crack. He works at Llynmore Castle as Theo Townsend’s steward, but he keeps to himself, talking very little and presenting a standoffish front that even Robert’s good humour can’t seem to infiltrate. Ian’s opinion of Robert is initially quite negative, seeing only his frolicsome nature and devilish good looks. But with increased proximity, Ian slowly discovers that Robert is much more than he seems, and before long Ian finds himself fighting his inconvenient attraction to the affluent younger man – a fight he finds himself losing the more Robert burrows his way into Ian’s previously impenetrable heart.
Although never truly enemies, this dynamic read as a bit of an enemies-to-lovers romance. Ian was such a grumpy bastard most of the time, but Robert’s determination to become friends with the reticent steward was fun to watch. Once the initial moments of Ian’s scorn subsided and his opinions on Robert shifted, they began to fit together like two halves of a whole and it was really beautiful to watch unfold.
As I said, I really connect with Maxton’s writing style. I can effortlessly visualise these characters so vividly, along with the gorgeous Scottish landscape depicted; it all plays out like a vibrant movie in my head. I actually consider Maxton one of my personal favourite new-to-me authors of the year and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed Robert and Ian’s story. Now on to Georgina’s final book and my time with the Townsends will finally be complete!
********************************
Fun Fact: I’ve been buddy reading this series with my mum and it’s been quite an experience indeed. She’s never really read in the historical romance genre before now, and she’s certainly never read an M/M romance. I was a bit apprehensive to see her reaction to the gay romance aspect, if I’m being honest. But I shouldn’t have worried, because like mother, like daughter, she absolutely loved Robert and Ian’s story, so much so that she dived straight into their Halloween novella that has just been released (Highland Haunting) and asked me for a list of M/M recommendations! Let the games begin...
April 28, 2018
4.5 stars
*insert a million heart eyes*
adored this book, adored this couple
I hadn't heard of this author so I picked this book on a whim. I'm always looking for new (or new to me) authors. I'm so glad I tried this one because I really liked it. It starts as a bit of an enemies to lovers. Ian works at Llynmore Castle and he's none too happy when Robert is left in charge while his brother is gone. Ian thinks Robert is spoiled and he's never taken the time to get past his own prejudices. Robert is good-natured and friendly and he can't stand the fact that Ian doesn't like him. He has no idea what he's done but he's intent on changing that.
When a group of travelers show up unexpectedly and some of their belongings turn up missing, the two men reluctantly end up working together to figure out who the thief is. As they spend more time together they realize they have a lot in common and they like each a lot. They end up giving into their attraction to each other and romance and smexy time ensue.
This is a slow burn romance and I really liked the time the author took in letting the two men get to know each other and fall in love. It was very sweet and I enjoyed every minute of it. I absolutely loved these two together.
I ended up liking this so much I went back and read the first two books in the series (which are both m/f romance) and are about Robert's two sisters. I loved both of them also. The author does a great job with her female characters. I highly recommend the entire series. This can be read as a standalone though.
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
*insert a million heart eyes*
adored this book, adored this couple
I hadn't heard of this author so I picked this book on a whim. I'm always looking for new (or new to me) authors. I'm so glad I tried this one because I really liked it. It starts as a bit of an enemies to lovers. Ian works at Llynmore Castle and he's none too happy when Robert is left in charge while his brother is gone. Ian thinks Robert is spoiled and he's never taken the time to get past his own prejudices. Robert is good-natured and friendly and he can't stand the fact that Ian doesn't like him. He has no idea what he's done but he's intent on changing that.
When a group of travelers show up unexpectedly and some of their belongings turn up missing, the two men reluctantly end up working together to figure out who the thief is. As they spend more time together they realize they have a lot in common and they like each a lot. They end up giving into their attraction to each other and romance and smexy time ensue.
This is a slow burn romance and I really liked the time the author took in letting the two men get to know each other and fall in love. It was very sweet and I enjoyed every minute of it. I absolutely loved these two together.
I ended up liking this so much I went back and read the first two books in the series (which are both m/f romance) and are about Robert's two sisters. I loved both of them also. The author does a great job with her female characters. I highly recommend the entire series. This can be read as a standalone though.
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
September 23, 2024
Slow to start but got pretty good along the way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say I have a bit of mixed feelings for this book. It was very slow to start for me. Loads of detail and tip toes around the fact the 2 men even had a inkling of like for each other. I actually thought about not completing the book a time or two.
Some of the story was a bit boring, with the subplot of thievery going on in the house, and the very slow to grow "like" by the guys. I also think I missed parts of the story as to why a group of strangers could simply stay for weeks at a home. That was answered much later in the book, but confusing to me at the time.
Once you put past the weirdness of the visitors and focus on the growing acceptance between the two guys, the story warmed up for me. I did enjoy the unfolding and tepid friendship that grew. The longing that they had for another become bolder, but it took a long time and we were only given glimpses here and there.
While the author did a good job with the facts and ventured in to a "forbidden" subject given the time frame, I really felt no connection to any of the characters. The guys fought the attraction for too long and I was missing the fierce, breath sucking "need" for each other that makes a fabulous read.
* copy received for review consideration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say I have a bit of mixed feelings for this book. It was very slow to start for me. Loads of detail and tip toes around the fact the 2 men even had a inkling of like for each other. I actually thought about not completing the book a time or two.
Some of the story was a bit boring, with the subplot of thievery going on in the house, and the very slow to grow "like" by the guys. I also think I missed parts of the story as to why a group of strangers could simply stay for weeks at a home. That was answered much later in the book, but confusing to me at the time.
Once you put past the weirdness of the visitors and focus on the growing acceptance between the two guys, the story warmed up for me. I did enjoy the unfolding and tepid friendship that grew. The longing that they had for another become bolder, but it took a long time and we were only given glimpses here and there.
While the author did a good job with the facts and ventured in to a "forbidden" subject given the time frame, I really felt no connection to any of the characters. The guys fought the attraction for too long and I was missing the fierce, breath sucking "need" for each other that makes a fabulous read.
* copy received for review consideration
August 3, 2018
1.5* I'd be harsher but I did get it for 99p.
Disappointing. Charmless.
The men thought around their feelings and each other so much it became tedious. There wasn't any chemistry between them, no buzz of attraction; nothing that would lead them to taking such risks to be together. Plus the sudden sharp chest pains to signify love made me think young Robert needed a physician.
There's a lot of characters, some are mentioned then forgotten others appear dizzyingly en-mass. It's clearly a series. I was never clear how many were in the castle.
The whodunnit I thought was obvious at first glimpse of the culprit, it had potential to be amusing but how it plays out is ridiculous, as is the sudden drama-llama thrown in there with a resolution that made no sense to me. Suddenly everything was sorted and okay again, but I don't see how that saves any of them.
I'm not enough of a fan of historicals to talk accuracy but I know my gran's generation would never have used the word 'fuck' and this is set in the 1800's so to have nobility exclaim 'fuck...' as a curse directed to his sister felt wrong, as did the same character ordering 'fuck me' and casually calling the other man a bastard, something I would have expected to be taken literally or as a harsh jibe. The sudden forgoing of Tea in favour of Coffee is possible, but it did cause a niggle. As did a character paraphrasing Casablanca - the century before television was invented.
But then I knew reading the first line of the blurb that the author of this Scottish set book was American. Research is so easy today, in less time that it takes a kettle to boil google searches could solve the errors in this book!
Llynmore Castle in the Highlands. I highly doubt you'll find a Llyn anything in Scotland, I mean in WALES there's a Llŷn peninsula. That double 'LL' is Welsh NOT Scottish. To me Llynmore reads as Welsh with a layer of English.
The book setting is within the castle, there's no visuals and only the one Scot - we know this because he says 'ye' and occasionally 'didna' 'wasna' 'isna' so basically sounds like a recalcitrant toddler mid tantrum. Nae, nae, NAE. the Gaelic if anyone cares would be dinnae, wasnae...
And that's my kettle boiling.
Disappointing. Charmless.
The men thought around their feelings and each other so much it became tedious. There wasn't any chemistry between them, no buzz of attraction; nothing that would lead them to taking such risks to be together. Plus the sudden sharp chest pains to signify love made me think young Robert needed a physician.
There's a lot of characters, some are mentioned then forgotten others appear dizzyingly en-mass. It's clearly a series. I was never clear how many were in the castle.
The whodunnit I thought was obvious at first glimpse of the culprit, it had potential to be amusing but how it plays out is ridiculous, as is the sudden drama-llama thrown in there with a resolution that made no sense to me. Suddenly everything was sorted and okay again, but I don't see how that saves any of them.
I'm not enough of a fan of historicals to talk accuracy but I know my gran's generation would never have used the word 'fuck' and this is set in the 1800's so to have nobility exclaim 'fuck...' as a curse directed to his sister felt wrong, as did the same character ordering 'fuck me' and casually calling the other man a bastard, something I would have expected to be taken literally or as a harsh jibe. The sudden forgoing of Tea in favour of Coffee is possible, but it did cause a niggle. As did a character paraphrasing Casablanca - the century before television was invented.
But then I knew reading the first line of the blurb that the author of this Scottish set book was American. Research is so easy today, in less time that it takes a kettle to boil google searches could solve the errors in this book!
Llynmore Castle in the Highlands. I highly doubt you'll find a Llyn anything in Scotland, I mean in WALES there's a Llŷn peninsula. That double 'LL' is Welsh NOT Scottish. To me Llynmore reads as Welsh with a layer of English.
The book setting is within the castle, there's no visuals and only the one Scot - we know this because he says 'ye' and occasionally 'didna' 'wasna' 'isna' so basically sounds like a recalcitrant toddler mid tantrum. Nae, nae, NAE. the Gaelic if anyone cares would be dinnae, wasnae...
And that's my kettle boiling.
June 8, 2021
Real Rating: 4.5* of five
99¢
Buy it. Read it. Enjoy it.
More to say but incoherently tired. The whole review is up at Expendable Mudge Muses Aloud.
99¢
Buy it. Read it. Enjoy it.
More to say but incoherently tired. The whole review is up at Expendable Mudge Muses Aloud.
