Almost a Scot

by Jade Lee

Sometimes a Lady Needs a Villain.

Welcome to book 3 in the bestselling series Always a Scot from USA Today Bestselling author Jade Lee.

A LADY IN TROUBLE

Iseabail Spalding is on the run, desperately searching for a man who can stand up to her uncle. She’s hiding in London, pretending to be an empty-headed debutante, but someone has discovered her secret. The villainous seducer Reuben Bates demands she bend to his will or be exposed.

A SCOUNDREL WITH AMBITION

Reuben means to marry into the aristocracy, and if that means leveraging Miss Spalding’s secrets to his advantage, well, that’s her problem. Until she surprises him. The clever beauty matches him scheme for scheme. Better yet, she sees his merit even though he is nothing but a gutter rat with big plans. Then she runs out of time, and he’s sworn to abandon her.

CAN A BLACKGUARD SAVE A BEAUTY?

Reuben must give up the future he’s always wanted to help the angel who’s caught his eye. It won’t work unless Iseabail trusts him completely, and trust is the one thing she will not do. But she can love, and he can adapt.

Together they’ll risk everything, including their lives, to face an entrenched evil in Scotland.

Always a Scot
Book 1: Lord Scot
Book 2: Lady Scot
Book 3: Almost a Scot

Genres: Historical Romance

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2022

About the author

Librarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Kathy Lyons.

A USA Today Bestseller, JADE LEE has been scripting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ball gowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. An author of more than 40 romance novels and winner of dozens of industry awards, her latest series is RAKES AND ROGUES. The first one, 50 WAYS TO RUIN A RAKE, is an awesome tale of love and laughter.
And don’t forget Kathy Lyons.. She’s Jade’s paranormal half. Check out her new shifter series GRIZZLIES GONE WILD.
To find all the latest news on Jade or Kathy, visit them at www.jadeleeauthor.com or www.kathylyons.com! And find out where you can meet her at: http://jadeleeauthor.com/appearances

Reviews

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced adventure and romance take one on a roller-coaster ride as Reuben Bates plots his future. He will do what it takes to gain an aristocratic match that will lift his family from their humble beginnings to attain a place in society. Lady Iseabail Spalding on the other hand will also do what it takes to find a husband who will protect her from her malicious uncle with the blood of her parents on his hands. Manipulating Iseabail into a walk in the park so that his plans can be put into action, Reuben exposes her to a danger that he had not foreseen. Ultimately the only way to keep her safe is to marry her, and then it takes both ingenuity and trust to bring about the desired result. Despite being a gutter rat, Reuben is nevertheless a very likable character. Iseabail is a female warrior in her own right and makes an impression on Reuben that he cannot ignore. Although there is an obvious attraction between them, it does take time for the romance to develop. The novel is a standalone and comes to a successful conclusion but not without some anxiety along the way. I received a copy of this well-written romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book 3 in the Always a Scot series, and about the so-called witch Iseabail, who had run away from her abusive uncle, and is continuing to hide from him. She is in London, to try to find a husband who can protect her from her uncle. This background was alluded to in the previous books, especially Lady Scot. This third book goes quite a bit further into delving into her past and why she is in such dire straits, and her search for a way out.

In the previous books we also met Reuban Bates, a self-made underworld leader who has made a name and wealth for himself. He is a restless soul looking to further challenge himself and gain more, and the next step is to infiltrate his way into the Ton and marry into the aristocracy. He finds out Iseabail's past and her present difficulties, and uses her to gain gain a foothold into Society, so he could have access to find a wife.

But Reuban is not quite the villain he is painted to be. His empire seems to be largely constructed from his own intelligence and organizational abilities to manage and expand various businesses, mostly involving his family and friends. But he is always seeking a challenge. He ends up finding it in Iseabail and her troubles, especially when her uncle sends clan brutes to grab her in London, after claiming to have married her by proxy to one of them. Iseabail will not be taken easily and fights them off with help from Reuban. He is impressed by her bravery and intelligence and decides to align himself with her in marriage, and to help her confront her uncle.

