To Winter at Wildsyde

Girls Who Dare #7

by Emma V. Leech

Girls who dare – Inside every wallflower is the beating heart of a lioness, a passionate individual willing to risk all for their dream, if only they can find the courage to begin. When these overlooked girls make a pact to change their lives, anything can happen.

Ten girls – Ten dares in a hat. Who will dare to risk it all?

To Winter at Wildsyde.

A dare to change a lifetime …

Miss Ruth Stone, a wealthy heiress, is struggling to fulfill her father’s dream to marry into nobility, despite her hefty dowry. Dared by the Peculiar Ladies to “Say something outrageous to a handsome man,” Ruth outdoes herself and proposes marriage to the heir to an earldom.

A decision she may live to regret…

Before she can think better of having opened her big mouth, her gorgeous, hulking husband-to-be has hustled her into a carriage and borne her off to his remote, tumbledown castle where he intends to put her dowry to good use.

A marriage or a business affair…

Ruth has no illusions. She’s a strong, sensible woman, not a fragile beauty and she knows her husband will never fall madly in love. Their marriage is one of convenience, her children will inherit title and legitimacy among the ton and she will have the home of her own she’s dreamed of. Yet her pig-headed, obstinate husband rouses her temper and her passions like no one before.

Her first winter at Wildsyde is about to set the old castle alight.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, Marriage Of Convenience

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2020

About the author

Bestselling author hiding mostly in 19th-century England, venturing out only for chocolate and tea.

Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.

EMMA’S BOOKS

Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!

Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.

A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.

The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.

Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.

Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.

Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.

The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.

The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.

The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.

The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.

The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.

Reviews

[Somia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Lowly Stars

A marriage of convience where a Sctosman (Gordy) marries for the wealth his bride will bring, and the bride (Ruth) marries for the title he will one day hold. Neither have any notions of romance, but what is undeniable is the connection they have, one Gordy truly resists as his past continues to mark his present.

When I read the blurb of this I was really keen to delve in but it didn't have my readers heart warm with delight.

The disdain with which the heroine held her mother made me wince and shift uncomfortably, it's never contextualised enough for me.

Some of the banter between the main characters amused me and I did like Ruth's resilience.

Overall, this is where the series and I part ways.

Potential Triggers: There are references to physical child abuse and neglect.

Acquired via KU.

[Regan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant Writing and a Good Story but Choppy with Other Women’s Stories Interjected

Set in the Highlands in 1814, this is the story of Miss Ruth Stone, a wealthy heiress whose father wants her to gain a title through marriage. Apparently, she is a part of a group of London women (“Girls who dare”) each of whom agrees to a dare. So Ruth agrees to say something outrageous to a handsome man, which she does when she proposes marriage to the heir to an earldom, a wild Scot who needs her money.

Gordy has a lot of emotional baggage having been declared the bastard heir and his family having deserted him. He doesn’t trust Ruth to stay. In fact, he plans to send her away the minute she is with child. It’s a marriage of convenience and Ruth’s son(s) will inherit title but she won’t be living at Wildsyde for very long if he has his way. Why risk his heart with a woman who will only leave him?

It’s a great setup and I was reading along, enjoying the story, the dialog and the details immensely when about 40% of the way through I’m suddenly thrust into a scene in London with another of Ruth’s friends who I don’t know. Apparently, out of poverty, this woman agrees to a scandalous arrangement. I assume this is a setup for a subsequent story, but still—what happened to my Scottish story??

The conclusion I reached is that this author is a great writer and the series very clever, but don’t read them out of order or, like me, you will be lost. This is not a stand-alone. Also, I’m not sure I like being jerked out of one story into another that is related only by “dares”. I couldn’t help but wonder if there wasn’t enough of a story between Ruth and Gordy so that filler letters and scenes had to be added.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Winter at Wildsyde
Girls Who Dare Series #7
Emma V Leech
https://www.facebook.com/EmmaVLeech/
Release date 02/07/2020

Blurb :

A dare to change a lifetime …

Miss Ruth Stone, a wealthy heiress, is struggling to fulfil her father’s dream to marry into nobility, despite her hefty dowry. Dared by the Peculiar Ladies to “Say something outrageous to a handsome man,” Ruth outdoes herself and proposes marriage to the heir to an earldom.

A decision she may live to regret…

Before she can think better of having opened her big mouth, her gorgeous, hulking husband-to-be has hustled her into a carriage and borne her off to his remote, tumbledown castle where he intends to put her dowry to good use.

A marriage or a business affair…

Ruth has no illusions. She’s a strong, sensible woman, not a fragile beauty and she knows her husband will never fall madly in love. Their marriage is one of convenience, her children will inherit title and legitimacy among the ton and she will have the home of her own she’s dreamed of. Yet her pig-headed, obstinate husband rouses her temper and her passions like no one before.

Her first winter at Wildsyde is about to set the old castle alight.

My review :

What a woman seizes an opportunity for a new future, does she doom herself ...

What a surprise to find this book delivered yesterday morning in my kindle, I had it scheduled for next week, so I had to upend my reading schedule as I could not pass on Ruth’s story.

I confess I never paid close attention to Ruth along the seven previous books, she was the host of many of the club meetings, with an extravagant home and an excessively verbal and gaudy father. So she surprised me when in the last book, she saved the day and rescued Bonny from her predicament.
And what a superwoman she is, never complaining, facing difficulties after difficulties, keeping her head held high and refusing to rely to hysteric deeds to make herself heard.
Despite her strength she has her uncertainties, and many, she has been overlooked all her life, seing herself as only a walking bank account, thus she offered herself as it. But when she wants to make herself a place in her new home, her efforts are thwarted by her bitter ruthless husband.
What a courageous woman she is, persistent and resolute. Whatever her husband has in mind, she won’t bow. It is war, one without army weapons, but with strategy.
She has two fronts to face, her husband and his home staff. For each she must adopt a different attitude. I rooted for her and her incredible resilience when many would have thrown in the towel. But she has chosen Wildsyde and its Laird, so be it.
Gordon, while I was heartbroken for the little boy he once was, the more the story moved toward its end, the more he saw him as a coward, using his past as a shield to hide from Ruth and the emotions she rose from him.
He ran away at the beginning of their marriage, leaving her alone in a new close to wild environment, not the deed of a strong man. Then he keeps hurting her with promises of sending her away when she repeats again and again she won’t leave.
He was lucky Ruth to be Ruth, as she never retreats, she might have her breaking moments but she is no one to give up.
5 stars for an incredible portrait of a strong and resilient woman.

Even if they are far away, we continue to have news from the other girls. My heart breaks for Jemima and the choices she has to make, I laugh with Minerva, but I am afraid for Matilda as I fear to see her too lust driven when I wants her to show the Marquess he does not own nor control her, he must be the one to fall not the opposite.

[Annelinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[☽ Rhiannon ✭ Mistwalker ☾ · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, I will say that this low rating is unfair of me, this a great book, like everything I’ve read by this author so far. But I am just super disappointed, personally. I had desperately hoped for a BBW heroine and angst and some good groveling and chasing on the part of the hero. That is not this book. There is almost a slight dash of insecurity on the heroine’s part about her size, but she gets over it quickly, and becomes certain that they can be happy and in love if Gordy would just let down his defenses. This book is all about Ruth chasing after a man who repeatedly demonstrates that he does not care about her. There is no angst, because Ruth just waits for him to admit he loves her. This had the potential to nail several of my favorite tropes and it bypassed them all to be a sweet romance that was not at all what I was looking for. (2.5 stars)

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too cruel

I admired the h and her determination to make the marriage a real one. But, the H was just too cruel to her. There really was no reason for her to fall in love with him. Then, at 85%, he finally admits his feelings. Too much angst for too little love.

[Lotten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regency romance är en av mina favoriter bland undergenrer till romance, och Winter at Wildsyde är riktigt bra.

Jag tycker om båda huvudkaraktärerna, de har viljor, de har egensinnighet, de har temprament (på ett bra sätt), de har omtänksamhet om andra. Det enda som egentligen sätter stopp för att de ska bli ett par och förstå att de älskar varandra (ja, det är ingen spoiler i romance!) är att de är envisa. Det känns realistiskt och förvecklingarna blir lagom för att driva historien framåt. Jag blir övertygad att det finns kemi mellan dem vilket är en förutsättning för att man ska tro på historien. Sexscenerna är bra, de kommer naturligt.

Som ett extra plus för Winter at Wildsyde så är det humor i dialogen. Det enda minuset är att det ibland känns som om det är lite väl mycket schabloner kring skottar, men ändå så beskrivs det med viss charm. En del utttryck känner jag igen från Outlander (vilket kanske säger något om hur lite jag läser där skotska förkommer…). Ett plus till är omslaget, som inte är lika fånigt som en del andra i den här genren.

To Winter at Wildsyde är den typ av romance som jag verkligen gillar! Är du intresserad av att prova Regency romance (som inte är clean) kan jag rekommendera Emma V Leechs böcker.

Betyg: 4+

https://lottensbokblogg.wordpress.com...

[Clarie Giselle Speights · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed reading about Ruth and Gordy. You get to read about two complex characters. Ruth proposes to the brutish Scotsman and once their married he is turning her away at every turn. So Ruth is not deter so easily and fight for why they have and she clearly sees. Gordy having a terrible childhood does give his heart away easily. In the end love prevails though Ruth did not make it easy. I was firmly in Ruth’s corner. Although as I’ve said some of things described in this book cannot be described as regency dialogue but nevertheless I enjoyed this book. Though if I was Ruth I would have given him more he’ll.

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by this author and Indeed the series! What a wonderful discovery!

So, despite the wrong order, this is a great start to the series and I will definitely read the others. The author has a really easy, flowing style and her characters just pop off the page. I loved Ruth and Gordy’s story. Very realistic yet managed without any ridiculous events. Ruth’s hard work to renovate the castle and win over the staff at the castle was just so beautifully done. Great dialogue with some really funny exchanges.

This was an emotionally satisfying read and a great ‘introduction’ to the series. I will read more.

[Melba Hard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gordon bloody Anderson finds his match

This story was unexpected.Ruth definitely had her hands full trying to put the castle back together again. I loved how she redecorate Gordys study to get her own back! Gordy really was a brute but it wasn't surprising when you learnt his history.
I can't wait for Minerva and Matildas books to be released the brief hints in this book sound intriguing.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Each are stand-alone, yet there is the common threat of taking a dare. It's hard not to root for each to succeed. Ruth in this book, is so strong and determined she is amazing. And the Highlander she captures only wants her dowry. But she wants his love.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

So it appears I am quite fond of a cranky obsequious hero. Gordy is grumpy, stubborn and barely civilised! What a combo.

Fun story with everyone rallying around Ruth ganging up against Gordy's grizzling. Ha.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Que casal mais bonito e interessante!

[Virginpat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encore une belle série

[Kiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 7 of the Girls Who Dare series is about Miss Ruth Stone, who is an heiress and daughter to a wealthy merchant, and Laird Gordon Anderson, the Scottish heir to an impoverished earldom. Gordon Anderson was supposed to marry Bonny Campbell, but she married Jerome Cadogan instead. When Gordon arrived in London to get Bonny and learned she was engaged to Jerome, Ruth proposed he marry her instead and, upon learning her dowry was 50,000 pounds, he accepted. He told her to pack and be prepared to leave the following day. She then took him to meet her father and to fill out the marriage contract (all this happened in Book 6).
There wasn't much to review after they left London. The better part of the trip was mainly Ruth doing most of the introspection and thinking as Gordon didn't have much of an input. Unlike the previous books in the series, the author didn't give a point of view from Gordon for the first two chapters. Pretty much all he did was make grunting noises, be crabby, and either sleep or ignored Ruth for the entire journey. The only time he had any input was when Ruth forced it by trying to get to know him better and even then, he didn't have much to say (and definitely not in a nice way either). It really didn't give this reader a good reason to like him at all.
At least the author used more humor in this book. It did help alleviate any boredom the first few chapters brought on. It was a struggle to read with being bogged down with so much introspection and not a lot of talking for so long.
I wanted to hate the Hero, I really did. Although Ruth was forewarned about him and knew what she was getting into, I still did not like how he treated her. I wanted to bash him over the head with the whiskey bottles he was so fond of. However, when the author showed more of his past and how he had been treated it explained, in part, his gruffness and desire to not give in to any emotions.
The author didn't lose the ability to bring others into the story once again. It was a bit disrupting, while at the same time it provided a look into the books yet to come. One can't help but waffle between being irritated at the interruption and also being eager to catch a glimpse of future books. The way she did this (so far) in all the books in this series, it's almost as if the author could not figure out how to write a complete story so, instead, she threw in a bunch of other stories as filler and hoped it would be cohesive enough to make one complete story. However, let's call them what they are: interruptions, and not always welcome.
The fact that both the Hero and Heroine have a temper to match one another's was pretty awesome to read, even a tad bit funny at times. They play off each other much like two equal competitors on different sides of a rugby match. That their tempers dissolve into passionate embraces makes for some very romantic moments too.
This book definitely had its moments of angst, drama, intrigue, romance, passion. and humor all woven smartly together. With such an ending as the last 2-3 chapters had, this book was definitely one that kept the reader on their toes. It also earned the Keeper for the Shelves award from this particular reader.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit of stereotype, a little bit of sweet, a lot of simple pleasures.

Ruth is a strong woman, but not a stern one; it was refreshing to see a woman who is both strong and vulnerable, who’s able to adapt to a variety of situations with aplomb. She’s manipulative but not malicious about it, instead having the best interest of Wildsyde and those who call it home in mind.

Gordy was… a bit of a stereotype, but a charming one. Rough and tumble and disassociated from softer emotions–though not without cause–he was what you’d expect. Still, he was likable in that though he was awkward and occasionally cruel, it was out of misguided kindness rather than actual ill intent.

As a couple, Ruth and Gordy were surprisingly adorable, despite Gordy’s complete denial of his need for her, outside of her sizable dowry. For a relationship that started from insta-lust and a dare, it sweetened nicely. (I particularly enjoyed his pleasure at seeing her wearing his tartan, even when he was trying to not get attached.)

Given that the story was set in Scotland, not London, it seemed that the secondary cast–primarily the Peculiar Ladies–was much more manageable than usual. There were still occasional asides for them, but the bulk of the story focused on Wildsyde. It was a bit of a relief, honestly, as I like most of the Ladies but still find all of them together exhausting.

The story was sweet and steady, a progression from point A to point B without too much variance, but all the better for it. It was an easy read that I didn’t have to think too much about, so I could just lose myself in the characters (which is my favorite part, more than plot twists and suspense).

I ended up enjoying Ruth and Gordy’s story more than I expected–I’d anticipated it being a stepping stone to book 8 (which I’d been eagerly awaiting), but it was lovely enough to actually become one of the books in the series I liked most.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I often put free downloads into my Kindle library just in case I'm ever without Wi-fi and need something to read. Such was the case when I began this novel. I am a HUGE fan of the Outlander series and have stayed away from anyone who even remotely tries to copy what Diana Gabaldon achieved. So I was a little hesitant to read this book about a lady from England who marries a Highlander on a dare, not because she loved him - although she did find him quite attractive (especially his knees?). In the end, I enjoyed the book set in the early 1800s. I think it was actually helpful to have the reference point of Highlander behavior which I've gained from the Outlander series but, other than the snippets of Gaelic and the hard-headedness of the Scott (as well as the British woman), it bore little comparison to my beloved Outlander

It was a little hard to get into. It starts with a list of ladies. For someone who has read the first 6 books in the series, it might be a nice recap but as someone starting with Book 7 I found it a little overwhelming. From there, each chapter begins with an excerpt of a letter between two of the aforementioned ladies. Sometimes these letter pieces were helpful, but often they felt disconnected. Every now and then there is a whole chapter about one of the other ladies and what was happening in their world, especially in regards to the "ton", some sort of society group. But most of the chapters center around Ruth and Gordy's relationship.