November 3, 2018
This is the third book in a series where all other books are m/f, but this should not put you off. I read this as a standalone and had no trouble following it!
We all know that good historical m/m romance is not easy to come by. Lily Maxton is a totally new author to me, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself here.
And how can you not? It ticks a plethora of 'good vibe' buttons:
.) the setting: A castle in the Scottish Highlands. I know I'm totally biased about this, because anything tartan is close to my heart! So yes, this totally worked for me.
.) the MCs:
Robert, the friendly and outgoing brother of the Laird of the Castle, is just a sweetie-pie who wants to get on with everyone and be liked by all.
Ian, the gruff and monosyllabic factor of the castle, has worked hard to be where he is now and can't stand upper class 'idleness'.
.) the plot:
The push and pull between these two guys is so well written! They poke each other, they nudge and prod, and annoy the hell out of each other ... it was great fun to watch. Of course we know (as we're getting a dual POV) that both are fighting their attraction to the other.
I loved Robert for never giving up on Ian, trying to coax him out of his rough shell and make him smile.
The tame and very secondary 'mystery plot' mainly serves to get these two guys together, and that was fine with me! However, it is a bit too easy and convenient how everything works out in the end.
All in all - a very enjoyable affair!!
And there is a novella following up with these two...
We all know that good historical m/m romance is not easy to come by. Lily Maxton is a totally new author to me, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself here.
And how can you not? It ticks a plethora of 'good vibe' buttons:
.) the setting: A castle in the Scottish Highlands. I know I'm totally biased about this, because anything tartan is close to my heart! So yes, this totally worked for me.
.) the MCs:
Robert, the friendly and outgoing brother of the Laird of the Castle, is just a sweetie-pie who wants to get on with everyone and be liked by all.
Ian, the gruff and monosyllabic factor of the castle, has worked hard to be where he is now and can't stand upper class 'idleness'.
.) the plot:
The push and pull between these two guys is so well written! They poke each other, they nudge and prod, and annoy the hell out of each other ... it was great fun to watch. Of course we know (as we're getting a dual POV) that both are fighting their attraction to the other.
I loved Robert for never giving up on Ian, trying to coax him out of his rough shell and make him smile.
The tame and very secondary 'mystery plot' mainly serves to get these two guys together, and that was fine with me! However, it is a bit too easy and convenient how everything works out in the end.
All in all - a very enjoyable affair!!
And there is a novella following up with these two...
April 25, 2018
I've given this a B- at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars rounded up.
Lily Maxton’s series about the Townsend siblings continues with A Scot’s Surrender, in which the good-natured, carefree Robert Townsend meets his match. It’s a short, but entertaining read, and the author crafts a tender, sensual romance between Robert and Ian Cameron, the estate’s handsome factor – but while the interactions between the leads are generally charming, the plot which gives rise to those interactions is rather silly, and I knocked down my final grade a bit as a result.
We first met the Townsends – two brothers, two sisters – in Enchanting the Earl, in which war hero Theo Townsend unexpectedly inherited a Scottish earldom and a remote, somewhat bleak castle in the Highlands. Now, a couple of years on, Theo and his wife, Annabel, are blissfully happy, and the eldest Townsend sister, Eleanor, is married and living with her husband in Edinburgh. Theo’s younger brother Robert is a happy-go-lucky type who has a ready quip and a smile for everyone, thus giving the impression that he doesn’t have a care in the world and is happy to live a life of idleness, but the reality is somewhat different. Robert, though kind, warm and witty, is struggling to find his place in life; a second son, he has always felt overlooked, and though he loves his siblings dearly, has never felt any of them have ever really needed him.
With Theo and Annabel temporarily away, Robert is charged with overseeing the management of the castle and estate, and is determined to make sure all runs smoothly in his brother’s absence. This means regular meetings with Theo’s factor, Ian Cameron, whom Robert is sure dislikes him. Robert is a little put out by this, as he’s used to being liked by everyone he meets, but Cameron never smiles, never responds to Robert’s humorous remarks, and is generally very reserved – yet regardless of all that, Robert is in the grips of an attraction to the other man the like of which he’s never known. Robert has been attracted to men in the past, but never to this degree; his sexual experiences have so far been with women, yet he can’t ignore the desire he feels for Ian, even though he is sure the other man can’t possibly feel the same way.
Ian Cameron doesn’t like idle aristocrats who do nothing useful and live off the wealth of others. And Robert Townsend, with his easy manner, his handsome face and gorgeous, smoky voice is exactly the sort of man Ian despises. Except… Robert is extremely hard to dislike, and worse, Ian is intensely attracted to him. It’s easier to maintain a gruff, abrasive manner around Robert than to risk rejection (or worse) and Ian is sure that as soon as he is back in a home of his own and the earl returns, his stupid infatuation will disappear.
But fate takes a meddling hand in events when one night during a storm, a group of stranded travellers seek shelter at the castle, and Robert, quite naturally, offers them hospitality for as long as they need it. He quickly comes to regret this offer, however, when one of the ladies, Miss Worthington, discovers an item of jewellery is missing, another that she is missing gloves and a fan – and Mr. Worthington insists that Robert must make sure it is found and the culprit punished or he will take the matter to the authorities. When nothing is found in the servant’s quarters, suspicion falls on Ian – and seeing it will be faster for two to search the castle, Robert suggests that Ian helps him to find the missing bracelet and other items.
Their search naturally throws them together more frequently, and Ms. Maxton does a good job of gradually thawing Ian’s frosty outer shell and creating a strong emotional bond between the two men. There’s plenty of witty banter, some very funny moments (such as when Robert and Ian get trapped under a bed while an amorous couple do what amorous couples do on top of it!) and the scenes where they share a dram or two and gaze up at the stars are beautifully poignant. But sadly, the book is rather let down by the weakness of the ‘theft’ storyline (and the identity of the thief – huh?) and the ensuing bit of eleventh hour drama which is contrived and then dealt with in the space of a couple of chapters.
Were it not for the silliness of the plot, I’d probably have given A Scot’s Surrender a B grade; the central love story is tender and rather sweet as Ian gradually sheds his preconceived ideas about Robert and Robert discovers what it’s like to be needed and loved unconditionally. But the parts of the book that don’t relate to the romance are poorly conceived, so I’m going with a B- and a qualified recommendation.
Lily Maxton’s series about the Townsend siblings continues with A Scot’s Surrender, in which the good-natured, carefree Robert Townsend meets his match. It’s a short, but entertaining read, and the author crafts a tender, sensual romance between Robert and Ian Cameron, the estate’s handsome factor – but while the interactions between the leads are generally charming, the plot which gives rise to those interactions is rather silly, and I knocked down my final grade a bit as a result.
We first met the Townsends – two brothers, two sisters – in Enchanting the Earl, in which war hero Theo Townsend unexpectedly inherited a Scottish earldom and a remote, somewhat bleak castle in the Highlands. Now, a couple of years on, Theo and his wife, Annabel, are blissfully happy, and the eldest Townsend sister, Eleanor, is married and living with her husband in Edinburgh. Theo’s younger brother Robert is a happy-go-lucky type who has a ready quip and a smile for everyone, thus giving the impression that he doesn’t have a care in the world and is happy to live a life of idleness, but the reality is somewhat different. Robert, though kind, warm and witty, is struggling to find his place in life; a second son, he has always felt overlooked, and though he loves his siblings dearly, has never felt any of them have ever really needed him.
With Theo and Annabel temporarily away, Robert is charged with overseeing the management of the castle and estate, and is determined to make sure all runs smoothly in his brother’s absence. This means regular meetings with Theo’s factor, Ian Cameron, whom Robert is sure dislikes him. Robert is a little put out by this, as he’s used to being liked by everyone he meets, but Cameron never smiles, never responds to Robert’s humorous remarks, and is generally very reserved – yet regardless of all that, Robert is in the grips of an attraction to the other man the like of which he’s never known. Robert has been attracted to men in the past, but never to this degree; his sexual experiences have so far been with women, yet he can’t ignore the desire he feels for Ian, even though he is sure the other man can’t possibly feel the same way.
Ian Cameron doesn’t like idle aristocrats who do nothing useful and live off the wealth of others. And Robert Townsend, with his easy manner, his handsome face and gorgeous, smoky voice is exactly the sort of man Ian despises. Except… Robert is extremely hard to dislike, and worse, Ian is intensely attracted to him. It’s easier to maintain a gruff, abrasive manner around Robert than to risk rejection (or worse) and Ian is sure that as soon as he is back in a home of his own and the earl returns, his stupid infatuation will disappear.
But fate takes a meddling hand in events when one night during a storm, a group of stranded travellers seek shelter at the castle, and Robert, quite naturally, offers them hospitality for as long as they need it. He quickly comes to regret this offer, however, when one of the ladies, Miss Worthington, discovers an item of jewellery is missing, another that she is missing gloves and a fan – and Mr. Worthington insists that Robert must make sure it is found and the culprit punished or he will take the matter to the authorities. When nothing is found in the servant’s quarters, suspicion falls on Ian – and seeing it will be faster for two to search the castle, Robert suggests that Ian helps him to find the missing bracelet and other items.
Their search naturally throws them together more frequently, and Ms. Maxton does a good job of gradually thawing Ian’s frosty outer shell and creating a strong emotional bond between the two men. There’s plenty of witty banter, some very funny moments (such as when Robert and Ian get trapped under a bed while an amorous couple do what amorous couples do on top of it!) and the scenes where they share a dram or two and gaze up at the stars are beautifully poignant. But sadly, the book is rather let down by the weakness of the ‘theft’ storyline (and the identity of the thief – huh?) and the ensuing bit of eleventh hour drama which is contrived and then dealt with in the space of a couple of chapters.
Were it not for the silliness of the plot, I’d probably have given A Scot’s Surrender a B grade; the central love story is tender and rather sweet as Ian gradually sheds his preconceived ideas about Robert and Robert discovers what it’s like to be needed and loved unconditionally. But the parts of the book that don’t relate to the romance are poorly conceived, so I’m going with a B- and a qualified recommendation.
