For a Scot's Heart Only

Scottish Treasures #3

by Gina Conkle

A Mass Market Original

A sparkling grand finale to USA Today bestselling author Gina Conkle's Scottish Treasures series with one last daring heist orchestrated by a brave Scotswoman and the man she never meant to fall for.

A Lost Treasure

Corset maker Mary Fletcher lives a life of duty to her sister, her league, and to the Highland clan that took her in years ago. But as she continues the work of her fellow league members, hunting the lost Treasure of Arkaig, a deadly enemy encroaches--and Mary must chase clues in the most astonishing places.

A Favor Returned

Thomas West must save his family's legacy. Miss Fletcher's league owes him a debt of gratitude, and there's no one he wants to collect from more than the icy dark-haired beauty. He can't believe his luck when her plan takes them both to London's finest brothel.

An Indecent Proposal

Soon, lines between duty and desire blur whenever Mary and Thomas meet. Secrets come to light about the gold and an undeniable love--a love that will be tested against all that they hold dear...if they survive.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Adult, Historical Fiction, Historical, Scotland, Second Chance Romance

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 25, 2023

About the author

Learn more about her books at Gina or connect with her via her newsletter
https://ginaconkle.com/newsletter-2/

Reviews

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person from both the heroine and hero
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Yes
% which mains are first on page together: 7%
Format: voluntarily read an advanced review copy of an e-book through netgalley

(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )

Should I read in order?
Yes! I started with this one and I felt like their story was already started before I opened the book so I recommend starting at the beginning of the series.

Basic plot:
Mary serves in the league of Highlanders that took her in years ago, searching for the lost Treasure of Arkaig.

Give this a try if you want:
- Georgian time period – 1753
- Jacobite plotline
- bit of a mystery – heroine is on the hunt for gold
- corset making heroine
- whaler hero
- working class romance
- plenty of spy/mystery dialogue and some political intrigue
- second chance romance
- lower steam – I could be off on this but I think it’s just 1 full scene

Ages:
- I think the heroine is 30? (There’s ages mentioned in the prologue and time passes so I’m unsure if I have this correct)

First line:
Men were the problem – or rather, one Frenchman and the kiss he stole from her mother on the deck of a ship.

My thoughts:
Sadly, I didn’t get into this one much. Second chance isn’t my jam and here the two mains have already met and been intimate and I felt like I missed all of my favorite parts of romance.

Much of the plot revolves around some mystery/spy work feel regarding Jacobite gold. There’s some scenes of danger and political intrigue and none of this is really my thing either.

I think if you like a faster paced mystery based romance with light steam, this will be more your thing, but read the series in order as I think it will flow better.

This was my first by Gina Conkle and even though I was disappointed in it I definitely will try another by her and see how I feel :)

Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:


“Would you like some wine?” she asked.
“I’m not thirsty for wine.”
But I’m thirsty for you was his message.



Content warnings:

- Heroine’s mother dies of yellow fever
- Some scenes of violence with guns including a gunshot wound
- Missing/abducted sister



Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:

Safe sex: I don’t think anything is mentioned
33% - kiss
45% - kiss
59% - 🔥 kisses that lead to missionary
74% - kiss

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Having never read any work by this author, I don't believe an uncorrected e-proof was the right place to start. I think the author has found a unique time and people to write about. This book is set in London featuring Scottish characters following the Jacobite rebellion. Our heroine is a corset maker and member of a shadowy league of Jacobites working to recover some gold stolen by a secret society that operates out of a brothel. Our Hero is a whaler/shipping company owner. The two start the novel with some casual past history that allows them to skip quickly into romance land. Unfortunately, despite the unique premise and characters this novels needs a very heavy handed editor. Excessive use of descriptors, stilted dialogue, too modern sensibilities and vague motivations made this unreadable. It is unlikely I would read any of this authors other books to find out if this is just her writing style or if she gets better when edited.

I received a ARC from Netgalley for an honest review

[Rivka · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon pub for this earc

Honestly, I’m not sure I can actually review this book because it was just… bad????