I've always been taught that any book in a series should also be able to stand alone. For the most part, this one does. At the end there is a preview of two chapters from Book 8. I didn't read the chapters. I wouldn't pass up a free copy of another book in the series, but if I was intentionally seeking out a book of this style to read, I'd choose something by Jane Austen whose value is already well established.

[Maria Cruz · Rating 1 out of 5]

awful book-but read the others

I’ve lived every book in this series, but this one was terrible. TERRIBLE!

To start I was very much looking forward to this one as it was a bit of a brake form the London/ballroom setting. I liked how strong the female was and I love a good Highlander.

BUT this instead was about a very strong woman turned meek who claimed she loved a man who was so emotionally abusive. First off what was to love, the entire book they maybe had a handful of interactions. And almost all are him claiming his conjugal “rights”. The story itself was rather boring simply because it’s just them fixing up a house.

I was so patient too, expecting this author to really turn it around as she writes such great hero’s. But I kid you not, these two are fighting and he’s trying to kick her out of her house and take her children till the very LAST CHAPTER!!! And ofcourse she’s apologizing to him through out ALL OF IT!! then it ends with an epilogue. Thats IT! Done. I wanted to pull my hair out. No man who talks to you and treats you in the way this guy does should ever deserve the love and care of a woman. Ever.

Where is the big gesture or the apology, or just you know them spending time together to actually get to know the other so that any “I love yous” might actually have depth behind them.

Really awful book. So disappointed.

The one and only HIGHLIGHT of this book is the one scene thrown in of Matilda and Montague. There isn’t that much your missing of the other characters though since the book didn’t take place in England the other charters are hardly mentioned at all. I’d find this one scene and skip the rest.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

I've only read book 1 of the series over 14 months ago and don't remember it. This being book 7 I must admit when the secondary character's were introduced and some of their stories told, I was lost. It was like coming in the middle of a story. I decided not to deduct for the secondary character's because I enjoyed the story of the H/h. Even though I think the author should include their meeting and her proposal.

The last few stories I've read by other author's this week have been somewhat lacking in character for the H. I read 1 to 1.5 books a day (love retirement) and some of the stories have the H weak and not a true hero. This author gave me exactly what I needed in a story. A strong, but somewhat flawed hero who was trying to protect his heart by not falling in love. He had an awful childhood and didn't want to get attached to his wife. But, he was still a great character. You understood the way he acted.

The h has to be one of the best h's I've read in weeks. She is smart, capable, knows how to handle any situation and especially what the H needs. I enjoyed their fights and banter and exchange of wits with each other. I laughed at what the h did to the H's study. PRICELESS!

There is lovemaking, within marriage, heat level 4.5 out of 5 described several times. I felt a connection to them so for me it was filled with passion, but others may find it too descriptive.

No cheating, no cliffhanger for our couple, but the stories of the other friends will be unknown, HEA was not an easy road to reach, romance and steam. (ljb)

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing this Book 7, I have come to the realization that this is my favorite series I have ever read. The Peculiar Ladies really are but they are all such wonderful personalities.

Ruth is disgustingly rich but her father earned his wealth in trade. She wants to marry, have a home and belong but so far hasn't found anyone that interests her or that cares for her outside of her large dowry. Ruth has some personal doubts about herself but she is as strong as goat's breath about everything else. When Gordon Anderson appears in her life, she instantly knows that he is the one the moment she sees his knees. Gordy next heir to the Earl of Morven title after his uncle's death, needs to marry money to bring his castle & land out of complete ruination after his father's last act was revenge on his bastard son who would inherit it. Gordy also knows he will never allow himself to love after his mother walked out on him when he was seven and never returned & then his two sisters left, married and promised to come back & get but they never did. When Ruth proposes just minutes after meeting him is shocking but her 50,000 pound dowry is convincing.

After ironing out the marriage agreement with her father and ironing out rules, expectations and what was expected of the other, they are off to Gordy's castle in Scotland. The adventures, hilarious moments & the growing together of two insecure people was so entertaining. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Disappointing stars.

I'm pretty surprised on the high reviews. I've been binge reading this series and all of the books (except for the 2nd novel) have been pretty good.

To Winter at Wildsyde is Ruth and Gordy's story. I was really fascinated with their story after reading the To Dance with the Devil (the novel before this one), I really liked how Ruth proposed to Mr. Anderson and I was excited to see her adventure. She marries a Scottish person!

The entire read was very frustrating and not romance worthy AT ALL. If you want to read a book about Ruth pursuing Gordy and continually putting herself out there while he in return either leaves her, ignores her or verbally treats her harshly, then you are insane. I felt HORRIBLE for Ruth. She was just this sad puppy doing whatever she could for the scrapes that were thrown at her way.

To top it off, the entire staff in the castle treated her like poo! She had NO ONE and she was all alone. It was a TRUE Struggle reading. I kept reading thinking... Gordy would redeem himself, he has to show the softer side. NOPE. He was a jerk, a bully and was purely selfish to almost the bitter end. Who runs away for 3 weeks the day after you marry someone?!

I just don't get it. This book is the opposite of women empowerment. It's was appalling to be honest. I highly suggest you skip this one, but stick to the series. The series is still good.

[Juliana Veale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth strikes me as one of those matronly kindly women that will make a welcoming house in a middle of a desert. Ruth is also the daughter of a very wealthy, but vulgar merchant that set out to introduce his daughter into the ton. His requirements for Ruth is to marry a title. In the meantime, he's happy for her to run his household and all the otherproperties he owns.

When Ruth meets Gordon Anderson it's lov...lust at first sight. Something about this big strong Scotsman just appeals to her and she offers marriage (since Gordon is broke) and her vast dowry.

The experiences between Ruth who arrives at the half ruined castle and Gordon, who carries a lot of emotional baggage of his own don't become an exercise in pining. There is just too much work to be done for either of them to have the free time to write bad poetry and spend days crying on the sofa (without getting rained on by the leaky roof). Ruth has to win the hearts of the Scottish staff and transform her new house into a home as well as convince her husband that she will not leave him like the other women in his life. Gordon in the meantime, has to lower his defences and let Ruth in in between fixing the castle and make his property profitable.

It's a beautiful love story about two people who believe the other beautiful whilst believing themselves ugly. This is probably one of the best books in the series.

[Kamilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essa história mudou um pouco do cenário dos demais livros e nos levou para a Escócia, e como antes da história começar, Ruth já era bastante destacada dentro do grupo das amigas, sinto que esse livro é uma história independente, e com isso o livro só teve a ganhar.

Gosto de romances que tem como tema principal o casamento de conveniência, e gosto de heróis teimosos e turrões, pronto, a história já funcionou para mim. Também gosto de heroínas com personalidade forte que não precisam demonstrar isso com gritarias e escândalos, Ruth e determinada e tem uma personalidade bastante forte, mas ela é do tipo que mata na unha e com um sorriso bem sonso no rosto, gostei dela rs

Gordon é aquele herói intimidador a primeira vista mas que está lidando com os traumas e fantasmas de seu passado conturbado, colocava a maior banca mas desde o início reparou que com a Ruth não teria brincadeiras.

