As someone who was introduced to Kerrigan Byrne's series and loath to wait until this one came out, I was excited to get a chance to read the Galley version. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. I enjoyed how the American West was brought into the story, as well as the way the heroine was proficient, and in many situations better, at skills that were primarily for males at the time period (i.e., shooting, riding, knowing when a cow is giving birth). Though in general women were not given the opportunity to be so skilled in that historical time, some were. And it was nice to find one, especially in this series, who kept up with and surpassed the hero. There was also a good foreshadowing of future books and stories, which I cannot wait to read. All in all, I had a hard time putting this novel down, and I look forward to being unable to put down future novels written by Kerrigan Byrne.

This story is soooo good, this reader couldn't put it away. It's the enthralling tale of an American woman named Samantha , who, after a series of personal mistakes, finds herself in Scotland under an alias. It is there she meets a powerful, and deliciously dark man named Thorne. The plot is interesting and unusual, not like every other romance, and filled with a bevy of colorful characters, witty dialogue, intrigue galore, and plenty of heat. This really is a fantastic story and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy some action and humor along with their romance.

What a roller coaster of a story !
If I had to sum it up I wouldn't know how to handel it. So much is happening in this book. Characters too are constantly evolving and revealing themselves. Your opinion of Gavin and Sam won't be the same by the end of the story that's for sure.
I really loved TSBHW, the complexity of it and also its darkness/heaviness. I'm not one for chick-lit historicals and this one as none of that.
If you love meaty characters and rich storylines then you'll probably love this book.

The repetitiveness of the flaws or background of the characters had me saying, "OK, I got it, move on with the story". This was just ok for me. While I know romance novels should be bordering on unbelievable (just to much coincidence) , this one seemed a little much for me.

A happily ever after...that looked like it couldn't happen.

Samantha Masters was an orphan - a woman that throughout her life had only experienced bad luck. Her parents died leaving her to a relative. The relative only wanted her gone and was getting rid of her by marrying her off to a man old enough to be her father or grandfather. Trying to avoid this fate, she marries- and discovers much later that theirs was not the marriage she bought it was- and would never be. Her husband was a murderer, a thief and part of a ruthless family gang. He hid all that when he woo'd the young Samantha. She married him only to see her life become embroiled in train robberies and other social horrors. In a split second decision, she saves a young woman by shooting her husband and killing him bf he could kill an innocent woman whose only crime was being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But for Samantha, this could be the right place at the right time. The young woman, Allison Ross, was so grateful that she insisted on giving Samantha her identity and bade her to live there as long as she wanted - but not to sell it to the clan responsible for her father's death. Knowing her likeness was most likely on every wanted poster in the country, Samantha accepted.

Gaven St James wanted nothing to do with his fathers' name or his family- and that included his brother. What he did want was the land that belonged to Allyson Ross, and heiress who had inherited a large track of the Scottish highlands. That track of land would put him on almost equal fitting with his brother, who inherited his father's lands. Past indiscretions helped him become the revered and feared Laird. Thinking to impress Allison Ross with lots of money, he angered when Samantha Masters - pretending to be the heiress Ross- turned him down. Even scaring her off the land didn't work. What WILL work? Marriage??

Samantha Masters enjoys the bluster of the land - but not the man. She turned Gavin St James down each time he begged.. well, asked.

Life only gets more complicated as Samantha discovers more about the life and the land of the person she had agreed to switch places with.

Find out her secrets, as well as his. Cheer as Samantha Masters takes Scotland by storm.

The story was fun. Loved the story. This is truly an amazing author. Congratulations on this book launch.

4.5 STARS!!

All of the books I have read by Kerrigan Byrne have been fantastic, and The Scot Beds His Wife was defiantly in that category. I love how Byrne's leading men are strong, passionate, and flawed, and her leading women know just how to handle them. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Sam and Thorne from total dislike to total hot and steamy. The love scenes between the two were so passionate! It was such a great love story. I can't wait for the next book!

I was fully prepared to start this review stating The Scot Beds His Wife is now my favorite of all the Victorian Rebels books. But then I remember that I think that every time I read a new book in this series! And while I truly did love this book, I think on the previous ones and they're all so dang good it's really impossible to choose a favorite. But maaaaybe Gavin and Samantha are the best.

The entire historical series is a little darker than some others I've read which I love as they feel different. I fell in love with Gavin in the previous book but he was still a bit of a mystery and the development of his character is outstanding. We get glimpses of him as a child and the man he is now and they will break your heart.