This was an interesting adventure with a bit of romance as Iseabail and Reuban travel and plan their strategy together. I liked Reuban's energy and how, while he planned to blackmail and use Iseabail, he ends up being beguiled by her strength and intelligence, and rather than taking over and managing like he has in his past endeavours, he instead supports Iseabail and encourages her to find her own strength and take the lead in confronting her past and her enemies. He really seemed more a bandit type in previous incarnations, but more a likeable character in this. Iseabail's story has a lot of a Hamlet/Macbeth like tragedy to it considering what happened to her parents at the hands of her uncle, and his plans for her. The end worked for me as it felt appropriately just, but definitely had more tragedy elements to it than would normally be found in a romance.

3.75 stars out of 5

[Evelien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reuben is a well-known man in England. He retrieves stolen goods, and he has several businesses. But it is not enough for him. He wants to be respected by the aristocracy. The only way to do that is to marry a highborn lady.

Iseabail Spalding is a Scot through and through. But she can no longer live there. Rumour has it that she is a witch, and her uncle is turning everyone against her. She is forced to marry one of his kin. But the man is an abusive and cruel man. So, there is only one thing to do … to run away.

A countess takes Iseabail under her wings to get her married to a suitable husband. But this is easier said than done. Iseabail and Reuben meet each other and there seems to be an attraction between the two.
But Reuben has his eyes set on someone else. When her “husband” from Scotland goes to England to retrieve her by force, Reuben is not sure what to do. His heart says he should protect Iseabail at any cost. And his head says he should leave her be and go for the other lady. What shall he do?

The plot of the story was good. The story wasn't rushed as we got to know both characters. I believe it is important to get to know the characters before getting into the story. The next thing I liked was that yes, Iseabail is in trouble, but the author didn’t make her look like a damsel in distress. She is a woman who can defend herself when she must.

However, I thought the chapter where Reuben was asking all these questions about her past was a bit strange. It made him look more as a psychologist than her husband. Iseabail was getting annoyed because of the questions and so was I.

The ending was good, but I expected a little bit more. I loved that Reuben wanted Iseabail to win her own battle with her uncle, but I felt Reuben was missing a bit here. For example, when her uncle hit her, Reuben didn’t do anything. I understand there was a plan behind it, but Reuben could have done something here.
Overall, I really liked the book, I intend to read another novel of this author.

⭐⭐⭐

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Iseabail Spalding is on the run, desperately searching for a man who can stand up to her horrid uncle. She’s hiding in London, pretending to be an empty-headed debutante, but someone has discovered her secret. The villainous seducer Reuben Bates demands she bend to his will or be exposed. Reuben means to marry into the aristocracy, and if that means leveraging Miss Spalding’s secrets to his advantage, well, that’s her problem. Until she surprises him. The clever beauty matches him scheme for scheme.
The third book in the series & it could be read on its own. It took me a little while to get into the story & at first I felt as though I was ploughing through mud but I stuck with it & the more I read the more engrossed I became. I loved Iseabail but it took me time to like Reuben however the chemistry between them sizzled. Iseabail was no shrinking violet & could look after herself, Reuben well he nearly really blew it for me but he did redeem himself in the end. There was so much I loved about the book but other parts not so much
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Grace W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 / 5
I had a hard time getting into it. It took me a few chapters to understand what was going on with characters and plot. When I did understand I liked the main characters and the pacing of the story. I enjoyed the banter between many different characters, especially Sadie’s quips. My one hang up was, I didn’t understand why the romance between lseabail and Reuben started and what launched it in the first place. But as I continued reading, the relationship progression was wonderful and I loved their relationship. They had amazing good chemistry. It was tension and intensity between Iseabail and Reuben that kept me reading. While I thought the ending worked really well with the plot and characters, I felt that it was a bit drawn out. Overall Almost a Scot easy to consume book and once I got into it and got to know the characters, a good book.

*I received a free ARC from the publisher though NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost a Scot by Jade Lee is a perfect love story in that both parties went into their marriage with an agenda, and it wasn’t one another. Love grew and was earned. It made it so much better. Iseabail had run from Scotland. She had walked and hidden in carts until she made it to her cousin, Lady Sadie. They were now both debutantes in the care of the Dowager Countess of Byrn, husband hunting. Reuben Bates was a wealthy man. He had part ownership in many London businesses, often owned by family members. He oversaw and interfered only when necessary. He was looking for a new challenge and that would be marrying into the ton. He had his target in sight: Lady Rebecca. She was a lovely, very young woman, whose father owed him a lot of money. All that he needed was an introduction and he’d have her in a week. He got that meeting by forcing a promise from Iseabail that she would dance with him at the Finney ball. In payment he would return her grandmother’s necklace to her. It had been stolen by a highwayman and he had “found” it. Sadie had to dance with him as well. Lady Rebecca would be there and he could then proceed with his courtship.

