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Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts #1

Lady Guinevere and the Rogue with a Brogue

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an alternate cover edition can be found here

Five years ago he humiliated her. Five years ago she betrayed him. And when fate forces them together once more, they’ll discover what burns hotter—vengeance or desire.

Lady Guinevere Darlington has spent the last five years trying to forget the beautiful rogue who stole her heart and then crushed it under his shiny black hessian. Humiliated by the blighter with the unforgettable brogue and left to weather the wagging tongues of the ton alone, she started a secret society that delivers justice to ill-intentioned rakes, and she managed to avoid having to wed—until now. But while her time is up, her determination is not. If she must take a husband, she’ll do so on her own terms. She has a plan, and a possible candidate, until the Scot she once loved returns to London and throws her life into salacious turmoil yet again.

Asher Talbot, the newly minted Duke of Carrington, has nearly perfected his ability to repress memories of the stunning, stubborn lass who long ago captivated him with her innocent charm, then slayed him with her duplicity. He channeled his anger into continuing to build the distillery empire he started when he thought he was a by-blow. But now his company is in danger, and he intends to secure his inheritance to save it, even if it requires pursuing the perfidious enchantress he disavowed. True reconciliation is not part of his plot, but hints of the Guinevere he thought he knew leave him questioning everything.

When fate, fortune, and a cunning scheme bring these two together, their mutual attempts to torture each other ignite the dormant desire between them. But secrets surround them, and they’ll have to unravel each one before the love they glimpsed is lost forever.

285 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2020

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552 people want to read

About the author

Julie Johnstone

96 books764 followers
Julie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance and Regency historical romance featuring highlanders and aristocrats are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.

In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.


Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Johnstone.
Author 96 books764 followers
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September 3, 2020
Guinevere undid the latch of the sash window and opened it. She looked up to take a deep breath of fresh night air and yelped. There, on her balcony, with the moonlight shining upon him like the marauding heart thief that he was, was Asher.
“Hello, Guin.”
His voice slid over her like a warm waft of air, causing a ripple of gooseflesh to shiver over her skin. She could not move. She could hardly breathe. And every thought was one of a rapidly increasing awareness of her desire for this man who had the power to destroy her.
He raised his arms and set his hands somewhere above the window. She swallowed, her heart moving to her throat. He was sans cravat, and his shirt was open to show just a bit of the top of his delicious chest. Her dratted fingertips prickled, beckoning her to press them against his revealed flesh.
He leaned in, and the scent of whiskey swirled around her. Her tongue tingled with the sudden desire to taste him to see if he had imbibed. He leaned closer, and his heat became one with hers. By God, they would go up in flames.
His lips curled back in a savage smile. “Who were ye opening the window for, Guinevere?”
It took a moment to gather her wits, but once she did, she glared at him. “What are you doing here?”
He nudged past her to enter through her window, and without a word, he stalked across her bedchamber, his boots tapping against the hardwood. After a second, her bedchamber lock clicked into place. A foolish thrill swept through her, remembering what had occurred between them the last time he’d locked a door. She shoved the burgeoning desire down. She would keep control of her wanton self.
When he turned to face her, moonlight slashed across his face, and for one breath, before he stepped out of the light and into the shadowy darkness of her bedchamber, she could have sworn she saw longing on his face. He strolled toward her this time, each of his measured steps making her heart beat a little faster, a bit harder.

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Coming August 18, 2020
Now available for pre-order: https://amzn.to/3gyL4oc
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,739 reviews317 followers
April 6, 2021
Just not my type

Another it's me not you thing with this book. It was written well but I hated all the miscommunication in it. He married someone else that he got caught kissing and while they consummated the marriage, nothing else happened with them. She died in childbirth and the scheming and lies and drama just kept coming. Five years later he returns and the whole miscommunication thing starts again. It was hard to read and I just didn't get invested in the characters. I wanted more. Just got a villain, a terrible villain, and secrets and lies and it just dragged on. Normally I love this author, but not tonight. Didn't like the story at all.
Profile Image for 🦉Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
August 12, 2020

❤️❤️❤️❤️1/2
💋💋

Very enjoyable and entertaining to read , this couple are electric in their chemistry and so perfect for each other.