The writing was bad. Plot was weird and bad. The romance???? Don’t even get me started because it made zero sense. Oh and don’t forget weird time jumps and cut offs between scene. I don’t know when but at some point all I want to do is to finish this book so I never have to think of it again.

[Rainelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started out great. I interested in the plot. The characters were charming and engaging. The romance was smoldering. The characters had a strong engagement, but then the fell flat for me. I lost my interest around the fountain being moved. I wanted more interaction with the FMC and the MMC.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anya - per RFS
.
Il romanzo che ho appena terminato mi è piaciuto tantissimo, fa parte di una serie ma sono riuscita ad apprezzarlo pienamente nonostante certi passaggi facciano riferimento a eventi passati.

I protagonisti sono Miss Mary Flatcher e Mr Thomas West; lei una bustaia proprietaria di un negozio di bustini e corsetti e lui un cacciatore di balene che ama l’azienda navale lasciatagli dal padre. La storia si svolge prevalentemente a Londra verso la metà del 1700 ma ci sono anche riferimenti alla Scozia (patria di Mary).

Mary è una sorella maggiore, una ladra, una spia, un’amica, una zitella, una bustaia… La nostra protagonista è una donna bellissima con soffici ricci scuri e glaciali occhi d’argento; ha dedicato la sua vita a proteggere le persone che ama, alla sua patria e a emergere in un mondo di uomini. È una persona forte, dotata di uno spiccato senso dell’umorismo, una fervida immaginazione e una grande intelligenza. Thomas West è un lupo di mare (così lo chiama con affetto Mary, lui la definisce una sirena), un uomo alto e affascinante con occhi di un’intensa sfumatura tra il verde e l’azzurro e una cicatrice sul volto che termina sulle labbra. È un tipo molto passionale, fedele, coraggioso, divertente e con una grande fantasia. Mi è piaciuto tanto il modo in cui si è sviluppato il loro rapporto: si conoscevano da prima (ci sono riferimenti ai loro incontri probabilmente avvenuti nei libri precedenti) per motivi di lavoro e lui già da allora aveva notato la vera donna che si nascondeva dietro la cuffietta stretta e gli occhi glaciali, e aveva deciso di conquistarla. Il corteggiamento non è scontato e ordinario ma caratterizzato da baci bollenti in luoghi pubblici, proposte scandalose e notti passate nel bordello della città.

La storia d’amore fra i due protagonisti si mescola meravigliosamente al mistero del tesoro perduto che lega tutti i libri della serie, questo infatti non è il solito romance ma anzi i momenti di passione sono interrotti da minacce, colpi di pistola, fughe a cavallo e partite a scacchi con fini politici. I due filoni in questo romanzo mi hanno intrigato e incuriosito fino all’epilogo. Il finale è un happy ending che lascia una gran soddisfazione, entrambi i protagonisti si aprono con l’altro permettendo al compagno di farsi conoscere e aiutare, sono due persone che si sono ritrovate fin da giovanissimi con grandi responsabilità sulle spalle e hanno capito che ogni tanto un po’ di aiuto permette un momento di respiro e alleggerisce il cuore e lo spirito.

Amerete l’ironia, la dolcezza e i doppi sensi che sono sempre presenti nei discorsi fra i due innamorati, ho trovato questa lettura molto fluida anche grazie alla bravura della scrittrice nel descrivere luoghi e situazioni (ricordatevi la piuma di pavone) che mi hanno immerso con semplicità nel romanzo e me lo hanno fatto apprezzare ancor di più. I momenti di passione ci sono e sono uno meglio dell’altro grazie anche all’ironia e alla voglia di scherzare e di stuzzicarsi di Mary e Thomas. Consiglio questo libro e non vedo l’ora di recuperare tutti i volumi della serie in quanto i pochi accenni che ho letto delle coppie precedenti mi hanno incuriosito parecchio.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

#bookreview #newbookrelease #historicalromance #NetGalley #HarperCollinsPublishers #seriesfinale

Book:For a Scot’s Heart Only
Author:Gina Conkle
Series:Scottish Treasures, Book #3
Publisher:Avon and Harper Voyager
Release Date:April 25, 2023
Overall Rating:5 Gold Stars
Blog Rating:5 Saltire Flags

1753, England

The Scottish Treasure saga continues in the third and final book of this epic series. Therefore they continue looking for the last part of the lost Treasure of Arkaig, also known as the missing Jacobite gold.