Needless to say, things did not move forward exactly as Reuben had foreseen. He did indeed receive Lady Rebecca’s promise to walk with him in Hyde Park. He had Iseabail and Sadie chaperones, when Iseabail was attacked by five Scotsman, one of them supposedly her husband. He had been told there would be three. He fought, as did Sadie and Iseabail. Men were wounded, but the three escaped, after Reuben made sure Lady Rebecca was safe. Things moved quickly from there. As it turned out, Reuben and Iseabail were evenly matched. They made their way to Scotland where they hoped to confront her uncle and reclaim her place in the clan. Reuben was such a good man . . .what a great character. Iseabail was tough, another great character. The plot was tight and interesting. The outcome was pretty much as expected. It was a terrific read.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Almost a Scot by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #JadeLee #AlmostAScot

[Candace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rueben & Iseabail. After we were left with the cliffhanger in book 2, I was excited to read this one. I'm so disappointed. Both characters were built up and never realized. Rueben is the kingpin of the bad hood in London. From a young age, he helped his family members ward off crime and became a leader to the people that rose up against the cruel leaders at the time. He grew his empire with his family running various different business ventures (his aunt owned a dress store and his cousin a boxing gym. He is a fiscal genius and has amassed a wealth in crazyville. But he's bored and always looking for change.
Iseabail's grandmother was accused of being a witch. Her mother a witch. On her 16th birthday, her mother wakes her up and they escape their Scottish castle. They are chased to a river where her mother had staged some scene where she had her daughter naked and covered in paint. The mom staged it so the people believed that she had passed her magic over to her daughter (again they though mom was a witch). By passing her magic, no one was allowed to touch her daughter without her permission otherwise they would suffer some sort of deadly fate (all a crock of BS but seemed to work). In reality, no one was a witch. They were just healers and knew about herbs and medicinal plants. Uhhhhh lame!
10 years later, Iseabail's uncle (cruel man that shows as a nice guy in front of the clansmen), Laird of the clan, tells Iseabail that she will marry one of the men of the clan, Hamish. Hamish is another cruel man that killed his wife. Iseabail runs away to her friend Sadie and together they are escorted to London to find husbands. Iseabail is looking for a man that can stand up to her uncle and help her kill him. She didn't have proof, but knew he was responsible for killing her dad (former laird) and aided in the disappearance of her mother (she went out to meet someone as healer but never showed up). On their trek to London, she meets Rueben when some highway men attack their coach and steal her necklace (Rueben is a hired thug that escorts/protects people on their way to London). One of the highway men steals her necklace and takes off (there was a whole build up of the necklace like it was super important in her background but that part of the storyline was another letdown). Rueben tracks down her necklace and finds out Iseabail's parentage and the so called witch stuff and threatens her. Book 2 left us with a dramatic cliffhanger where he tells her that "he wants everything" so we think he wants her and her witch background, etc but nope...he just wants her to dance a waltz with him as a society ball (oh an Sadie has to dance with him too). Seriously? Come to find out our hardcore kingpin is so bored that now he wants to tackle becoming a member of the ton and wants to marry into it. He wanted to use Iseabail to meet some eligible dimwit debutante that he can marry.

Hamish ends up finding Iseabail (she was set up to be walking in Hyde park where he was to find her). He says he was married to her by proxy (he married her necklace) and with 5 other Scots planned to take Iseabail back to Scotland as his wife and "break her". Even though Rueben promised not to get involved (and supposedly his word is golden), he rationalizes that he wasn't told how many Scots there would be so he gets involved and protects her from being kidnapped. To fully protect her (not sure why) he agrees to marry her and go to Scotland to confront her uncle. So his grand plan of becoming a member of the ton is out the window and they're off to Scotland.