Circumstances, I won’t go into, separate them for years , but now they are back in the ballrooms together , maybe this time their growing affection can lead somewhere, though it feels roadblocks are thrown in their way constantly.

Very enjoyable, good characters constantly moving plot and great storyline.

Loved it , nice to see Julie back in the Regency section. Although I’ve loved all her books.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews152 followers
August 15, 2020
Lady Guinevere And The Rogue With A Brogue
Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts Series #1
Julie Johnstone
https://www.facebook.com/authorjuliej...
Release date 08/18/2020
Publisher Darbyshire Publishing LLC

Blurb :

Five years ago he humiliated her. Five years ago she betrayed him. And when fate forces them together once more, they’ll discover what burns hotter- vengeance or desire.

Lady Guinevere Darlington has spent the last five years trying to forget the beautiful rogue who stole her heart and then crushed it under his shiny black hessian. Humiliated by the blighter with the unforgettable brogue and left to weather the wagging tongues of the ton alone, she started a secret society that delivers justice to ill-intentioned rakes, and she managed to avoid having to wed—until now. But while her time is up, her determination is not. If she must take a husband, she’ll do so on her own terms. She has a plan, and a possible candidate, until the Scot she once loved returns to London and throws her life into salacious turmoil yet again.

Asher Talbot, the newly minted Duke of Carrington, has nearly perfected his ability to repress memories of the stunning, stubborn lass who long ago captivated him with her innocent charm, then slayed him with her duplicity. He channeled his anger into continuing to build the distillery empire he started when he thought he was a by-blow. But now his company is in danger, and he intends to secure his inheritance to save it, even if it requires pursuing the perfidious enchantress he disavowed. True reconciliation is not part of his plot, but hints of the Guinevere he thought he knew leave him questioning everything.

When fate, fortune, and a cunning scheme bring these two together, their mutual attempts to torture each other ignite the dormant desire between them. But secrets surround them, and they’ll have to unravel each one before the love they glimpsed is lost forever.

My review :

Will their ego tear them apart once more ...

What an angsty read this one is, such a dramatic play of misunderstandings this one is!
The main couple was torn apart by people decided to let them think they were wrong for one another but if they had been less prideful characters they might have seen through the web of deceit waiting to pounce on them.

They spend the first half of the book hurting the other, they cannot be in the same room without letting pride and falsities come between them
Then when things looked like having settled, new doubts rise and menace to tear them apart once more because those two too stubborn and prideful fools can’t see what is right in front of them.

It is not often I do have to wait a bit to write a review but I was quite upset at the heroes letting their personality’s flaws keep the best at bay because they are to blind and haughty to see and listen the many clues right in front of them.
How I would have loved to shake them or bump their skull together.
From the very beginning it was obvious to me who was the true culprit, the two faced Janus behind the many lies misleading them to doubt one another’s feelings and fueling their hurt pride. I just did not know why.

Mrs Johnstone has crafted an awesomely well thought angsty story with characters ready to run to their downfall if they can’t check their surviving skills to understand when trust and truth are very much needed tool to win one another’s heart.
4.5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Profile Image for Tracy Emro.
2,131 reviews64 followers
August 12, 2020
Maybe 3.5 stars

Five years ago Lady Guinevere and Asher Talbot were in love, but their HEA was snatched from them leaving Guinevere heartbroken and the subject of gossip and Asher married to Guinevere’s friend Elizabeth and returning to Scotland, due to the machinations of someone close to them and their own insecurities, they each believe the other lied and betrayed them.

Raised believing he was a bastard, Asher started a distillery and experience success before his mother died. On her deathbed, she confessed that Asher is the legitimate firstborn son of the Duke of Carrington, she and the duke had been married, but his father threatened to cut him off if he didn’t divorce her. She begs Asher to meet his father and take his rightful place. He does, but he never really bonds with the duke and when Elizabeth and her unborn child die less than a year after their marriage, Asher stayed in Scotland and continued to build the distillery business, refusing to have anything to do with the duke or the “ton”, even when his business begins to falter. But when his father dies and the terms of his will are known, Asher will have to return to London and marry one of the women his father has chosen, or he will lose his fortune and the means to help his failing business. He is shocked and angered to learn that Guinevere is on the “list” – but to save his business, he will marry her if need be.