In this book it centers around Jacobite Mary Fletcher, who cares for her younger sister Margaret, although their age difference is very great, so she is more a mother than a sister in many ways. Mary is now a corsetière who is a proprietress and owns “Fletcher’s House of Corsets and Stays” where her dying mama taught her to be an independent woman and never rely on a man ever! Mary lives a life of commitment and allegiance to her sibling, The Scottish league she belongs to, plus the Highland clan that took her and her sister in long ago. Mary pursues the service of previous league members, where they search for the gold that was stolen by Cumberland’s soldier’s during the uprising after the battle of Culloden.

Therefore these women aid the Scottish people who are living in England against their will. The league helps them by getting them any of the needed supplies like clothing, food and medical supplies which helps these suffering Scottish men, women and children. The treasure of Arkaig, gold was originally sent by the French to support Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rebels. Mary and her friend Cecelia’s search a brothel looking for clues for the missing Jacobite gold. While searching, she reunites with whaler Thomas West, who saves Mary from being accosted by a drunken sea captain.

Thomas West, also known as the Sea Wolf-Whaler originally we met in “The Scot Who Loved Me.” It was obvious that previously Thomas and Mary had an immediate attraction to each other. Now Thomas has troubles of his own with his family’s inheritance being in serious jeopardy! Therefore Thomas is thrilled when he is reunited once again with the bonnie lass-Mary Fletcher, plus it is the one person who owes him a wee favor as it couldn’t happen at a more convenient time! However Thomas soon gets involved in Mary’s dangerous escapades which were no easy tasks with even sneaking illegally into a lord’s home! However their attraction soon becomes something much more. Furthermore the black hearted Lady Denton reappears where her cruelty and deception knows no bounds!

Who will win this game of cat and mouse with danger at every corner? Will these Scottish female treasure hunters seek the missing treasure they desire? Is Mary and Thomas’s love a fleeting thing or a love that lasts forever? Read and find out the conclusion of this spectacular series!

Gina Conkle, my go to author dazzles me again with her brilliant storytelling ability! She knows exactly how to draw readers in and sweep them off their feet! I am a bit sad this is the last one in this captivating series as it really drew my Jacobite heart in. I absolutely loved Thomas and Mary’s story from start to finish. As always I can’t wait for Ms. Conkle’s next release! Bravo!

The Complete Scottish Treasures Book Series
1. The Scot Who Loved Me
2. A Scot Is Not Enough
3. For a Scot’s Heart Only

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader’s copy from Avon and HarperCollins Publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through Netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own. I’m

[Glittergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This conclusion to the series is packed with intrigue, steamy romance, and plays out like a chess game with pieces moving all over the board! I love books written by intelligent women, they're so complex and fun. The story kept me engaged the whole way through. Will they find the last of the Jacobite gold? Will Countess Denton come back to hurt the League? What team is Lord Ranleigh playing for?
Will Mary and Thomas get their happily ever after? This was such a full and great story!

Mary Fletcher is 29 and owns Fletchers House of Corsets and Stays. Her clientele isn't the upper crust but the housekeepers and governess's for them. She and her 10 year younger sister are all the family they have left in the world. Mary raised her sister after their mother died when Mary was twelve. She is an intelligent woman and her shop is doing well. Mary buys her boning from Mr. Thomas West, a whaler and owner of West and Son Shipping. She is also the one left in their league to track down the last of the gold for their Clan after four years of hunting. She and Cecelia MacDonald check out Maison Bedwell, a brothel rumored to be where a secret society meets about the gold and Jacobites. There she meets Lord Julian Ranleigh. This starts the adventure seeking the trail of the gold.