Rueben and Iseabail's romantic interaction was so weird and awkward. It felt very forced and they had no chemistry. We have a marriage of convenience and no feelings at all. I don't feel like they ever did develop believable feelings.

The confrontation with her uncle wasn't bad. She called him out for denying her to marry other clansmen and exposed his excuses for why they weren't good enough for her. She was stirring the pot. She asked what made Hamish so good for her given his known cruelty and come to find out Hamish was the one who sourced the poison that her uncle used to kill her dad. In exchange, he was promised Iseabail (he wanted to control her magical powers) but he was already married so he killed his first wife, Annie to become single. Now exposed, one of the clansmen kills her uncle for his role in killing their laird. Annie's mother kills Hamish for the murder of her daughter.

Now the clan is without a laird but Iseabail decides that despite being a woman she will take over as laird. There were some awkward AF interactions with the clansmen bowing to her (doing so because the wives wanted them to acknowledge her as the clan leader). Most awkward was Rueben also bowing to her. This is so unbelievable and cheesy. We all know that she would last a month as laird before getting overthrown (that doesn't happen but I'm writing the epilogue myself).

So in summary, we have:
- a witch storyline that goes nowhere. I wanted some sort of magical power having hyped it up
- hours after consummating their marriage she just knows she pregnant
- a kingpin that supposedly a big seducer of women that bows to his wife like a servant
- zero chemistry
- a big disappointment

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Almost A Scot
Author: Jade Lee
Series: Always a Scot, book 3
Publisher: Dragonblade
Release Date: October 27, 2022
Print Length: 268 pages
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags

London…

Iseabail Spalding is in disguise as an unintelligent Scottish debutant and has a living with one of the wealthiest families of the ton. Furthermore, she is also being sponsored by the influential and forceful Dowager of Bryn. However she did this to escape her cruel, butchering Uncle, where he and his traitorous men are looking for his missing niece. Of course it is only for the power they suspect her of having-as a powerful witch. Iseabail believes her Uncle to be a malicious, treacherous, murderer who most likely murdered both her parents which she still needed proof. Iseabail’s Uncle was her father’s own brother and most likely he killed her missing mother too. On top of that he is trying to force her to marry a murdering husband who killed his last wife, as Iseabail had taken care of his wife’s body for burial which made her totally sick! So basically she is in England trying to depretely find a strong, brawny, sassenach she can marry, hoping it is a man who can stand up to her Uncle and hopefully kill him too. Yet, Iseabail is unfortunately finding no success at all in this venture.

Reuben Bates is bored with his life, at one time he would of been happy with looting, sleeping around with lose women and brawling.Yet now he wants to marry an a titled peer of the ton and live high on the hog, raising his future children with titles. Money is no problem as he has many businesses that turned profitable. but he needs to find a titled Lady whose family has financial issues, basically in ruins to accept him as her future husband. The problem is he has to be invited to one of these balls and to get property introduced. He has learned all the propers dances, how to dress like a wealthy peer and have the perfectly folded cravat. However the only way to do this is by using one of their peers to sneak in the ball as he obviously has no invitation and will be thrown out if caught.

So he discovers some of this Scottish debutant, Isabel Spalding’s secrets, so he also blackmails and steals from this beauty too. As he always keeps the weapons people try to use on him. this lady was a fighter which he rather enjoyed, but he does keep her weapon too. He realizes she will probably get some bad treatment she doesn’t deserve but he could not help that At first he tries to pretend he doesn’t care, as long as he gets the titled woman heiress he desires, but soon he changes sides. As both Reuben and Isabael discover a love that is like all consuming, but is it long lasting? Afterall, he is a man who gets bored very quickly. She is also a woman who is willing to use a man to kill her Uncle to protect her own life. So is their love even real or are they both using each other for their own personal desires? Will Reuben stand up to her deceitful, cold blooded Uncle? Is he the one who will stand up to her Uncle and protect Iseabail forever? Or will he realize it is too much and throw Isebail back to the wolves? Read and find out in this phenomenal book!

Again Jade Lee pens another powerful masterpiece that just blew me away! I loved this story so much! It is filled with drama, mystery, suspense, honor, trust, plus a love story that will absolutely sweep readers away! . I think this story is different from any of the books I have previously read and the action packed plotting is absolutely brilliant! As I never knew what was about to happen next which definitely had my heart racing! Even the secondary characters are amazing in this book. I have been reading Jade Lee for over twenty years and her books are always extraordinary from start to finish and have me glued to each and every page. I don’t want to give much away but it is definitely a book readers don’t want to miss!