Guinevere was heartbroken when Asher was caught with her best friend and married her without ever talking to her – she thought that Asher used her to make Elizabeth jealous. When they married and left, Guinevere became the subject of gossip and it took years for her to regain her social standing. To protect other women from the pain she endured, she and her friends started the Society of Ladies Against Rogues and they diligently keep watch for ladies that are in danger of being ruined and intervene when they can. It was on one such mission that Guinevere learns that Asher is back – he catches her trying to climb a tree. It is clear that they still harbor deep feelings for each other, but neither is willing to acknowledge them. But when Asher realizes that if he wants to save his company, he will have to marry Guinevere, will they be able to finally move on from their tragic past and find a HEA or will the villain that kept them apart before manage to tear them apart again?

I thought the book itself was well written and paced nicely, but the prolonged misunderstanding / misassumption trope is not a favorite of mine – I felt that the misunderstandings, lies, doubts and misassumptions dragged on for much too long and then when the villain is revealed, there was no comeuppance at all. The book is brimming with emotion, anger, betrayal, lies, misunderstandings, a bit of intrigue, some steamyish love scenes, a lot of secondary characters, twists and turns and finally a HEA, that I have to wonder will last considering the way Asher and Guinevere were so willing to believe the worst in the other. This is the first book in a new Georgian era series and despite my feelings about this particular title, I will be looking forward to future installments as Ms. Johnstone is an exceptional author who time and again delivers deeply emotional, passionate and engaging stories.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
Profile Image for Pj Ausdenmore.
931 reviews33 followers
August 18, 2020
After several years of writing Medieval Scottish romance, Julie Johnstone returns to Regency-era England with this first book in her new series. It's an enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance between a man and a woman who have each spent the past five years believing they were betrayed by the other. In fact, they were both betrayed, by someone still trying to keep them apart.

Johnstone's storytelling skills shine in this new book that's filled with sharp banter, humor, emotion, and plenty of twists and turns on the path to a happily-ever-after. And, with these two main characters, that path is a rocky one. I can't remember when I've encountered a hero and heroine with quite as much stubborn pride and lack of trust as these two. Though rekindled desire sparks early, forgiveness is slow to follow, and trust even slower. They have a tendency to believe everything they're told by others and nothing they tell each other. Not to mention, jumping to conclusions at every turn. I would have washed my hands of them had it not been for my faith in Johnstone's guiding hand.

The characters in this book, both main and secondary, are fully developed with complex layers and while supporting characters don't steal the spotlight from the hero and heroine, they contribute significantly to the overall story. I'm especially intrigued by a non-couple I'd love to see featured as a couple in a future story in the series. I'm intrigued by them individually and hoping for a redemption arc followed by an HEA.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review
Profile Image for Patricia Wissore.
695 reviews6 followers
August 18, 2020
I loved the story! Guin and Asher were perfect for each other. The miscommunications between them were ones I could see happening in this time. It was an "Aha!" moment when I figured out who the bad guy was and I completely understood why and how it happened. Guinevere's habit of quoting Shakespeare when she was flustered was cute. I was a bit confused about Lady Constantine and how she fit into everything, but I'm hoping that's in a book to come! I can't wait to get to know all the behind the scene story of her! Kilgore was waffling between being a bad guy and a good guy, I would like to see him good! Lilias has a story as well so I'm not sure who I want to get theirs first. Thank you for the advanced copy, it was a pretty amazing read!
104 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2020
This marks a return to the regency genre for author Julie Johnstone. I have to say I wasn’t sure what to expect as I have thoroughly enjoyed her Scottish medieval series and more recently her time travel series with Cecelia Mecca. I was pleasantly surprised, it features a handsome hero with Scottish roots and devilish smile, his heroine is a past love. The story begins five years after our couple last saw one another, each carries past hurts and damaged hearts. Asher needs to marry in order to save his company, Guinevere also feel pressured into marrying in order for her younger sisters to marry. As expected there are bumps along the way that threaten our couples happiness. Eventually love wins out and our couple get their HEA. This book is so well written and easy to read, I can’t wait for the rest of the series, I can not recommend it enough. It is an excellent book to start your journey into Julies’s world. Once you read this you will definitely want to read her others. A very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,499 reviews217 followers
March 12, 2021
It was okay to good read! I liked the characters and their sweet chemistry. These two belonged together. Unfortunately too many misunderstandings got tiresome, but luckily not enough to ruin the story.

