How the Scot Stole the Bride

Matchmaking Madness #4

by Laura A. Barnes

When fate opens a door, one must …

She was destined to become a Duchess. He wanted to claim her for himself. Before the wedding vows are spoken, can they explore the depths of their attraction?

Selina Pemberton’s father arranged for her to marry a duke’s son when she was a young girl still in the nursery. Their marriage would unite two dukedoms and lay the foundation for a powerful dynasty. However, he wasn’t the gentleman who starred in her fantasies. No. The honor went to the groom’s cousin. A most maddening Scotsman. He irritated her with his teasing and the nickname Duchess he bestowed on her. Yet his kisses ignited a passion that soothed her soul. Every stolen moment with him tempted Selina to defy her father’s demands. Can Selina change the course of her destiny? Or is she destined for a marriage of loneliness?

There wasn’t a lass who didn’t find Duncan Forrester charming. With the exception of his cousin’s bride to be. A lady who had stolen his heart. He shouldn’t give into his temptation to seduce her, but her vulnerability kept drawing him under her spell. He wished to steal her away to Scotland. When Selina finally opened her heart to him, Duncan thought they would spend their lifetime loving each other. However, his uncle had other plans. He forced them apart, leaving Duncan struggling to win Selina’s affection. When he caught her sharing a kiss with his cousin, Duncan realized he must confess of his love. Can Duncan convince Selina of his undying devotion? Or would he allow other forces to keep them apart?

A lady whose greatest wish was to feel loved. A gentleman whose greatest wish was forbidden. Would these two fall victim to a lost courtship? Or would Selina and Duncan succumb to scandalous temptation?

How the Scot Stole the Bride is the fourth book in Laura A. Barnes’s Matchmaking Madness Series. If you enjoy an emotional romance filled with passionate scenes, then you’ll love Selina and Duncan’s gripping love story.

Spoil yourself with How the Scot Stole the Bride today!

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2021

About the author

International bestselling author Laura A. Barnes fell in love with writing in the second grade. After her first creative writing assignment, she dreamt of becoming an author. Many years went by with Laura filling her head full of story ideas and some funny fish songs she wrote while fishing with her family. In 2017, she made her dreams a reality. With her debut novel Rescued By the Captain, she has set out on the path of a published author.​

When not writing, Laura can be found devouring her favorite romance books. Laura is married to her own Prince Charming (who for some reason or another thinks the heroes in her books are about him) who she enjoys traveling with and binging shows on streaming services. You can usually find her spending time with her children and grandchildren. Besides her love of reading and writing, Laura loves to travel. With her passport stamped in England, Scotland, and Ireland; she hopes to add more countries to her list soon.​

While Laura isn’t very good on the social media front, she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on the following platforms:​

Website: http://www.lauraabarnes.com

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes ​

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...​

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA...​

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labarnesaut...​

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@labarnesauthor​

Twitter: https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura...

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

They were in love from the very beginning

This was unusual as the hero was in love with her at the start of the book. She was in lust but it was really love. But she was engaged to someone else. And someone else was in love with another someone else. And it was convoluted. I liked both characters and the heroine grew on me. I loved how in the past everything she was cruel to someone, she wrote them an apology letter but never sent it. And believe me she was cruel. You learn why though. No excuses from her though. She owned it which I really admired. This story kind of dragged a little in the middle and it took far too long for the resolution. But it is worth reading. Duncan is swoon worthy. He loved her warts and all. There is so much going on I got characters messed up though. There are a lot. I don't mind that but it is a little confusing at times. Liked the character legend at the beginning of the book. It did help sort them out. I loved when she finally stood up to her Father. He was the only squeaky wheel in the bunch. Well except for Lucas. I didn't like him a lot for sure. But all's well that ends well, just stick throughthe middle part and it all turns out wonderful. Love this family.

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some parts felt repetitive and didn’t move the story forward.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked this book. Loved this whole series.
I had to try and remember other characters from previous books. I read book 3 in May but that was almost 80 books ago so it was hard to remember all the "minor characters" from the previous books in the series. I'm also really bad about not paying as much attention to those "minor" characters in any current book I'm reading. I should because almost every book I read is a series and each book in the series contains characters from the first book and "minor" characters in others in the series. BUT like I said, I read so many books in between reads, I'm not sure I would remember them anyway. With all that being said, it was still a really good read and great series.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dreaded commitment.
If you have read any of the other books in the series who will have been introduced to Selina and in all fairness she was not a likable character. Then you think about the fact that there had been an arranged marriage since she was babe. It would be hard to have a life when it was already planned out for you. Then meeting the groom Lucas Grey he is cold towards her but not really a bad sort. In truth she is attracted to Duncan and she and Lucas are trapped in family obligation. Duncan Forrester is the Scotsman who is charming and maddening and not the man her father has chosen. My heart went out to Selina and I think the author did a splendid job of showing everything she was going through and allowing to understand and forgive her past mistakes. Duncan was dream I adored this character. I found the book deeply moving as I saw these characters interact. Great job by the author and high praise for such a wonderful story I hope you check it out. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was suppose to marry the duke's son.. Had been betrothed to him since childhood. Yet he loved another and she did not love him. Plus there was the Scot, oh yes the irresistible Scot!

