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Scottish Charm #3
So Well As You
Running a horse ranch is all Nora Cleary needs to be happy. She’s spent her life working on her family’s ranch and competing to showcase their training program. When the opportunity to start a new ranching operation abroad comes up, she jumps at the offer. Scotland will be her chance at happiness after suffering some disappointments at home.
Once, Damisi Dalziel reached for happiness only to have it slip away. Today, she’s content with her work as a professor and her wonderful circle of friends. Everything is just right in her life, until a certain American cowgirl saunters through the door of her home with an outrageous declaration.
Will their forced cohabitation lead to a constant battle of wills, or will it prove that differences can sometimes lead to fiery connections?
Once, Damisi Dalziel reached for happiness only to have it slip away. Today, she’s content with her work as a professor and her wonderful circle of friends. Everything is just right in her life, until a certain American cowgirl saunters through the door of her home with an outrageous declaration.
Will their forced cohabitation lead to a constant battle of wills, or will it prove that differences can sometimes lead to fiery connections?
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2020
About the author
Lynn Galli
19 books267 followersLynn Galli calls the Pacific Northwest home even though she's never written any software code, built an airplane, worn socks with sandals, or slung coffee. For the most part, she enjoys her real job but absolutely lives for the time she gets to spend writing.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 29, 2020
4.5* I highly enjoy this book, but then I've enjoyed all of Lynn Galli's books I've read so far. Book #3 in the Scottish series, this book has an accomplished American cowgirl hired to manage a tech billionaire's horse breeding and training centre in beautiful Scotland. There, she became housemates with a professor of Scottish history. The interactions and chemistry between the 2 main characters are wonderful and charming. And, if you like horses, there's a lot of them in this book. We also see characters from books 1 and 2 and that's always enjoyable. However, this can be read as a standalone. What I love about Lynn Galli's books is that they're very re-readable. I can see myself reading this book along with the rest all over again and enjoying them as much as I do now.
August 27, 2020
Third in the Scottish Charm series. A series connected by involving Scotland and or people of Scottish descent. Plus the couples from the first two books in this series appear in this book here.
Right, so. Nora Cleary is in Scotland to help a billionaire start a horse ranch in Scotland. She's . . . I'm not actually sure what she is. I was going to say 'she's American, since I made a point of talking about nationality', but then I remembered I was talking about descent and not nationality and . . . I'm not sure, other than 'citizen of the United States of America for at least two generations', I'd be able to place Nora. Though one of her best friends, and employees in the USA on her own ranch, is a Native American. Mentioned to note descent/nationality/other were mentioned for friends and potential lovers, but not for Nora herself. Or I missed the mention. Right, were was I. *rereads . . . pretends to reread*
Nora Cleary is in Scotland to help a geeky nerdy self made billionaire open a horse ranch in Scotland. Book opens with her arriving in Scotland super tired from her flight. Wandering into the house she's going to be living in while the ranch is going to be opened. Hearing her 'not yet meet or communicated with roommate' singing. Watches as said roommate pops into the room Nora is in, and begin screaming when that woman, who is completely naked, spots Nora in the house. After a bunch of back and forth, it is learned that the billionaire never actually told Damisi Dalziel that he has set up his new ranch manager in the cottage. Because he is absent minded and stuff.
So, that's how the reader, and Nora, meet the other main character in the book. Reader never 'gets inside' Damisi's head, though. No, the book is completely from Nora's point of view. And, with the type of personality Damisi has, the reader is kept at a distance from Damisi since Nora herself is kept at a distance. Or - Nora is quite attracted to Damisi on first appearance, first naked view; neither the reader nor Nora knows if Damisi finds Nora attractive in any .way.
Book follows Nora as she sets up that ranch in Scotland over many months, while also 'getting into' something undefined with Damisi. Nora is just happy to have anything that Damisi would allow, so she doesn't push Damisi on just what they are doing. I'd say, to put this into horse terms, that Nora is like a horse tamer who is attempting to tame a strong-headed, albeit shy-ish horse (Damisi), except Damisi is never tamed, nor 'broken'.
Rather enjoyed the book, a solid 5 stars. For a while there I was thinking it'd end up being one of those rarish 5+ star books, but, while I liked how things developed and were shown (obviously enough), I kind of also wish more of Damisi was seen. And, for that matter, I'd have liked it more if Nora's interactions with Zoey & Celia, and Ainsley & Skye shown more (many interactions were shown, it's just that they kind of went from random unknown people to 'friends' without saying hello first, so to speak).