Thomas West was struck by Mary Fletcher the first time he saw her. When he finds her at Maison Bedwell's he decides to further their acquaintance. He warns her to stay away from the powerful Lord Ranleigh. Their relationship quickly turns hot. He quickly finds there's more to Mary than corset making and eventually the secrets come out. Then Lord Ranleigh steps in and wants Mary to steal some papers from his cousin Countess Denton's lock box. He also wants her to join him in his clandestine work for the crown. Things get complicated with Ancilla, Countess Denton kidnaps Mary's sister Margaret. Watching these people maneuver and try to drag secrets out of each other is quite a chess match of intrigue. This book was delicious!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tina Ullrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Fletcher, her sister Margaret, watched their mother have adventures that finally resulted in her death from the French Fever. Their father worked as a silver smith with his son from his first marriage. on her deathbed, Mary promised to take care of Margaret and go to her family in Scotland, at Arisaig, home of clan Clanranald MacDonald.

Now 15 years later, after listening to all the stories from Aunt Flora, and Aunt Maude, and Cecelia MacDonald, they were all in London search for the lost treasure. Mary started Fletcher House of Corsets and Stays to support them, while Cecelia formed a network of spies to help locate the information about the treasure and help displaced scotsmen.

While out on an exploration to locate more of the treasure Mary finds aide in the unusual person, Mr. Thomas West, owner of a whaling concern. He has been smitten with Mary for a while unbeknownst to Mary.

As Mr Thomas West tries to woo Mary, while also trying to help and protect her, the two end up working together to locate the last of the treasure. The find a stumbling block in Lord Julian Ranleigh, who is in a battle with his cousin, Lady Denton, A cruel violent person.

As with any Gina Crinkle book you get such a variety of drama, adventure, suspense, intrigue, and love/romance. Interwoven together in such a blend to keep you riveted read until the end. I was so engrossed in the tale that I could not wait to see if all turned out or if someone would not see their happy ending. Such masterful crafting is a thrill to read.

Thank you Gina!

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exciting new book by one of my favorite authors. Ms Conkle is established in her field writing highland themed adventures in historical fiction. I just love to read her stories which held my interest from start to finish. Even though this is in a series, it can be read as a stand alone. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own.
Mary Fletcher is a corset maker and owner of Fletcher Corsets and Stays in London. Her business supports her sister and herself. She also is searching for a lost treasure. Through the network of spies, she is helping Scotsmen who are displaced and needs the treasure.
Mr. Thomas West is owner of a whaler who finds Mary attractive and is smitten. She didn't know until they grow closer together in their mutual respect and admiration of each other.
There is a violent Lord Julian Ranleigh and his nasty cousin Lady Denton are out for themselves.
Mary and Thomas find their love for each other and if the fates allow, they will get a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Im not sure if this because of the version of the book provided in NetGalley, But I had a very hard time following the narrative and perspective between Mary and Thomas... It took me out of the book when I had to consistently try to figure out who is point of view I was seeing in the story currently. I also think that this book Needs to be followed by reading the other 2 in the series I felt I didn't have enough background to jump right in to the book to understand when it was being laid out in the 1st few chapters. However I did find Mary and Thomas both very interesting Characters And I was interested in their success. I wish a little bit more of their history had been introduced at the beginning of the book so that We could understand a little bit better about how Infatuated she and he were in each other. I would say if you like this series and You have read the previous books that you should go ahead and give this to read but this shouldn't be your 1st book in the series that you pick up. Thank you netball for providing me this copy to read

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book of the Scottish Treasures series and my first by this author. As this book continues the search for the lost Treasure of Arkaig, I believe this series would be best enjoyed in order. Mary is an independent woman with her own business and learned from her mother to make her own destiny and never rely on a man. She takes care of her sister, while also continuing the work of her fellow league members in search of the lost treasure. Thomas and Mary were already acquainted, it seems, from the previous books, and he comes to her rescue when she finds herself in trouble. He continues to protect her as they work together to find the treasure and in the process grow more and more fond of each other.
The story was filled with intrigue, drama, adventure, and romance and kept my interest till the end. The characters were well-developed and interesting and I enjoyed following their story.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Ronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #ForaScotsHeartOnly by Gina Conkle in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book by Gina Conkle so I went into this book blind. While I wish I had read the previous books in this series before reading this one, I wasn't completely lost so they can be read out of order but I do think I would have had a better idea of the over-arching story had I read them in order. That being said, I really enjoyed the mystery/thriller aspect of this book. I was very intrigued by that storyline. I would have preferred a little more romance between the MCs but their story was believable and I can definitely see the HEA for them. I am hoping Margaret will get a story and also I'd like to see what happens to Lord Ranleigh next - maybe he gets his own HEA.

