Wow! I loved this book! The romance was top notch! The characters and the story were perfect as well! Highly recommend!

Loved! Loved! Loved!!

Ian Cameron and Robert Townsend’s story is excellently written! This story featured a few of my favorite things (It was like Christmas!!)

✔️Slow Burn — Oh yeah! Made me very happy!
✔️The Unresolved Sexual Tension— Superb!
✔️Characters that are slightly flawed — Yet together they are perfection!
✔️Forbidden love
✔️Hot Scot’s

Need I say more?

In case you can’t tell this story hit all my buttons. 😍

Vividly written historical environments and circumstances. This author holds nothing back! Both Robert as Ian are well developed and the chemistry between them was palpable... I loved them

5 Stars!!

I have received a copy of this book by NetGalley, and Entangled Publishing, LLC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. This review will be posted on my Goodreads, Facebook page and Instagram.
I guess this is the first time/book that I read something of this author, and I can say that I will be reading more books by her. And of course, the others in this series, because this one is the 3rd one and I want to know more about this family.
Robert and Ian, from where should I start? They were a ridiculously cute and infuriating couple. First a couple of idiots and then a couple of lovers. And I say this in a kind and cute way, of course. I love them and above all, Robert, because I could see more things in him that Ian. They were hugely different and at the same time terribly similar. Is this making sense?
The story was short but with so many problems in it. I really hate society and its thoughts, but it made sense in this story what happened – closer to the end. I knew that in the end they would have a happy ending, but it still infuriated me the way there.
I loved the Townsend family, and that is why I want to read the other books too. They sound like a beautiful and different family. I saw that through Robert and Theo (right at the Finale).
I read this book in a heartbeat and I liked very much.

With his brother the earl traveling, Robert Townsend is responsible for taking care of Llynmore Castle and making sure everything runs smoothly. Robert is determined to prove that he is reliable and can be counted upon, but of course things end up complicated almost right away. First, the estate steward, Ian Cameron, loses his home to a fire and has to move into Llynmore while it is repaired. And then torrential rains bring a group of stranded travelers who have to be put up as well.

Things are made even more complicated by Robert’s attraction to Ian, compounded by Ian’s very clear dislike of Robert. Robert has done everything he can to befriend Ian, but the stoic man seems to want nothing to do with him. Considering how attracted Robert is to Ian, the dislike is even harder to handle. But when some items are stolen from their guests and Ian is accused, the men will have to work together to try to unravel who is really behind the theft and clear Ian’s name.

As Robert and Ian spend more time together, the men begin to slowly become friends. Ian comes to realize Robert is not the spoiled aristocrat he has always assumed. And when Ian lets down some of his walls, he realizes he quite likes Robert. In fact, the men are beginning to fall for one another and the idea of a future together tantalizes both of them. But not only does Ian work for Robert’s brother, but keeping their relationship a secret from Robert’s family would be almost impossible in the long term. Add to that the ever increasing complications of their house guests, and things get even worse. But now that they have found each other, Ian and Robert are not quite ready to give up on what they have built together.

A Scot’s Surrender was a really delightful surprise and I just loved it. I say surprise only because Lily Maxton is a new-to-me author, and this book is the third in a series where I haven’t read the other books. So I wasn’t sure quite what to expect from this one, but it is a really engaging historical with two characters I really enjoyed and a lovely romance.

The story is the third in the Townsends series, the first two of which were male/female romances. I had absolutely no trouble jumping in here as we get enough of a backstory on the family to easily pick up with the third book. While Robert’s siblings, Theo and Eleanor, who star in the first two books are mentioned here, they don’t appear in this story and we get enough information about them to carry things here. What I think makes this work particularly well is that in addition to giving us the basics on the previous storylines, Maxton also focuses on the impact of those events on Robert. He considers himself an average guy among stellar siblings and he also feels like he let the family down when Eleanor got into trouble during the last book. So he has this determination to show everyone that he has things under control, that he can lead and make decisions when needed, and that he can be counted upon. This sense of responsibility affects a lot of his behavior here and colors many of his actions, and Maxton does a really great job of showcasing his character.