Duncan, the cousin of Selina's betrothed could not deny his attraction to her. He could see that she was not in love with Lucas, but he wanted her to choose him instead. He knew she was attracted to him and especially by that kiss....

Selina did not want to marry Lucas, but it had been decided years ago by their fathers. Plus, the Scot infuriated her.. or could it be she was wildly attracted to him?

A delightful journey to finding true love, even when there were a few bumps in the road, it can never be denied! Another great addition to this wonderful series!

[Edward Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An arranged marriage spoiled by matchmaking & true love.

The 4th installment of Laura A. Barnes’ “Matchmaker Madness” series. with wonderful characters who carryover from the first 3 novels in the series. The plot really shows Ms. Barnes’ superior writing abilities. The fast changing pace of the action along with the steamy intimate scenes keep the reader engaged and wanting to know the ultimate outcome. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it highly.
Selina Pemberton and Lucas Gray have been betrothed by their parents’ agreement since they were babes. We find Selina, a shrew in the previous books, does not know even know Lucas and is upset with the arranged betrothal. Lucas has made it clear that he does not like Selina and is in love with someone else, but they both feel that they are bound by duty and family to wed. Salina develops an attraction for Lucas’ cousin, Duncan Forrester, and Gray is in love with Abigail, his father’s ward complicating things. You rely need to read the book to appreciate the behind the scenes matchmaking manipulations and the intrigue by all the characters. You will enjoy he story and not be able to put it down until the end. Don’t miss your chance with this tale.
Having received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, I voluntarily leave this review.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the next book in the matchmaking antics of the Duke of Colebourne, Uncle Theo. Knowing his son, Lord Lucas Grey, is in love with someone else but betrothed to another, another match is set in motion.

Lady Selina has been betrothed to Lord Lucas since she was a child. In the previous books, Selina has a hard time connecting with Grey and his cousins and often feels like an outsider in the Colebourne family. This causes her to lash out a lot and often become a villain. This book is a nice character arc of her redemption, and we get to know the real Lady Selina.

It's really love at first sight for Lord Duncan Forrester. With Lady Selina and Lucas's wedding approaching, Duncan vows that he will be the groom she marries. As Selina softens, Duncan falls more deeply in love with her.

Barnes does a really great job of Selina's transformation; I felt like we, the readers, also get to fall in love with her and become emotionally invested in her happy ending. I also love that the happy ending is actually cleared up pretty easily. Duncan and Selina are a great couple, and after hating her in the first couple of books, it's nice to see her evolution and her falling in love with someone who actually loves her back.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke of Colebourne and his sister-in-law and cohort Lady Susanna Forrester are at it again, matchmaking that is. This piece of Matchmaking Madness features Selena Pemberton and Duncan Forrester. The problem with this prospective match? Selena, the daughter of the Duke of Norbury, is betrothed to Lucas, Uncle Theo’s son (even though they don’t care for each other, and he is in love with someone else). The trick is to get one of the two to call off the betrothal. Uncle Theo has his own way of sorting things out, but this one may not be so easy.

The is a wonderfully entertaining story. There are large doses of drama, humor, and angst. There is a wonderful cast of characters. Duncan and Selina are perfect for each other and so much fun to watch. Hopefully the cousins and Selena will come to a better understanding. Uncle Theo and Lady Forrester are loving, thoughtful, a just a little bit sneaky. Their plan to nudge Duncan and Selina toward each other is interesting. They look on and, as always, Uncle Theo maintains that things will sort out the right way, and they do. An enjoyable story. I recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout. My review is voluntary.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew! Selina had been betrothed to Lucas since she was a baby. As adults, they made a miserable couple, but neither one dared break the arrangement. Duncan, Lucas’s cousin, saw through Selina’s horrible behavior and became interested in her. Meantime, Lucas had been doting on Abigail, his uncle’s ward. So the impending marriage has been a source of contention throughout each book in this series. Even knowing that there was only one way for this book to have the promised happy ending, I was still waiting with bated breath for either Lucas or Selina to act. The author does a marvelous job of drawing the reader in and having them become invested in the characters and their lives. We are shown a very different Selina in this book, making Duncan’s attraction to her seem much more understandable. This story exhibits a great deal of volatile emotion and a whole lot of steam….and the matchmaking machinations will make your head spin!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series and this was a fantastic addition!