3.5 stars!
Profile Image for Dee Deacon Foster.
421 reviews19 followers
August 21, 2020
It is definitely a grab you by the pants, hold on for the ride, stay up till 2am kind of book! 10+ star book!!
Profile Image for AnnMarie.
1,304 reviews34 followers
August 11, 2020
Lady Guinevere and the Rogue with a Brogue is the first book in the Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts series by Julie Johnstone, and what a wonderful start it is.

Lady Guinevere Darlington and Asher Talbot thought themselves in love 5 years ago, but some seriously bad misunderstandings and lack of communication saw Guin devastated and Asher returning to Scotland heartbroken and angry.

Fast forward 5 years and Asher is now Duke of Carrington and he has had to return to London to claim his inheritance, much to his disgust, if he has any chance of saving his whisky distillery business which he is struggling to keep afloat.

Guin is still unmarried but has somebody is showing an interest in her. Guin would only marry so that her younger sisters could then be allowed to have their seasons and find a husband. If she had her way she would never marry.

Guin and Asher's first meeting after his return to London wasn't your usual one and it set the scene for their characters. Guin being independent and getting into a scrape, and Asher being her hero helping her out of it. They are still dreadfully attracted to each other despite the hurt and anger they both still feel.

Will they be able to talk properly, clear up any misunderstandings and have a chance at picking up where they left off, or will secrets come out that can ruin any chance of them having the happy ever after they deserve?

I loved this book so much despite the fact that I just wanted to shake both main characters for being so blind towards the truth regarding each other. With Asher, he was just too proud, and Guin she was just afraid of getting her heartbroken again. But, to me, wanting to give characters a good shake is the sign of a well-written story. You can't help but feel involved with their lives and just want to help them open their eyes!

Other characters in the book were both likeable and loathable, there are twists and turns and surprises that I just did not see coming. I enjoy a book when I can't figure out just how it can end happily and where characters end up nothing like you thought they were.

There were plenty of lighthearted moments in this story, some sadder ones, and some very romantic passionate ones. There is just something about a sexy Scotsman that makes a bedroom scene a phwoar-worthy one!

This book was the best of both worlds for me because it was set in London, but Asher is a sexy Scotsman who has all the attributes of a Highlander of old. As Julie Johnstone also writes fabulous Scottish Historical romance books you can appreciate how perfect Asher is!

I recommend this book wholeheartedly and cannot wait for the next in the series.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,194 reviews64 followers
August 14, 2020
4.5 Stars
Lady Guinevere Darlington has spent the last five years trying to forget the beautiful rogue who stole her heart and then crushed it under his shiny black hessians. Humiliated by the blighter with the unforgettable brogue and left to weather the wagging tongues of the ton alone, she started a secret society that delivers justice to ill-intentioned rakes, and she managed to avoid having to wed—until now. However with two younger sisters her time is up, her determination is not. If she must take a husband, she’ll do so on her own terms. Asher Talbot, the newly minted Duke of Carrington, has nearly perfected his ability to repress memories of the stunning, stubborn lass who long ago captivated him with her innocent charm, then slayed him with her duplicity. He channelled his anger into continuing to build the distillery empire he started when he thought he was a by-blow. But now his company is in danger, and he intends to secure his inheritance to save it, even if it requires pursuing the perfidious enchantress he disavowed. True reconciliation is not part of his plot, but hints of the Guinevere he thought he knew leave him questioning everything.
A delightful captivating start to a new series, the story flowed well & the characters had depth & on the whole were likeable. I loved both Asher & Guinevere who had loved each other for so long but misunderstandings, insecurities & making assumptions all nearly drove them apart. It was very much two steps forward then three backwards on the road to their HEA but it did keep me engrossed as more obstacles were put in their way & how they eventually overcame them. I did love the chemistry between the pair & how that attraction helped them persevere. There were also lovely secondary characters & I hope they too have their stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Lorrie.
272 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2020
Could not put this book down. I was fitting in a chapter throughout the day when I could! The plot kept twisting in my head as to who would have been behind the mess these two have found themselves in.