November 17, 2024
Another day, another Townsends tale to charm me...and inspire visions of Jamie Fraser...
First things first: hightail it to Amazon and get yourself a copy of Highland Haunting: A Halloween Story. When you finish this, read that. "But it's not Halloween...", you say. True, Highland Haunting IS a delightfully creepy seasonal interlude. But it is also an epilogue for Ian and Robert, displaying the strength of emotions and HEAT that were more subdued in A Scot’s Surrender. It increased my enjoyment of Robert and Ian's story two-fold.
That said, I still enjoyed A Scot's Surrender on its own. Not quite enemies but certainly not friends, Robert is the charming and sociable second son, and Ian is the gruff steward tending the family's estate. Robert is drawn to Ian, who seems repelled by him. In truth, Ian is compelled by Robert. But once burned Ian is hesitant, and he fights the attraction even as he and Robert form a tentative friendship. Both men have hidden depths and desires, and they reveal them to one another slowly and tenderly. The longing is delicious.
As is par for the course in The Townsends series, the story is filled with humor, engaging characters, good old-fashioned jealousy, and a smidgen of angst. Although I found myself wanting a bit "more" at the novel's conclusion, I got what I wanted in the Halloween novella.
A Scot's Surrender certainly works as a standalone, but I encourage friends to consider the entire series. Each installment gets better, yes, but you also come to root more deeply for the characters. These are entertaining stories, light and sweet, and I highly recommend them.
First things first: hightail it to Amazon and get yourself a copy of Highland Haunting: A Halloween Story. When you finish this, read that. "But it's not Halloween...", you say. True, Highland Haunting IS a delightfully creepy seasonal interlude. But it is also an epilogue for Ian and Robert, displaying the strength of emotions and HEAT that were more subdued in A Scot’s Surrender. It increased my enjoyment of Robert and Ian's story two-fold.
That said, I still enjoyed A Scot's Surrender on its own. Not quite enemies but certainly not friends, Robert is the charming and sociable second son, and Ian is the gruff steward tending the family's estate. Robert is drawn to Ian, who seems repelled by him. In truth, Ian is compelled by Robert. But once burned Ian is hesitant, and he fights the attraction even as he and Robert form a tentative friendship. Both men have hidden depths and desires, and they reveal them to one another slowly and tenderly. The longing is delicious.
As is par for the course in The Townsends series, the story is filled with humor, engaging characters, good old-fashioned jealousy, and a smidgen of angst. Although I found myself wanting a bit "more" at the novel's conclusion, I got what I wanted in the Halloween novella.
A Scot's Surrender certainly works as a standalone, but I encourage friends to consider the entire series. Each installment gets better, yes, but you also come to root more deeply for the characters. These are entertaining stories, light and sweet, and I highly recommend them.
November 21, 2019
*3.5 stars*
Very nice historical MM romance. What’s not to like anyway ? Robert, a very nice young man not frivolous at all, but sunny and caring for his family and Ian, Robert’s stewart, hard worker, loving the stars and crumbling in front of Robert.
Very nice settings, low on angst with some nice steam.
And the epilogue ? to be found in a way with Highland Haunting: A Halloween Story.
PS : **Thank you, Anne** for this gift : a nice addition to my historical MM romance shelf !! 😘
Very nice historical MM romance. What’s not to like anyway ? Robert, a very nice young man not frivolous at all, but sunny and caring for his family and Ian, Robert’s stewart, hard worker, loving the stars and crumbling in front of Robert.
Very nice settings, low on angst with some nice steam.
And the epilogue ? to be found in a way with Highland Haunting: A Halloween Story.
PS : **Thank you, Anne** for this gift : a nice addition to my historical MM romance shelf !! 😘
March 14, 2018
4.5 stars
I adored this! Really nice slow burn & fairly low angst. Plus a plot and characters that I don't feel like I've seen before.
I adored this! Really nice slow burn & fairly low angst. Plus a plot and characters that I don't feel like I've seen before.
September 1, 2018
3.5 stars! I think by now, anyone who reads and follows my reviews knows that I have a huge preference for historical romances so of course I had to read this book by Lily Maxton when I found it on kindle. Having read a couple of her books in the M/F genre a few years ago, I wasn't quite sure if she would be able to write something compelling with 2 MCs, but to my pleasant surprise this was quite an enjoyable book.
The plot was simple, Robert; the younger brother of an Earl is an amiable and likable person who doesn't hold himself to high standards or lofty goals. He tries to keep everyone happy and has a secret career. Ian on the other hand, despite being estranged from his family; keeps everyone at bay especially Robert, whom he thinks of as frivolous and lazy. Although they are from different social classes, their mutual attraction and resolve to solve a mystery (which can possibly incriminate Ian) brings them closer.
The mystery in the plot was weak and the side characters uninteresting; nevertheless both Robert and Ian's character development was very well written and the slow burn between them was quite good. For an author who has mostly written only M/F romances, this was a good attempt; not the best historical by any means.. but light and enjoyable. 👍
The plot was simple, Robert; the younger brother of an Earl is an amiable and likable person who doesn't hold himself to high standards or lofty goals. He tries to keep everyone happy and has a secret career. Ian on the other hand, despite being estranged from his family; keeps everyone at bay especially Robert, whom he thinks of as frivolous and lazy. Although they are from different social classes, their mutual attraction and resolve to solve a mystery (which can possibly incriminate Ian) brings them closer.
The mystery in the plot was weak and the side characters uninteresting; nevertheless both Robert and Ian's character development was very well written and the slow burn between them was quite good. For an author who has mostly written only M/F romances, this was a good attempt; not the best historical by any means.. but light and enjoyable. 👍
July 12, 2018
This was lovely! So so good.
March 14, 2018
Confession time...
I love historicals, at some point I felt I've read all the Historical MM writers possible.
I thought I knew them all. Like, come on.
And then I saw A Scot's Surrender by Lily Maxton.
Apparently, there was an author I didn't know of.
So I checked the book, therefore the writer and saw that this is a third book of series.
Not only that, but the other books are featuring M/F romance and that Maxton normally writes M/F.
And I thought- god, this is going to be an M/F, dressed as M/M...
But I still decided to give the book a try. And boy, was I wrong...
I finished it in two days. If it wasn't for real life interrupting me, I would've finished it even faster.
I LOVED the dialogue and smart exchanges between Ian and Robert,
/ " I don't entertain on command", he said.
"Like me? " the other man lifted an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed"./
their witty remarks and even the arguments.
One more thing- an intimate scene doesn't have to be extremely steamy to feel erotic, and I thought the tension and attraction between the two was so well presented that it kept me on edge for a good part of the book.
There's an interesting sub-plot of chasing a mysterious thief / not sure if I' m actually being correct by calling it a sub-plot , as this is the reason for the two totally different characters to start working together and communicating at all / and I must say- I was totally oblivious to who the thief was.
I felt so stupid at the end that it was funny.
I'd recommend the book to all readers who love enjoyable, historical MM romances with just a pinch of drama.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more of the author's books.
Actually, there's a character that makes an appearance by the end of the book- Theo, who got me VERY interested in him.
I might actually read Enchanting the Earl , which is the first story of the series, the one featuring him as a main character.
* Copy kindly provided by NetGalley in change for an honest review*
I love historicals, at some point I felt I've read all the Historical MM writers possible.
I thought I knew them all. Like, come on.
And then I saw A Scot's Surrender by Lily Maxton.
Apparently, there was an author I didn't know of.
So I checked the book, therefore the writer and saw that this is a third book of series.
Not only that, but the other books are featuring M/F romance and that Maxton normally writes M/F.
And I thought- god, this is going to be an M/F, dressed as M/M...
But I still decided to give the book a try. And boy, was I wrong...
I finished it in two days. If it wasn't for real life interrupting me, I would've finished it even faster.
I LOVED the dialogue and smart exchanges between Ian and Robert,
/ " I don't entertain on command", he said.
"Like me? " the other man lifted an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed"./
their witty remarks and even the arguments.
One more thing- an intimate scene doesn't have to be extremely steamy to feel erotic, and I thought the tension and attraction between the two was so well presented that it kept me on edge for a good part of the book.
There's an interesting sub-plot of chasing a mysterious thief / not sure if I' m actually being correct by calling it a sub-plot , as this is the reason for the two totally different characters to start working together and communicating at all / and I must say- I was totally oblivious to who the thief was.
I felt so stupid at the end that it was funny.
I'd recommend the book to all readers who love enjoyable, historical MM romances with just a pinch of drama.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more of the author's books.
Actually, there's a character that makes an appearance by the end of the book- Theo, who got me VERY interested in him.
I might actually read Enchanting the Earl , which is the first story of the series, the one featuring him as a main character.
* Copy kindly provided by NetGalley in change for an honest review*
March 13, 2018
Ian Cameron and Robert Townsend
What an excellent written warm story. It felt like a movie, written in a way easy to visualize .
The slow burn was superb done. The tension, attraction, the push and pull...somewhat stubborn headed.
So aware of each other presence, It was heavy and sensual.
Robert...open... vulnerable... humorous, kind and beautiful
Ian, a man with little use of words, hurt and vulnerable, a wall build around him, on his own, to just be and stay alone...
"Ian Cameron belonged only to himself."
There are situations so funny I slapped my hand on my mouth before I would make to much noise....other situations were throughly sad...desperate...
The whole story was as a warm quilt, intense and honest, sensual. Described in a way you can visualize it vividly. The shuddering, only by hearing the others voice...the exploration of each others body....I shuddered by reading... with thick sensuality....so intimate.
Wonderful historical environments and circumstances. Both Robert as Ian are well developed and the chemistry between them was palpable... I loved them
There are some nice side tales and it was an overall friendly story
Forbidden love almost impossible to continue or survive but thank god it did end with a HEA.
Kindly received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley
What an excellent written warm story. It felt like a movie, written in a way easy to visualize .
The slow burn was superb done. The tension, attraction, the push and pull...somewhat stubborn headed.
So aware of each other presence, It was heavy and sensual.
Robert...open... vulnerable... humorous, kind and beautiful
Ian, a man with little use of words, hurt and vulnerable, a wall build around him, on his own, to just be and stay alone...
"Ian Cameron belonged only to himself."
There are situations so funny I slapped my hand on my mouth before I would make to much noise....other situations were throughly sad...desperate...
The whole story was as a warm quilt, intense and honest, sensual. Described in a way you can visualize it vividly. The shuddering, only by hearing the others voice...the exploration of each others body....I shuddered by reading... with thick sensuality....so intimate.
Wonderful historical environments and circumstances. Both Robert as Ian are well developed and the chemistry between them was palpable... I loved them
There are some nice side tales and it was an overall friendly story
Forbidden love almost impossible to continue or survive but thank god it did end with a HEA.
Kindly received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley
February 18, 2019
Scot’s Surrender by Lily Maxton is the third story in her historical romance Townsend series. It’s also her first male/male romance and features an opposites attract story set in the Scottish countryside.
Robert Townsend is in charge of his family’s Lynmore Castle while his older brother is away. A fire at one of the cottages on their property lands the family’s factor, a taciturn and broody Scot from the highlands named Ian Cameron as an unexpected houseguest. Robert’s always been somewhat fascinated by Ian for reasons he’s been hesitant to name even to himself, though Ian clearly doesn’t think much of the easygoing and affable Robert.
If the stress of having Ian under his roof isn’t enough, some stranded travelers also end up at the castle, and within a few days of their arrival some of their belongings go missing. A charge of thievery could ruin any servant’s career, not to mention leaving Robert in the unenviable position of explaining yet another misfortune to befall the family to his older brother. Robert takes it upon himself to discover the truth, and while evidence initially points to Ian, it’s clear there’s more to the mystery. Conscripting Ian to help him means spending some time together, the result being the discovery that the animosity between them is really hiding a deeper passion. Becoming friends, then lovers, will Ian and Robert solve the mystery and figure out a way they can make their relationship a permanent one?
I’ve really enjoyed romances by Lily Maxton in the past as she writes engaging and interesting characters and she certainly does that here. Robert may be an aristocrat but he’s not the heir since he’s the younger son, and he’s got a secret that he’s keeping – he writes mysteries that have a popular following (even if the critics aren’t always so impressed). He’s a gentle and pleasant man who hasn’t ever explored his bisexuality before. But Ian is someone who stirs his appetite to find out more.
Ian left his home as a teenager when his family kicked him out upon finding out he was gay, and has never gone back. He’s a cynical man who trusts few and spends his days working on the land. His sexual experience is also limited due to the real possibility of being pilloried and jailed as homosexuality is illegal, and finding men willing to indulge means no names and furtive encounters with strangers. When he senses Robert’s interest, he is careful to keep his distance, but that only works for so long.
Robert is the one to make the first move, from which point Ian can no longer resist the attraction. Their love scenes are sexy and full of emotion due to the risk they know they are taking. Their connection becomes stronger as the days go by but once they solve the mystery of the missing items, they must also figure out if being together is really possible. Coming out to one’s family is fraught with danger in this time period and the easier route for Robert would be to marry. Fortunately they figure things out and the reader gets a satisfying happy ending. This is a low angst, slow burn, sexy romance between two men who are willing to risk much in order to be happy.
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-a-...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Robert Townsend is in charge of his family’s Lynmore Castle while his older brother is away. A fire at one of the cottages on their property lands the family’s factor, a taciturn and broody Scot from the highlands named Ian Cameron as an unexpected houseguest. Robert’s always been somewhat fascinated by Ian for reasons he’s been hesitant to name even to himself, though Ian clearly doesn’t think much of the easygoing and affable Robert.
If the stress of having Ian under his roof isn’t enough, some stranded travelers also end up at the castle, and within a few days of their arrival some of their belongings go missing. A charge of thievery could ruin any servant’s career, not to mention leaving Robert in the unenviable position of explaining yet another misfortune to befall the family to his older brother. Robert takes it upon himself to discover the truth, and while evidence initially points to Ian, it’s clear there’s more to the mystery. Conscripting Ian to help him means spending some time together, the result being the discovery that the animosity between them is really hiding a deeper passion. Becoming friends, then lovers, will Ian and Robert solve the mystery and figure out a way they can make their relationship a permanent one?
I’ve really enjoyed romances by Lily Maxton in the past as she writes engaging and interesting characters and she certainly does that here. Robert may be an aristocrat but he’s not the heir since he’s the younger son, and he’s got a secret that he’s keeping – he writes mysteries that have a popular following (even if the critics aren’t always so impressed). He’s a gentle and pleasant man who hasn’t ever explored his bisexuality before. But Ian is someone who stirs his appetite to find out more.
Ian left his home as a teenager when his family kicked him out upon finding out he was gay, and has never gone back. He’s a cynical man who trusts few and spends his days working on the land. His sexual experience is also limited due to the real possibility of being pilloried and jailed as homosexuality is illegal, and finding men willing to indulge means no names and furtive encounters with strangers. When he senses Robert’s interest, he is careful to keep his distance, but that only works for so long.
Robert is the one to make the first move, from which point Ian can no longer resist the attraction. Their love scenes are sexy and full of emotion due to the risk they know they are taking. Their connection becomes stronger as the days go by but once they solve the mystery of the missing items, they must also figure out if being together is really possible. Coming out to one’s family is fraught with danger in this time period and the easier route for Robert would be to marry. Fortunately they figure things out and the reader gets a satisfying happy ending. This is a low angst, slow burn, sexy romance between two men who are willing to risk much in order to be happy.
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-a-...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
March 14, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
A Scot’s Surrender was a really delightful surprise and I just loved it. I say surprise only because Lily Maxton is a new-to-me author, and this book is the third in a series where I haven’t read the other books. So I wasn’t sure quite what to expect from this one, but it is a really engaging historical with two characters I really enjoyed and a lovely romance.
The story is the third in the Townsends series, the first two of which were male/female romances. I had absolutely no trouble jumping in here as we get enough of a backstory on the family to easily pick up with the third book. While Robert’s siblings, Theo and Eleanor, who star in the first two books are mentioned here, they don’t appear in this story and we get enough information about them to carry things here. What I think makes this work particularly well is that in addition to giving us the basics on the previous storylines, Maxton also focuses on the impact of those events on Robert. He considers himself an average guy among stellar siblings and he also feels like he let the family down when Eleanor got into trouble during the last book. So he has this determination to show everyone that he has things under control, that he can lead and make decisions when needed, and that he can be counted upon. This sense of responsibility affects a lot of his behavior here and colors many of his actions, and Maxton does a really great job of showcasing his character.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
A Scot’s Surrender was a really delightful surprise and I just loved it. I say surprise only because Lily Maxton is a new-to-me author, and this book is the third in a series where I haven’t read the other books. So I wasn’t sure quite what to expect from this one, but it is a really engaging historical with two characters I really enjoyed and a lovely romance.
The story is the third in the Townsends series, the first two of which were male/female romances. I had absolutely no trouble jumping in here as we get enough of a backstory on the family to easily pick up with the third book. While Robert’s siblings, Theo and Eleanor, who star in the first two books are mentioned here, they don’t appear in this story and we get enough information about them to carry things here. What I think makes this work particularly well is that in addition to giving us the basics on the previous storylines, Maxton also focuses on the impact of those events on Robert. He considers himself an average guy among stellar siblings and he also feels like he let the family down when Eleanor got into trouble during the last book. So he has this determination to show everyone that he has things under control, that he can lead and make decisions when needed, and that he can be counted upon. This sense of responsibility affects a lot of his behavior here and colors many of his actions, and Maxton does a really great job of showcasing his character.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
January 13, 2019
Happy sigh. Enemies to friends to lovers. Slow burn. Full of stolen glances and hand clenches. SO ROMANTIC. So so good.
April 22, 2021
I have received a copy of this book by NetGalley, and Entangled Publishing, LLC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. This review will be posted on my Goodreads, Facebook page and Instagram.
I guess this is the first time/book that I read something of this author, and I can say that I will be reading more books by her. And of course, the others in this series, because this one is the 3rd one and I want to know more about this family.
Robert and Ian, from where should I start? They were a ridiculously cute and infuriating couple. First a couple of idiots and then a couple of lovers. And I say this in a kind and cute way, of course. I love them and above all, Robert, because I could see more things in him that Ian. They were hugely different and at the same time terribly similar. Is this making sense?
The story was short but with so many problems in it. I really hate society and its thoughts, but it made sense in this story what happened – closer to the end. I knew that in the end they would have a happy ending, but it still infuriated me the way there.
I loved the Townsend family, and that is why I want to read the other books too. They sound like a beautiful and different family. I saw that through Robert and Theo (right at the Finale).
I read this book in a heartbeat and I liked very much.
I guess this is the first time/book that I read something of this author, and I can say that I will be reading more books by her. And of course, the others in this series, because this one is the 3rd one and I want to know more about this family.
Robert and Ian, from where should I start? They were a ridiculously cute and infuriating couple. First a couple of idiots and then a couple of lovers. And I say this in a kind and cute way, of course. I love them and above all, Robert, because I could see more things in him that Ian. They were hugely different and at the same time terribly similar. Is this making sense?
The story was short but with so many problems in it. I really hate society and its thoughts, but it made sense in this story what happened – closer to the end. I knew that in the end they would have a happy ending, but it still infuriated me the way there.
I loved the Townsend family, and that is why I want to read the other books too. They sound like a beautiful and different family. I saw that through Robert and Theo (right at the Finale).
I read this book in a heartbeat and I liked very much.
April 3, 2018
This review first appeared at Romantic Historical Reviews.
A Scot’s Surrender is my first Lily Maxton book and though I didn’t love it, I liked it very much. As a fan of queer historical romance, I’m always on the lookout for new authors to follow and it was a nice surprise to discover Ms. Maxton incorporating two queer characters, one of whom is unapologetically bisexual, into the Townsends series. A Scot’s Surrender combines two popular tropes – opposites who suffer a big Misunderstanding – with the old adage not to judge a person before you know them. Our principals, who initially begrudge their inconvenient attraction to each other, find themselves partnered up after circumstances and events conspire to throw them together. I enjoyed everything about this story up until a late plot twist and the supremely convenient deus ex machina that resolves it, and that’s the only reason this story earns four stars and not four and a half. This is a sweetly satisfying and a charming entry in the Townsends series and although the novel features characters from the two previous books, it works well as a standalone.
When elder brother Theo, leaves with his wife on an extended trip, he leaves younger brother Robert in charge of Llynmore Castle and the estate. Robert, easygoing and affable, who strives to see the best in everyone and everything, is determined that nothing should go wrong while his brother is away. Unfortunately, his plan goes awry when shortly after Theo and Annabel’s departure, a fire breaks out on the estate. Among the cottages burned is that of Ian Cameron, Theo’s factor. Robert offers him a temporary home at the castle until the damage can be repaired, but it’s clear Ian is unhappy with the arrangement. Robert can’t understand why Ian dislikes him so intensely. Despite his best efforts to coax a smile or a laugh from Ian, the man seems determined to dislike him. He’s tried to simply ignore him, but when forced to live in close proximity to him, Robert is overwhelmed by his attraction to the taciturn and private man.
Ian Cameron has no desire to move into the castle and spend time with the idle aristocrat who currently calls it home. Robert Townsend is irritatingly handsome and charming, but he’s also wealthy and lazy – or so he supposes. Hard work and focused efforts are the touchstones of Ian’s life and he disdains the aimless life Robert (appears) to lead, and he resents his inconvenient attraction to Robert and avoids him whenever he can. When he’s forced to move into the castle after the fire, he rebuffs any kindness Robert offers and makes every effort to dissuade the man’s attempts to befriend him. He hopes his infatuation with Robert will fade and looks forward to the day when he can leave the castle and return to his cottage – alone.
Robert and Ian are confused and frustrated by their attraction to each other, and things between them might have remained strained… but this is a romance novel and Ms. Maxton has matchmaking in mind. Late one stormy evening a group of travelers arrives at Llynmore seeking shelter. Robert welcomes them and offers them a place to stay as long as they need it. The weather conspires to keep the group at the estate longer than Robert would like, but despite his anxiety about his unexpected guests, he’s confident he has the situation well in hand. That is, until some of their belongings go missing, and one of the guest suggests a servant must be the thief. Robert is equally certain he’s wrong, but as head of household while Theo is away, he’s forced to investigate and ensure the culprit is brought to justice.
To Robert’s dismay, his investigation leads him to Ian’s rooms… but when Ian discovers him searching within, Ms. Maxton twists the story once again and Ian and Robert put aside their differences to work together to find the true culprit. Robert despairs of disappointing Theo, or finding a thief amongst the staff, and he’s nervous about working with Ian; Ian is annoyed by the demands on his time and having to prove himself innocent of a crime he didn’t commit, as well as being anxious about spending time with Robert. Readers, however, are gleeful. It’s only a matter of time before these two dummies to realize THEY’RE PERFECT for each other and fall in love.
It’s quickly apparent to both men that they’ve made assumptions about each other that are flat out wrong and that Ian’s animosity is masking attraction (understatement). I loved how Ms. Maxton parallels and paces the development of Ian and Robert’s relationship with the investigation into the missing belongings. As their inquiry gains urgency – the guests want to Robert to identify and charge the thief – so, too, does their burgeoning romance. They finally transition from reluctant partners to lovers after Robert discovers Ian stargazing in his favorite hiding place. It’s a poignant scene filled with a fragile happiness and contentment… and it’s simply lovely. But happily ever after isn’t quite on the cards for these two. Shortly after their passionate affair gets underway, Ms. Maxton simultaneously resolves the mystery of the missing items and drives a wedge between them by introducing a ridiculous and completely unnecessary twist. Secondary characters are given a chance to shine – but truly, we didn’t need to get to know them and their subplot detracts from the central storyline.
I loved both Robert and Ian. These two men, from disparate backgrounds and experiences, find much to love in each other. Robert is a beloved brother who appears to live a charmed life – but he’s lost trying to find his purpose in life and show his family he’s more than just a pretty face and a charming personality. By contrast, Ian knows his place and purpose – but not his value. Rejected by his family, he’s never known love or affection and he’s anchorless without it. In finding each other, they find themselves. It’s a poignant message well executed by Ms. Maxton. She does a similarly masterful job incorporating her characters sexuality into the story. Ian is gay and it informs the development of his character; rejected by his family when his preference was made known, his affairs have been furtive and shameful… he’s a ‘virgin’ to love and affection before he meets Robert. Robert knows what it means to be loved, but despite his attraction to both sexes, he’s never had an intimate relationship with a man. Theirs is a perfect match – emotionally, physically and intellectually. Sigh. I liked them as a couple so much.
There’s much more to this story (unfortunately) than the relationship between Ian and Robert – but their relationship is the heart and best part of the novel. If not for the last minute twist and the events that lead up to it, I would recommend A Scot’s Surrender without reservation. Nevertheless, I still think it’s worthy of your time. And if you, like me, are new to Lily Maxton, it’s a strong introduction to her writing.
A Scot’s Surrender is my first Lily Maxton book and though I didn’t love it, I liked it very much. As a fan of queer historical romance, I’m always on the lookout for new authors to follow and it was a nice surprise to discover Ms. Maxton incorporating two queer characters, one of whom is unapologetically bisexual, into the Townsends series. A Scot’s Surrender combines two popular tropes – opposites who suffer a big Misunderstanding – with the old adage not to judge a person before you know them. Our principals, who initially begrudge their inconvenient attraction to each other, find themselves partnered up after circumstances and events conspire to throw them together. I enjoyed everything about this story up until a late plot twist and the supremely convenient deus ex machina that resolves it, and that’s the only reason this story earns four stars and not four and a half. This is a sweetly satisfying and a charming entry in the Townsends series and although the novel features characters from the two previous books, it works well as a standalone.
When elder brother Theo, leaves with his wife on an extended trip, he leaves younger brother Robert in charge of Llynmore Castle and the estate. Robert, easygoing and affable, who strives to see the best in everyone and everything, is determined that nothing should go wrong while his brother is away. Unfortunately, his plan goes awry when shortly after Theo and Annabel’s departure, a fire breaks out on the estate. Among the cottages burned is that of Ian Cameron, Theo’s factor. Robert offers him a temporary home at the castle until the damage can be repaired, but it’s clear Ian is unhappy with the arrangement. Robert can’t understand why Ian dislikes him so intensely. Despite his best efforts to coax a smile or a laugh from Ian, the man seems determined to dislike him. He’s tried to simply ignore him, but when forced to live in close proximity to him, Robert is overwhelmed by his attraction to the taciturn and private man.
Ian Cameron has no desire to move into the castle and spend time with the idle aristocrat who currently calls it home. Robert Townsend is irritatingly handsome and charming, but he’s also wealthy and lazy – or so he supposes. Hard work and focused efforts are the touchstones of Ian’s life and he disdains the aimless life Robert (appears) to lead, and he resents his inconvenient attraction to Robert and avoids him whenever he can. When he’s forced to move into the castle after the fire, he rebuffs any kindness Robert offers and makes every effort to dissuade the man’s attempts to befriend him. He hopes his infatuation with Robert will fade and looks forward to the day when he can leave the castle and return to his cottage – alone.
Robert and Ian are confused and frustrated by their attraction to each other, and things between them might have remained strained… but this is a romance novel and Ms. Maxton has matchmaking in mind. Late one stormy evening a group of travelers arrives at Llynmore seeking shelter. Robert welcomes them and offers them a place to stay as long as they need it. The weather conspires to keep the group at the estate longer than Robert would like, but despite his anxiety about his unexpected guests, he’s confident he has the situation well in hand. That is, until some of their belongings go missing, and one of the guest suggests a servant must be the thief. Robert is equally certain he’s wrong, but as head of household while Theo is away, he’s forced to investigate and ensure the culprit is brought to justice.
To Robert’s dismay, his investigation leads him to Ian’s rooms… but when Ian discovers him searching within, Ms. Maxton twists the story once again and Ian and Robert put aside their differences to work together to find the true culprit. Robert despairs of disappointing Theo, or finding a thief amongst the staff, and he’s nervous about working with Ian; Ian is annoyed by the demands on his time and having to prove himself innocent of a crime he didn’t commit, as well as being anxious about spending time with Robert. Readers, however, are gleeful. It’s only a matter of time before these two dummies to realize THEY’RE PERFECT for each other and fall in love.
It’s quickly apparent to both men that they’ve made assumptions about each other that are flat out wrong and that Ian’s animosity is masking attraction (understatement). I loved how Ms. Maxton parallels and paces the development of Ian and Robert’s relationship with the investigation into the missing belongings. As their inquiry gains urgency – the guests want to Robert to identify and charge the thief – so, too, does their burgeoning romance. They finally transition from reluctant partners to lovers after Robert discovers Ian stargazing in his favorite hiding place. It’s a poignant scene filled with a fragile happiness and contentment… and it’s simply lovely. But happily ever after isn’t quite on the cards for these two. Shortly after their passionate affair gets underway, Ms. Maxton simultaneously resolves the mystery of the missing items and drives a wedge between them by introducing a ridiculous and completely unnecessary twist. Secondary characters are given a chance to shine – but truly, we didn’t need to get to know them and their subplot detracts from the central storyline.
I loved both Robert and Ian. These two men, from disparate backgrounds and experiences, find much to love in each other. Robert is a beloved brother who appears to live a charmed life – but he’s lost trying to find his purpose in life and show his family he’s more than just a pretty face and a charming personality. By contrast, Ian knows his place and purpose – but not his value. Rejected by his family, he’s never known love or affection and he’s anchorless without it. In finding each other, they find themselves. It’s a poignant message well executed by Ms. Maxton. She does a similarly masterful job incorporating her characters sexuality into the story. Ian is gay and it informs the development of his character; rejected by his family when his preference was made known, his affairs have been furtive and shameful… he’s a ‘virgin’ to love and affection before he meets Robert. Robert knows what it means to be loved, but despite his attraction to both sexes, he’s never had an intimate relationship with a man. Theirs is a perfect match – emotionally, physically and intellectually. Sigh. I liked them as a couple so much.