What starts as hate between the feisty American, Samantha, turns slowly to friendship and then rather quickly to love. I don't want to reveal to much about the plot but as far as heroines go, I adored Sam. She's strong, resilient and has an amazing heart. Her vulnerability later on is touching as she finally lets herself care about Gavin.

There's some mystery and suspense which is par for the course with this series but always exciting. Kerrigan manages to keep the same overall feel for her books without regurgitating the same plot and characters.

And ooooh, the end. The tease for the next book literally has me giddy. Absolutely giddy. Actually, for the next two books! The outlaw British and Highlander men are just to die for. If you're a historical fan, I can't recommend this book and series enough. Although this does stand alone, I recommend reading in order if you plan to read the entire series as the characters cross over into each others novels, some playing important roles in further stories.

**Review will be posted on our blog closer to release day

Well, what's not to like?
There is a tortured, handsome, thoughtful hero and a strong, intelligent, capable, likeable heroine. They have chemistry, there is fab banter and it's smuttilicious. Add to that great writing style and an interesting storyline.. and you got historical romance perfection.

This is the 5th book in the series, though they are loosely connected the do work as a stand-alone.
And let's just throw it out there, I am dying to get my hands on the next book, this series has not only met all my expectation on each and every book, but it often manages to exceeds them.

Just like always I love Byrne's writing. I love the way she paces things, how she brings in memories, just in the right time. Also the historical parts feel authentic, it feels historically accurate and realistic.

The story lines is on of misfortune, broken hearts and circumstance meeting insta-attraction/lust and loathing, enemies turned to lovers. While it's kinda the usual usual when put like this, it's actually so much more. It's got it own unique little details, but most of all the characters make it unique

That brings me to the character building. It's simply the best part of the book.
The story is told from multiple POV in third person.
We get to know each character rather well, even the support cast. It was amazing revisiting Mina again, really interesting to see her through Sam's eyes. Liam and Gavin's sparing was beyond amusing but also heartbreaking, I loved when Liam had his talk with Gavin, one of my favorite parts in the book.
Sam's trigger happiness was another source of constant amusement. But the best part of all Sam and Gavin's banter. The Best!
Sam and Gavin are both somewhat broken and hurt, while everybody sees how wonderful they are, they have the lowest opinion of themselves. It's amazing to see them change each other, or more accurately open up and become a team.

The sad part is, it was over too fast if you ask me. The book kinda sucked me in and I read it in more or less a sitting. The great news there are two more books to be published in this series. I wonder who they will be about and I have a wish-list!

I think this is a must read for people who love historicals, but also people who want some cute & fluffy with some depths.

Kerrigan Byrne has done it again s she continues her amazing series of Victorian Rebels. She manages to take men who have been through hell with an abusive father and live with their own demons and turn them into loving husbands and fathers.
Her women are strong and independent and thi8s heroine Allison/Samantha is no exception. Having grown up on a cattle ranch working alongside the other ranch hands, Sam is more than up to taking over a Scottish estate and raising the cattle that have been left there for years.
Every time Sam and Gavin meet, sparks fly. The reader can't help but feel the tension between the two. You can't help but want things to work out for the two of them. Ms Byrnes' dialog keeps you wanting more.
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The Scot Beds His Wife by Kerrigan Byrne is the most fascinating yet most complex plot line I've ever read. This historical tale was engaging from the start. Never a dull moment. Dark, sad, and unforgettable. Both bad and good. The characters had to deal with a lot. From family that was no good, to even worse situations. These past memories have left deep wounds festering for so long, that it takes almost to the end to find any lightness within them and their future.

Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne, had a past that literally gave scars. Wounds that were both physical and emotional. His father was cruel to him, his siblings, and to the women his dad brought home. The jerk of a father who put his young boys through absolute hell. He forced them to participate in cruel punishments to women. Treated their mother like a prisoner...and took their innocence of childhood away. Gavin had to grow up fast. His hatred for his father fueled his energy to get revenge. But his older brother Liam beat him to it. Then, there's this lass who comes tumbling into his path. Sam...she makes him want things he never thought he wanted or could have.

Samantha Masters is a woman who grew up the hard way. Her family were going to give her to some pervert. So, she escaped by marrying a man who was rotten to the core. The Master brother were cruel, reckless, and dangerous. Samantha is a pro with guns. Her husband has threatened to kill a young innocent woman...only in split seconds, Sam does the unthinkable. By doing so, she has sealed her fate. But then, the victim became her hero. Giving her a new life and a new chance at redemption...a path that leads her straight into the sexy lord, Gavin...