Lady Guinevere was determined to marry for love and her sights were set on Asher, until misfortune fell her way. She was fine with living out her life as a spinster with the money from her dowry. But many things can happen in five years that would call her attention back to him.

Asher was born a bastard, or so his mother told him for the majority of the life he had spent with her in Scotland. Before her death, she revealed who his father was and made him promise to travel to London to meet him with the hopes that they could resolve their differences. Asher was fine with the whisky business he had built and needed nothing from his father, but a promise is a promise so he traveled to London to meet the father that never wanted him.

With the death of Asher's father, he'd come to learn that he would be inheriting his father's lands and titles instead of his brother, Pierce. From this moment on, there was a twisted web of lies, deceit and trickery and in the wake of all this, a love blossoming once again between Asher and Guinevere. Throughout the story I kept trying to figure out who was behind the corruption and could not. You will not find out until the very end, making this one exciting read!! Find out if the long list of hurdles can be overcome by love. A great read and one I recommend highly!!
Profile Image for Kat Tolle.
639 reviews13 followers
August 18, 2020
Didn’t See That Coming! I said that a lot in this book! Lady Guinevere And The Rogue With A Brogue is book 1 in the Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts series and this book will definitely keep you on your toes. There are so many twists, turns and schemes that you will never be able to guess what is going on… I love that! I also can’t say enough about the banter. If you have not read a Julie Johnstone book you are in for such a huge treat. This book is Brilliant! The characters are just wonderful and the story very original. I am in awe of Julie’s writing. I can not even wait for the second book in this series. This story has schemes, lots of misunderstanding (that is an understatement), a father’s abandonment, forgiveness, a drunken half brother, wanting approval, kidnapping, blackmail, death, a demanding death will but can Asher and Guinevere find love? You will just have to read this fabulous book to find out and I highly recommend you do!!! You will not be disappointed.

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
47 reviews3 followers
August 12, 2020
Lady Guinevere and The Rogue With A Brogue is a stellar start to Julie Johnstone's new book series. I absolutely LOVED this book. Could NOT put it down. Guinevere and Asher have a history, and 5 years later they are both still hurt and obviously still love each other but are in denial and need to find out the truth of what happened all those years ago to have true happiness. Asher, half Scots, having been raised in Scotland, is refreshingly not stuffy British and does whatever he wants, so that brings a great aspect to a Regency read. He isn't ashamed at all of owning whisky distilleries. Guin is not your typical nonpolitical, know your place English miss. They are perfect for each other. This book is so entertaining and will make you laugh, make you sad at times and smile. Wonderful secondary characters in this book too. Love the epilogue! Cannot wait for Lilias' story!

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to anyone. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of this book despite having been given an ARC copy.
Profile Image for Petula.
3,090 reviews87 followers
August 15, 2020
Lady Guinevere Darlington and her friends are trying to protect unwary young ladies from rogues out to seduce them.  She had to face gossip five years ago,  but now because of her sisters, it's time to choose a husband.  Unfortunately the one man she can't cope with seeing has reappeared.  

Asher Talbot has just inherited his title, Duke of Carrington but the funds that should be his, come with strings. His father is still trying to control him from the grave.  Unfortunately, he is not the only one who is manipulating him.  

This is a fascinating story of plots a long time in the making.  Just who are doing the plotting and why is the best part.  There are lots of misunderstandings and some heartache for both our lead characters. Full of twists and turns.  I enjoyed every page and look forward to reading the rest of the series.  