There is a bit of an enemies to lovers vibe here that I quite enjoyed. Ian starts off the story not really liking Robert, thinking him spoiled and lazy. Not only does he come to realize there is much more to Robert than he thought, but Ian also accepts that his own attraction and feelings toward Robert are coloring his opinion. And poor Robert not only is attracted to Ian, but struggling with the fact that the man doesn’t seem to like him. The plot device with the thefts is a clever way to bring these guys together, and while it isn’t really a mystery story, following along as they try to figure out who is behind it all ends up being quite fun. There is a bit of humor here and a great crackle of chemistry between the characters. I love when authors can create that romantic tension and combine it with a bit of wit. I found myself smiling at their interactions and in the case of the scene where they end up hiding under a bed, outright laughing.

I can also say that I really loved Robert and Ian together and think Maxwell created some really layered and interesting characters here. They each have personal issues to work through, things that are holding them back. For Robert it is his sense of responsibility and need to prove himself and for Ian it is issue with trust after being hurt by his family. I enjoyed seeing their growth over the course of the book as they each worked through things. I also loved this guys together as partners. As I mentioned, there is just a lot of great chemistry between them and their interplay is fun, but they are also sexy and wonderfully romantic together.

So you can see, I really loved this one and am excited to find a new author in Lily Maxton. If you are a fan of historicals, I can definitely recommend A Scot’s Surrender.

So let start off by saying that while this is the third book in the Townsends Series, you don’t need to have read the first two books in order to enjoy this one. While there are some secondary characters and a few previous events mentioned that would be better understood having read the rest of the series, I was perfectly fine having done without. The first two books are also M/F and if that isn’t your cup of tea, no worries!
I wasn’t entirely sure how I would classify the relationship between the main characters when I first started reading; both men are from different classes, have different life experiences and just seem to rub each other the wrong way. Ian thinks Robert is a spoiled lay about who drinks to the early hours of the morning and hasn’t worked a single day in his life. He also refuses to believe that Robert is naturally that nice and instead thinks he puts on an act to get people to like him. Robert, on the other hand, finds Ian interesting and would like nothing more than to get to know him and be his friend. He doesn’t understand the constant antagonistic attitude and despite the ‘stay away’ vibes he projects, Robert goes out of his way to try and make Ian more comfortable. Not friends but not exactly enemies, I found the interactions between the two interesting. When the two men are forced to work together to find a bunch of stolen items, proximity and the chance to actually talk, slowly (on Ian’s part, very slowly) begins to forge a friendship between the two men. When it becomes more it almost seems like it was inevitable.
I have to say that I really enjoyed this; I found the historical elements interesting and I really enjoyed the setting. (Scotland instead of England! :D) The story flowed really well and I found the easier pace and low key mystery made for a great afternoon read. I had a ton of theories about who the thief was and was completely wrong on all counts but that was great! The actual culprit was totally unexpected. lol Then, to make things better, there was an additional twist after the items were returned that added another element to the story that I really enjoyed. All in all, this was just a really nice read and I’m certain I’ll read it again in the future.

This is a cute romance, and I’m all for crossing the sub genres—I’d love it if we got more quote-unquote het series incorporating queer plot lines. My one quibble is that for a Scot/Englishman romance, this doesn’t seem to acknowledge that conflict at all. (Aside from Ian’s irritation at his accent being exoticized by their uninvited English houseguests, anyway.) I’m not an expert on this period of history, but I was surprised that it didn’t come up at all.

The flaws of Lily Maxton's books were more apparent in this one, or maybe I was more sensitive to them because I had just read another one right before. They are fun to read but full of little implausibilities (like how George makes the gesture of putting a gun to her head) as well as big ones (the thieving plot was just.. no). While she can write, her stories aren't quite "anchored" in the past enough to work completely. Yet they also aren't that bad. Mostly they're a bit frustrating for me because the potential is so obviously there. I will take a break from her writing for now but will probably read the rest of the series at some point.

A Scot's Surrender is the third book in the Townsend series of historical romances by Lily Maxton. While this is the third book in a series, but it works as a stand alone with only a few mentions of incidents and characters from previous book. It is also the only book in the series (thus far at least) that is a male/male romance. I have not read anything else by the author, but I think I will be changing that soon.