Selina Pemberton has been betrothed to Lucas Gray, the son of the Duke of Colebourne since they were children. Neither is in love or even truly fond of the other, but both feel bound by duty to marry. She often feels like an outsider with Lucas and his family that includes the Holbrooke cousins and their friend Abigail. In the start of the series Selina is viewed as the villain to the cousins and often with hurt feelings she lashes out, not helping her cause. Selina starts finding herself in comprising situations with another of her betrothed's cousins, Duncan Forrester. Ducan initially assumes Selina was a typical spoiled Lady of the ton, but the sparks fly between the two. Once Duncan gets to know Selina's trueself he finds her to be a lovely and kind person deserving of true love if only he can convince her to take a chance on him rather than succumbing to the pressures of duty that can only lead to a union of loneliness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonder writer Laura A. Barnes is. She makes you like – no love a character which was not likeable in past books. This is the 4th book in the series Matchmaking Madness, but you do not have to read the other books to enjoy this one, but I have read the whole series so far and have enjoyed every single book. It is also nice to read about the people from past books and to think about the future of some of them in future books. I have to say, I enjoyed the Duke and Aunt Susanna and their matchmaking schemes. I also enjoyed Duncan’s father. Wait there is not one person I did not enjoy reading about. But the story of Duncan and Selina was perfect, the way Duncan was able to see the true person of Selina, who she really was. I cannot wait for the next book to come out.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked Selina but everyone else in this book was frustrating. So much manipulation! Instead of making it into a game (matchmaking madness - gag) why not just try to do the right thing for Selina, Lucas and Duncan? And why couldn’t Duncan communicate his feelings to Selina earlier instead of trying to seduce her away? And why couldn’t the Duke just break the agreement that he had been the one to make with Selina’s father?

This was the first book I read in this series and I felt like I’d missed the first third of the Selina/Duncan story (they’re already making out in the first chapter or two). Plus, some glimpses into the point of view of Lucas would have been helpful, as it is he just comes across as a major jerk for minimal reason.

I wanted to like it but everyone manipulating everyone else seemingly for their own entertainment really annoyed me.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a charming love story , that starts off in a typical scenario where the two Dukes betrothed their children to wed while they are small children. Selina always felt like an outsider amongst all of Lucas’s cousins and so she was rude and prickly to all of them which only made the problem worse through the years . Lucas did not want to spend any time with her either, yet their wedding would be taking place soon. But then his Scottish cousin comes to town and he just gets her. He understands why she acts like she does and he helps her to be a friend, while he also falls in love with her. We also learn of the matchmakers plans and their manipulation to see that the right lovers end up with their perfect partners.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reviewing Ms. Barnes and I must say she is an excellent master of her craft.

I loved the story of Selina and Duncan and how their story progresses - As I understand, this is a part of a series and even though I haven't read the earlier books - I will be doing so soon.

Duncan's behaviour is protective and understanding and I love Selina for her attitude .

I also loved Lord and Lady Forrester - The family politics kept me up in splits and anger ( mostly at Lucas). I can't wait for Lucas's story !

Romance Level: 3.7/5
Steam Level: Hot kisses and open lovemaking scenes

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plans are Afoot !! . . .

To unite two dukedoms, Selina Pemberton’s father arranged early in her life that she would marry his son, Lucas, heir to his dukedom. But she fell for her groom’s cousin instead, a Scotsman who filled her with passion.

Duncan Forrester was indeed charming, but the lady who had his heart was to marry his cousin. When he finally got her to fall in love with him, he hoped their lives would be filled with love for each other forever. But her father forced them apart. Can he convince Selina of his love? Would he give in to his uncle’s plans for her to marry his cousin? Or is something else going on behind the scenes that they don’t even suspect? Grab your copy and see how all the loose ends are tried up at last.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. It has a perfect combination romance and drama/humor. This is the story of Duncan and Selina. Selina is way more fleshed out as an character. You get to realized why she behaves the way she did in the earlier books. Now she mature more with friends and realized she is loved.




*spoiler*
The only part that I didn't like is the explanation of Duncan title come from his grandfather on his mother side and his uncle Theo is his mother's brother. Why wouln't Theo inherit the title. It don't make sense to me.


Other than that I loved the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selina is considered a shrew always insulting her future sisters in law. But underneath there is a caring and lonely woman. Until Duncan takes a shining to her. But she is betrothed unhappily to his cousin. As their passion grows and things get intimate the arranged marriage hangs over their heads. Selina is afraid to break the betrothment and suffer her father's wrath. But as the wedding draws near someone must make a sacrifice. Who will it be?

[Sajal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. It's crazy to think this is the same Selina from the first book. I love her character development and I was rooting for her so much. Also, it was funny how everyone knew of the matching making schemes lol.

I do have to add one disclaimer here that I consider to be problematic - what's up with the slaps and the physical restraining etc.?

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Matchmaking Madness series. I enjoyed seeing Duncan Forrester and Selina Pemberton get their happy ending. The story was well worth reading with all its ups and downs. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlet Riffle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

Very enjoyable book. Had a hard time putting the book down. Can't wait to check out the other books in this series. This is the first time reading a book by Laura Barnes. It was funny sad and a great ending.

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hit for Laura A. Barnes! 🔥🔥🔥 Duncan and Selina were no match for Uncle Theo and Aunt Susanna’s matchmaking skills. The whole series is heartwarming. R. K. Carulli