[k2148 · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a Scot’s Heart Only (Scottish Treasures #3). By Gina Conkle. 2023. Avon (ARC eBook).

A satisfying conclusion for the Scottish Treasures series. As a member of a Scottish league looking to reclaim lost Jacobite gold, corset maker Mary Fletcher becomes embroiled in a mystery and heist that brings back an old enemy and introduces a new one. Thomas West decides to act upon the feelings he has been harboring for Mary, but finds his attempt at courtship entangles himself in adventure that could ruin, or save, his whaling company. Overall, For a Scot’s Heart Only, and the previous two books connect a story full of swoon-worthy heroes, adventurous heroines, and a plot that intrigues.

*Avon ARC via NetGalley

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Gina Conkle book and I am hooked. For A Scots Heart Only was such a fun adventure. Let's just say this was a great combination of sexy, hot romance, loyalty to family, passion, art & humor.
Mary Fletcher is a corset maker on the hunt for lost treasure to help her league. Thomas West has set out to save his family's legacy & to collect debt from the league. Now their world's have come together & they love must help each other when passion & loyalty is tested.
You will love this adventure. It is so fun. Her writing is wonderful with great attention to detail makes you feel like your part of the story.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I am going to be superficial here for a moment, look at that cover, it is so beautiful and Thomas West, aka the sea wolf, woof!!! Now about the story. Another great adventure for more of the lost treasure this time by Mary and Thomas. I love their occupations – a corset and stays maker and a whaler. Throw in another baddie, Lord Ranleagh, along with evil Lady Denton and you have a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Aftan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

DNF'd

This book had all of the makings of a great story with imaginative backgrounds for the main characters. Unfortunately, it fell flat. The story was disconnected, not well developed, had excessive tangents in some places and left other areas with holes and extremely vague backstories. I was unable to finish the book and DNF'd at 47%.

[Margaret Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really had a hard time finishing this book. I didn't get a good understanding of the plot and it wasn't well written. Mary Fletcher is a Scottish commoner who belongs to a secret society who is looking for a lost shipment of gold. I really couldn't understand how the characters all came together to complete the story. There were villains in the story but the plot in my opinion was not developed well enough to explain why they were villains and how they contributed to the storyline.

I received this story as an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lovely Loveday]

For a Scots Heart Only is a captivating historical novel that promises a thrilling adventure filled with a stolen treasure, a courageous heroine, and a handsome man in a kilt. The characters are charming and relatable, and their internal struggles are sure to tug at your heartstrings. This satisfying romance not only explores the joys of companionship but also delves into the challenges that come with it.

[Sandy Frediani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, although not quite as much as the previous in this series. Mary and Thomas are interesting characters and the story line is more their courtship than the treasure hunt. The tensions are subtle rather than being a roller coaster ride. It's well written and the story flows nicely with no hiccups.
Well done.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, it’s okay. I think it jumps around too much and just needed some more editing. I have liked a couple conkle books but this one was not her best. I will say the cover is great! I’m tired of the headless bland woman on the cover, give me this swoony deep red dress cover any day! Thanks netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.

[Sydney · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think that reading this book took years off my life. The writing was so bad and it made me so angry. The plot didn't fully make sense and I don't think it was explained well. The characters felt very flat to me and I want my time back.

I received an arc through netgalley.

[Marie Andersson]

We met Thomas West in the first book in this series. I can't wait to read his story!

[Me Meshelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover looks great, description, however it took some getting into. Loved the profession and the adventure.

[Jacie Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
It was my favorite of the series, but none of them really grabbed my attention and held it.

[Scout · Rating 4 out of 5]

A peacock feather? Hmm...Have to try that!