When his brother leaves him in charge of Llynmore Castle, Robert Townsend is determined to make everything go smoothly. What does it matter if he's inexplicably drawn to Ian Cameron, the estate’s stoic steward? Robert is sure he can ignore the way the Highlander's apparent dislike of him gets under his skin. They'll muddle along just fine so long as they avoid one another. An excellent plan…until a fire forces Ian into the castle—and Robert's personal space. Ian Cameron has worked for everything he owns, unlike spoiled Robert Townsend. And he may not have friends, but he has the Highlands and the stars, and what more could he really need? But when a guest's stolen possession appears in his room, he doesn't have much choice but to admit to the handsome and aggravatingly charming Townsend brother that he needs help. To solve this mystery, they'll have to put aside their differences. And as Ian learns more about Robert, he'll have to guard his heart or it may be the next thing stolen.

A Scot's Surrender is a slow burn, that starts as almost and enemy to lover romance. Robert and Ian are under the same roof due to crisis outside their control. They each have assumptions about each other, and in general avoid each other because attraction is not always a good thing. Robert, acting as master of the house until his brother returns, just wants everything to go smoothly as he works on writing his second book. He wants to make his family proud. Ian is a working man and is itching to get back to his work, and has no time or respect for the idle rich. When other visitors are end up sharing the home as well, thanks to more crisis, things begin getting out of control. I understand why our pair were tiptoeing around each other, in the era of the story homosexuality could get you killed, so acting on an attraction is a dangerous business. I liked the way the pair slowly learned about each other and became reluctant friends before even admitting fully to themselves about the shared attraction. I liked the funny moments, and the sweet moments as they came to know each other. Most of all, I just like the characters and how much they focused on doing the right thing and protecting others rather than themselves, even when it did not seem like it on the surface. The slow steps they took towards finding their happy ending make the conclusion even more heart warming and fulfilling.

A Scot's Surrender is a historical romance that I am glad not to have missed. I enjoyed the story, but the characters most of all. I am now going to have to go back and get a look at the previous (and future) books by the author.

*insert a million heart eyes*

adored this book, adored this couple

I hadn't heard of this author so I picked this book on a whim. I'm always looking for new (or new to me) authors. I'm so glad I tried this one because I really liked it. It starts as a bit of an enemies to lovers. Ian works at Llynmore Castle and he's none too happy when Robert is left in charge while his brother is gone. Ian thinks Robert is spoiled and he's never taken the time to get past his own prejudices. Robert is good-natured and friendly and he can't stand the fact that Ian doesn't like him. He has no idea what he's done but he's intent on changing that.

When a group of travelers show up unexpectedly and some of their belongings turn up missing, the two men reluctantly end up working together to figure out who the thief is. As they spend more time together they realize they have a lot in common and they like each a lot. They end up giving into their attraction to each other and romance and smexy time ensue.

This is a slow burn romance and I really liked the time the author took in letting the two men get to know each other and fall in love. It was very sweet and I enjoyed every minute of it. I absolutely loved these two together.
I ended up liking this so much I went back and read the first two books in the series (which are both m/f romance) and are about Robert's two sisters. I loved both of them also. The author does a great job with her female characters. I highly recommend the entire series. This can be read as a standalone though.

**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

3.5 stars

Robert has been left in charge of his brother's estate. He wants to not cause any issues for his brother, to prove that he can handle things. He is generally liked, especially when he puts himself forward to be charming. However, his brother's steward, Ian, doesn't like him at all. Then Ian is forced to move in to the manor when his cottage burns down. Proximity only makes Robert notice the steward more, but doesn't seem to have any effect on Ian.
Ian doesn't like people who don't work to get their means. Even though he is attracted to Robert, he doesn't like the fact that he is idle. But when circumstances force them to work together to clear the household's reputation when unexpected guests have items go missing, Ian discovers another side to Robert.

What I liked: that Robert made an effort to be pleasant to everyone, including servants and tenants. I also liked that that was one of the things that bothered Ian the most about him. Robert's sister was an interesting character, and I liked the family dynamics. As Ian and Robert start actually getting to know one another, Ian especially has to do a hard adjustment on his ideas of Robert. Robert encouraged Ian to deal with his past, and liked him just the way that he was.

What I didn't like: I have a hard time believing that, even for two people in residence, the house would only have 3 servants. I mean, the upper class kept a flotilla of servants on hand when they weren't even in residence most of the time. I also can't fathom how a teenager who had no education became a steward, and didn't have to do unsavoury things, such as stealing, etc, to stay alive. I had an issue with the fact that Robert was just so nice that he would go along with something when he really was innocent of what he was accused of. Men in general did things like that all the time, and the women were really the only ones who were ruined.

Overall impression: I enjoyed this, and the interactions between Robert and Ian as they got to know one another. I would definitely read another book by this author.

*I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

This was a much more addicting novel than I was expecting. It kept me up past my bedtime a couple nights in a row. 

One issue I kept facing with this novel is that my brain kept mixing up the male protagonists, Ian seemed more like a Robert to me and vice versa. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that this is the only m/m romance in the series. Typically when an author writes m/m romances that is pretty much all they write. I can't wait to get my hands on the previous two books in this series. 

The only flaw I found in this book is that the ending was quick and almost too perfect. This is not something that you just tell your family about in Regency times. I feel that there probably would have been a lot more drama there. 

Overall I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to more by this author.

A Scot’s Surrender is my first Lily Maxton book and though I didn’t love it, I liked it very much. As a fan of queer historical romance, I’m always on the lookout for new authors to follow and it was a nice surprise to discover Ms. Maxton incorporating two queer characters, one of whom is unapologetically bisexual, into the Townsends series. A Scot’s Surrender combines two popular tropes – opposites who suffer a big Misunderstanding – with the old adage not to judge a person before you know them. Our principals, who initially begrudge their inconvenient attraction to each other, find themselves partnered up after circumstances and events conspire to throw them together. I enjoyed everything about this story up until a late plot twist and the supremely convenient deus ex machina that resolves it, and that’s the only reason this story earns four stars and not four and a half. This is a sweetly satisfying and a charming entry in the Townsends series and although the novel features characters from the two previous books, it works well as a standalone.

When elder brother Theo, leaves with his wife on an extended trip, he leaves younger brother Robert in charge of Llynmore Castle and the estate. Robert, easygoing and affable, who strives to see the best in everyone and everything, is determined that nothing should go wrong while his brother is away. Unfortunately, his plan goes awry when shortly after Theo and Annabel’s departure, a fire breaks out on the estate. Among the cottages burned is that of Ian Cameron, Theo’s factor. Robert offers him a temporary home at the castle until the damage can be repaired, but it’s clear Ian is unhappy with the arrangement. Robert can’t understand why Ian dislikes him so intensely. Despite his best efforts to coax a smile or a laugh from Ian, the man seems determined to dislike him. He’s tried to simply ignore him, but when forced to live in close proximity to him, Robert is overwhelmed by his attraction to the taciturn and private man.

Ian Cameron has no desire to move into the castle and spend time with the idle aristocrat who currently calls it home. Robert Townsend is irritatingly handsome and charming, but he’s also wealthy and lazy – or so he supposes. Hard work and focused efforts are the touchstones of Ian’s life and he disdains the aimless life Robert (appears) to lead, and he resents his inconvenient attraction to Robert and avoids him whenever he can. When he’s forced to move into the castle after the fire, he rebuffs any kindness Robert offers and makes every effort to dissuade the man’s attempts to befriend him. He hopes his infatuation with Robert will fade and looks forward to the day when he can leave the castle and return to his cottage – alone.

Robert and Ian are confused and frustrated by their attraction to each other, and things between them might have remained strained… but this is a romance novel and Ms. Maxton has matchmaking in mind. Late one stormy evening a group of travelers arrives at Llynmore seeking shelter. Robert welcomes them and offers them a place to stay as long as they need it. The weather conspires to keep the group at the estate longer than Robert would like, but despite his anxiety about his unexpected guests, he’s confident he has the situation well in hand. That is, until some of their belongings go missing, and one of the guest suggests a servant must be the thief. Robert is equally certain he’s wrong, but as head of household while Theo is away, he’s forced to investigate and ensure the culprit is brought to justice.

To Robert’s dismay, his investigation leads him to Ian’s rooms… but when Ian discovers him searching within, Ms. Maxton twists the story once again and Ian and Robert put aside their differences to work together to find the true culprit. Robert despairs of disappointing Theo, or finding a thief amongst the staff, and he’s nervous about working with Ian; Ian is annoyed by the demands on his time and having to prove himself innocent of a crime he didn’t commit, as well as being anxious about spending time with Robert. Readers, however, are gleeful. It’s only a matter of time before these two dummies to realize THEY’RE PERFECT for each other and fall in love.

It’s quickly apparent to both men that they’ve made assumptions about each other that are flat out wrong and that Ian’s animosity is masking attraction (understatement). I loved how Ms. Maxton parallels and paces the development of Ian and Robert’s relationship with the investigation into the missing belongings. As their inquiry gains urgency – the guests want to Robert to identify and charge the thief – so, too, does their burgeoning romance. They finally transition from reluctant partners to lovers after Robert discovers Ian stargazing in his favorite hiding place. It’s a poignant scene filled with a fragile happiness and contentment… and it’s simply lovely. But happily ever after isn’t quite on the cards for these two. Shortly after their passionate affair gets underway, Ms. Maxton simultaneously resolves the mystery of the missing items and drives a wedge between them by introducing a ridiculous and completely unnecessary twist. Secondary characters are given a chance to shine – but truly, we didn’t need to get to know them and their subplot detracts from the central storyline.

I loved both Robert and Ian. These two men, from disparate backgrounds and experiences, find much to love in each other. Robert is a beloved brother who appears to live a charmed life – but he’s lost trying to find his purpose in life and show his family he’s more than just a pretty face and a charming personality. By contrast, Ian knows his place and purpose – but not his value. Rejected by his family, he’s never known love or affection and he’s anchorless without it. In finding each other, they find themselves. It’s a poignant message well executed by Ms. Maxton. She does a similarly masterful job incorporating her characters sexuality into the story. Ian is gay and it informs the development of his character; rejected by his family when his preference was made known, his affairs have been furtive and shameful… he’s a ‘virgin’ to love and affection before he meets Robert. Robert knows what it means to be loved, but despite his attraction to both sexes, he’s never had an intimate relationship with a man. Theirs is a perfect match – emotionally, physically and intellectually. Sigh. I liked them as a couple so much.

There’s much more to this story (unfortunately) than the relationship between Ian and Robert – but their relationship is the heart and best part of the novel. If not for the last minute twist and the events that lead up to it, I would recommend A Scot’s Surrender without reservation. Nevertheless, I still think it’s worthy of your time. And if you, like me, are new to Lily Maxton, it’s a strong introduction to her writing.

This is the first book in the Townsend series I have read, despite it being the third, but I requested on NetGalley because the summary sounded interesting. It turned out not to be as dark as I feared but instead had a lovely little mystery in the background of the romance between Ian and Robert. 

The book switches between Ian and Robert's POV which I found really worked for the story and the romance, especially as we got to see exactly how each of them saw the other and their interactions together. The slow development of their romance is exactly what I enjoy with romance novels, especially considering what is bringing them together, but as with all good romance novels, the characters have other events going on in their lives apart from the romance. Family plays a big part in this book, both supportive and unsupportive family members, as well as what it can do to be estranged from your family without any closure. The end conflict of the book seemed to come out of nowhere but still actually work with what we had seen of the characters so far. It felt very IC for everyone involved and I'm glad it worked out in the end. 

I liked all the characters, not just the main characters, but also the side characters, though some of them were frustrating (intentionally I'm sure). They were all a variety of characters, especially Ian and Robert. In the main romance, I never had to wonder why Ian and Robert were attracted to each other and when they ended up together, I was happy for them and their romance. I'm glad the time period was acknowledged, with Robert and Ian knowing they would have to hide their relationship, but it was never dwelt on, creating a lighter, fun romance novel. 

The style of writing was easy and quick to read and I enjoyed the book all the way through. I will definitely be checking out the rest of the books in the series. 

4 stars!

Lily Maxton’s series about the Townsend siblings continues with A Scot’s Surrender, in which the good-natured, carefree Robert Townsend meets his match. It’s a short, but entertaining read, and the author crafts a tender, sensual romance between Robert and Ian Cameron, the estate’s handsome factor – but while the interactions between the leads are generally charming, the plot which gives rise to those interactions is rather silly, and I knocked down my final grade a bit as a result.

We first met the Townsends – two brothers, two sisters – in Enchanting the Earl, in which war hero Theo Townsend unexpectedly inherited a Scottish earldom and a remote, somewhat bleak castle in the Highlands. Now, a couple of years on, Theo and his wife, Annabel, are blissfully happy, and the eldest Townsend sister, Eleanor, is married and living with her husband in Edinburgh. Theo’s younger brother Robert is a happy-go-lucky type who has a ready quip and a smile for everyone, thus giving the impression that he doesn’t have a care in the world and is happy to live a life of idleness, but the reality is somewhat different. Robert, though kind, warm and witty, is struggling to find his place in life; a second son, he has always felt overlooked, and though he loves his siblings dearly, has never felt any of them have ever really needed him.

With Theo and Annabel temporarily away, Robert is charged with overseeing the management of the castle and estate, and is determined to make sure all runs smoothly in his brother’s absence. This means regular meetings with Theo’s factor, Ian Cameron, whom Robert is sure dislikes him. Robert is a little put out by this, as he’s used to being liked by everyone he meets, but Cameron never smiles, never responds to Robert’s humorous remarks, and is generally very reserved – yet regardless of all that, Robert is in the grips of an attraction to the other man the like of which he’s never known. Robert has been attracted to men in the past, but never to this degree; his sexual experiences have so far been with women, yet he can’t ignore the desire he feels for Ian, even though he is sure the other man can’t possibly feel the same way.

Ian Cameron doesn’t like idle aristocrats who do nothing useful and live off the wealth of others. And Robert Townsend, with his easy manner, his handsome face and gorgeous, smoky voice is exactly the sort of man Ian despises. Except… Robert is extremely hard to dislike, and worse, Ian is intensely attracted to him. It’s easier to maintain a gruff, abrasive manner around Robert than to risk rejection (or worse) and Ian is sure that as soon as he is back in a home of his own and the earl returns, his stupid infatuation will disappear.

But fate takes a meddling hand in events when one night during a storm, a group of stranded travellers seek shelter at the castle, and Robert, quite naturally, offers them hospitality for as long as they need it. He quickly comes to regret this offer, however, when one of the ladies, Miss Worthington, discovers an item of jewellery is missing, another that she is missing gloves and a fan – and Mr. Worthington insists that Robert must make sure it is found and the culprit punished or he will take the matter to the authorities. When nothing is found in the servant’s quarters, suspicion falls on Ian – and seeing it will be faster for two to search the castle, Robert suggests that Ian helps him to find the missing bracelet and other items.

Their search naturally throws them together more frequently, and Ms. Maxton does a good job of gradually thawing Ian’s frosty outer shell and creating a strong emotional bond between the two men. There’s plenty of witty banter, some very funny moments (such as when Robert and Ian get trapped under a bed while an amorous couple do what amorous couples do on top of it!) and the scenes where they share a dram or two and gaze up at the stars are beautifully poignant. But sadly, the book is rather let down by the weakness of the ‘theft’ storyline (and the identity of the thief – huh?) and the ensuing bit of eleventh hour drama which is contrived and then dealt with in the space of a couple of chapters.

Were it not for the silliness of the plot, I’d probably have given A Scot’s Surrender a B grade; the central love story is tender and rather sweet as Ian gradually sheds his preconceived ideas about Robert and Robert discovers what it’s like to be needed and loved unconditionally. But the parts of the book that don’t relate to the romance are poorly conceived, so I’m going with a B- and a qualified recommendation.

Grade: B- / 3.5 stars

Lily Maxton wrote a M/M historical romance? Yes, please!

The romance here is slow moving, with an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers vibe that I liked quite a lot. Both main characters are convinced the other doesn't like him, and are further convinced that they don't care at all about that fact, and yeah...you can see where this is going to go. In the meantime, we get fun exchanges like this:

"So...ye want me there because you're frightened to go alone?"

Townsend tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. "I'm not frightened," he said. "I like to hedge my bets."

"Meaning?"

"If there would happen to be something down there--a deranged murderer, who's been hiding there for years unbeknownst to any of us, or, God forbid, a rampaging unicorn--I might have a chance to escape if they're occupied with you first."

Ian didn't even know where to begin. "So ye would use me as a human shield?"

"Don't take it personally, Cameron. I would be tempted to use anyone as a shield against murderers and unicorns."

"I don't think it likely that there's anything down there. Someone would have noticed."

"You obviously haven't read as many gothic novels as I have."

So, so true. And he undoubtedly hasn't written any... ;)

This story is fairly low-angst--there is a bit of a mystery plot and an almost-forced marriage for propriety reasons, but both are resolved fairly easily, if not quite quickly. I did appreciate that the fact that an HEA for Ian and Robert is going to be risky and definitely not non-stop sunshine and rainbows (given the story's setting) is discussed. Still, one is left with a definite hopeful feeling in the end that both of our heroes have had a hand in working towards.

A Scot's Surrender is a sweet historical M/M romance. Though it's the third in the series, it absolutely works as a standalone--his family factors into a lot of the decisions Robert makes, but they personally don't play a huge role (his older brother shows up for about five minutes worth of reading, that's it) and you don't need to have read their books at all to appreciate Robert's.

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

4.5 stars rounded up :) I still want an epilogue, and there was some drama I could've lived without, but the rest of it was just so sweet and funny, I can't not give this 5 stars!

Can we please just all take a moment to let the fact that Lily Maxton wrote her first m/m book as part of a series that features two hetero couples so far sink in? Because I think that's pretty wonderful.

"It is the star to every wandering bark..."

Robert Townsend has always tried to be the charming one, to be there for everyone who needs him. So far, he's only met one infuriatingly handsome man who is able to resist his charms: his brother's factor, Ian Cameron.
When Robert's brother Theo and his new wife leave him in charge of the estate while they are traveling, he has no idea he's in for horrible weather that brings a group of strange travelers in need to his doorstep, forces him to grow up and make some choices he had rather put off just a bit longer, investigate a bunch of curious thefts, and, above all, live under the same roof as the handsome highlander he has had a crush on since he first saw him. When unforeseen circumstances force him to make a choice between what is expected of him and what he wants, Robert needs to think quickly before he loses what might turn out to be the love of his life...

I loved loved LOVED the first half of this book. It's deliciously slow-burning (I can already hear the complaints, so be warned: nothing physical happens between the leads up until the 50% mark), and I adored seeing those two fight their attraction. I loved Robert and his poetry-quoting, he is truly one of the nicest guys imaginable. Cameron was a bit more hesitant to trust his feelings because of some long-standing abandonment issues he has to overcome first, but I loved the gruff, practical, no-nonsense highlander. Together, I thought they were really adorable, the way they would sit outside and gaze at the stars. That was just the sweetest thing. I also absolutely adored the reveal of the thief. I laughed so hard, it was absolutely ingenious!

But. Then the dreaded last-minute drama struck. Because. Reasons. Around 70% (view spoiler) All I'm saying is, given how easily it was resolved, it might as well have been left out entirely in my opinion.

But after that it luckily turned back to the sweet, fun story from the beginning and made up for that.

I really hope the last Townsend left will get her book next. Since there was no epilogue, I NEED to see those two again!

A Scot's Surrender by Lily Maxton is the third story in her historical romance Townsend series. It's also her first male/male romance and features an opposites attract story set in the Scottish countryside.

Robert Townsend is in charge of his family's Lynmore Castle while his older brother is away. A fire at one of the cottages on their property lands the family's factor, a taciturn and broody Scot from the highlands named Ian Cameron as an unexpected houseguest. Robert's always been somewhat fascinated by Ian for reasons he's been hesitant to name even to himself, though Ian clearly doesn't think much of the easygoing and affable Robert.

If the stress of having Ian under his roof isn't enough, some stranded travelers also end up at the castle, and within a few days of their arrival some of their belongings go missing. A charge of thievery could ruin any servant's career, not to mention leaving Robert in the unenviable position of explaining yet another misfortune to befall the family to his older brother. Robert takes it upon himself to discover the truth, and while evidence initially points to Ian, it's clear there's more to the mystery. Conscripting Ian to help him means spending some time together, the result being the discovery that the animosity between them is really hiding a deeper passion. Becoming friends, then lovers, will Ian and Robert solve the mystery and figure out a way they can make their relationship a permanent one?

I've really enjoyed romances by Lily Maxton in the past as she writes engaging and interesting characters and she certainly does that here. Robert may be an aristocrat but he's not the heir since he's the younger son, and he's got a secret that he's keeping – he writes mysteries that have a popular following (even if the critics aren't always so impressed). He's a gentle and pleasant man who hasn't ever explored his bisexuality before. But Ian is someone who stirs his appetite to find out more.

Ian left his home as a teenager when his family kicked him out upon finding out he was gay, and has never gone back. He's a cynical man who trusts few and spends his days working on the land. His sexual experience is also limited due to the real possibility of being pilloried and jailed as homosexuality is illegal, and finding men willing to indulge means no names and furtive encounters with strangers. When he senses Robert's interest, he is careful to keep his distance, but that only works for so long.

Robert is the one to make the first move, from which point Ian can no longer resist the attraction. Their love scenes are sexy and full of emotion due to the risk they know they are taking. Their connection becomes stronger as the days go by but once they solve the mystery of the missing items, they must also figure out if being together is really possible. Coming out to one's family is fraught with danger in this time period and the easier route for Robert would be to marry. Fortunately they figure things out and the reader gets a satisfying happy ending. This is a low angst, slow burn, sexy romance between two men who are willing to risk much in order to be happy.

This review will be posted at sale sites during release week and feedback updated with the links. It's also been posted at Harlequin Junkie.

Fan of Scottish Highlanders? British Aristocrats? Hate-to-love tropes? Historical romances? This might just be the book for you!

I really enjoyed this! There was a palpable tension between Ian and Robert, the two heroes, from the very beginning, and once Ian loosened up, some good banter. I particularly liked Robert, a very personable guy on the outside who sought to put everyone at ease, but who hid his insecurities and the fact that he wrote Gothic novels. Alongside the romance between these two was also a slightly humour mystery. For the record, I had an inkling about the mystery from the beginning. Don’t ask me how; I don’t even really read mysteries, but I just knew. High five, me.

Ok, now some more serious stuff.

This week has been a week of firsts for me. Earlier this week, I read my first novel written in verse (The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo). Now I’ve read my first M/M romance. It’s not that I’d actively avoided either; they were just never there right in front of me while I was picking my next book to read. And I am so, so sorry…on both counts. I will do better, dear readers. I guess now is a good time to let you all know that every June will be Pride Month on LiatoF, and I’ll be making an effort to include more diverse romance throughout the year, too.

I want to be honest here rather than trying to write as if I know what I’m on about. I feel a little bit awkward reviewing graphic M/M books because, well, I’m not a man. At least with F/F books, I have knowledge of my own anatomy. But with M/M books, even when I’m enjoying the romance and sexy bits, there’s a part of me wondering about the mechanics. It doesn’t help that this was written by a female writer, so I don’t know if she’s understands the mechanics either? Am I being a bumbling fool right now? (Probably.) But also on top of that, I don’t know if I am qualified to pass any judgement on a gay romance. (Especially when the author isn’t a gay man.) I don’t know if not just the physical experiences, but also the emotional experiences are accurate. I would defer to a gay reader for that.

Which also makes me think of how being gay is depicted in this setting. Not everyone was understanding when orientations were revealed. Also, where some people were understanding, there was also a very clear message that Ian and Robert would need to be very careful not to reveal themselves to the outside world. I know that this is historically accurate, but I suppose a part of me wanted to pretend like that wasn’t the world they lived in. (The world a lot of people still live in.) I don’t know what the right answer would be here. Should an author be historically accurate about having to be extra careful, about the potentially lethal ramifications of being found out, or should they write an idealised world where queer people are allowed to be happy? I’m thinking a discussion post involving lots of interviews with LGBTQ+ people is on the cards…

But back from serious-land, this was a nice little story. As I do with all other romances, I judge based on the emotional pull and how strong I feel the chemistry, and I definitely did some swooning while reading this.

Such a sweet romance. Wanting what you can't have. The forbidden. Great

This is such a delightful story with sweet characters and low level angst. Just what I needed right now. This story has eveything from the quiet drinking of a shared flask while star gazing and the hunt for a thief. And the best part a very mischievous cat who causes quite a bit of trouble. I quite enjoyed this book and how Robert and Ian came together. Especially with Robert reading Ian his book. They are such sweet characters and as the first mm in and mf series it was well done and did not fall into any egregious tropes. Bonus points for how Roberts bisexuality is handled.

I look forward to checking out the rest of the books in the series