Going back to how I started this write-up in a review box - I mentioned that the series involved Scotland and/or people of Scottish descent. Actually, I think all three books involved natives of Scotland (in at least one of the couples), and some time spent in Scotland. As here. Damisi is the Scottish native here. Half-Scottish & half-Nigerian. Damisi is also a professor (like many of the other characters in the series have been); and is also quite . . . relationship shy because of a super bad experience. With her ex-wife (this might, though only might, be the first time I've seen an ex-wife pop-up in a lesbian romance - I've seen many exes pop up, but this might be the first ex-wife (though I've read other lesbian romances who had had wives previously, they just didn't tend to be, well, alive, in the other books)).
I should stop trying to do more than one thing at once while putting together reviews. I believe I was doing about four different things while typing this up. mmphs.
Rating: Solid 5 stars
August 30 2020
Right, so. Nora Cleary is in Scotland to help a billionaire start a horse ranch in Scotland. She's . . . I'm not actually sure what she is. I was going to say 'she's American, since I made a point of talking about nationality', but then I remembered I was talking about descent and not nationality and . . . I'm not sure, other than 'citizen of the United States of America for at least two generations', I'd be able to place Nora. Though one of her best friends, and employees in the USA on her own ranch, is a Native American. Mentioned to note descent/nationality/other were mentioned for friends and potential lovers, but not for Nora herself. Or I missed the mention. Right, were was I. *rereads . . . pretends to reread*
Nora Cleary is in Scotland to help a geeky nerdy self made billionaire open a horse ranch in Scotland. Book opens with her arriving in Scotland super tired from her flight. Wandering into the house she's going to be living in while the ranch is going to be opened. Hearing her 'not yet meet or communicated with roommate' singing. Watches as said roommate pops into the room Nora is in, and begin screaming when that woman, who is completely naked, spots Nora in the house. After a bunch of back and forth, it is learned that the billionaire never actually told Damisi Dalziel that he has set up his new ranch manager in the cottage. Because he is absent minded and stuff.
So, that's how the reader, and Nora, meet the other main character in the book. Reader never 'gets inside' Damisi's head, though. No, the book is completely from Nora's point of view. And, with the type of personality Damisi has, the reader is kept at a distance from Damisi since Nora herself is kept at a distance. Or - Nora is quite attracted to Damisi on first appearance, first naked view; neither the reader nor Nora knows if Damisi finds Nora attractive in any .way.
Book follows Nora as she sets up that ranch in Scotland over many months, while also 'getting into' something undefined with Damisi. Nora is just happy to have anything that Damisi would allow, so she doesn't push Damisi on just what they are doing. I'd say, to put this into horse terms, that Nora is like a horse tamer who is attempting to tame a strong-headed, albeit shy-ish horse (Damisi), except Damisi is never tamed, nor 'broken'.
Rather enjoyed the book, a solid 5 stars. For a while there I was thinking it'd end up being one of those rarish 5+ star books, but, while I liked how things developed and were shown (obviously enough), I kind of also wish more of Damisi was seen. And, for that matter, I'd have liked it more if Nora's interactions with Zoey & Celia, and Ainsley & Skye shown more (many interactions were shown, it's just that they kind of went from random unknown people to 'friends' without saying hello first, so to speak).
Going back to how I started this write-up in a review box - I mentioned that the series involved Scotland and/or people of Scottish descent. Actually, I think all three books involved natives of Scotland (in at least one of the couples), and some time spent in Scotland. As here. Damisi is the Scottish native here. Half-Scottish & half-Nigerian. Damisi is also a professor (like many of the other characters in the series have been); and is also quite . . . relationship shy because of a super bad experience. With her ex-wife (this might, though only might, be the first time I've seen an ex-wife pop-up in a lesbian romance - I've seen many exes pop up, but this might be the first ex-wife (though I've read other lesbian romances who had had wives previously, they just didn't tend to be, well, alive, in the other books)).
I should stop trying to do more than one thing at once while putting together reviews. I believe I was doing about four different things while typing this up. mmphs.
Rating: Solid 5 stars
August 30 2020
July 11, 2021
The third book in this lovely series. Another 4.4 star book for me. I am glad that I made the time to read these books. I like the way Galli writes and that het characters often make appearances in her newer books so that I can meet them again and follow their lives a bit.
