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Besotted Scots #2
To Wed a Wild Scot
Some brides like it wilder…
A single lady of birth, beauty, and large fortune should not have this much trouble making a match. Yet after two failed betrothals, Lady Juliana Bernard is in a bind. She must find a husband at once or lose guardianship of her beloved niece. Her childhood friend the Duke of Blackmore is her last, best hope, but once she tracks him down in Scotland, she receives startling news.
First, the duke is already engaged. Second, it’s his brother Logan’s fault Juliana is now lacking a bridegroom. So, what’s a lady to do when she’s lost her betrothed? Marry his scandalous brother, the Laird of Clan Kinross.
Wooing does not go well at first. But just as Juliana begins to welcome the boisterous but tenderhearted Scot into her life (and her bed), secrets come between them once more. And it will take a determined husband indeed to ensure that a marriage begun in haste leads not to heartache…but to love.
A single lady of birth, beauty, and large fortune should not have this much trouble making a match. Yet after two failed betrothals, Lady Juliana Bernard is in a bind. She must find a husband at once or lose guardianship of her beloved niece. Her childhood friend the Duke of Blackmore is her last, best hope, but once she tracks him down in Scotland, she receives startling news.
First, the duke is already engaged. Second, it’s his brother Logan’s fault Juliana is now lacking a bridegroom. So, what’s a lady to do when she’s lost her betrothed? Marry his scandalous brother, the Laird of Clan Kinross.
Wooing does not go well at first. But just as Juliana begins to welcome the boisterous but tenderhearted Scot into her life (and her bed), secrets come between them once more. And it will take a determined husband indeed to ensure that a marriage begun in haste leads not to heartache…but to love.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2019
334 people are currently reading
1052 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bradley
52 books844 followersAnna Bradley writes Regency and Georgian historical romance with heat, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, and Library Journal, and her debut novel won the Romantic Times’ award for Best First Historical.
Anna is originally from New England, but now makes her home in Oregon, where she lives with her family, an overgrown English garden and a menagerie of wayward pets. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably hiding in a corner reading, chasing the dog, or herding the cats. Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Anna is originally from New England, but now makes her home in Oregon, where she lives with her family, an overgrown English garden and a menagerie of wayward pets. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably hiding in a corner reading, chasing the dog, or herding the cats. Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
August 17, 2020
The plot in summary: Julianna was way too good for Logan and they both had ridiculous communication issues. That’s the review.
February 9, 2020
There was too much that was unrealistic for me — marathon horse travel with no complaints of soreness or stiffness, which was followed by the heroine risking her life for a lamb and falling into a lake and the hero continuing to conduct business with her in wet clothes waiting. Why did they fall for each other? The hero was a stubborn jerk for much of the first half. And the heroine took too many risks for someone in desperate straits. I simply didn’t buy in to the romance, though I still feel Bradley has a deft hand. Her writing has a way of making you overlook plot holes, which I have noticed before but it was too much this time.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
July 26, 2019
2.5 stars rounded up because the author is one of my favorites and knows how to write. I just did not enjoy this particular story, and I fear I will be in the minority with that.
I think most people will like the book for the spirited heroine, but I didn't enjoy for exactly that reason. There is also a lot of relationship drama and angst, both of which I just hate. I get that both characters are scared, but the amount of misunderstandings and constant jumping to conclusions on both sides made it hard for me to invest in such an unstable relationship. Yes, it starts under the worst circumstances, but I was hoping there would be a lot more open communication. They did talk after one of them started jumping to conclusions, which is the only reason I kept reading. But really, up until the very last page insecurity and jealousy got in the way of those two trusting each other and being happy, and it annoyed me. But again, that is a very personal pet peeve of mine.
I did love the setting (it felt like a lot of research went into the background, especially the Highland Clearances) and the hero's love for his clan and his land was admirable and made me like him instantly. He's a wonderful guy who fights for his people, and who could resist that.
But the heroine constantly jumping to the worst conclusions (yes, I get it, two guys who were engaged to her fell in love with other people) made it hard for me to sympathize with her (which is a personal flaw and I bet everyone but me will love her).
So if you don't mind a dose of angst in your romance and like your characters a bit flawed, you will probably enjoy this more than I did.
I do love Anna Bradley's writing, and my rating is simply based on the usage of tropes I really dislike.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I think most people will like the book for the spirited heroine, but I didn't enjoy for exactly that reason. There is also a lot of relationship drama and angst, both of which I just hate. I get that both characters are scared, but the amount of misunderstandings and constant jumping to conclusions on both sides made it hard for me to invest in such an unstable relationship. Yes, it starts under the worst circumstances, but I was hoping there would be a lot more open communication. They did talk after one of them started jumping to conclusions, which is the only reason I kept reading. But really, up until the very last page insecurity and jealousy got in the way of those two trusting each other and being happy, and it annoyed me. But again, that is a very personal pet peeve of mine.
I did love the setting (it felt like a lot of research went into the background, especially the Highland Clearances) and the hero's love for his clan and his land was admirable and made me like him instantly. He's a wonderful guy who fights for his people, and who could resist that.
But the heroine constantly jumping to the worst conclusions (yes, I get it, two guys who were engaged to her fell in love with other people) made it hard for me to sympathize with her (which is a personal flaw and I bet everyone but me will love her).
So if you don't mind a dose of angst in your romance and like your characters a bit flawed, you will probably enjoy this more than I did.
I do love Anna Bradley's writing, and my rating is simply based on the usage of tropes I really dislike.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
January 14, 2020
I loved this book. LOVED. Sigh. I love you Anna Bradley. I LOVE YOU!!! This was one of those books I just couldn't put down. I started it late last night. Like after 11pm. And I just couldn't stop. Wait, its after midnight? Don't care, this story has totally enthralled me. Wait, it's after 1 and my husband is snoring in my ear? I'm too in love with these characters to care. It's after 2 and my children will be up in 4 hours going bonkers? No regrets. My husband woke up and was like, “YOU'RE STILL READING?? Go to bed, it's like 1am!” Me, looking at the kindle that clearly says 3:06am....okay honey. Then, I couldn't even fall right asleep when I finished. My eyes felt wide behind my closed lids, replaying my favorite parts of this story. My heart was still clenched in my test, filling the whole thing. I felt like the grinch cartoon after he learns what Christmas truly means. And her heart grew three sizes that day, all because of Logan and Juliana. I am still floating in book love. Four hours of sleep, with a smile on my face and new favorite characters in my heart. It's a great day to try this death wish coffee my husband bought haha!
Juliana has some things she must accomplish. She must find a husband to protect the guardianship of her beloved niece, Grace. Unfortunately for her, two of her betrothels have failed and she is quickly running out time. She pins the blame on Logan, who she demands to fix the situation.
The first half of this book takes place in Scotland and it is just wonderful. I could so clearly experience the scenery. I quickly fell in love with Juliana. I read usually for the hero, but there was just something about her gumption and personality I couldn't help but love. Logan has behaved despicably before the book really even gets going. As time goes on, you understand what drove him to do what he does. The time in Scotland is just so precious to me. Feeling each other out, learning each other's personality. Being totally surprised by what the other becomes after the initial assumptions. The butterflies and beginnings of love. I adored the entire scene leading up to their first kiss and the kiss itself. I think they both take each other completely by surprise.
Logan is a wonderful hero. He cares so much about Scotland and his people. He doesn't really know what to make of Juliana. He knows her through letters he was never supposed to read and has made wrong assumptions about her. As he watches her determination and fierce stubbornness, you can feel his confusion and pull towards her. I adored feeling him fall in love.
The second half of the book takes you back to London. This time is angst filled and riddled with miscommunications. Jealousy, uncertainty about each other, they must learn to trust each other. Juliana does something that makes me ever so sad. This book just felt real to me. Real mistakes, doubts, the pain of hurting someone and trying to fix it. I thought they were both flawed characters that persevered through to find the gift of true love.
There is a lot of Gaelic in this book. She does include a guide at the end, so you can glance at that to decipher. I didn't know it was there until I finished haha. This book also touches on the Highland Clearances, which I've never heard anything about. Absolutely heartbreaking history. I love books that take place in Scotland, and to see the breakdown of the clan systems after so much time, it's so sad. The book feels well researched and of course I adore Bradley's writing style. Her characters fly off the page to me, full bodied and real.
I was able to receive an ARC copy complimentary from netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Juliana has some things she must accomplish. She must find a husband to protect the guardianship of her beloved niece, Grace. Unfortunately for her, two of her betrothels have failed and she is quickly running out time. She pins the blame on Logan, who she demands to fix the situation.
The first half of this book takes place in Scotland and it is just wonderful. I could so clearly experience the scenery. I quickly fell in love with Juliana. I read usually for the hero, but there was just something about her gumption and personality I couldn't help but love. Logan has behaved despicably before the book really even gets going. As time goes on, you understand what drove him to do what he does. The time in Scotland is just so precious to me. Feeling each other out, learning each other's personality. Being totally surprised by what the other becomes after the initial assumptions. The butterflies and beginnings of love. I adored the entire scene leading up to their first kiss and the kiss itself. I think they both take each other completely by surprise.
Logan is a wonderful hero. He cares so much about Scotland and his people. He doesn't really know what to make of Juliana. He knows her through letters he was never supposed to read and has made wrong assumptions about her. As he watches her determination and fierce stubbornness, you can feel his confusion and pull towards her. I adored feeling him fall in love.
The second half of the book takes you back to London. This time is angst filled and riddled with miscommunications. Jealousy, uncertainty about each other, they must learn to trust each other. Juliana does something that makes me ever so sad. This book just felt real to me. Real mistakes, doubts, the pain of hurting someone and trying to fix it. I thought they were both flawed characters that persevered through to find the gift of true love.
There is a lot of Gaelic in this book. She does include a guide at the end, so you can glance at that to decipher. I didn't know it was there until I finished haha. This book also touches on the Highland Clearances, which I've never heard anything about. Absolutely heartbreaking history. I love books that take place in Scotland, and to see the breakdown of the clan systems after so much time, it's so sad. The book feels well researched and of course I adore Bradley's writing style. Her characters fly off the page to me, full bodied and real.
I was able to receive an ARC copy complimentary from netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 21, 2023
⭐⭐
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
That there were parts of the story that were set in Scotland.
➖ What I disliked:
Repetitive character description ( both main characters harp on about the big size difference between them…. especially the hero who keeps referring to the heroine as tiny and little and delicate etc. and to himself as a giant/huge man etc.)
Rather generic/formulaic character descriptions (appearance.)
The chemistry and romantic build up was lacking/unconvincing and rushed.
Too much miscommunication and misunderstandings.
Over the top drama.
The heroine was a little too reckless/impulsive.
Dragged.
Believability/plausibility issues.
Annoying heroine.
Annoying hero.
Somewhat jumbled.
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
That there were parts of the story that were set in Scotland.
➖ What I disliked:
Repetitive character description ( both main characters harp on about the big size difference between them…. especially the hero who keeps referring to the heroine as tiny and little and delicate etc. and to himself as a giant/huge man etc.)
Rather generic/formulaic character descriptions (appearance.)
The chemistry and romantic build up was lacking/unconvincing and rushed.
Too much miscommunication and misunderstandings.
Over the top drama.
The heroine was a little too reckless/impulsive.
Dragged.
Believability/plausibility issues.
Annoying heroine.
Annoying hero.
Somewhat jumbled.
September 7, 2020
.
I wasn't going to read this, just skim it a bit and skip to the end, but once started I found it hard to put down.
Julianna/lena/anna has lived a life of luxury where nothing was ever expected of her. But then her father falls ill and a villain is trying to take her niece (Grace) from her. Her only option is to get married fast. So she heads out to Scotland with only one servant to track down her closest friend (Fitz) to whom she's been betrothed since childhood. She is learning how to be strong and it seems to come to her naturally.
But Fitz has had some recent upsets in his life too and is no longer free to marry her. But his brother Logan isn't married... and he owes Julianna. Logan was stopping Fitz and Lena's letters from reaching each other as a way of manipulating Fitz.
Fitz and Logan are brothers who were separated as babes and didn't know about each other till recently. It wasn't a happy reunion, but they are both decent people at heart. Although you wouldn't know it in Logan case at first.
The book starts with a prologue from 1814 (a few years earlier) when some English gentry had the Scottish farmers on their land forceably evicted by burning their houses down (sometimes with them still in it). It's this that Logan fears happening when the English brother he doesn't know comes to take over as Laird. Of course Fitz is nothing like that, but Logan doesn't know that at first.
Julianna tells Logan that he must marry her since it's his fault, but even then he drags his feet about it for days. Days in which he gets to know Julianna better despite his trying to avoid her.
Days in which she worries about her dying father and Grace.
Finally Logan finds his honour and asks her to marry him. It was sweetly awkward.
The author does a fine job showing the reader both MC's POV as these two strangers come to terms with great changes in their lives that were out of their control.
The second half of the story is heavier in tone. As strangers forced together, Lena and Logan struggle to understand each other. You can tell they are falling in love, but different situations create discordance in their romance. Not misunderstandings. Although Logan is less forthcoming with his thoughts than Lena. There is the Villain doing his best to be dastardly. There is a lack of trust on Logan's part that he sees as protectiveness. There is Lena's grief over her father's death that is mixed with disappointment she feels at his lack of trust in her during the last weeks of his life.
But both times the MCs fall into discord, it only lasted a few days. Both times it was Lena who had the courage to give voice to their anger. But Logan has admired her courage and compassion since their first meeting and is more than willing to admit when he's wrong.
...and he does regret AND apologize after a while, for burning her letters to Fitz.
I found this book pretty emotional and shed a few tears here and there. But there's also some humour and plenty of sweet. And best of all, I felt that by the end the MCs were equals.
Grace, the niece was nicely drawn too. No plot moppet but a believable child.
4 stars instead of 5 because Logan would often say things in anger that were just plain spiteful and I would have liked to hear him say more nice things about her towards the end to balance that out. But then I do think Lena is the bigger person of the two.
Safety is good
violence safety
I wasn't going to read this, just skim it a bit and skip to the end, but once started I found it hard to put down.
Julianna/lena/anna has lived a life of luxury where nothing was ever expected of her. But then her father falls ill and a villain is trying to take her niece (Grace) from her. Her only option is to get married fast. So she heads out to Scotland with only one servant to track down her closest friend (Fitz) to whom she's been betrothed since childhood. She is learning how to be strong and it seems to come to her naturally.
But Fitz has had some recent upsets in his life too and is no longer free to marry her. But his brother Logan isn't married... and he owes Julianna. Logan was stopping Fitz and Lena's letters from reaching each other as a way of manipulating Fitz.
Fitz and Logan are brothers who were separated as babes and didn't know about each other till recently. It wasn't a happy reunion, but they are both decent people at heart. Although you wouldn't know it in Logan case at first.
The book starts with a prologue from 1814 (a few years earlier) when some English gentry had the Scottish farmers on their land forceably evicted by burning their houses down (sometimes with them still in it). It's this that Logan fears happening when the English brother he doesn't know comes to take over as Laird. Of course Fitz is nothing like that, but Logan doesn't know that at first.
Julianna tells Logan that he must marry her since it's his fault, but even then he drags his feet about it for days. Days in which he gets to know Julianna better despite his trying to avoid her.
Days in which she worries about her dying father and Grace.
Finally Logan finds his honour and asks her to marry him. It was sweetly awkward.
The author does a fine job showing the reader both MC's POV as these two strangers come to terms with great changes in their lives that were out of their control.
The second half of the story is heavier in tone. As strangers forced together, Lena and Logan struggle to understand each other. You can tell they are falling in love, but different situations create discordance in their romance. Not misunderstandings. Although Logan is less forthcoming with his thoughts than Lena. There is the Villain doing his best to be dastardly. There is a lack of trust on Logan's part that he sees as protectiveness. There is Lena's grief over her father's death that is mixed with disappointment she feels at his lack of trust in her during the last weeks of his life.