I loved it.  
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews131 followers
August 21, 2020
When I see a new story by the fabulous Julie Johnston, I know I am in for an amazing ride! The title alone grabbed my imagination. What is better than a Scot with that lyrical brogue? Hmm that is a hard one, unless he is wearing a kilt, then there is nothing better!
A long ago betrayal comes back to life, when Asher Talbot, now Duke of Carrington comes back into the life of Lady Guinevere. A case of he betrayed her with her best friend, although to him she was the one who betrayed him. Oh yes, a lot of secrets and unknowns seem to be in the works.
But Asher needs to marry to help save his family business and at the same time she feels pushed to marry soon. Can these two ever come back together?
Definitely not a smooth road for this couple, but it is certainly worth the journey! I loved every word!!
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,111 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2020
This romance is stymied by misconceptions and miscommunication. Guinevere and Asher share a deep, palpable attraction and both want to deny that their feelings haven’t changed in five years. With all the interference and deceit it’s a long way to their HEA!
180 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2020

I loved it! The story begins when Guinevere and Asher are pulled apart by intrigue and lies. Years pass until their paths cross again and they will have to navigate through a sea of old hurts and misconceptions to find true love. The many secrets and hidden agendas kept me glued to the pages! The chemistry and playful banter between Guinevere and Asher flew through out the story making me fall in love with them! I can’t wait to see the stories of the other wonderful characters. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,464 reviews28 followers
October 4, 2020
Secrets we keep

Guin aka Guinevere is a Shakespeare buff and quotes it when she is nervous or over set! Asher took one look at her and literally something passed between them and you just know that this is the one! Things are not as they seem and Guin was thrown over by her best friend Elizabeth who married the man she was in love with! Five years have passed and Asher has returned to become a Duke in his fathers place after his death! Several players and components have contributed to Asher and Guin been kept apart especially Lord Kilgore!!! Can't wait for his story! I almost cried and time and time again new information came forth to show a depth of evil lies and treachery unfathomable!!! Yoh want put this one down!!! Get ready to laugh, cry and have a box of tissue for this HEA!!!! Oh and don't forget the secret society!!
Profile Image for Winnifred D..
916 reviews35 followers
April 9, 2021
I wanted to smack the hero upside the head many times during the first half of the book. Five years earlier, he had ended his relationship with the heroine when he chose to believe that she had happily kissed a known rogue. He never talked to her about it afterward, never worried that she could have been compromised, didn't even watch the kiss long enough to notice if she was returning it willingly. Instead, he chose to believe the story her "friend" told him. He then ended up having to marry this friend because, yep, he was caught kissing her. He had a good a reason to suspect the woman was a liar, as once they were married he found out she was pregnant with someone else's child (it's easy to figure out whose). Obviously he was trapped into marriage. But he spends over half the book fuming at the heroine, as if anything was her fault, and telling himself he's going to "get answers." "Getting answers" typically involves locking her in rooms or manhandling her when she's already upset and then they start making out.

I mentally checked out of the book when they were arguing heatedly about all the assumptions he's made about her, then they started making out and she suddenly invited him up to her room to take her virginity.

I hate the "overbearing lunkhead Scot" trope. I hate the "extended misunderstanding" trope, where two adults bicker endlessly like children and never talk things through. I also hate "H doing things that would ordinarily be stalkerish or shaming but it's OK, because H lusts after h." I also detest "younger sister or friends manipulating situations to be cute when it only causes h trouble" and "status-seeking mother who keeps shrieking that h is a disgrace to the family and has ruined herself."

You get the idea.

I gave the book 2 stars because of the lack of typos, and the writer seems technically skilled. I just couldn't stand the characters or plot.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,565 reviews88 followers
August 21, 2020
The title and cover of this book had me thinking that this was another lighthearted Regency romance. Although the opening paragraphs of the story are hilarious, the plot quickly becomes complicated as lies and betrayal abound, and hearts are broken. When one man's ambition is thwarted, he does not care who he pulls into the fray, nor does he give any heed to the consequences of his machinations. Despite the deep hurt, both Guinevere and Asher carry in their wounded souls, they are unable to turn away from each other and as each situation brings them back into the same orbit, their attraction becomes obvious to everyone around them. I love the main characters and despite his stubborn pride, Asher is a delightful hero and has his own brand of charm. Guinevere, unlike so many women who have been betrayed, keeps her sweet character and finds it almost impossible to denounce even those who have lied to her. This novel is well written and a standalone, coming to a successful conclusion, although not everyone is happy with the outcome. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,795 reviews26 followers
August 24, 2020
A second chance to find love for Guinevere and Asher. Misunderstandings and more kept them apart until one night. I loved how Guinevere would help protect others without thinking about herself. Her friends were a delight as well. Asher was reluctantly thrown back into her circle, but the pull between them overrode all. I enjoyed this story greatly and highly recommend it.