There’s much more to this story (unfortunately) than the relationship between Ian and Robert – but their relationship is the heart and best part of the novel. If not for the last minute twist and the events that lead up to it, I would recommend A Scot’s Surrender without reservation. Nevertheless, I still think it’s worthy of your time. And if you, like me, are new to Lily Maxton, it’s a strong introduction to her writing.
March 16, 2018
“On impulse, he reached out to take Ian’s hand and threaded their fingers together. In the corner of his vision, he glimpsed the curve of Ian’s mouth. Warmth filled his chest, and he tipped his head back to look at the stars. Thanks to Ian, he could find the North Star now, every single time. The guiding star. The binary. Two stars that shared the same orbit. He always felt peaceful when he found it. Hopeful. Like everything he worried about might just fall into place.”
If Enchanting the Earl was a little too dark and The Rogue’s Conquest a little too light, A Scot’s Surrender was the best of both worlds. Dark and light also happens to best describe our total opposite heroes. Yes, it’s an opposites attract romance where the leads are trapped together in a Scottish castle and are then forced to team up via unforeseen circumstances, all while combating an ever growing attraction that becomes harder and harder to deny. Got all that? It’s okay if you didn’t because I happened to LOVE this book and plan to break down why I did in this review as best I can. Or course it just might be paragraph after paragraph of shameless squeeing. Either way, you’ll get my point. Hopefully.
Opposites attract. Forced proximity. ‘I can’t stand you, but I can’t stop thinking about you’. All well beloved tropes by me and all were used to A+ effect here. Robert, the younger Townsend brother, was your typical seemingly carefree aristocrat. That fact alone was enough to annoy the shit out of hardworking everyday man Ian Cameron. Of course the always friendly Robert didn’t quite understand the reasons behind the grumpy Scot’s aversion to his charm, and that proceeded to annoy the shit out of him. But when the men find themselves in a sticky situation, one accused of thievery, it forces them to unravel the mystery of who the real criminal is and as a result brings them closer together. What begins as a reluctant partnership soon morphs into a tentative friendship and more.
What made Robert and Ian’s admittedly quick romance believable for me was yes, the intense chemistry of course, but really it was Robert and Ian themselves. I lamented in my review of The Rogue’s Conquest about how Eleanor and James were fine enough characters, but not very interesting ones. That wasn’t the case with the leads here. Whether it was the tragic reason behind Ian’s avoiding of love and emotions of any kind, or Robert’s charm masking a deeper held insecurity, these characters were more than they seemed and it took the whole book to peel back every single layers that each possessed. Coincidentally, that’s also how the pair fell in love with each other. As their first impressions (it always comes back to Jane Austen doesn’t it?) shifted and evolved the closer they became, the more Ian found the courage to open up, confiding in Robert all about his past, his interests and the memories he never dared share with anyone. Robert bared his soul to Ian in kind, sharing his many hopes, dreams and yes, fears. Most of my favorite scenes were simply the two of them talking to each other. I know that sounds really boring, but it wasn’t. Because to me, that’s how love happens. It’s not always fireworks or instant gratification, but quiet, so quiet in fact that you don’t even realize it’s happened until you’ve already fallen hard and there’s no turning back.
“It’s not like the poems. It’s quieter. Calmer. More enduring. There can be despair and elation, but it’s so much more than that. It’s all the little moments together. It’s...laughing with each other, about the stupidest of things. It’s being able to talk to them, about anything, late into the night. It’s sitting side by side and not minding the silence. It’s the way you feel when they look at you. Simple things. Little things. That together, somehow, mean everything.”
Sorry. I got a little teary writing that out as you can well imagine. And THAT’S what was missing from the first two books in the series for me. That type of emotional connection you make with the main couple. Where you feel everything they feel. Where you’re anticipating the first kiss or first touch so much so that you forget the breathe. Or the moment you find yourself in total agony when circumstances push your couple apart, whether it be through outside forces like societal contempt or the complicated inner workings of a person’s heart. THIS ROMANCE GAVE ME ALL THOSE FEELS AND MORE. Robert and Ian were binaries. They were better, braver and burned brighter when together and would be lost in the dark without each other.
This book just so happened to mark Lily Maxton’s first foray into M/M romance and I have to say if I hadn’t known that to be true, I wouldn’t have even noticed. I found absolutely no hiccups or awkwardness in her writing style. It was just as it always is: crisp, raw and packed full of emotion. After this successful transition, I really hope she plans to write more M/M stories on top of her already wonderful M/F ones. Maybe even an F/F story at some point? Lord knows that’s an highly unexplored genre and I’d love to see Lily put her stamp on it. Although really, all I’m thinking about now is Georgina’s book. PLEASE LET IT BE AS GREAT AS GEORGE IS.
If Enchanting the Earl was a little too dark and The Rogue’s Conquest a little too light, A Scot’s Surrender was the best of both worlds. Dark and light also happens to best describe our total opposite heroes. Yes, it’s an opposites attract romance where the leads are trapped together in a Scottish castle and are then forced to team up via unforeseen circumstances, all while combating an ever growing attraction that becomes harder and harder to deny. Got all that? It’s okay if you didn’t because I happened to LOVE this book and plan to break down why I did in this review as best I can. Or course it just might be paragraph after paragraph of shameless squeeing. Either way, you’ll get my point. Hopefully.
Opposites attract. Forced proximity. ‘I can’t stand you, but I can’t stop thinking about you’. All well beloved tropes by me and all were used to A+ effect here. Robert, the younger Townsend brother, was your typical seemingly carefree aristocrat. That fact alone was enough to annoy the shit out of hardworking everyday man Ian Cameron. Of course the always friendly Robert didn’t quite understand the reasons behind the grumpy Scot’s aversion to his charm, and that proceeded to annoy the shit out of him. But when the men find themselves in a sticky situation, one accused of thievery, it forces them to unravel the mystery of who the real criminal is and as a result brings them closer together. What begins as a reluctant partnership soon morphs into a tentative friendship and more.
What made Robert and Ian’s admittedly quick romance believable for me was yes, the intense chemistry of course, but really it was Robert and Ian themselves. I lamented in my review of The Rogue’s Conquest about how Eleanor and James were fine enough characters, but not very interesting ones. That wasn’t the case with the leads here. Whether it was the tragic reason behind Ian’s avoiding of love and emotions of any kind, or Robert’s charm masking a deeper held insecurity, these characters were more than they seemed and it took the whole book to peel back every single layers that each possessed. Coincidentally, that’s also how the pair fell in love with each other. As their first impressions (it always comes back to Jane Austen doesn’t it?) shifted and evolved the closer they became, the more Ian found the courage to open up, confiding in Robert all about his past, his interests and the memories he never dared share with anyone. Robert bared his soul to Ian in kind, sharing his many hopes, dreams and yes, fears. Most of my favorite scenes were simply the two of them talking to each other. I know that sounds really boring, but it wasn’t. Because to me, that’s how love happens. It’s not always fireworks or instant gratification, but quiet, so quiet in fact that you don’t even realize it’s happened until you’ve already fallen hard and there’s no turning back.
“It’s not like the poems. It’s quieter. Calmer. More enduring. There can be despair and elation, but it’s so much more than that. It’s all the little moments together. It’s...laughing with each other, about the stupidest of things. It’s being able to talk to them, about anything, late into the night. It’s sitting side by side and not minding the silence. It’s the way you feel when they look at you. Simple things. Little things. That together, somehow, mean everything.”
Sorry. I got a little teary writing that out as you can well imagine. And THAT’S what was missing from the first two books in the series for me. That type of emotional connection you make with the main couple. Where you feel everything they feel. Where you’re anticipating the first kiss or first touch so much so that you forget the breathe. Or the moment you find yourself in total agony when circumstances push your couple apart, whether it be through outside forces like societal contempt or the complicated inner workings of a person’s heart. THIS ROMANCE GAVE ME ALL THOSE FEELS AND MORE. Robert and Ian were binaries. They were better, braver and burned brighter when together and would be lost in the dark without each other.
This book just so happened to mark Lily Maxton’s first foray into M/M romance and I have to say if I hadn’t known that to be true, I wouldn’t have even noticed. I found absolutely no hiccups or awkwardness in her writing style. It was just as it always is: crisp, raw and packed full of emotion. After this successful transition, I really hope she plans to write more M/M stories on top of her already wonderful M/F ones. Maybe even an F/F story at some point? Lord knows that’s an highly unexplored genre and I’d love to see Lily put her stamp on it. Although really, all I’m thinking about now is Georgina’s book. PLEASE LET IT BE AS GREAT AS GEORGE IS.
April 30, 2018
Between 2 and 3 stars. As much as I enjoyed Robert and Ian as characters, the storylines were silly. This reminded me of what I don’t miss in MF romance.
Want to read
July 28, 20187/28/18 Currently 99c via Amazon: http://a.co/cW7H9fK
February 23, 2018
3.5 stars
I'll start off by saying that I have not read the first two books in the Townsend series. Since they are MF and I generally don't read MF. But I don't think it matters. It wasn't until the end, where you encounter some of the secondary characters, that I remembered that it was a series.
The first two books in the series is MF and deals with the two elder Townsend siblings.
This is Lily Maxton's first mm romance.
I must admit that when I look at Lily Maxton's other book covers, they represent everything that I abhor about MF romance books. I know that Maxton probably haven't got a lot to say about the covers for her books, and they might not even be representing the actual story, but generic images to convey "MF Historical Romance". I know that, and still I would never pick up one of her books in a bookstore.book store.
That being said, since I haven't read any of Maxton's female-male relationship books, I cannot say, whether or not they reflect my preconceived prejudices. In this case I'm only judging the covers. And this is just my humble, subjective opinion. Readers of her other books might be apprehensive about reading a MM story. However, they should not be.
But now Maxton had written her first male-male historical romance, and I got the chance to review her book. I had to because... Highlanders... in a kilt... need I say more?