What started off as two enemies fighting turns into much more passionate, fun, and unforgettable for two broken souls. At first, they fight their feelings and attraction. But as times goes by and trouble comes to them, they end up wanting what they thought they can't have. The Scot Beds His Wife is a beautifully written story. Full of action, intrigue, suspense, and romance. There's also a lot of humor. I loved it. Kerrigan Byrne is a master of historical romances...I can't wait to read more by her. Overall, I highly recommend this book to all.

Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne, is the younger and legitimate half-brother to the formidable Demon Highlander. He is renowned for his carnal exploits. Gavin plans to emancipate himself and Inverthorne from the MacKenzie clan. To gain this aim, he needs to procure the rich pasturelands that border his land. A foul-mouthed, gun-toting harridan, however, stands in his way. Gavin tries everything from seduction to coercion to gain Erradale. Will he tame the infuriating Sam enough to gain Erradale? Dare he open his fragile and battered heart to the spitfire?
American-born Samantha Master agrees to assume a San Franciscan socialite’s identity in Scotland. She flees to the wilds of the Highlands to escape her deceased husband’s outlaw brothers. Samantha promises the real Allison Ross to keep Erradale out of MacKenzie hands. Gavin harangues her at every turn to sell, but she refuses to let his pretty face or threats sway her from settling permanently on Allison’s property. When Samantha’s troubles from America catch up with her, she has no other alternative than to rely on the attractive rogue’s help. Will Samantha reveal her true identity before her lies are exposed?
I am so delighted the author revisited the tortured MacKenzie brothers. I have a soft spot for all three, especially after learning the cruelty each one endured from their abusive father’s hand. I understand Gavin’s need to separate himself and his holdings from the MacKenzies. I admire his temerity into not becoming a monster like his father. What I love the most is Gavin’s open appreciation of Samantha’s feisty uniqueness. I like how he does not want to be attracted to a cursing, gun-slinging spitfire, but he respects Sam for her individuality.
I adore everything about Samantha! She fits every criterion I want in my heroines. I cannot remember the last time I felt this way about a fictional character. She’s strong-willed, sassy, and not afraid to face any challenge head on. I admire Samantha’s refusal to repeat her past mistakes, namely being swept away by another bad boy type with a handsome face. I also like her mettle to not only stand up against Gavin but to withstand the Demon Highlander’s dark intensity. What I love the most about Sam is her foul mouth and the men’s reaction to the coarseness of her language.
THE SCOT BEDS HIS WIFE is book five in Kerrigan Byrne’s historical romance series, VICTORIAN REBELS. I love revisiting Liam and Mena from book three, THE HIGHLANDER. I only wish Dorian and Farah from book one, THE HIGHWAYMAN, made an appearance in this book rather than the former being mentioned a couple of times. I truly miss them.
THE SCOT BEDS HIS WIFE is a captivating story of two broken souls finding solace together from their nightmarish past. I am antsy for the next installment, eagerly anticipating more about the enigmatic connection between the elusive Room and the infamous Blackheart of Ben More.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Devin's childhood was one of extreme abuse by a brutal father. Because of this he closed his heart to love. In walks Sam who is everything he would not look for in a woman. She is tall, very slender, very vocal and they butt heads at every turn. The book is full of secrets on Sam's part, murder, sabotage, humor and eventually love. It is well written and a good read.

This was FANTASTIC! It may be my favorite of the series!

Steamy like only a book about a hot Highlander can be!

Here is the link to my review on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2088039511?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

This can be read as a standalone. A non typical heroine and a wonderful hero. I'm glad I have a found a new author. Interesting read

Gavin St. James , the Earl of Thorne has been working all his life to break away from the nightmare that is his family. By claiming the abandoned lands next door he will be able to put the name behind him forever.
Samantha Masters has been granted a new start in life by a woman she met in a train robbery. The price of the new life is just to keep the Ross family lands from falling to the enemy. She is a brave and hardworking woman so that should be ready for her. Our hero has hidden his pain behind his handsome smile. Not many know the true man, not even himself.
This is part of a series, but easily read as a stand alone. If like me you have read the others in the series you will recognize some of the scenes that affected the whole family. It is an emotional story with tears as well as laughs. Our very arrogant hero learns not to underestimate a determined woman. A wonderful story, I loved it.