September 30, 2020
3.5 Stars for Lynn Galli’s So Well As You
So Well as You is the third installment of Galli’s series, Scottish Charm. You can probably read this without reading the first two (One-Off and Speak Low). I really enjoyed the first two and I highly recommend them. Couples from both books make appearances, so we are updated on what and where they are now. This book is told in first person, via Nora Cleary.
Nora Cleary is a rancher from Idaho and participated in horse cutting competitions which a horse and rider are judged on how well they work cattle. It is at these competitions that she met and became friends with a tech executive, Hearn Ogilvie. It wasn’t until after he offers her a job to oversee the setup a horse ranch at his new estate in Scotland that she discovers he is a multi-billionaire. She jumps at the chance. She had been running her own small ranch and when her father was ill, ran the family’s ranch. But when she learned she would never take over the family ranch, being a daughter and not a son, she packed her bags.
When she arrives at the ranch, she goes to the guest house where she startles a naked Damisi Dalziel. Turns out the tech giant neglected to tell either of the women they would be sharing the guest house. Damisi is half Scottish, half Nigerian professor at Edinburgh and Glasgow. The ranch was in-between both, so Hearn had offered her the guest house.
Nora was hired to be the project manager for the stables. But first Nora has to clean house, firing Hearn’s old college friends, who were supposed to have started building the stables, most of it had not been done and instead bought themselves ATVs and trucks. Nora took over hiring and working along side new hands, contracting and supervising everything to get the stables done before the horses were due to arrive.
I did enjoy reading the book, however with the emphasis on Nora setting up Hearn’s horse facility, the romance story was not the central theme. That didn’t pick up until later in the book. I really loved when Damisi’s Nigerian mother Eni, an immigration lawyer came to visit. We learn more about both of them as Eni grills Nora and Nora envies their mother-daughter relationship. I think with everything told from Nora's viewpoint, we really don't get to know Damisi as well as I wished.
We are introduced to new characters that Galli can easily pick from to continue series. I look forward to more in the series or actually any new book by Galli .
So Well as You is the third installment of Galli’s series, Scottish Charm. You can probably read this without reading the first two (One-Off and Speak Low). I really enjoyed the first two and I highly recommend them. Couples from both books make appearances, so we are updated on what and where they are now. This book is told in first person, via Nora Cleary.
Nora Cleary is a rancher from Idaho and participated in horse cutting competitions which a horse and rider are judged on how well they work cattle. It is at these competitions that she met and became friends with a tech executive, Hearn Ogilvie. It wasn’t until after he offers her a job to oversee the setup a horse ranch at his new estate in Scotland that she discovers he is a multi-billionaire. She jumps at the chance. She had been running her own small ranch and when her father was ill, ran the family’s ranch. But when she learned she would never take over the family ranch, being a daughter and not a son, she packed her bags.
When she arrives at the ranch, she goes to the guest house where she startles a naked Damisi Dalziel. Turns out the tech giant neglected to tell either of the women they would be sharing the guest house. Damisi is half Scottish, half Nigerian professor at Edinburgh and Glasgow. The ranch was in-between both, so Hearn had offered her the guest house.
Nora was hired to be the project manager for the stables. But first Nora has to clean house, firing Hearn’s old college friends, who were supposed to have started building the stables, most of it had not been done and instead bought themselves ATVs and trucks. Nora took over hiring and working along side new hands, contracting and supervising everything to get the stables done before the horses were due to arrive.
I did enjoy reading the book, however with the emphasis on Nora setting up Hearn’s horse facility, the romance story was not the central theme. That didn’t pick up until later in the book. I really loved when Damisi’s Nigerian mother Eni, an immigration lawyer came to visit. We learn more about both of them as Eni grills Nora and Nora envies their mother-daughter relationship. I think with everything told from Nora's viewpoint, we really don't get to know Damisi as well as I wished.
We are introduced to new characters that Galli can easily pick from to continue series. I look forward to more in the series or actually any new book by Galli .
September 2, 2020
The main characters in this tale have an unconventional meet-cute and their relationship develops a bit erratically. Much of the story arc focuses on Nora's struggles to build a ranch from the ground up and to deal with her family issues. This makes for an interesting read, but does short change the central romance. It is fun to watch them spar, but when Damisi visits Idaho their declarations of deep feelings seem a little sudden.