I received an ARC of this story, and this is my unsolicited review.
Profile Image for Mary.
61 reviews
July 23, 2022
Difficult to make it to the end

Lies, misunderstandings, manipulation, assumptions - this plot has all of that, over and over and over again. H/h are exasperating; the villain gets no reckoning. Spend your time doing something better than reading this, like a load of laundry perhaps.
Profile Image for Alison.
854 reviews5 followers
August 14, 2020
Lady Guinevere and the Rogue with a Brogue
Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts #1
Julie Johnstone
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lady Guinevere Darlington has had her heart ripped out and stomped on so she has spent the last five years trying to forget the rogue who did this to her. Humiliated and left the subject of every kind of gossip the ton could think up, she started a secret society that is meant to stop ill-intentioned rakes from hurting other ladies. She has managed to avoid having to wed until now. Her Mother is also one clever woman by deciding she will have to become betrothed so that her younger sister could be courted, but while her time may be up, her determination is stronger than ever and if she has to take a husband you can bet she's going to do it on her own terms. She had a great plan and a possible subject, until a certain Scot that she once loved returns to London and throws all of her good plans to the wind.

Asher Talbot is now the Duke of Carrington, and only thought that he was over the beautiful lass who at one time long ago held him captive with her innocent charm, but then broke his heart with her duplicity. He thought he knew her, but he was wrong so instead of sitting there and wallowing in self pity he channeled all of his hurt and anger into continuing to build up the distillery empire that he started when he thought he was illegitimate. Now his businesses are in danger so he intends to secure his inheritance to save them, even though the terms of the inheritance requires him to pursue the enchantress he once disavowed. He only intends to have a marriage of convenience, but everything he once thought he knew will leave him questioning the past, present, and future.

There are secrets surrounding them and they will have to unravel them or all will be lost forever.