And even the cover kind of express why I read MM romance, since none of persons on the cover look submissive and subjugated... so that is a good start.
The story is about the brother of the Earl, Robert Townsend, who is living temporally as a very upscale housesitter in Llynmore Castle and Ian Cameron, the estate’s stoic steward. It is an almost enemy-to-lovers story between two men of very different temperament and place in society. I'm saying almost because we as the knowingly, perceptive readers know, that their animosity is caused by an unwilling attraction between the two men.
Robert is a bisexual man without any male experience, and Ian is a bitter, gay man scarred by his upbringing.
The actual plot and theme is quite vague. The backdrop serves only as a mean to push the two men together.
It is a Shakespearean story characterized by mishaps, predicaments, misunderstandings, and false accusations of premarital dalliances, with tragic farcical elements which seem rather absurd and somewhat ridiculous (like the case with the cat, and the situation where Miss Worthington and Robert Townsend were caught in flagrante delicto).
It was entertaining, at times, sweet, at times sexy. It had funny moments and there were the more serious, and angsty side to the characters. Maxton knows how to write a story. If you read the book for what it is, easy-to-read entertainment with a little bit of anxiety, then you will definitely enjoy this book. I generally prefer stories with a darker mood and a little more meat on (I'm not talking about THAT kind of meat... get out of the gutter!). I should say that I wouldn't characterize the book as a comedy. It has some entertaining moments and some funny, satirical bantering, but both men have anxieties and emotional baggage to work through before they can settle in a relationship.
But the angst is low and not as permeating and intense as I would prefer. I love the historical MM Romance books because the angst about entering an illegal and illicit relationship, make the apprehension and foreboding anxiety almost corporal and cause a tightening in the stomach, throughout the story. That doesn't happen here and I wished that I could feel the characters and their predicament more. This is a light angsty version.
But then again, sometimes it's nice to lay all the depressive and gloomy thoughts on the shelf and just float along. So light the candles and delve into the cozy blanket, and enjoy the book.
This was given to me by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I'll start off by saying that I have not read the first two books in the Townsend series. Since they are MF and I generally don't read MF. But I don't think it matters. It wasn't until the end, where you encounter some of the secondary characters, that I remembered that it was a series.
The first two books in the series is MF and deals with the two elder Townsend siblings.
This is Lily Maxton's first mm romance.
I must admit that when I look at Lily Maxton's other book covers, they represent everything that I abhor about MF romance books. I know that Maxton probably haven't got a lot to say about the covers for her books, and they might not even be representing the actual story, but generic images to convey "MF Historical Romance". I know that, and still I would never pick up one of her books in a bookstore.book store.
That being said, since I haven't read any of Maxton's female-male relationship books, I cannot say, whether or not they reflect my preconceived prejudices. In this case I'm only judging the covers. And this is just my humble, subjective opinion. Readers of her other books might be apprehensive about reading a MM story. However, they should not be.
But now Maxton had written her first male-male historical romance, and I got the chance to review her book. I had to because... Highlanders... in a kilt... need I say more?
And even the cover kind of express why I read MM romance, since none of persons on the cover look submissive and subjugated... so that is a good start.
The story is about the brother of the Earl, Robert Townsend, who is living temporally as a very upscale housesitter in Llynmore Castle and Ian Cameron, the estate’s stoic steward. It is an almost enemy-to-lovers story between two men of very different temperament and place in society. I'm saying almost because we as the knowingly, perceptive readers know, that their animosity is caused by an unwilling attraction between the two men.
Robert is a bisexual man without any male experience, and Ian is a bitter, gay man scarred by his upbringing.
The actual plot and theme is quite vague. The backdrop serves only as a mean to push the two men together.
It is a Shakespearean story characterized by mishaps, predicaments, misunderstandings, and false accusations of premarital dalliances, with tragic farcical elements which seem rather absurd and somewhat ridiculous (like the case with the cat, and the situation where Miss Worthington and Robert Townsend were caught in flagrante delicto).
It was entertaining, at times, sweet, at times sexy. It had funny moments and there were the more serious, and angsty side to the characters. Maxton knows how to write a story. If you read the book for what it is, easy-to-read entertainment with a little bit of anxiety, then you will definitely enjoy this book. I generally prefer stories with a darker mood and a little more meat on (I'm not talking about THAT kind of meat... get out of the gutter!). I should say that I wouldn't characterize the book as a comedy. It has some entertaining moments and some funny, satirical bantering, but both men have anxieties and emotional baggage to work through before they can settle in a relationship.
But the angst is low and not as permeating and intense as I would prefer. I love the historical MM Romance books because the angst about entering an illegal and illicit relationship, make the apprehension and foreboding anxiety almost corporal and cause a tightening in the stomach, throughout the story. That doesn't happen here and I wished that I could feel the characters and their predicament more. This is a light angsty version.
But then again, sometimes it's nice to lay all the depressive and gloomy thoughts on the shelf and just float along. So light the candles and delve into the cozy blanket, and enjoy the book.
This was given to me by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 4, 2023
I've given this a B for narration and a B- for content at AudioGals. 3.5 stars
A Scot’s Surrender is the third book in Lily Maxton’s series about the four Townsend siblings, who all relocate to the Highlands when the eldest brother, Theo, unexpectedly inherits a Scottish earldom and the remote Lynmore Castle. This is the only m/m book in the set; I read the series when it first came out (2018-2019), and it’s perfectly possible to listen to this one as a standalone as the storylines are not connected.
It’s been two years since Theo inherited and the family moved to Scotland, and in that time, Theo has found love and happiness with his wife, Annabel, and the elder sister, Eleanor, is now living in Edinburgh with her husband. With Theo and Annabel away for a short time, younger brother Robert is charged with overseeing the running of the castle and estate and making sure all runs smoothly, a responsibility he takes very seriously. This means taking regular meetings with Theo’s handsome but dour factor, Ian Cameron, whom Robert is sure has taken him in dislike. He doesn’t know why – he’s always been perfectly pleasant to the man – and is actually rather put out, as he’s used to being liked by everyone he meets, yet Cameron never smiles, never responds to any of Robert’s quips and is generally taciturn and disapproving. Despite all that however, Robert is attracted to the other man with an intensity the like of which he’s never felt before. Robert’s previous sexual partners have been women, but he’s been attracted to men in the past, even though he’s never acted on it. But it’s a moot point, as there’s no way Cameron can possibly feel the same.
Ian’s dislike of Robert has less to do with Robert himself than it does with the fact that he dislikes entitled aristocrats who live off the hard work of others… and because Robert is so very charming and good-natured and nice to look at that it’s hard to dislike him for himself. Ian doesn’t want to find Robert attractive, and it’s easier to maintain a gruff, abrasive manner around him than to risk Robert finding out about Ian’s infatuation and making fun of it or rejecting him.
It seems these two are destined to remain at loggerheads when fate takes a hand. During a storm, a group of stranded travellers arrives at the castle seeking shelter. Naturally, Robert offers them a place to stay for as long as they need it – but comes to regret that decision when, next day, one of the ladies discovers an item of jewellery has gone missing, and another that some trinkets have disappeared. Mr. Worthington, the head of the party, insists Robert must find the culprit – he’s sure it must be one of the servants – and make sure they are punished or he will go to the authorities. Robert is not at all pleased at Worthington’s assumptions – he doesn’t believe any of the servants would do such a thing, but with the other man breathing down his neck, he and his sister Georgina set about searching the servant’s quarters. When they don’t find the missing items, Worthington immediately casts suspicion on Ian, at which point Robert suggests they – he and Ian – should search the castle together to speed up the process.
That’s the set-up which allows Robert and Ian to spend time together and start getting to know each other properly, and the author does a good job of showing Ian’s frosty shell gradually starting to thaw as he comes to realise that Robert isn’t the superficial good-for-nothing he’d believed him to be. He’d thought Robert’s friends-with-everyone attitude was just an act, but he discovers Robert really does care for others’ comfort before his own, that he’s kind and warm and witty, a genuinely good person who cares deeply for his brother and sisters, even though he’s unsure of his place in the family unit. Robert learns the truth about Ian’s estrangement from his family and how unhappy it makes him, how his grumpy exterior is a form of self-protection.
Their daily searches encompass some nicely judged banter and some humorous situations, such as when they have to hide under a bed while a couple gets busy on top of it (!), and there are also some quieter, intimate moments of shared connection and understanding such as the scene in which they share a dram or two and Ian opens up to Robert about his love of stargazing. They’re a well-matched couple, giving each other the kind of unconditional love and support they were missing in their lives.
A Scot’s Surrender is a fairly short listen, and the romance at its heart is sweet and sensual, but there are a few things that really didn’t work for me. One is that the lost property plot is such an obvious contrivance; and as if that wasn’t bad enough, the identity of the culprit is downright silly. Another is the last minute drama shoe-horned into the final few chapters, which is then so very conveniently resolved. I also had to side-eye the first sex scene where Robert, who has never had sex with a man, gives Ian the perfect blowjob on the very first try. I suppose there is at least the likelihood of Robert’s having been on the receiving end and having a rough idea of what to do, but I felt like I was back in m/f historical territory where the inexperienced heroine somehow ‘instinctively’ knows what to do.
I haven’t listened to Dave Gillies before, but he acquits himself well here, delivering a well-paced, nicely modulated performance with clear differentiation and a good variety of vocal characterisations. He reads the narrative portions of the story in his natural Scottish accent – which he also uses to good effect to portray Ian and some of the other minor characters – and switches easily between that and an upper-crust English accent for Robert, his sister Georgina, Wentworth and the other guests. He voices the main female speaking roles distinctively and effectively, and conveys the changing relationship between Robert and Ian well, Ian’s slow thaw apparent in a growing warmth in his voice. Mr. Gillies’ voice is pleasant to listen to, although sometimes it’s a little too pleasant – by which I mean it’s very measured and even-toned, so that sometimes I found myself zoning out and listening to the sound rather than the words, if that makes sense – and on occasion I noted some repetitive inflection and intonation that bordered on ‘sing-song’. Overall though, it’s a solid performance that fits the story, and I’d certainly listen to Dave Gillies again.