In addition to cameo appearances by couples from earlier stories there is a good cast of supporting characters; some with enough back story to make them candidates for future tales. This helps build a sense of community and when the happy couple achieve their HEA it is very much an enjoyable group effort.
In addition to cameo appearances by couples from earlier stories there is a good cast of supporting characters; some with enough back story to make them candidates for future tales. This helps build a sense of community and when the happy couple achieve their HEA it is very much an enjoyable group effort.
August 24, 2020
I gave this a 3 star rating because I liked the book, but I tend to love Lynn Galli's writing/stories and this one was surprisingly "ok". I read it, it kept me engaged enough where I didn't struggle through it. I even enjoyed it. At the same time, at the end I was disappointed because I kept waiting for something more from the characters. More emotion, more development of the characters. Historically, her main characters have felt more "real" or "alive". However, both Nora and Damisi came off as a bit flat; especially Nora.
Am I sorry I read it? Nope but if this is your 1st Lynn Galli book I'd pick another one to start on
Am I sorry I read it? Nope but if this is your 1st Lynn Galli book I'd pick another one to start on
August 29, 2020
So Well As You by Lynn Galli is an uplifting romance with some heat. Even though it is the third book in the Scottish Charm series, it is a stand-alone story. Successful American horse rancher, Nora Cleary, is friendly, hardworking, and kindhearted. She travels to Scotland when she is hired to start a new horse ranch operation for a likable billionaire. She quickly encounters the aloof woman she will be sharing a house with as she settles into her new job. Damisi Dalziel, a beautiful Nigerian-Scot, is a professor of Scottish history. She is aloof and untrusting of the new unassuming, generous person sharing her space. Damisi has no interest in an emotional attachment thanks to her ex-wife, but she slowly warms to Nora’s genuineness and feels safe sharing her body, if not her mind. This story is told in Nora’s voice, and she is just a lovely character, dealing with her own family hurts. There is a cast of secondary characters that tug at your heartstrings too, and when Nora’s warmth shines on them, you get the impression the world would be a better place if there were more Nora Clearys amongst us. The diverse characters in this well-paced story are lovable and relatable. This book is a cool breeze of a read. Treat yourself to this one.
August 27, 2020
📝 First person POV is always a bit hard to get into but Lynn Galli makes it work like a charm! Out of all her scottish romances, I can say I feel more at ease with the theme of this one. I mean? Agricultural sciences is as close as you get to zoo work, they share the same points to cover even if they are executed differently. The book was a little short and there was definite space to go deeper into both the relationship and the character's own life. I would definitely have enjoyed more immersive scenes during competitions, horse training and general domestic things the Main Character and Love Interest share while living under the same roof.
👥 The characters were definitely enjoyable and likeable. The MC seemed a little too perfect at first, always an optimist, but the author did not disappoint and displayed a wider range of emotion to her, and even if her flaws were not made obvious, there were there. Only this time, her flaws worked in her favor instead or sabotaging her. As always, the secondary and background characters are well rounded enough to feel tangible in the story while highlighting some of the protagonists trait's traits as a person.
💖 The romance was balanced, sweet and understandable. The novel read more like romance was the consequence of a series of decisions and just another part of the MC's life rather than be front and center, on par with how it felt reading One-Off (which is for sure one of my favorite books in wlw literature). Like I said above, I wouldn't have minded the book being longer so more domesticity and shared house shenanigans could have been included that would ciment more of an idea of how both characters were as a couple.
👥 The characters were definitely enjoyable and likeable. The MC seemed a little too perfect at first, always an optimist, but the author did not disappoint and displayed a wider range of emotion to her, and even if her flaws were not made obvious, there were there. Only this time, her flaws worked in her favor instead or sabotaging her. As always, the secondary and background characters are well rounded enough to feel tangible in the story while highlighting some of the protagonists trait's traits as a person.
💖 The romance was balanced, sweet and understandable. The novel read more like romance was the consequence of a series of decisions and just another part of the MC's life rather than be front and center, on par with how it felt reading One-Off (which is for sure one of my favorite books in wlw literature). Like I said above, I wouldn't have minded the book being longer so more domesticity and shared house shenanigans could have been included that would ciment more of an idea of how both characters were as a couple.