But both times the MCs fall into discord, it only lasted a few days. Both times it was Lena who had the courage to give voice to their anger. But Logan has admired her courage and compassion since their first meeting and is more than willing to admit when he's wrong.
...and he does regret AND apologize after a while, for burning her letters to Fitz.
I found this book pretty emotional and shed a few tears here and there. But there's also some humour and plenty of sweet. And best of all, I felt that by the end the MCs were equals.
Grace, the niece was nicely drawn too. No plot moppet but a believable child.
4 stars instead of 5 because Logan would often say things in anger that were just plain spiteful and I would have liked to hear him say more nice things about her towards the end to balance that out. But then I do think Lena is the bigger person of the two.
Safety is good
violence safety
October 1, 2019
To Wed a Wild Scot was an excellent read featuring an amazing romance between two people from vastly different backgrounds.
Lady Juliana Bernard thought finding a match would be simple, but after two failed betrothals she realizes she needs to come up with a different plan. Faced with the prospect of losing guardianship of her niece unless she marries, Juliana heads to Scotland to track down her childhood friend the Duke of Blackmore. But upon arrival, Juliana discovers the duke is already betrothed to someone else and it’s his brother’s fault that he didn’t receive any of her letters detailing her predicament. With no choice left, Juliana marries the duke’s brother Logan, the Laird of Clan Kinross. After some initial issues, the pair’s marriage seems to be headed in the right direction until the secrets they’re keeping threaten to destroy everything.
Juliana and Logan’s relationship doesn’t get off to a great start due to Logan’s interference with Juliana and Fitz’s letters. And while Logan ultimately feels bad about destroying the letters, he doesn’t regret doing it as he had the interests of his clan in mind. Juliana and Logan quickly come to realize they were wrong in their initial assumptions about one another and they discover that they’re actually a great deal alike. When the two do marry, their relationship has its’ problems as both Juliana and Logan have trouble trusting one another completely. While they do make some headway towards fixing those issues, their relationship suffers another setback after a misunderstanding about something Juliana said. I was happy with the way the pair managed to fix their marriage and I thought the ending of the book was well done.
Overall To Wed a Wild Scot was a fantastic read and I’m looking forward to the release of the third book in the series, For the Sake of a Scottish Rake, next year.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Lady Juliana Bernard thought finding a match would be simple, but after two failed betrothals she realizes she needs to come up with a different plan. Faced with the prospect of losing guardianship of her niece unless she marries, Juliana heads to Scotland to track down her childhood friend the Duke of Blackmore. But upon arrival, Juliana discovers the duke is already betrothed to someone else and it’s his brother’s fault that he didn’t receive any of her letters detailing her predicament. With no choice left, Juliana marries the duke’s brother Logan, the Laird of Clan Kinross. After some initial issues, the pair’s marriage seems to be headed in the right direction until the secrets they’re keeping threaten to destroy everything.
Juliana and Logan’s relationship doesn’t get off to a great start due to Logan’s interference with Juliana and Fitz’s letters. And while Logan ultimately feels bad about destroying the letters, he doesn’t regret doing it as he had the interests of his clan in mind. Juliana and Logan quickly come to realize they were wrong in their initial assumptions about one another and they discover that they’re actually a great deal alike. When the two do marry, their relationship has its’ problems as both Juliana and Logan have trouble trusting one another completely. While they do make some headway towards fixing those issues, their relationship suffers another setback after a misunderstanding about something Juliana said. I was happy with the way the pair managed to fix their marriage and I thought the ending of the book was well done.
Overall To Wed a Wild Scot was a fantastic read and I’m looking forward to the release of the third book in the series, For the Sake of a Scottish Rake, next year.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
September 9, 2019
Series: Besotted Scots
Publication Date: 9/17/19
Number of Pages: 272
We met Lady Juliana Bernard in The Wayward Bride, book one in this series. I really liked her in that book because she was intelligent, caring, and seemed to have her act together. In this book, Juliana seems to be a tale of two people. In the Scottish portion of the book, she is strong, intelligent, caring – stubborn and determined. In the English portion of the book, she seems to shrink as a person. I did enjoy both locations, but the Lady Juliana that we meet and get to know in Scotland is much more relatable than the one we meet in England.
Logan Blair loves Scotland and his clan above all else. He is devastated by the clearances that are happening all over Scotland and does everything in his power to help the people – especially those on his lands. Well, technically they aren’t his lands and technically he isn’t laird, but he was raised to act as laird and to care for the people of the land. Logan has a twin brother who is eighteen minutes older than him and it is that brother who owns the lands and the lairdship. That could all be well and good, but the two brothers were separated shortly after birth – the older brother was raised by his uncle in England and the other was raised in Scotland. Logan’s brother is the heir to his uncle’s dukedom and they haven’t seen each other in all that time.
When I mentioned that Logan would do everything in his power to help his people – that is literally true – and what he does causes harm to others without his meaning for it to do so. When the person who was harmed turns up at his door, he doesn’t feel guilty at all because what he did was for the good of his clan. But then, he comes to understand the real harm he’s caused – not that he is inclined, at first, to remedy the situation.
Lady Juliana is as dedicated to her young niece, Grace, as Logan is to Scotland and his clan. When she acted nobly – in The Wayward Bride – she thought she had another alternative. However, she hasn’t heard from that alternative in months and her time is running out. If she isn’t married soon, before her father dies, she’ll lose custody of Grace to a really despicable character. She absolutely cannot allow that to happen and takes off for Scotland to track down her betrothed.
This story is well-written and well-plotted but I did have a little trouble understanding how Juliana came to Love Logan so quickly. He’d done something that could ruin not only her life, but her niece’s as well, and he showed no remorse for it nor any real intention of making amends. Yes, don’t get me wrong – I LOVED Logan – I just didn’t get how she could become so enamored of him so quickly. On the other hand – I can easily see why he’d come to care for her – she was honest, brave and strong.
I couldn’t give a 5-star rating because there was just too much – misconception, jumping to conclusions, and total lack of communication. They spent more time angry and not speaking than they did actually speaking which is why I came to question the true romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 9/17/19
Number of Pages: 272
We met Lady Juliana Bernard in The Wayward Bride, book one in this series. I really liked her in that book because she was intelligent, caring, and seemed to have her act together. In this book, Juliana seems to be a tale of two people. In the Scottish portion of the book, she is strong, intelligent, caring – stubborn and determined. In the English portion of the book, she seems to shrink as a person. I did enjoy both locations, but the Lady Juliana that we meet and get to know in Scotland is much more relatable than the one we meet in England.
Logan Blair loves Scotland and his clan above all else. He is devastated by the clearances that are happening all over Scotland and does everything in his power to help the people – especially those on his lands. Well, technically they aren’t his lands and technically he isn’t laird, but he was raised to act as laird and to care for the people of the land. Logan has a twin brother who is eighteen minutes older than him and it is that brother who owns the lands and the lairdship. That could all be well and good, but the two brothers were separated shortly after birth – the older brother was raised by his uncle in England and the other was raised in Scotland. Logan’s brother is the heir to his uncle’s dukedom and they haven’t seen each other in all that time.
When I mentioned that Logan would do everything in his power to help his people – that is literally true – and what he does causes harm to others without his meaning for it to do so. When the person who was harmed turns up at his door, he doesn’t feel guilty at all because what he did was for the good of his clan. But then, he comes to understand the real harm he’s caused – not that he is inclined, at first, to remedy the situation.
Lady Juliana is as dedicated to her young niece, Grace, as Logan is to Scotland and his clan. When she acted nobly – in The Wayward Bride – she thought she had another alternative. However, she hasn’t heard from that alternative in months and her time is running out. If she isn’t married soon, before her father dies, she’ll lose custody of Grace to a really despicable character. She absolutely cannot allow that to happen and takes off for Scotland to track down her betrothed.