O livro dá uma passadinha da história das próximas protagonistas, mas perde pouco tempo com isso dessa vez, o que deu mais tempo de desenvolvimento para o casal principal, a última em que eu realmente estou interessada é Jemima, que é outra destacada, mas vou ler os demais e finalizar a série, nem que seja para não deixar lacunas.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Ruth and Gordy's story, my only complaint would be that the resolution was a bit too abrupt.
I'm anxious to read Minerva's book, I like her tremendously.
I still don't like Helena but hopefully that will change once I read her book. For now she still seems like a spoiled, rich girl that wants the attention of someone because he is not giving it, that she wants to toy with Knight just because he is not her station. Right now her reasons for making that Knight fall for her sound just horrible, being bored god.🤦‍♀️ He didn't even do anything to warrant her trying to play with him. I guess my dislike ran deeper than I thought.
Jemima ... I just feel so sad for her.
Matilda ... she is an admirable heroine. I hope she stays strong and does not let Montagu win. He was and still is truly horrible to her.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t outstanding, but it wasn’t bad by any means— pretty middle of the road. I did like how the focus was solely on Ruth and Gordon’s relationship and there was no last minute murder plot of the heroine as most historical romance books I pick up tend to have. The one somewhat negative I have is that this is a series that I think definitely has to be read in order. I had no troubles following along with the main couple’s story. However, there were big sections of the book dedicated to the point of view of other girls in the series that will be main characters in the future as well as moments with their various love interests. If I’m getting all this backstory on this girl that be will be the star two books from this one, it makes me wonder how much I missed out on Ruth and Gordon’s previous interactions or anyone else by skipping ahead to book seven.

[Helen Heavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best

This is by far the best HR, I’ve read in a long time. The dialogue for most part stays true to the time in which the novel is set. Ruth and Gordy's marriage is unconventional, to say the least. Ruth is a good heroine who takes her marriage vowels seriously and works hard to make the marriage work. The story of how patiently she does this is worth readying. What I found unique about this novel is that there were parts of it that were about friends of Ruth. I very interested to read the continuation of the romance of Jemima and the Baron, begun in this book. Incites into potential romances for future novels deal with Minerva and Matilda. I will certainly continue to read this author's books. The storylines are delicious.

[Hanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

More a Serial than a Series

If this had just been the story of Gordon and Ruth I would have given it 4 stars. Not 5, because it began near but not at the beginning of their story. But big chunks of the book contained parts of the stories of other women in the serial. This book, and the others in the serial, do not stand alone.

I understand that this kind of series is written in the hope that readers will feel compelled to buy all the books. But I wonder if in fact others like me are so turned off by what feels like a cheap manipulation that they put the author on a do-not-buy list.

[Avidreadersbc · Rating 5 out of 5]

So emotional

What is it about surly, broken men that makes them so Irresistible?

Whatever the reason, the surly, brutish Caveman in this story, Gordon, turns out to be a lovable marshmallow under all his hard exterior. Abandoned by his mother and sisters, Gordon's traumatic upbringing has made him extremely distrustful of women. But Ruth never backs down from a challenge and despite initial hardships and distrust, she's slowly but surely chiseled away into Gordon's heart and made a home for herself at Wildsyde. Now, the two are well on their way towards their happily ever after.

[Toni Krogh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sassenach in the Highlands

Ruth’s father wants her to marry into nobility - he’s got the bucks but wants the bloodline. While several nobility bite on the line of the 50000 dowry, her father keeps turning them away. Finally, Ruth decides to take the bit and find her own and along comes Gordon Anderson (the “gentleman” that Bonnie is supposed to marry but she can’t stand him) and Ruth immediately falls in love with this huge, gorgeous Highlander. He needs a wife with money, she needs a husband with a title ( he’s in line to be an earl), so off to Scotland she goes! Great story of grumpy man meets strong woman with a wonderful ending.

[sandy forguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goody and ruth

Good story and well written . Goody had a very bad start in life with first his mother leaving him then his sister's and finding out his father had a great dislike for him as his mother had him from a previous liver. So Giddy felt everyone would leave him. but then came Ruth who was struck read fast in her love for him. Great characters although I wish some secondary characters who wrote letters to Ruth sometimes weren't there. Would highly recommend and glad Ruth an Giddy had their HEA .