This book was incredible and it leaves Julie Johnstone shining like the brightest star. From the first page I was hooked on this book. Guinevere has been hurt and she took the hurt and made herself a very strong woman who was on a mission to show all the rogues that they could not get away with what they were doing. She didn't realize that she still had strong feelings for Asher until he came back into her life. Asher has also been through alot and he threw himself into his distillery business and his anger kept him from accepting help from the man who he found out was his father and a Duke. It was both of their hurt and anger that made them both who they were. These two have chemistry that is off the chart. They will sizzle your pages and leave you craving for more. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next story. Ms. Johnstone you are utterly amazing.
Profile Image for Sharon Pauley.
110 reviews39 followers
August 28, 2020
The Rogue with the Brogue, Asher Talbot, has just learned he is the new Duke of Carrington. He never expected to inherit as his father had divorced his mother for "infidelity". His father remarried and sired his half-brother, Pierce. He was raised in Scotland by his Scottish mother who let him think that he was illegitimate;however, the divorce wasn't final until after his birth. Now he learns that he inherited the bulk of his father's estate but the will specifies that he must marry one of the three ladies stated in it. One lady just became engaged which left Lady Constantine and Lady Guinevere. Lady Guin, who had broken his heart five years before when he found her kissing another, Kilgore. So he decided on proposing a marriage of convenience to Lady Constantine. To his surprise, she declines and lets him know that her heart is otherwise engaged.
Lady Guinevere Darlington resents Talbot. She thought they were going to wed five years ago but instead he ended up married to Lady Elizabeth and whisked her away to Scotland. His wife and unborn child were now dead and the new Duke is back in London. He seems to be everywhere she is. Kilgore is also flirting with her outrageously again. She didn't understand why he kissed her five years ago. She knows she isn't like other ladies. She hates embroidery, can't play the pianoforte, is very outspoken and quotes Shakespeare. And for 5 years, she had been an outcast when Kilgore refused to ask for her hand in marriage. Now both the Duke and Kilgore are back in London and very much in her life.
Add in the mix, two sisters and one outspoken best friend who formed SLAR, (Society Ladies Against Rogues) after they saw other ladies being pursued and compromised. Ash still loves Lady Guin and she is falling deeper in love but alas, true love does not alway run smooth.
It is a story of star crossed lovers. And you have to love the first line of the book, "Never wear white to ruin a rogue."
Profile Image for Denise riemer.
96 reviews7 followers
August 24, 2020
Julie Johnstone is back to writing her Regency stories,I've only read her Medievil books,so was not sure how much I would enjoy a new type of era for me. I can't tell you how much I absolutely loved this ebook, the story keep me involved with the people in it I couldn't stop reading it. It starts with Asher Talbot,becoming the new Duke of Carrington,because his father had died. He never knew his father and when he meet him did not like him.Asher has a half brother,Pierce,who Asher really does not know well.One of the conditions of his father's will is he just marry one of three women his father has wrote down.One of the women is Lady Guinevire,who Asher had thought to court and marry five years before,but due to mis understanding Asher ends up married to Guinevire best friend Elizabeth.Asher still loves Guinevire and she has always loved him,this story is a real sizzling,and exciting to read,I keep reading to find out how story would turn out.between Asher and Guinevire there was not the trust in each other through the story because of Lies that other people would tell to both Asher and Guinevire about each other. I received this ebook as a ARC for my honest review,and I so enjoyed it,I couldn't stop reading it and will be reading more of Julie's Regency books,but also her Medievil books. Julie has converted me to this era along with Medieval books.Would recommend you to read this book,always love a Highland Scot in my books,even set in England,gave this book a five star rating as it was exciting to read ,couldn't stop wanting them to have a fabulous ending.
Profile Image for Debbie Brown.
2,043 reviews18 followers
August 22, 2020
Lady Guinevere Darlington has spent the last five years putting her life back together after Asher Talbot, the newly minted Duke of Carrington broke her heart and spirit to love again. Guinevere feels like a fool used by Asher. She’ll never understand him or forgive him for making her desire him. She thought they had a future together to only have the scoundrel compromise her best friend and marry her. Now she feels pressured to marry to save her sisters, will she marry without love or not? She knows marring a rogue she doesn't love maybe better than the heartache she's suffer in the past, a lost love is too overpowering and overwhelming to consider experiencing again.
Asher has returned to town to accept his title from his bastard of a father and to save his Scottish whiskey distillery and all those who depend on him. What he doesn’t expect is the demands in his father’s will, he must marry a woman of his choosing or be disinherited. Asher has never forgotten Lady Guinevere, she’s been a memory haunting him for five years, why did she betray him and was their love real or not? This is a captivating story of two young people in love who suffer betrayal, loyalty, trust and fighting for a love worth having. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent book.
Profile Image for Fanosse23.
668 reviews
September 4, 2020

Lady Guinevere Darlington was disappointed in love when the rogue she fell in love with betrayed her. She has spent the last five years trying to get over Asher Talbot, Duke of Carrington. Because of what happened to her she has created a secret society that takes down rakes who plan to ruin innocent young ladies. Five years has passed, and she is ready to move on and find a husband. Unfortunately, Asher Talbot returns from Scotland to disrupt her plans. I loved Guin and Asher together and throughly enjoyed their attempts to deny their feelings. They are surrounded by secrets from the past, misunderstandings, scheming by others and trust issues that somehow are resolved to permit them to rekindle the love for each other that never went away. This was a story about second chances at love that was written beautifully by Julie Johnstone.
Profile Image for iread.
827 reviews11 followers
August 9, 2020
Lady Guinevere and the Rogue with a Brogue is the first book in a new series called Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts. I enjoyed this book. The story starts with a bang and gallops along at a brisk pace. There were a few twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. I couldn’t put the book down. There are a few steamy scenes—overall, a fabulous start to a new series.
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