This story is well-written and well-plotted but I did have a little trouble understanding how Juliana came to Love Logan so quickly. He’d done something that could ruin not only her life, but her niece’s as well, and he showed no remorse for it nor any real intention of making amends. Yes, don’t get me wrong – I LOVED Logan – I just didn’t get how she could become so enamored of him so quickly. On the other hand – I can easily see why he’d come to care for her – she was honest, brave and strong.
I couldn’t give a 5-star rating because there was just too much – misconception, jumping to conclusions, and total lack of communication. They spent more time angry and not speaking than they did actually speaking which is why I came to question the true romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 12, 2019
Lady Juliana Bernard is in a bind, he father is dying and thanks to the interference of a spurned suitor, has changed his will, Juliana will only retain custody of her orphaned niece Grace if she is married, if not Grace’s guardianship will be given to Lord Cowden. Having let her betrothed go so he could marry for love and desperate to make sure Cowden doesn’t get custody, Juliana writes to her dearest friend and former betrothed, Fitzwilliam “Fitz” Vaugh, the Duke of Blackmore. When her letters go unanswered, Juliana sets out to find him in Scotland.
After days of travel, they finally make it to the Scottish border in Gretna Green, weary and filthy Juliana is stunned to see Fitz at the inn – but closer examination reveals that it is not Fitz and when the man asks if she is alright, it is clear he is Scottish, but he looks exactly like Fitz and she decides he must be related and follows him. 3 days later, she is sure she is right when he stops at the inn that she sends her letters to Fitz – and watches in horror as the man reads her letter and then burns it! Then as he is leaving she hears him telling the innkeeper that if an English lady shows up, to send her back to England. Furious, Juliana follows him to the castle. He realizes he is being followed and is shocked to learn she is the woman who has been writing to Fitz.
Logan Blair is Fitzwilliam’s younger twin brother, when their mother died giving birth, their uncle claimed Fitz as his heir and returned to England – Logan did no see his brother for 28 years, but once his uncle died, Fitz made his way to Scotland to be reunited. Logan has acted as Laird for years since their father died and is worried that Fitz will do what so many English landowner have done and “clear’ the lands – for years Logan has been working to protect his people, by relocating them. And when Fitz came to the castle, Logan encouraged him to become betrothed to a local girl, Emilia – thinking that he would be less inclined to evict people if he was married to a Scottish girl – so he has been burning Fitz’s letters from Juliana, he wants nothing to interfere with his plans. But when she shows up he has no choice but to take her to see Fitz.
Fitz is appalled when he learns what Logan has done and offers to marry Juliana. But Logan tells Juliana that Fitz is already betrothed and his future wife is pregnant – leading Juliana to inform Logan that she will have to marry him instead, a solution that Logan is vehemently opposed to – leading Fitz to have to get involved.
This was a well written, fast read, but I can’t say that I loved it, it was OK, but I really didn’t like Logan at the beginning, I understood his motivation, but his refusal to marry her after interfering and burning their letters was a complete jerk move and then later jumping to conclusions and seemingly forced misunderstandings just really dimished my enjoyment in the story. This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
After days of travel, they finally make it to the Scottish border in Gretna Green, weary and filthy Juliana is stunned to see Fitz at the inn – but closer examination reveals that it is not Fitz and when the man asks if she is alright, it is clear he is Scottish, but he looks exactly like Fitz and she decides he must be related and follows him. 3 days later, she is sure she is right when he stops at the inn that she sends her letters to Fitz – and watches in horror as the man reads her letter and then burns it! Then as he is leaving she hears him telling the innkeeper that if an English lady shows up, to send her back to England. Furious, Juliana follows him to the castle. He realizes he is being followed and is shocked to learn she is the woman who has been writing to Fitz.
Logan Blair is Fitzwilliam’s younger twin brother, when their mother died giving birth, their uncle claimed Fitz as his heir and returned to England – Logan did no see his brother for 28 years, but once his uncle died, Fitz made his way to Scotland to be reunited. Logan has acted as Laird for years since their father died and is worried that Fitz will do what so many English landowner have done and “clear’ the lands – for years Logan has been working to protect his people, by relocating them. And when Fitz came to the castle, Logan encouraged him to become betrothed to a local girl, Emilia – thinking that he would be less inclined to evict people if he was married to a Scottish girl – so he has been burning Fitz’s letters from Juliana, he wants nothing to interfere with his plans. But when she shows up he has no choice but to take her to see Fitz.
Fitz is appalled when he learns what Logan has done and offers to marry Juliana. But Logan tells Juliana that Fitz is already betrothed and his future wife is pregnant – leading Juliana to inform Logan that she will have to marry him instead, a solution that Logan is vehemently opposed to – leading Fitz to have to get involved.
This was a well written, fast read, but I can’t say that I loved it, it was OK, but I really didn’t like Logan at the beginning, I understood his motivation, but his refusal to marry her after interfering and burning their letters was a complete jerk move and then later jumping to conclusions and seemingly forced misunderstandings just really dimished my enjoyment in the story. This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
October 2, 2019
In the time of the Scottish Clearances, Logan Blair is desperate to protect his people. Juliana Bernard only has one person to protect, her niece Grace, but time is running out for Juliana. She needs a husband, now, and heads to Scotland looking for the man who promised to marry her, childhood friend Fitz, now a powerful duke. When she arrives, though, it’s to discover Fitz’s brother Logan has been intercepting and destroying her letters as he tries to cut Fitz’s ties to England.
While I love Juliana - her pluck and determination in difficult circumstances were admirable, and I really liked the way she didn’t let Logan get away with anything - I had difficulty ever viewing Logan as anything more than a lying, manipulative thief. And while he apologised to Fitz for intercepting his letters and admitted feelings of guilt about it, as far as I know Juliana’s still waiting for a sincere apology rather than a self-serving justification. Logan was a rude pig to Juliana despite knowing from the very beginning that he was the one with absolutely no moral high ground to stand on whatsoever. He constantly patronized and infantilized her even though from the moment of their acquaintance he was confronted with hard evidence of just how capable she was.
There’s a really good bit late in the book where Juliana actually has a hard talk with herself - and really loses her temper - just thinking about how Logan refuses to see her as an equal. Yet, when the confrontation comes, she all but wilts, telling him she gave up something precious to her to spare his pain, when the truth was she gave it up because it was the only thing any of the protagonists had that the antagonist wanted, and the only way to get him off their backs and solve their problem. I felt cheated; I wanted Juliana to scream at Logan and him finally to get it through his thick head just how appalling he’d actually been, and then start work to turn himself around. I wanted, if you will, a Hunsford moment, and I never got one.
Though the historical accuracy in this book is as good as you’ll find anywhere, and Juliana is a heroine it’s easy to root for, my anger and frustration with Logan never getting his comeuppance mean I can’t rate this any higher than three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
While I love Juliana - her pluck and determination in difficult circumstances were admirable, and I really liked the way she didn’t let Logan get away with anything - I had difficulty ever viewing Logan as anything more than a lying, manipulative thief. And while he apologised to Fitz for intercepting his letters and admitted feelings of guilt about it, as far as I know Juliana’s still waiting for a sincere apology rather than a self-serving justification. Logan was a rude pig to Juliana despite knowing from the very beginning that he was the one with absolutely no moral high ground to stand on whatsoever. He constantly patronized and infantilized her even though from the moment of their acquaintance he was confronted with hard evidence of just how capable she was.
There’s a really good bit late in the book where Juliana actually has a hard talk with herself - and really loses her temper - just thinking about how Logan refuses to see her as an equal. Yet, when the confrontation comes, she all but wilts, telling him she gave up something precious to her to spare his pain, when the truth was she gave it up because it was the only thing any of the protagonists had that the antagonist wanted, and the only way to get him off their backs and solve their problem. I felt cheated; I wanted Juliana to scream at Logan and him finally to get it through his thick head just how appalling he’d actually been, and then start work to turn himself around. I wanted, if you will, a Hunsford moment, and I never got one.
Though the historical accuracy in this book is as good as you’ll find anywhere, and Juliana is a heroine it’s easy to root for, my anger and frustration with Logan never getting his comeuppance mean I can’t rate this any higher than three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
May 10, 2022
This was such a wild ride! I mean, yes the story doesn't add up at all but I've to ask myself why do I read historical romances. Well of course it all started with mr Darcy. And the fluttering sensation in my stumach when it's all lovely and romantic. I do not tootally loose interest when it is not historical enough language but yes when misses suddenly appears to be ladies I see red. Now I loose myself the book.
The incredible story with separeted twins and villains who had absolutly no limits not even regarding taking children even I started to get somewhat confused. But ms Bradley is such a talented writer that it didn't make me even think about not finishing the book.
So the story, the second book in this series is the jilted fiancée from book nr 1 that needs a husband ASAP because her father who's ill will otherwise give her niece (brother is dead) to a almost complete stranger. Hero is brother to her believed huband-to-be.
What I liked:
The H is a SCOT, horray!
Julianne/ana is actually a really fun and smart heroine who can take care of herself
The chemistry between h & H was smoldering
Love Grace!
What I didn't like:
This was just to much miscommunication after they actually was married
They were in love but also mean to eachother from time to time
Steam level: 3,5
Actual rating 3,5 stars
The incredible story with separeted twins and villains who had absolutly no limits not even regarding taking children even I started to get somewhat confused. But ms Bradley is such a talented writer that it didn't make me even think about not finishing the book.
So the story, the second book in this series is the jilted fiancée from book nr 1 that needs a husband ASAP because her father who's ill will otherwise give her niece (brother is dead) to a almost complete stranger. Hero is brother to her believed huband-to-be.
What I liked:
The H is a SCOT, horray!
Julianne/ana is actually a really fun and smart heroine who can take care of herself
The chemistry between h & H was smoldering
Love Grace!
What I didn't like:
This was just to much miscommunication after they actually was married
They were in love but also mean to eachother from time to time
Steam level: 3,5
Actual rating 3,5 stars
August 10, 2019
One more new-author-to-me discovered today. Well not today, as I preordered this book when I first read the blurb. Even if it is often full of angst what I am not always fond, this enemies to lovers romance was definitively a must-read.
The main couple to reach their happily ever after have a long way stretching in front of them. Nothing will be easy, from their instant dislike to their growing attraction to their acceptance of their sentiments.
It is incredible how misconceptions and miscommunications can cause pain and heartache. Their inability to trust the other and their choice to listen more to side whisperers than their own spouses were cause to lot of hurt they could have avoided if they gave another time to sort their feelings out.
At time I wanted to shake them, put them in a roll, bar all the doors and let them set all the accounts right.
They try to win game points but each time by their incapacity to communicate and keeping secrets from the other, they have the opposite result, only wounding each other.
Juliane will do anything to keep the guardianship of her niece, as she is one to sacrifice everything for those she loves, even cross two countries to meet her promised and even settle for an unexpected choice when things go awry. But for once, she meets a man who sees her, really sees her. For who she is and not the asset she could be if rightly played.
« “I’m afraid if I ask for help too often, I’ll forget how to help myself. It wouldn’t be so surprising, really. I was raised to be decorative, not useful.” »
Logan grew up as the Laird of Clan Kinross but the reappearance of his twin brother, switches the role. Whatever, he will do anything to protect his kin, like preventing the coming of a certain sassenach. So when said lass sets foot on his lands and demands he rectifies what his meddling caused, he thought he would run away.
But during their short time together, the unthinkable occurred, after heated words and verbal sparing sessions, they came to see the other in a whole new way until old doubts come sputter their bitterness in their mind.
Their journey together from Scotland to England and back is the reflection of the turmoils of their heart. They love each other but are unable to convey their feelings without hurting another.
Fortunately their stubbornness and fiery temper will extinguish at time to see them open their eyes.
« It wasn’t weakness to turn yourself over, body and soul, to the person you loved. It wasn’t weakness to trust them to take care of you. His love for her didn’t make him weaker. It made him stronger. »
I was granted an advance copy by Netgalley, the author and the publisher Kensington Books, I purchased my own copy too. It is my true and unbiased opinion.
The main couple to reach their happily ever after have a long way stretching in front of them. Nothing will be easy, from their instant dislike to their growing attraction to their acceptance of their sentiments.
It is incredible how misconceptions and miscommunications can cause pain and heartache. Their inability to trust the other and their choice to listen more to side whisperers than their own spouses were cause to lot of hurt they could have avoided if they gave another time to sort their feelings out.
At time I wanted to shake them, put them in a roll, bar all the doors and let them set all the accounts right.
They try to win game points but each time by their incapacity to communicate and keeping secrets from the other, they have the opposite result, only wounding each other.
Juliane will do anything to keep the guardianship of her niece, as she is one to sacrifice everything for those she loves, even cross two countries to meet her promised and even settle for an unexpected choice when things go awry. But for once, she meets a man who sees her, really sees her. For who she is and not the asset she could be if rightly played.
« “I’m afraid if I ask for help too often, I’ll forget how to help myself. It wouldn’t be so surprising, really. I was raised to be decorative, not useful.” »
Logan grew up as the Laird of Clan Kinross but the reappearance of his twin brother, switches the role. Whatever, he will do anything to protect his kin, like preventing the coming of a certain sassenach. So when said lass sets foot on his lands and demands he rectifies what his meddling caused, he thought he would run away.
But during their short time together, the unthinkable occurred, after heated words and verbal sparing sessions, they came to see the other in a whole new way until old doubts come sputter their bitterness in their mind.
Their journey together from Scotland to England and back is the reflection of the turmoils of their heart. They love each other but are unable to convey their feelings without hurting another.
Fortunately their stubbornness and fiery temper will extinguish at time to see them open their eyes.
« It wasn’t weakness to turn yourself over, body and soul, to the person you loved. It wasn’t weakness to trust them to take care of you. His love for her didn’t make him weaker. It made him stronger. »
I was granted an advance copy by Netgalley, the author and the publisher Kensington Books, I purchased my own copy too. It is my true and unbiased opinion.
January 22, 2020
4.5 stars rounded up
After two betrothals that didn't actually end in marriage, Lady Juliana Bernard is rather desperate for a husband. If she doesn't find one soon she'll lose guardianship of her beloved niece to a greedy, dangerous neighbor when her ailing father succumbs to his illness. Her friend since childhood, Fitzwilliam Vaughn, the Duke of Blackmore, is her best hope. Juliana hies off to Scotland after him only to be shocked upon her arrival to find that Fitz has fallen in love and become betrothed to someone else. Not only that, Fitz has a twin brother, Logan Blair, who had a large hand in keeping Fitz and Juliana from corresponding, thus leading to Juliana's detrimentally single state. With no betrothed, Juliana's best option is to marry Logan, recognized by his people as Laird of Clan Kinross.
Logan has no desire to marry a highborn Englishwoman who'd take him away from his people, but the more time he spends with her the more he comes to truly care for her and she for him. But just as these two begin to find their way, secrets and misunderstandings come between them again and each has to find a way to make things right.
I got so frustrated with these two! It's like they continually took two steps forward and one step back. So much of their issue could've been avoided if they'd simply communicated with each other better, but given the circumstances of their marriage and how quickly it came about, their struggles were realistic and so relatable. Plus they ultimately worked for the good of one another and overcame some serious insecurities together and I loved them as a couple. I'm itching for the next book in this series already.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After two betrothals that didn't actually end in marriage, Lady Juliana Bernard is rather desperate for a husband. If she doesn't find one soon she'll lose guardianship of her beloved niece to a greedy, dangerous neighbor when her ailing father succumbs to his illness. Her friend since childhood, Fitzwilliam Vaughn, the Duke of Blackmore, is her best hope. Juliana hies off to Scotland after him only to be shocked upon her arrival to find that Fitz has fallen in love and become betrothed to someone else. Not only that, Fitz has a twin brother, Logan Blair, who had a large hand in keeping Fitz and Juliana from corresponding, thus leading to Juliana's detrimentally single state. With no betrothed, Juliana's best option is to marry Logan, recognized by his people as Laird of Clan Kinross.
Logan has no desire to marry a highborn Englishwoman who'd take him away from his people, but the more time he spends with her the more he comes to truly care for her and she for him. But just as these two begin to find their way, secrets and misunderstandings come between them again and each has to find a way to make things right.
I got so frustrated with these two! It's like they continually took two steps forward and one step back. So much of their issue could've been avoided if they'd simply communicated with each other better, but given the circumstances of their marriage and how quickly it came about, their struggles were realistic and so relatable. Plus they ultimately worked for the good of one another and overcame some serious insecurities together and I loved them as a couple. I'm itching for the next book in this series already.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 19, 2019
3 stars - Historical Romance
August 19, 2019
I couldn’t wait to read this book after reading The Wayward Bride. I fell in love with all the characters (Sydney and Luke, and Hugh and Isla will always have a big swoon from me) and needed to learn of Lady Juliana’s fate.
From the first page I was drawn into Lady Juliana’s plight. After letting Hugh out of their betrothal in the first book, Lady Juliana only had one option left to save Grace....Marry the Duke, Fitz.
However, things don’t go quite as planned and come to find out Fitz has a brother that has done irreparable damage to Juliana and Fitz’s betrothal. The story that ensues is wonderful. Watching the characters grow. Juliana backbone of steel and Logan’s willingness to do the right thing. Watching the two fall in love and overcome differences and misunderstandings was lovely. I even shed a few tears as their love grew.
This was a great love story. I am waiting now patiently for the next book. I would love to see Sydney and Luke make an appearance in another book. I have enjoyed all the characters and storylines of both books and I will continue to work through Ms. Bradley’s backlist as I wait for the next chapter in the Besotted Scots series. Highly recommend this book!
From the first page I was drawn into Lady Juliana’s plight. After letting Hugh out of their betrothal in the first book, Lady Juliana only had one option left to save Grace....Marry the Duke, Fitz.
However, things don’t go quite as planned and come to find out Fitz has a brother that has done irreparable damage to Juliana and Fitz’s betrothal. The story that ensues is wonderful. Watching the characters grow. Juliana backbone of steel and Logan’s willingness to do the right thing. Watching the two fall in love and overcome differences and misunderstandings was lovely. I even shed a few tears as their love grew.
This was a great love story. I am waiting now patiently for the next book. I would love to see Sydney and Luke make an appearance in another book. I have enjoyed all the characters and storylines of both books and I will continue to work through Ms. Bradley’s backlist as I wait for the next chapter in the Besotted Scots series. Highly recommend this book!
September 14, 2019
Lady Juliana Bernard goes to Scotland in the hopes that once there her childhood friend Fitzwilliam, the Duke of Blackmore will let her explain how hard her and her beloved niece's life was in England and agree to care and protect them by marrying her. But when she finally tracks where he is, she founds out that he is already betrothed. Later she discovers that it was his brother Logan that had kept her letters from him and as it was agreed that her plight was all his fault, an agreement is made
between them that they would marry.
This was a delightful enemies-to-lovers story, Lady Juliana and Logan were perfect for each other, even if it took a while for them to see that. Loved this book!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
between them that they would marry.
This was a delightful enemies-to-lovers story, Lady Juliana and Logan were perfect for each other, even if it took a while for them to see that. Loved this book!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2019
What kept going through my head as I read this...
1. Did I miss Fitz and Emilia’s story? This reads like I should understand their back story.
2. Enough with the misunderstandings already. Sheesh - once or twice is ok, but repeatedly spending days upset because neither of you can ask a simple question? Maddening!!!
So, I enjoyed Logan and Juliana’s story when they were getting along, but unfortunately the majority of the time they aren’t getting along because they don’t bother to communicate.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.
1. Did I miss Fitz and Emilia’s story? This reads like I should understand their back story.
2. Enough with the misunderstandings already. Sheesh - once or twice is ok, but repeatedly spending days upset because neither of you can ask a simple question? Maddening!!!
So, I enjoyed Logan and Juliana’s story when they were getting along, but unfortunately the majority of the time they aren’t getting along because they don’t bother to communicate.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.
July 24, 2020
4 stars. Well-written, fast-paced plot, reminded me of old school Highlander novels with a very capable heroine.
I’ll definitely read more by this author.
I’ll definitely read more by this author.
September 18, 2019
To Wed a Wild Scot by Anna Bradley is book 2 in the Besotted Scots Series. This is the story of Logan Blair and Juliana Bernard. I have read (and Loved!) the previous book, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Julian has guardianship of her Niece but that won't be for long unless she marries. Which her last hope is her friend Fitzwilliam but she finds that he is already engaged. Julian finds out that his brother Logan had some hands in that engagement. So what choice does she have but to marry Logan, which she will do anything to save her niece.
I really enjoyed their story and 'watching' how Logan and Juliana came to be. Ms. Bradley is one of my very favorite authors!
Julian has guardianship of her Niece but that won't be for long unless she marries. Which her last hope is her friend Fitzwilliam but she finds that he is already engaged. Julian finds out that his brother Logan had some hands in that engagement. So what choice does she have but to marry Logan, which she will do anything to save her niece.
I really enjoyed their story and 'watching' how Logan and Juliana came to be. Ms. Bradley is one of my very favorite authors!
August 11, 2019
Lady Juliana Bernard had to get married quickly so that her beloved niece Grace would not end up with a villain for a guardian. Juliana departed for Scotland, where she would ask her best friend, Fitzwilliam Vaughan, the Duke of Blackmore to marry her. After all, they had been betrothed since childhood. Alas, during the months when she'd had no news from him, Fitzwilliam had found love. In view of everything that happened, Logan Blair, Fitzwilliam's brother would marry her and set things right, even if it's the last thing he wants.
Goodness me, where to begin? TO WED A WILD SCOT has one of the most dramatic prologues I have ever read, and crucial in understanding Logan's motivations. If the prologue doesn't grab your attention, nothing ever will. Logan hates the English, and it's entirely justified, but what he did was wrong, and made Juliana's predicament even worse. I was on the edge of my seat from the first pages, and completely involved in the story. Anna Bradley writes with superlative assurance, her words impart movement, emotions, a feeling of urgency; you're not reading the story, you're living it. There are so many splendid scenes, but the reason why Logan had first noticed Juliana is utterly memorable.
The euphoria of a heroine who is not an imbecile! She's all business, she's on a mission, and she will do everything to ensure Grace's well-being. Juliana is simply magnificent, she has to be one of my favourite heroines ever! And she needed her backbone of steel, because Logan is a formidable adversary. And if you enjoy seeing a hero grovelling to atone for his many mistakes, Logan is your man. By chapter six, I was nearly moved to tears because I couldn't fathom how it would all work out for the better. Neither could I see how the romance would play out, because it seemed like mission impossible.
TO WED A WILD SCOT is a masterpiece of stellar storytelling, with a brilliantly crafted and very intricate plot, and enough twists and turns to make your head spin, and all of them believable. I have seldom seen so many exceptionally complex and well defined characters whose interactions are, at times, painfully realistic. The villain, whom we had met in Book 1, The Wayward Bride, is absolutely perfect; no moustache-twirling ogre with bad breath here, my friends. I had loved to hate him then, and he remained true to himself. I'm not sure how Ms. Bradley did it but, while this story was set up in the previous installment, TO WED A WILD SCOT stands entirely on its own. I could have done - again - with fewer sex scenes, as I started skimming them at some point. Now, this is a personal preference, and I know most readers disagree with me: the Gaelic. I don't know how to pronounce it, I don't know what the words and expressions mean, and when they're not immediately translated, I just stop reading them. There is a Gaelic glossary at the end, but I'm too lazy to go check. I never "penalise" the author, but for me, too much Gaelic constitutes a minus. Still, TO WED A WILD SCOT is a superb, intelligent, exciting, and historically accurate Regency romance. And do read the Author's Notes at the very end, as they are most enlightening. Ms. Bradley's dazzling eloquence, her sublime prose, clever dialogues, and supremely compelling characters are the icing on this scrumptious cake.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Goodness me, where to begin? TO WED A WILD SCOT has one of the most dramatic prologues I have ever read, and crucial in understanding Logan's motivations. If the prologue doesn't grab your attention, nothing ever will. Logan hates the English, and it's entirely justified, but what he did was wrong, and made Juliana's predicament even worse. I was on the edge of my seat from the first pages, and completely involved in the story. Anna Bradley writes with superlative assurance, her words impart movement, emotions, a feeling of urgency; you're not reading the story, you're living it. There are so many splendid scenes, but the reason why Logan had first noticed Juliana is utterly memorable.