Kerrigan Byrne will always be a go-to author for me. She draws you into the story like few others can. This is the fifth book in the Victorian Rebels series.

Gavin St James wants to get out from under the thumb of his brother, Liam MacKenzie (The Highlander). To do this, he plans to obtain the land next to him. The problem - the heiress who owns it, doesn't want to sell. Thus starts the beginning of "bargaining" - except all is not as it seems.

This story has just the right amount of angst, romance, deception, suspense and heat!

Samantha has always had it rough growing up in America's Wild West but when the man she married to escape a worse fate turns out to be in an outlaw gang with his brothers, she realizes she may have made a mistake. When she makes a fatal decision to save another life, she gets the opportunity to start fresh in a new country.
Gavin has wanted nothing more than to separate himself from his brutish dead father's name and buying the Ross land gives him that chance. When Alison Ross finally comes back to Scotland from America, he makes it his mission to woo her land from her.
Samantha and Gavin have tough pasts but also deep feelings developing, their held secrets and lies will have to be overcome if they're to survive.
 
"I don't think I believe in villains. Heroes either. Just people. People with agendas and the things they're willing to do to get what they want."
 
Fifth in the Victorian Rebels series, Gavin Thorne is the middle brother of villainous Hamish MacKenzie's sons. It's possible to pick this book up without reading the others in the series as the author does a pretty good job of explaining the animosity between him and his brother Liam (hero from #3 The Highlander) and Samantha is a new character not previous mentioned in the other books. Even knowing the background between the two brothers, Gavin's arguing with his brother came off a bit immature as it seemed an adult in his late thirties should have figured out that the blame towards his brother was a bit misplaced. The relationship between Gavin and Liam fell into the pitfall of not feeling fleshed out enough, along with other relationships in the book.
 
She was little better than a banshee with a sidearm.
 
While Gavin had a tendency to come off a bit immature, his bed hopping and general rogue actions are supposed to be cover for his pain, Samantha was our hard as nails, mouth like a sailor, and stubborn heroine. There is seriously a lot of cursing in this story and most of it done by Samantha. This being a historical, I have to say, it threw me a bit. Obviously, women cursed in the 1800s but the frequency with which Samantha threw out the f word and ease of saying sh*t, couldn't help but give it an awkward modern feel; a personal dislike. I don't want to get into spoilers because this is an ARC review, but the secrets and lies Samantha holds until very close to the end of the story, made it very hard for me to ever warm up to her. In fact, the very bottom heavy feel of this book, was one of the biggest problems I had with it.
 
"I'm not asking ye to like me, lass, only to marry me."
 
If you've read the other books in the series, you'll know the author's writing can veer towards almost purple prose. The wordiness, flowery, and waxing poetic descriptive writing needed to be edited down; it kept the story from furthering along while making it drag. It wasn't until around the 70% mark that I felt the author started to get down to business of building a relationship between our hero and heroine; previously felt completely based on lust. The last 30% was full of reasons why I'm a big fan of this author, the hero and heroine engage in conversations that were witty, funny, and moving while all the secondary characters and side plot lines were coming together to create an intriguing and interesting story. Unfortunately, with some pretty heavy secrets not getting revealed until the 90% point, there just wasn't enough time to resolve and build a believable and emotionally satisfying romantic relationship for me. There was a slight secondary romance between the hero's mother and pseudo-father figure that I felt had more emotion and romance than the main couple.
 
With a heroine that holds onto her secrets for far too long and a hero whose emotions felt based on lust, I was disappointed in the romance. The majority of the story focused on needless over descriptive dreamy writing while ignoring to the very end the building blocks of emotion. I have a feeling the next two heroes are introduced here, Gavin's friend Callum seems to have quite the backstory with the real Alison Ross and our secretive pirate The Rook mentioned in previous books makes an upfront appearance here. The author has created a dark and intriguing world for this series, I'm going to treat this installment as a one off and be back for the next.
 
"Who knew being married was such fun," he panted, pressing a kiss to her temple and swatting her backside simultaneously.
She pulled back to look at him, one of her rare, reluctant smiles tugging at the corner of her kiss-reddened mouth. "You probably should have done it years ago."
"Nay, lass," he said suddenly feeling very serious. "Then it wouldna have been ye."

Kerrigan Bryne has written another fabulous historical romance. Solid plot. Love the historical feel of book.