I absolutely and unequivocally highly recommend Almost a Scot by Jade Lee. You can read this as a stand alone book or in series order. I totally loved it!

Always a Scot by Jade Lee
Book 1: Lord Scot
Book 2: Lady Scot
Book 3: Almost a Scot

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy and an advance reader copy from Dragonblade publishers. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Almost-Scot-Al...

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/almo...

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

🗡️Almost a Scot 🪄
Always a Scot Book 3
✒️ Jade Lee
https://www.facebook.com/JadeLeeBooks
Release Date 10/27/2022
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFCPMS2Z/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Sometimes a Lady Needs a Villain.

Welcome to book 3 in the bestselling series Always a Scot from USA Today Bestselling author Jade Lee.

A LADY IN TROUBLE

Iseabail Spalding is on the run, desperately searching for a man who can stand up to her uncle. She’s hiding in London, pretending to be an empty-headed debutante, but someone has discovered her secret. The villainous seducer Reuben Bates demands she bend to his will or be exposed.

A SCOUNDREL WITH AMBITION

Reuben means to marry into the aristocracy, and if that means leveraging Miss Spalding’s secrets to his advantage, well, that’s her problem. Until she surprises him. The clever beauty matches him scheme for scheme. Better yet, she sees his merit even though he is nothing but a gutter rat with big plans. Then she runs out of time, and he’s sworn to abandon her.

CAN A BLACKGUARD SAVE A BEAUTY?

Reuben must give up the future he’s always wanted to help the angel who’s caught his eye. It won’t work unless Iseabail trusts him completely, and trust is the one thing she will not do. But she can love, and he can adapt.

Together they’ll risk everything, including their lives, to face an entrenched evil in Scotland.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will the sly sassenach be her answer …

After meeting the author at the last HRR, she was such a bundle of energy and a major player in the fun of the event, i knew I need to read her upcoming release.
And while I noticed her spark in Reuben I confess the first chapters were a bit confusing, and while I came to understand them along the pages, I at first did not see where it would lead us.

I really loved Reuben, only a villain in name for surviving the streets laws, behind his smirk and reputation there is a good man who uses people weaknesses to his advantage, never abusing his power on the most vulnerable.
He might appear ruthless, when he is just clever, well prepared and observant, always ready. With time he became more controlling, obviously when his generosity is ill-managed.
He tries to always be a step ahead, necessary when you wield power as it always attracts greedy souls.
Why he is looking for an exit gate, a different path to leave his kin in charge without always having to look over his shoulder.
Iseabail is a sort of folklore witch, taught to be a healer, her kin used fear to protect themselves against men’s retribution for their own failure.
She is the last surviving woman of her kind, and on the run from a rapacious relative who wants to use her for his own gain.
It was a bit more difficult to understand her, I was not sure of the timeline, as there were ten years between the present action and the prologue but for how long has she been fleeing, one month, more … years …

With Reuben, she has her champion, from the moment he realizes his plans of action might not be what he really wants, he is 100 percent involved, determined to see it through, maybe not the way she thought it should be. Yet free she will be.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost A Scot is book three in Jade Lee’s series “Always a Scot” while the stories in this series are connected each of them can be enjoyed as a standalone story. I have read and enjoyed all of Jade Lee’s work, someday I may branch out to her other pen name Kathy Lyons.

Almost a Scot features Iseabail Spalding and Reuben Bates two people who are both looking for that one person who will make everything right in their world. Iseabail is running from a past and trying to avoid a future plotted by her ruthless uncle and laird to Clan Spalding. Reuben has a mind for puzzles and ways of bringing success to those less fortunate, he has decided to take a wife from the aristocracy, a challenge he has been working towards his entire life. When circumstances make his ambition an almost certain reality - he finds himself drawn to a scotswoman - a woman who intrigues him, a woman who is as clever as he, a perfect match. Iseabail realizes that sometimes what a lady needs is a villian to help set her free. ❤️👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

Before these two can blink they are saying “I Do’s”💍 in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury and then hastily whisked away heading towards Scotland🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 … and a wedding night to remember! 😉❤️🔥
As these two head towards Iseabail’s home 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏰 neither of them know what the future will bring. Reuben is determined to protect his wife. Iseabail is determined to stop her wicked uncle. Together they risk their lives and somewhere along the journey love catches them … can they ever get the magical happily ever after?


WHAT I LOVED:
✔️ The characters - the MCs are perfect for each other & the supporting characters are witty and unique.
✔️ The plot - Loved the “mad dash to Scotland” and I loved Reuben’s ability to bring out Iseabail’s inner warrior! It was a nice change from the typical “man saves all” instead it’s “man helps woman save everyone” 😉
✔️ The wedding night … just read it!

WHAT I DISLIKED:
🤔 No Epilogue *sigh*

Overall Rating 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥 - I recommend this book and the series!

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

This was the first book in the series that I have read, but I don't think that was a problem. The prologue does a great job of getting your interest and then adult Iseabail keeps your interest. I really liked her as a character - she was tough when she had to be and asked for help when she needed it. I especially liked how she defended herself in the Hyde Park incident. My biggest problem with this book was that it took about 3/4 of it before I liked Reuben. I had trouble getting past 1) his inability to see how he was using a woman to get what he wanted with little consideration of that woman's feelings and 2) how he set up Iseabail in the park because she was no longer needed for his scheme to be successful. The question also lingered, what would he have done had there really only been 3 Scotsman there that day? Would he have let them take Iseabail away? It bothered me that Iseabail didn't realize what part he had played by getting her to the park and that he never really took responsibility for what he had done. I thawed a little toward him when he finally realized that marrying into the nobility would be a huge mistake and that he would be bored with Lady Rebecca. I didn't really come to like him until he showed his full support for Iseabail in Scotland and was there for her when she needed him the most.

I loved what I got to know about Sadie and am looking forward to getting her story soon!

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 in Ms. Lee's Always a Scot series. Reuben is a well-known business man in England. But he wants more than to be successful, he wants to be respected by the ton. He will do whatever it takes to lift his family's standing in society and is determined to achieve an aristocratic match. Iseabail runs away from Scotland to get away from her vile uncle and the abusive man she was being forced to marry. She comes to England and with the help of the Dowager of Bryn, she will find a suitable match so she can forever escape the evil clutches of her uncle. She hopes to find someone who will be able to stand up to her uncle and protect her. As successful as Reuben is, he lacks the invitations to prestigious balls where he would be able to meet a highborn lady he dreams of marrying. He devises a plan to use Iseabail to attain his goal, but things don't go as planned and Iseabail ends up in danger. He realizes the only way to save her is to marry her.
This was an exciting, fast-paced romance with a good dose of adventure. Filled with mystery, intrigue, and drama it kept me engrossed and engaged till the end. The storyline flowed smoothly and the plot twists kept me guessing till the end. An action-packed, enjoyable story that I am happy to have had the opportunity to read.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reuben Bates dominates the book from the first time you meet him. Iseabail Spalding is looking for a hero. Reuben is just the man she needs, only he doesn't know it, yet. A very powerful man in London, his dream is to marry into the aristocracy. He persuades Iseabail to give him a waltz at the ball for an opportunity to meet a debutante to marry. His plans go awry when Iseabail is almost kidnapped. What was once his dream is lost, but an unexpected opportunity presents itself and he can't turn it down. Reuben is very smart and very clever. The encouragement he gives Iseabail to stand up for herself is a marvel to read. Will we ever see Reuben again in another book older and even more, if possible, wiser?
HEAT LEVEL 3/some violence
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iseabail Spalding has escaped to London with the help of friends.  Now she just desperately needs a husband who has the strength to stand up to her uncle.  

Ruben Bates has used his brains as much as his brawn to drag himself from the gutters of the East end to one of the wealthiest men in London.  Unfortunately just money won't get him to his ultimate goal. 

A very unusual historical romance.  Our strong lead characters will both make journeys of self discovery in this story.  Sometimes what we think we need is different to what we actually need.  The hero is a truely exceptional man,  who brings out the best in others.  

There is a lot of excitement,  giggles and surprises.  A thoroughly fascinating story.  