The euphoria of a heroine who is not an imbecile! She's all business, she's on a mission, and she will do everything to ensure Grace's well-being. Juliana is simply magnificent, she has to be one of my favourite heroines ever! And she needed her backbone of steel, because Logan is a formidable adversary. And if you enjoy seeing a hero grovelling to atone for his many mistakes, Logan is your man. By chapter six, I was nearly moved to tears because I couldn't fathom how it would all work out for the better. Neither could I see how the romance would play out, because it seemed like mission impossible.
TO WED A WILD SCOT is a masterpiece of stellar storytelling, with a brilliantly crafted and very intricate plot, and enough twists and turns to make your head spin, and all of them believable. I have seldom seen so many exceptionally complex and well defined characters whose interactions are, at times, painfully realistic. The villain, whom we had met in Book 1, The Wayward Bride, is absolutely perfect; no moustache-twirling ogre with bad breath here, my friends. I had loved to hate him then, and he remained true to himself. I'm not sure how Ms. Bradley did it but, while this story was set up in the previous installment, TO WED A WILD SCOT stands entirely on its own. I could have done - again - with fewer sex scenes, as I started skimming them at some point. Now, this is a personal preference, and I know most readers disagree with me: the Gaelic. I don't know how to pronounce it, I don't know what the words and expressions mean, and when they're not immediately translated, I just stop reading them. There is a Gaelic glossary at the end, but I'm too lazy to go check. I never "penalise" the author, but for me, too much Gaelic constitutes a minus. Still, TO WED A WILD SCOT is a superb, intelligent, exciting, and historically accurate Regency romance. And do read the Author's Notes at the very end, as they are most enlightening. Ms. Bradley's dazzling eloquence, her sublime prose, clever dialogues, and supremely compelling characters are the icing on this scrumptious cake.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
March 18, 2020Review originally published at Romancing Romances.
I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
4.25* 😍
This was my first Anna Bradley’s book – and I loved it!
There’s so much bantering, and funny moments, and love in this book! Yes, there’s also miscommunication, and some moments when the reader is clutching the book, waiting to see what’s going to happen next, but it just made everything more exciting.
Juliana Bernard is a woman that decides to take her future in her hands, not just for herself, but for her sweet niece, and she hopes her friend, the Duke of Blackmore, might help her. But when she reaches him, she finds out he’s already with someone whom he’s in love with, and she does not want to break apart two people who clearly love each other. Juliana feels like she has no other option, and when he suggests his brother Logan.
Logan is a true Scot, and he’s been keeping Juliana (and her letters) from reaching his brother, for reasons he believed were good, but he starts to understand that maybe that wasn’t his best move. He’s a bit of a brute at the beginning, and it’s not very easy to like him right away. But when we get to see more of him with his family, and clan, it becomes easier to believe he’s a good hero.
When he meets Juliana, a proper English lady, he wants nothing with her, even if she intrigues him. Even though he is a Scot, and the last thing he wants is to marry an English lady, he also has the heart of a gentleman, and so, even though they decide not to marry at the beginning of the book, he starts to get to know her, her strong character, her sweetness, how good she is with everyone, how she has the people in his clan ready to marry her and protect her. Maybe an English lady wouldn’t be such a bad idea, after all…
When they start to be better acquainted with each other, and stop hating – not hating, disliking – one another, things start to change. But, as usual, it couldn’t be this easy to fix everything, right?
Miscommunication and past secrets come up, and threaten the peace that had started to grow between our main characters, and they have to fight to stay together. They have huge trust issues, which is a big part of why they don’t get together sooner.
A romance with angst and very different, flawed characters that end up finding love together.
I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
4.25* 😍
This was my first Anna Bradley’s book – and I loved it!
There’s so much bantering, and funny moments, and love in this book! Yes, there’s also miscommunication, and some moments when the reader is clutching the book, waiting to see what’s going to happen next, but it just made everything more exciting.
Juliana Bernard is a woman that decides to take her future in her hands, not just for herself, but for her sweet niece, and she hopes her friend, the Duke of Blackmore, might help her. But when she reaches him, she finds out he’s already with someone whom he’s in love with, and she does not want to break apart two people who clearly love each other. Juliana feels like she has no other option, and when he suggests his brother Logan.
Logan is a true Scot, and he’s been keeping Juliana (and her letters) from reaching his brother, for reasons he believed were good, but he starts to understand that maybe that wasn’t his best move. He’s a bit of a brute at the beginning, and it’s not very easy to like him right away. But when we get to see more of him with his family, and clan, it becomes easier to believe he’s a good hero.
When he meets Juliana, a proper English lady, he wants nothing with her, even if she intrigues him. Even though he is a Scot, and the last thing he wants is to marry an English lady, he also has the heart of a gentleman, and so, even though they decide not to marry at the beginning of the book, he starts to get to know her, her strong character, her sweetness, how good she is with everyone, how she has the people in his clan ready to marry her and protect her. Maybe an English lady wouldn’t be such a bad idea, after all…
When they start to be better acquainted with each other, and stop hating – not hating, disliking – one another, things start to change. But, as usual, it couldn’t be this easy to fix everything, right?
Miscommunication and past secrets come up, and threaten the peace that had started to grow between our main characters, and they have to fight to stay together. They have huge trust issues, which is a big part of why they don’t get together sooner.
A romance with angst and very different, flawed characters that end up finding love together.
September 18, 2019
He was a man on a mission to save his clan. After the English had made a path through Scotland, killing and burning everything in sight, he was determined. But Logan Blair was not really the Laird of Clan Kinross. His twin brother was, who had been taken when young and raised in England by their uncle who had even changed his brother's name to Fitwilliam.
Years later, Fitzwilliam does go to Scotland, and Logan wants him to step up and marry a Scotish lass which will tie him further to the clan. Fortunately, Logan begins intercepting letters sent to his brother from an English lady in care of a local inn. He sees she is wanting them to get married and he will have none of it and destroys the correspondence.
Lady Juliana Bernard, has to get married as quickly as possible so she can have custody of her six year old niece. Fitz was her best friend and they had been bethrothed since childhood so she kept writing to him to let him know. Unfortunately he had not answered her last letter with her urgent plea.
So she sets out for Scotland to find him! Headstrong and determined, Juliana comes upon Logan by chance at an Inn on her way. Wait, what? this man who looks like dear Fitz but has a Scottish Burr? Plus he looks a little harder around the mouth. No, what is going on? Then she sees him burning one of her letters at the Inn she has been sending them to! No wonder!
Let the adventure begin!
So she demands Logan marry her. Oh yes, and the sparks begin to fly. Yes their attraction is high but there are other emotions that come out. Can these two ever come together and trust each other?
Absolutely loved this story and Anna Bradley always grabs me with her writing and her strong characters. Although this can be read as a standalone, I encourage you to read the first book. You will be happy you did! Excellent!!
Years later, Fitzwilliam does go to Scotland, and Logan wants him to step up and marry a Scotish lass which will tie him further to the clan. Fortunately, Logan begins intercepting letters sent to his brother from an English lady in care of a local inn. He sees she is wanting them to get married and he will have none of it and destroys the correspondence.