September 7, 2020
It's a Lynn Galli. Run don't walk! I have to confess it's not my favourite. I adored the first in the serise. The second I adored on the second read through when I had enough information (I was too speedy reading to spot the subtle clues) that I enjoyed it all. This one..... seems less subtle. Loads of characters ( which makes me hope for a long series). I have to say 85% in I didn't know where this was going. I mean it's a WLW romance written by a mistress but it was so angst free - except the two main characters weren't together. I am stumped how I feel about this book. Actually I'm not. This was s a Galli. Just buy it. The longer it sits in your collection the more you will love it. I'm not at that point with this book. But I am soo at that point with this writer. In honesty this is a 3 star upgraded to a four because of the Galli factor.
February 22, 2025
All Nora Cleary wants to do is set up her client's new Scottish horse ranch. But it appears he may have been swindled, the work needed is not done, and the cottage she's supposed to live in is already occupied by a gorgeous Professor.
Damisi Dalziel is staying at her friend Hearn's cottage, and was NOT expecting a handsome American cowgirl to arrive. Both women feel a powerful attraction, but Nora will only be there a few months.
(Holy crap Nora's family is .... i was gonna say awful, but certainly very selfish. Her brother, at least, realizes they've been dicks but... yikes.)
I really like how her books share continuity, but are also readable on their own. This book caries over characters from hervlast two, but if you haven't read them you'd still be fine.
Damisi Dalziel is staying at her friend Hearn's cottage, and was NOT expecting a handsome American cowgirl to arrive. Both women feel a powerful attraction, but Nora will only be there a few months.
(Holy crap Nora's family is .... i was gonna say awful, but certainly very selfish. Her brother, at least, realizes they've been dicks but... yikes.)
I really like how her books share continuity, but are also readable on their own. This book caries over characters from hervlast two, but if you haven't read them you'd still be fine.
August 24, 2020
I really love Lynn Galli's books and enjoyed this third installment of the series very much. Lynn writes in the first person and her female MC's are always thoughtful, multi-faceted individuals who you get to know really well. If you haven't read the first two in the series I would recommend settling in and reading in order as with each book the author adds more characters for you to get to know and love. Although you can read each book as stand alone reading all will definitely add to the experience.
If you feel in love with Ainsley and Skye in the first installment or Zoey and Celia in the second then I definitely recommend as you learn more about their lives in this book.
If you feel in love with Ainsley and Skye in the first installment or Zoey and Celia in the second then I definitely recommend as you learn more about their lives in this book.
August 20, 2020
Wonderful read
The author has done it again with this charming slow burning romance. If you like horses and Scotland then you are in for a special treat. Sit down and enjoy this breath of fresh air from reality.
The author has done it again with this charming slow burning romance. If you like horses and Scotland then you are in for a special treat. Sit down and enjoy this breath of fresh air from reality.
August 21, 2020
I recommend this book
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are very likeable and well written. The romance was sweet. I am ready for a book four want to catch up with the characters. Thanks for another winner.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are very likeable and well written. The romance was sweet. I am ready for a book four want to catch up with the characters. Thanks for another winner.
August 23, 2020
Excellent.
I loved So Well As You. A great combination of romance, travelogue and horses. I good reminder that you can make your own family when your original family disappoints you. Great series. This is Book 3.
I loved So Well As You. A great combination of romance, travelogue and horses. I good reminder that you can make your own family when your original family disappoints you. Great series. This is Book 3.
August 24, 2020
I'm always excited when I see a new Lynn Galli
Another Great one in this series. I always enjoy anything Lynn writes but I am fond of Scotland. Keep writing please.
Another Great one in this series. I always enjoy anything Lynn writes but I am fond of Scotland. Keep writing please.
September 25, 2020
Weird little book. With the introduction of soooo many characters it feels like the set up for many more books to come.
The epilogue makes me doubt that, but who knows.
Due to the wide spectrum of characters here the two main characters don’t even spend that much time together in the first half of the book. That’s one part refreshing and one part bewildering. There was a lot of not talking between them, but I didn’t care enough to get annoyed.
The epilogue makes me doubt that, but who knows.
Due to the wide spectrum of characters here the two main characters don’t even spend that much time together in the first half of the book. That’s one part refreshing and one part bewildering. There was a lot of not talking between them, but I didn’t care enough to get annoyed.
April 8, 2021
Way excellent. American cowgirl meets professor - in Scotland. Loved both mc and the story. Body positive book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews