A Bonny Pretender

MacNaughton Castle Romance #3

by Aubrey Wynne

A bonny pretender and a handsome imposter… Can love overcome a double deception?

She’s pretending to be someone she’s not…
Brigid MacNaughton can outshoot any lad in the Highlands with a firearm or bow and easily scare away the most amorous suitor. When she is packed off to London to “smooth her rough edges,” Brigid vows to turn this punishment into an adventure. She’ll master the rules of society, become the perfect English miss to placate her family, then return to the Highlands and her old life with a clean conscience-unattached. Until she falls in love with a quiet, self-possessed Englishman who believes her ruse. Brigid must decide whether to take a chance and reveal her true self or walk away from the one man who stirs her passion.

His entire life is based on a lie…
When the malicious Lord Raines dies, Frank becomes viscount and vows to fill his mother’s last years with joy. He embraces the title and rejoices in his freedom from a tyrant father. But his mother’s deathbed confession shatters his world. After a year enduring the loneliness and questioning the betrayal, he journeys to London to find a wife and learn more about his real father. When Frank meets Brigid, a beguiling and soft-spoken Scot, he’s instantly smitten.

If he divulges his scandalous parentage, will she still fall willingly into his arms?

Genres: Historical Romance

187 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas and Regency series have received multiple awards and nominated numerous times as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine.

Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her spin-off series Once Upon a Widow. In 2020, she launched the Scottish Regency series A MacNaughton Castle Romance with Dragonblade Novels. Her Regency detective series, Paddy’s Peelers, will launch early 2024.

Reviews

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Much as Brigid doesn’t desire a husband, her family decide she definitely needs a season, and they send her to London from her Highland home.
After loosing his mother Frank knows he needs a wife, both for his family heir and his own needs.
After meeting Brigid he’s smitten and no one else will do.

Although these two experience love at first sight, they also don’t give in to those feelings, they have little in common really, and opposite personalities, but the feelings persist and eventually they can’t deny their lives and destinies are entwined.

Fun easy to read and satisfying.
A very good one to relax and enjoy.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately captivated by this story. Brigid quickly gets into the heart of the reader. Aubrey Wynne has long been one of my favorite authors. This book doesn't disappoint. This author has won awards for humor and this book shines brighter with the humorous lines.

A brilliant regency novel. The plot flows in a smooth fashion. The characters are well crafted. Even secondary characters are fully developed, giving great depth to this book. The drama is heartfelt. The actions scenes are suspenseful. The romance is, at times, sweet and, at times, very spicy.

Recommended to every fan of Regency Romance. Recommended also to fans of historical fiction. This book should be a sure-fire bestseller.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Mr. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! Brigid is a fun, spirited, enticing woman, and readers will certainly enjoy her escapades.

Read full review in the 2022 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Jordan Weiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay not my typical book choice but this was picked for me on a super fun birthday book mission by my bestie so here we are🤪

Honestly not bad for a cheesy romance book with a half naked dude on the front. Felt like Bridgerton but more Scottish which I was kinda here for. FMC was fun and spunky, MC was a bit bland but sweet lol.

I did learn some Scottish terms though so I feel like I’m learning & this book left me more educated so that’s a win 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 I dinna ken a bonny pretender

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love at first sight, makes this an enjoyable and entertaining romance. Frank and Brigid's chemistry is undeniable and everyone around them sees it too. However, both of them are hiding secrets and before they can move forward, they have to deal with the truth. Brigid's upbringing allowed her the freedom to join her brother and cousins in roaming the hills of Scotland, learning skills no Regency miss would dare admit to. Frank has discovered the secret of his birth, thereby placing a burden on his shoulders and disquiet in his heart. This well-written novel romance is lively, witty, and romantic, and as the secrets emerge they discover the most important aspect to their relationship. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Lori D · Rating 4 out of 5]

London 1820

A delightful story with wonderful characters that bring a smile as they meander their way to a happy ever after!

She was in London to learn manners and to be more of a lady. What she wanted was to be back in Scotland, doing what she wanted.

He had come to London to find a wife. He had been so lonely since his mother had passed, and even more since she had divulged her secret at the end.

As the two met, an instant spark seemed to fly between them. He was enchanted, she seemed quiet and demure (how wrong he was!) and was so beautiful. But he has a secret. She is so attracted to him but if he finds out her true outspoken nature, would he still be attracted?

Just a fun story and great addition to this series. Love these MacNaughtons!

[Sophie (slovenianbookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this book promised more in the blurb but the execution of it was not the best.

Brigid came to London to learn how to be a miss, worthy of a London season. She soon meets Frank who wants to marry. He is instantly smitten by the sweet Lady and wants to get to know her more.

She, of course, likes him too.

Anyway, they begin to spend time with each other. I do not remember much days after reading this book but what I can tell is that I thought she would hide her true, Scottish nature more and be like totally badass with her bow like the character from Brave. Instead, she’s not really ”pretending” like the blurb promise. So, she is not using her bow when they meet. She still stares him in the eye which is probably not something a proper Lady would do. She confesses she is not who she pretended to be pretty soon.

I’m also surprised not many people found out his secret since he looks so much like his father and he is quite important in Society.

3 stars.

⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3 out of 5.
ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Full post: https://slovenianbookworm.wordpress.c...

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bonny Pretender by Aubrey Wynne is another McNaughton romance. We have seen the three brothers fall in love and marry and now it is Brigid's turn. She has frightened off any man within miles who might be a good husband so the family is sending her to England, to her aunt, to learn how to become an English lady. They are hoping these lessons will tone her down a touch. She meets Frank (Francis), Lord Raines while riding in a carriage through Hyde Park when he stopped to speak with them and couldn't take his eyes off her. Such began an interesting ride, during which many secrets were divulged, actually to many people.

This was a wonderfully entertaining story. Brigid was so thoroughly spoiled by her family that she really was a little out of control. After meeting Frank she did tone down a bit, but he loved her the way she was. She adored him and so made an effort. There are other storylines that complicated the whole thing, but they fit in so well that they enhanced rather than detracted from. It is never an easy path to true love and this one was strewn with bodies some who had died years before. The two main characters were well-written, and having already met many of the others, made all the difference. The perfect mix of Highland and English lord romance.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Bonny Pretender by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #aubreywynne #abonnypretender

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brigid MacNaughton has always been a tomboy & can outshoot any lad in the Highlands with a firearm or bow and easily scare away the most amorous suitor. When she is packed off to London to “smooth her rough edges,” Brigid vows to turn this punishment into an adventure. She’ll master the rules of society, become the perfect English miss to placate her family, then return to the Highlands and her old life with a clean conscience-unattached. Then everything changes when she meets Lord Raines. When the malicious Lord Raines dies, Frank becomes viscount and vows to fill his mother’s last years with joy. He embraces the title and rejoices in his freedom from a tyrant father. But his mother’s deathbed confession shatters his world. After a year enduring the loneliness and questioning the betrayal, he journeys to London to find a wife and learn more about his real father. Then Frank meets Brigid, a beguiling and soft-spoken Scot, he’s instantly smitten.
The third book in the series sees Brigid finding love & it was a fun, quick read. I’m not usually a fan of love at first sight but it worked. Frank & Brigid were like chalk & cheese, however they complemented each other beautifully & their attraction sizzled. I loved their journey to a HEA. I laughed out loud at times & also shed a tear at a touching reunion. I delightful, captivating read, which I devoured in a sitting
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing, Inc. for copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the third book in the MacNaughton Castle Romance series, before I fell in love with the cover and knew I had to read this book, I wasn't aware of the series. But I will probably go back and read them.

Brigid MacNaughton is not your typical highland lass, she is a bit of a tom boy and can use a bow and arrow better than most of the lads. Now she is coming of age her family want to send her to London for a season to 'smooth her rough edges" and make her into a lady suitable for marriage. As much as Brigid doesn’t desire a husband, she plans to treat this trip as an adventure and make the most of it.

Then she meets Frank, Lord Raines who is in London looking for a wife. The pair instantly have a connection and he realised Brigid is the only one for him.

This is a really sweet, love at first sight story. Set in 1820's London. I love reading about the era, and the ball and parties must have been amazing. Both characters are really easy to like, and Frank's sad childhood just makes you root for the pair even more.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 of the series and I've read them all. You have cross over character's but it is a stand alone. Book 1 and this one are my favorites - each 5 stars.

Secrets are kept by each, but not enough to where it bothered me. You understand each of their perspectives in holding information close to the chest. The main and secondary character's are written with depth and you felt their feelings for each other coming through and their motives.

I wanted to see Liam again - the little almost 6 year old boy - what a sweet character.

There is suspense, some violence, sadness, joy and romance. No misunderstandings or lack of communication - yea!!

Foreplay prior to marriage heat level 2.5 out of 5. Lovemaking within marriage - 4 out of 5 and filled with passion.

I can't improve on the blurb so not attempting, just what you may discover reading this story. This is filled with so many layer's that it never dragged. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and a some spice. Great epilogue 5 years in the future which made the story even sweeter. (ljb)

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Aubrey Wynne writes with such passion that not only do you enjoy the story but you feel immersed in it. A Bonnie Pretender is a witty, romantic read with memorable characters that feel like family. It is the story of Brigid MacNaughton, a young lady who can climb trees, outshoot a man, outride a man, but yet is beautiful and sweet. Brigid is sent to London to smooth out her rough edges and find a man since she has scared off all of the men in the Highlands. She meets Frank, Lord Raines, who is in London looking for a wife that is reserved, knows how to run an estate, and wants to live in the country. When Frank meets Brigid he is instantly attracted. But both Brigid and Frank have secrets. I love the humorous situations in this book it gave more depth to the characters. This is definitely a must read book along with the other books in the series.

I would like to thank Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. This is my honest opinion.

[BookishMya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wild Scottish lass sent to England to be refined and prepare her for marriage. A lonely sheltered Viscount looking for a wife. Naturally, the attraction is instant. I truly enjoyed watching Brigid take to English ways while still holding onto her true self. A genteel English lady is lovely, but a wild, impetuous Scottish lass is bound to steal hearts. The challenges of family are something every couple must deal with, and watching Frank come to terms with his was very moving. Having the right person by his side to smooth the transition gave him a new lease on life. The drunken brawl was hilarious, fists and ale are often all it takes for men to bond. Watching Frank get to know and appreciate Barker though was a special little gem. Butlers tend to be the secret strength behind English Lords. A beautiful story thorough and through.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Frank Raines had a very unhappy childhood, with a horrible father.  Once both parents have died he must face up to the uncomfortable truth he has learnt.  A London season and the hope of a bride and a happier life is calling.  Our lonely hero needs family to love. 

Brigid MacNaughton loves her Highland home and her family,  but they insist that she needs a bit of London polish.  The English cousins are fun and she's enjoying it more than she thought,  but when a friend of theirs is introduced she finally understands the rules they have been trying to get her to follow.  Our independent heroine has a huge heart full of love to give to the right man. 

This historical romance is emotional and fun.  Family plays a big part in the happiness of our lovely characters.  

Great fun.  

[Debbie Kolins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome great book. The MacNaughton family are a great family!! Brigid MacNaughton has grown up rough and tumble. She can do everything a man can and sometimes better then a man. Bridgid went to London to be taught the proper way to act in order to attract a husband. Frank grew up with a very cruel heartless father [step father]. Then you have Frank, Lord Raines who learns a secret his mother kept from him. His mother confess' to Frank who his real father is and he is shattered and goes to London to find a wife and find out more about his real father. The first time Brigid and Frank meet there are instant sparks. To find out how this turns out you truly need to read it. I truly loved this book!!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets

This was delightful. Brigid was free spirited and chased all the men away with her opinions. She is sent to England to learn some manners. Frank has a secret regarding his parentage but is determined to find a wife. When they first meet it is an instant connection. Their courtship takes place over a couple of weeks. Their feelings for each other are genuine. Such a fun and lovely couple.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brigid MacNaughton from the Scottish Highlands is in London for the season, wanting a husband and children. Frank, Lord Raines, is in London looking for a wife. He also wants children. The perfect couple, except Frank hides a secret that could end their courtship. Interconnecting family members will play cupid. Likeable characters with a little angst and a passionate romance that started the moment they met.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Robin M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the MacNaughton Castle series! The dialogue, characters, analogies, etc. were so entertaining! I am just sorry this series is over. Hopefully, Aubrey Wynne will continue to add MacNaugton family members and their stories, or start another Highlander type of series. I will definitely follow this author's work.

[SHERRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best

Brigid and Frank's story was the best of this series. Sneaky leaving the best for last. A wild Scottish lass and a heroic English title makes an exciting and original story.

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a enyoable romance book. Frank and Bridgds chemistry is really well written and everyone around them can see it.

She a lady of London him a man coming to find a wife. As soon as the Sparks seemed to fly. Frank demnouur is what attacker's her. You just root for this pair.

[Brit_ta_ny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had way more fun with this book than I thought I would. I listened to the audio version and wasn’t sure I like the narrator for the first chapter or so, but she grew on me and I ended up really enjoying it.

This was a lovely, low angst, happily ever after book that I needed after the last few books I read. I never worried too much about miscommunication between the MCs, they both were pretty good about speaking their minds (thank goodness!). And the side characters swooped in whenever either MC needed a quick kick in the arse. One of my favorite things 😌

I did wish Brigid was a bit spunkier at times. I went into the book expecting more from her, and while she was a lovely character she was better behaved than I expected. (I think I was picturing Merida from the movie Brave as the heroine and that’s not what I got).

Frank was the steadfast character I thought he’d be. I was pleasantly surprised that he adapted to the “real Brigid” and didn’t really have any “woe is me the woman I love thinks for herself” moments. I can’t stand that nonsense. I adored when he got drunk with Brigid’s brothers, it was endearing and oh so adorable.

Overall it’s a solid book, the narrator for the audiobook ended up being quite good and the story was just what I needed. 4🌟

[Sandi Niemeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprises.

I have very much enjoyed this series and the MacNaughton family. This is the third story, Brigid and Frank's love story. It is well-written, and holds a couple of surprises. Neither party is who they seem to be. Love conquers all.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it well enough. Everything felt a bit too easy and like instalove. It was a super quick, fun enough read.

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful and entertaining romance, double deception and love at first sight.