I loved it.  

[Ally May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Bates and Miss Spaulding

I loved the characters of this story. Reuben grew up on the streets of London, what better man for Isabella to marry so he could help kill her uncle who killed her parents. When she asked Reuben to marry her he turned her dow because he has his heart set on marry into the aristocratic ton. So he turned down Elizabeth a few times until she was attacked in Hyde park by her Scottish clan her uncle sent to marry her and bring her hime. Rueben helped her fight off the men and soon after proposed to her. They married and went to Scotland to stand up to her uncle and claim her home back.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page to the last Almost a Scot will keep your attention from the moment you begin the journey with Iseabail and Reuben until the very end. It unfolds beautifully as it weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, danger and a vile relative. Jade Lee has written a story that brims with tension-building twists and turns, characters that come off the pages and pull you into their emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, sizzling passion, bold characters and with one fantastic plot.

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the story the two main characters intrigued me. Rueben is my favorite one in the book. His character had that, I don’t care attitude and you can’t make me change. Isabella was a great match for Ruben. The story plot matched with the characters. The story had some exciting moments to it as well as some surprising moments. The romance is sweet and moves the main characters to what they wish to have with each other.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Texastwang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY enjoyed this intriguing book
it had adventure, strong women and a strong man who knew when his women needed to lead. The mother I think was the strongest woman in the book! The intensity level varied but was just right throughout. There are several steamy scenes shared between the married couple. I enjoyed the ending but it left me wanting a epilogue. :)
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book

[Jackie Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising, funny and enthralling!

I have only written two book reviews and had to write this one because I so thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the beginning to the end, it captured my attention. So many regency romances include details that make me skip pages to get to the good parts, but I can say unequivocally that this was one of the best books I’ve read in a while! I didn’t skip any pages because I was worried that I would miss something good. Well done, Ms. Lee!

[Aisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This can be read as a stand alone even though it is the third book in this series. I enjoyed the last two and was excited for iseabail's story after the tease at the end of book two.
Iseabail came to London to find a man to marry her, one strong enough and brave enough to take on her uncle. Orphaned after the mysterious deaths of her parents and the granddaughter of an infamous witch, iseabail is determined to return home.
Reuben is bored. He rules the underworld but his wealth is starting to make him a target, the plan is now to marry into the aristocracy.
There were times were iseabail irritated me. She was strong one minute and weak the next which made sense for her life experience but still. Reubens on the other hand I disliked until the last 40 percent of the book. But the change in him saved the book.
I look forward to the next book by the author.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Iseabail Spalding escapes her horrid uncle and goes to London to find a husband strong and willing enough to keep her safe from him. Reuben Bates is a brilliant businessman, but wishes to gain influence by marrying into the aristocracy. He meant to use her to meet another young lady, but when danger found her, he rethinks his plans. They will marry and go to Scotland. Reuben assesses the situation and comes up with a plan. Will his plan and her courage be enough to defeat her vile uncle? This is a wonderful romance and exciting adventure with an awesome hero and a strong intelligent heroine who needs a little help. Great read!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn't read the earlier books and don't feel this mattered as this book stood on its own although I did love the few bits of Sadie I saw and will look up her book. This one was full drama, mystery, suspense with Isabail looking for a hero to stand up to her villainous uncle and unusually this isn't someone with a title I received a free copy from in exchange for an honest review

[Jackie Carbonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reaction

I loved this story! The heroine has already met Rueban at the beginning and he is looking to blackmail her into attending a ball so he can meet the aristocrat he intends to marry. But his plan goes awry because of his lust/attraction. He ends up changing plans and he decides to play hero. It's a question of can he deliver on his promises.

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging and satisfying romance, the story was well written, great characters with passion. I love a villain who turns into a hero. Iseabail is a good match for Reuben and both start a journey to love that is unexpected and unstoppable.

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fast paced, entertaining read. I liked the characters and their passion for everything they did.

[Dave Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fantastic book!

This is such a fantastic book! I loved every minute of it. I will become one of my favorites to read time and again.

[MrsMascara · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review to follow

[Nicole LaBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

It was so hard to put this book down once I started. I was glued to the end. Page turner. Well written.

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, an evil uncle and a wonderful countess are just the beginning of a fascinating story.