A Scot’s Surrender didn’t set my world alight, but it’s an enjoyable, low-angst historical romance featuring two well-drawn leads who manage to overcome the silliness of the plot. Recommended if you’re in the mood to kick back with a nice, undemanding listen.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
A Scot’s Surrender is the third book in Lily Maxton’s series about the four Townsend siblings, who all relocate to the Highlands when the eldest brother, Theo, unexpectedly inherits a Scottish earldom and the remote Lynmore Castle. This is the only m/m book in the set; I read the series when it first came out (2018-2019), and it’s perfectly possible to listen to this one as a standalone as the storylines are not connected.
It’s been two years since Theo inherited and the family moved to Scotland, and in that time, Theo has found love and happiness with his wife, Annabel, and the elder sister, Eleanor, is now living in Edinburgh with her husband. With Theo and Annabel away for a short time, younger brother Robert is charged with overseeing the running of the castle and estate and making sure all runs smoothly, a responsibility he takes very seriously. This means taking regular meetings with Theo’s handsome but dour factor, Ian Cameron, whom Robert is sure has taken him in dislike. He doesn’t know why – he’s always been perfectly pleasant to the man – and is actually rather put out, as he’s used to being liked by everyone he meets, yet Cameron never smiles, never responds to any of Robert’s quips and is generally taciturn and disapproving. Despite all that however, Robert is attracted to the other man with an intensity the like of which he’s never felt before. Robert’s previous sexual partners have been women, but he’s been attracted to men in the past, even though he’s never acted on it. But it’s a moot point, as there’s no way Cameron can possibly feel the same.
Ian’s dislike of Robert has less to do with Robert himself than it does with the fact that he dislikes entitled aristocrats who live off the hard work of others… and because Robert is so very charming and good-natured and nice to look at that it’s hard to dislike him for himself. Ian doesn’t want to find Robert attractive, and it’s easier to maintain a gruff, abrasive manner around him than to risk Robert finding out about Ian’s infatuation and making fun of it or rejecting him.
It seems these two are destined to remain at loggerheads when fate takes a hand. During a storm, a group of stranded travellers arrives at the castle seeking shelter. Naturally, Robert offers them a place to stay for as long as they need it – but comes to regret that decision when, next day, one of the ladies discovers an item of jewellery has gone missing, and another that some trinkets have disappeared. Mr. Worthington, the head of the party, insists Robert must find the culprit – he’s sure it must be one of the servants – and make sure they are punished or he will go to the authorities. Robert is not at all pleased at Worthington’s assumptions – he doesn’t believe any of the servants would do such a thing, but with the other man breathing down his neck, he and his sister Georgina set about searching the servant’s quarters. When they don’t find the missing items, Worthington immediately casts suspicion on Ian, at which point Robert suggests they – he and Ian – should search the castle together to speed up the process.
That’s the set-up which allows Robert and Ian to spend time together and start getting to know each other properly, and the author does a good job of showing Ian’s frosty shell gradually starting to thaw as he comes to realise that Robert isn’t the superficial good-for-nothing he’d believed him to be. He’d thought Robert’s friends-with-everyone attitude was just an act, but he discovers Robert really does care for others’ comfort before his own, that he’s kind and warm and witty, a genuinely good person who cares deeply for his brother and sisters, even though he’s unsure of his place in the family unit. Robert learns the truth about Ian’s estrangement from his family and how unhappy it makes him, how his grumpy exterior is a form of self-protection.
Their daily searches encompass some nicely judged banter and some humorous situations, such as when they have to hide under a bed while a couple gets busy on top of it (!), and there are also some quieter, intimate moments of shared connection and understanding such as the scene in which they share a dram or two and Ian opens up to Robert about his love of stargazing. They’re a well-matched couple, giving each other the kind of unconditional love and support they were missing in their lives.
A Scot’s Surrender is a fairly short listen, and the romance at its heart is sweet and sensual, but there are a few things that really didn’t work for me. One is that the lost property plot is such an obvious contrivance; and as if that wasn’t bad enough, the identity of the culprit is downright silly. Another is the last minute drama shoe-horned into the final few chapters, which is then so very conveniently resolved. I also had to side-eye the first sex scene where Robert, who has never had sex with a man, gives Ian the perfect blowjob on the very first try. I suppose there is at least the likelihood of Robert’s having been on the receiving end and having a rough idea of what to do, but I felt like I was back in m/f historical territory where the inexperienced heroine somehow ‘instinctively’ knows what to do.
I haven’t listened to Dave Gillies before, but he acquits himself well here, delivering a well-paced, nicely modulated performance with clear differentiation and a good variety of vocal characterisations. He reads the narrative portions of the story in his natural Scottish accent – which he also uses to good effect to portray Ian and some of the other minor characters – and switches easily between that and an upper-crust English accent for Robert, his sister Georgina, Wentworth and the other guests. He voices the main female speaking roles distinctively and effectively, and conveys the changing relationship between Robert and Ian well, Ian’s slow thaw apparent in a growing warmth in his voice. Mr. Gillies’ voice is pleasant to listen to, although sometimes it’s a little too pleasant – by which I mean it’s very measured and even-toned, so that sometimes I found myself zoning out and listening to the sound rather than the words, if that makes sense – and on occasion I noted some repetitive inflection and intonation that bordered on ‘sing-song’. Overall though, it’s a solid performance that fits the story, and I’d certainly listen to Dave Gillies again.
A Scot’s Surrender didn’t set my world alight, but it’s an enjoyable, low-angst historical romance featuring two well-drawn leads who manage to overcome the silliness of the plot. Recommended if you’re in the mood to kick back with a nice, undemanding listen.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
August 9, 2018
A true 2.5 where I am conflicted as to if I should round up or down. I’m going with rounding up since this is the authors first m/m. I enjoyed the book overall but the book and I got off to a rocky start. I was well aware this book was the 3rd in a series. But since m/m is definitively a different genre, I felt the author should have spent more time introducing these people. Everything felt choppy and awkward. And while some say this is a slow burn I felt it was the exact opposite. The feelings came hard and fast for these guys. Still, I would read another m/m book by this author, but I’m not interested enough to seek out her other m/f historicals at the moment.
May 21, 2021
Loved! Loved! Loved!!
Ian Cameron and Robert Townsend’s story is excellently written! This story featured a few of my favorite things (It was like Christmas!!)
✔️Slow Burn — Oh yeah! Made me very happy!
✔️The Unresolved Sexual Tension— Superb!
✔️Characters that are slightly flawed — Yet together they are perfection!
✔️Forbidden love
✔️Hot Scot’s
Need I say more?
In case you can’t tell this story hit all my buttons. 😍
Vividly written historical environments and circumstances. This author holds nothing back! Both Robert as Ian are well developed and the chemistry between them was palpable... I loved them
5 Stars!!
Ian Cameron and Robert Townsend’s story is excellently written! This story featured a few of my favorite things (It was like Christmas!!)
✔️Slow Burn — Oh yeah! Made me very happy!
✔️The Unresolved Sexual Tension— Superb!
✔️Characters that are slightly flawed — Yet together they are perfection!
✔️Forbidden love
✔️Hot Scot’s
Need I say more?
In case you can’t tell this story hit all my buttons. 😍
Vividly written historical environments and circumstances. This author holds nothing back! Both Robert as Ian are well developed and the chemistry between them was palpable... I loved them
5 Stars!!
February 26, 2018
This was the first time I read a book by Lily Maxton, and I really enjoyed it! A Scot's Surrender is actually the third book in The Townsends series, but can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the previous two books, but I didn't feel lost at any time. That beings said, I definitely need to get my hands on those earlier books because I really enjoyed this authors writing.
Robert is used to having everyone like him, so it drives him nuts that Ian doesn't seem to like him at all. That's not the only things driving him crazy about Ian, Robert came seem to stop his thoughts from straying to him and he feels drawn to him. Robert is also a people-pleaser. He wants everyone around him to be happy. He's very close to his family but he has some big secrets he's been keeping from them. One is that he is bisexual and the other is that he is a writer and wrote a successful book.
Ian is very guarded and keeps all of his feelings hidden from everyone around him. After being kicked out of his house at a young age for being gay, he has trouble trusting people. Since leaving his childhood home, he has worked hard for everything that he has. He tries his hardest to only see the "bad" qualities in Robert in order to keep him at arm's length. He sees Robert as a concieted, lazy man living off of his brother's wealth, but he eventually discovers how wrong he's been.
This was a slow burn kind of romance and I really loved how the trust slowly built between them. Their relationship was really strained at first because Ian was always tossing barbs his way, but Robert's persistence eventually won out. It grew to an almost begrudging friendship on Ian's part, and then turned into more. I really loved these two together. I feel like Historical MM romances can be tricky because same sex relationships were obviously not as accepted as they are now, so it can be tough coming to a believable happy ending but I thought the author did that really well. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
* I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. *
Robert is used to having everyone like him, so it drives him nuts that Ian doesn't seem to like him at all. That's not the only things driving him crazy about Ian, Robert came seem to stop his thoughts from straying to him and he feels drawn to him. Robert is also a people-pleaser. He wants everyone around him to be happy. He's very close to his family but he has some big secrets he's been keeping from them. One is that he is bisexual and the other is that he is a writer and wrote a successful book.
Ian is very guarded and keeps all of his feelings hidden from everyone around him. After being kicked out of his house at a young age for being gay, he has trouble trusting people. Since leaving his childhood home, he has worked hard for everything that he has. He tries his hardest to only see the "bad" qualities in Robert in order to keep him at arm's length. He sees Robert as a concieted, lazy man living off of his brother's wealth, but he eventually discovers how wrong he's been.
This was a slow burn kind of romance and I really loved how the trust slowly built between them. Their relationship was really strained at first because Ian was always tossing barbs his way, but Robert's persistence eventually won out. It grew to an almost begrudging friendship on Ian's part, and then turned into more. I really loved these two together. I feel like Historical MM romances can be tricky because same sex relationships were obviously not as accepted as they are now, so it can be tough coming to a believable happy ending but I thought the author did that really well. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
* I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. *
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