Lady Juliana Bernard, has to get married as quickly as possible so she can have custody of her six year old niece. Fitz was her best friend and they had been bethrothed since childhood so she kept writing to him to let him know. Unfortunately he had not answered her last letter with her urgent plea.
So she sets out for Scotland to find him! Headstrong and determined, Juliana comes upon Logan by chance at an Inn on her way. Wait, what? this man who looks like dear Fitz but has a Scottish Burr? Plus he looks a little harder around the mouth. No, what is going on? Then she sees him burning one of her letters at the Inn she has been sending them to! No wonder!
Let the adventure begin!
So she demands Logan marry her. Oh yes, and the sparks begin to fly. Yes their attraction is high but there are other emotions that come out. Can these two ever come together and trust each other?
Absolutely loved this story and Anna Bradley always grabs me with her writing and her strong characters. Although this can be read as a standalone, I encourage you to read the first book. You will be happy you did! Excellent!!
April 24, 2024
4.5/5
Banter and giggles plus actual fights and deep love… adore
Banter and giggles plus actual fights and deep love… adore
September 17, 2019
4.5 Stars
Lady Juliana Bernard is in a bind she must find a husband at once or lose guardianship of her beloved niece Grace. Her childhood friend Fitz the Duke of Blackmore is her last, best hope, but once she tracks him down in Scotland, she receives startling news.
Firstly the duke is already engaged. Secondly it's his brother Logan's fault Juliana is now lacking a bridegroom. So, what's a lady to do when she's lost her betrothed? Marry his scandalous brother Logan, the Laird of Clan Kinross.
This is the second book in the series we met Juliana in the first book but it’s not necessary to have read it as this book can easily be read on its own. Logan & Juliana clash continually even though the attraction is there & they are the last to realise that they love each other. Whilst both strong characters they also have their insecurities that all too often surface. A loved Juliana’s feistiness & her rescue of Fiona was hugely entertaining. A well written engrossing read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I did wonder what had happened to Miss Findlay after Juliana abandoned her.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lady Juliana Bernard is in a bind she must find a husband at once or lose guardianship of her beloved niece Grace. Her childhood friend Fitz the Duke of Blackmore is her last, best hope, but once she tracks him down in Scotland, she receives startling news.
Firstly the duke is already engaged. Secondly it's his brother Logan's fault Juliana is now lacking a bridegroom. So, what's a lady to do when she's lost her betrothed? Marry his scandalous brother Logan, the Laird of Clan Kinross.
This is the second book in the series we met Juliana in the first book but it’s not necessary to have read it as this book can easily be read on its own. Logan & Juliana clash continually even though the attraction is there & they are the last to realise that they love each other. Whilst both strong characters they also have their insecurities that all too often surface. A loved Juliana’s feistiness & her rescue of Fiona was hugely entertaining. A well written engrossing read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I did wonder what had happened to Miss Findlay after Juliana abandoned her.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 10, 2019
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. To Wed a Wild Scot by Anna Bradley is the second book in her very enjoyable Besotted Scots Series. I recommend reading the first book as well because it fills in some of the background to this story and I enjoyed it immensely but you could read this one as a stand-alone if need be. Lady Juliana Bernard has come into her own, when faced with insurmountable problems she is going to solve them and if that means riding halfway across Scotland while covered in vomit to find a husband then that is just what she will do, without moaning or whining or complaint. Logan Blair was raised to be the Laird of Clan Kinross and although that title belongs to the twin brother he never knew the Duke of Blackthorne he’s going to do his best to ensure that his brother does right by the clan and if that means making sure his brother does not receive letters from his English betrothed, Lady Juliana and even marrying the woman himself then that is what he will do. The story of how these two strong willed people find their HEA together is one of adventure and danger with a nasty villain and just the right amount of steam. Publishing Date September 17, 2019
#NetGalley #ToWedAWildScot #AnnaBradley #KensingtonBooks #HistoricalRomance #ScottishRomance #Bookstagram #LyricalPress
#NetGalley #ToWedAWildScot #AnnaBradley #KensingtonBooks #HistoricalRomance #ScottishRomance #Bookstagram #LyricalPress
September 16, 2019
Overbearing Scotsman and a determined English Miss!
What more can one ask for? Fireworks aplenty! A feisty English lass (Lady Juliana Bernard) steals away the heart of a stubborn Scotsman (Logan, Laird of Clan Kinross), despite their battles, suspicions and inauspicious start.
The story had me at the disheveled wee Sassenach lass, vomit on the bottom of her skirts (don't ask!) dogging the Scotsman through the wilds to Castle Kinross--and I never looked back.
Juliana must find a husband to ensure her guardianship of her beloved niece Grace, and to prevent Grace from falling into the clutches of the alternative guardian, a cunning blackguard, Lord Cowden, whose measure Juliana has had since childhood.
Of course there's intrigue, hurt, double dealings, the threat of land enclosures and the dastardly actions of the rich English landlords, and most importantly, humor!
Bradley's research on the Scottish clearances and the resulting tragedies and impact on the population, which she's incorporated so ably into this novel, is to be commended.
A lively read!
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
What more can one ask for? Fireworks aplenty! A feisty English lass (Lady Juliana Bernard) steals away the heart of a stubborn Scotsman (Logan, Laird of Clan Kinross), despite their battles, suspicions and inauspicious start.
The story had me at the disheveled wee Sassenach lass, vomit on the bottom of her skirts (don't ask!) dogging the Scotsman through the wilds to Castle Kinross--and I never looked back.
Juliana must find a husband to ensure her guardianship of her beloved niece Grace, and to prevent Grace from falling into the clutches of the alternative guardian, a cunning blackguard, Lord Cowden, whose measure Juliana has had since childhood.
Of course there's intrigue, hurt, double dealings, the threat of land enclosures and the dastardly actions of the rich English landlords, and most importantly, humor!
Bradley's research on the Scottish clearances and the resulting tragedies and impact on the population, which she's incorporated so ably into this novel, is to be commended.
A lively read!
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
October 10, 2019
Misunderstandings abound in Anna Bradley’s To Wed a Wild Scot which lead to some a desperate time for our heroine. But boy does she turn the hero on his head (and steals his heart) with her determination to right a wrong and fight for what she so desperately wants. Add in a villain that I would have liked to climb in the book and give a punch (or two) to and you have a 5 star read.
August 28, 2019
This was a delightful story of a marriage of convenience between two exact opposites. Lady Juliana was English and Logan, a Scottish Laird. It was a great book that I could not put down once I started it. It kept me entertained till the last page. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. I highly recommend this romp towards a HEA. It’s a feel good romance with well developed characters and equally fun secondary characters. Well done Ms. Bradley.
August 22, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Logan & Juliana's story! He's a stubborn Scot and she's a stubborn Englishwoman....put the two together and you get fireworks!! Not liking each other very much when they first meet, it doesn't take long before their feelings change but due to misunderstandings and various events, neither admits their love to each other until it's almost too late.
It was also interesting to read about the Highland Clearances and how entire villages and the people in them were destroyed.....not a very proud time in history!!
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
It was also interesting to read about the Highland Clearances and how entire villages and the people in them were destroyed.....not a very proud time in history!!
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 12, 2020
I wrote that the first book was improbable but not preposterous... This one edges into preposterous. On top of that, the hero and heroine are a couple of nitwits. They are very slow to grasp concepts even when they're spelled out right in front of them, and have absolutely appalling communication skills! Somehow though, I still wanted to continue reading it. ? It was bizarrely both off-putting and compelling at the same time, lol. I will read the third book, but I might take a break and read some others first, so I don't burn out on this series.
Positive bits and pieces- Things did improve after they arrived at their destination. I admired the heroine for not caving to complaints despite rough circumstances just to disappoint the hero's expectations. =D I found the secondary couple quite likable. The interactions with the child were pretty believable and sweet.
Positive bits and pieces- Things did improve after they arrived at their destination. I admired the heroine for not caving to complaints despite rough circumstances just to disappoint the hero's expectations. =D I found the secondary couple quite likable. The interactions with the child were pretty believable and sweet.
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