I received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa DareAlso in this series: Say Yes to the Marquess
Series: Castles Ever After #3
Published by Avon on August 25th 2015
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era, Scottish Highlands
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: Avon
ISBN: 0062349031
On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shyly pretty and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart.A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter … and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely.Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh. The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He’s wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters… and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep.
Summary
Madeline Gracechurch, is talented and pretty, but is awkward in social situations. She suffers from panic attacks whenever she is around a big group of people. She knew that she could never survive the Ton, and the numerous parties and balls. So she concocts a story of being engaged to a soldier that she met in bath. She creates letters, and mails them knowing that the person she has created is not real. Its been five years and she has just informed everyone that he is dead so that she can move on with her life and get past the lies she has had to say. She has just been gifted a piece of land and a castle in Scotland. But then a stranger shows up on her front door and claimed to be her Scottish sweetheart, Captain Logan Mackenzie. Logan MacKenzie is determined to save his men. The men he fought for and battled with and when they returned home to have either their families killed or driven off by English Lords who took advantage while most of the men were away fighting their war. He has a group of men, who need a home and after receiving letters for five years…he knows just the place and Miss Madeline Gracechurch is the way…he will marry her and will have a home for his men, he owes them that much. But what beings as a practical arrangement, soon turns into something more real….zesty passion and true love.
Plot and Story Line
When A Scot Ties The Knot is a wonderful love story and I really loved the tangles and the web these two try to work their way towards. This is the third book in the series, but I have to say its probably my least favorite. Not to say that I didn’t enjoy this book and how events play out, but for the first half I had a challenge getting myself into the story. It just didn’t really connect with me, until I got about half way. Which was a bit disappointing, because I adore Tessa Dare, and this is the first time I have had such troubles getting into one of her books. But once I got halfway into the book, then I was hooked. I will say that there were quite a few memorable moments in this one. The soldiers that Logan has brought with him for one. I loved them all, they are all wounded in some form and have come home to learn that most of their loved ones are gone, their ship to Canada having been sunk. Logan even though he is forcing Maddie’s hand, will do anything to provide a safe environment for them. I really admired that dedication and see how much he respects those men under him. But Logan isn’t just any Captain…he worked hard to get to Captain when he started as a foot soldier. Logan has never known family or what it’s like to love. So you see how he is very much out of his element when it comes to Maddie. Now Maddie, I truly wanted to like her character but had a hard time, especially in the beginning however I grew to like her as we learn more about her past and the reasons behind her shy nature. I liked how tenacious and stubborn she is, and quite the creative sort. She is super smart especially when it comes to animals and insects. And oh boy her pets….the two lobsters and the whole mating ritual, quite fascinating. I really enjoyed seeing these two battle it out at times. Both of them go into a bout of denial into what they feel for each other. But boy did this story have some lively scenes, and once these two started to open up to each other than it just came together quite well.
I’d have to be dead in my grave before I stopped fighting for you, Madeline. Even then, I’d move six feet of earth to find a way
The Cover
It has such a sweet and romantic tone to it, with a hint of playfulness. I love the tone of colors, with the teal and pinks. And isn’t that male just gorgeous….love a man in a kilt right? And with the added castle backdrop….simply gorgeous!
Overall View
When A Scot Ties The Knot is a charming love story that brings two souls together with a bout of surprises and romantic delights!!
Romancing The Duke (1)
Say Yes To The Marquess (2)
When A Scot Ties The Knot (3)
Now that is an interesting set up for a story. Bummer it took a while to engage you, but glad it got there in the end.
Oh I think I have this one scheduled to read soon… can they be read as standalones?
I’m sorry this wasn’t as much of a favorite as her other books, but thanks for the honest review! I’m really looking forward to it though I will be aware that it make some time for me to connect with it.
Aw that quote. *swoons* That’s frustrating when it takes so long to get hooked but yay for it finally getting ya 🙂