This was a fun read. Wish there’d been a little more mayhem since things didn’t really heat up with the angst until the second half of the novel, but the storing was still engaging. The hero was all that one could wish for, except for maybe the absence of his kilt. I do so love a man in a kilt. All in all it was a great read with an engaging plot line. The only other thing I can think to add would maybe be a bit more backstory or flashbacks to what living with Lucy’s father was like for her.

The Story in 4 Sentences or Less: A quick swim for Lady Lucinda Sutcliffe ends in a misunderstanding when Ciaran Ramsey mistakenly “rescues” her from drowning. From the moment the two become friends which comes in handy when Lucy finds out that her uncle plans to marry her off to a dangerous man in exchange for a portion of her fortune. Lucy needs a favor of Ciaran and quick, she needs him to pretend to be her fiancé until she turns twenty one and gets full control of her inheritance and Ciaran agrees. But what starts off as a favor for a friend starts to feel more and more like the real deal for Ciaran.








Like It? Hate it? Love it? Why? After a few “meh” books in the Besotted Scots series, I was ready to give up but then curiosity had me picking up the previous book, To Wed a Wild Scot and I started to see the magic coming back.

For the Sake of a Scottish Rake stalled on that magic in some parts and felt underdeveloped.

My biggest problem with this story was that there was a lot of “insta” relationships happening. Lucy and Ciaran’s “friendship” was practically an overnight thing and I wasn’t buying it at all. If two characters are going to become best friends in front of the audience, then the author has a responsibility to actually build that friendship in a way that is believable and emotionally engaging to the reader. Lucy and Ciaran’s friendship happened “off page” and much too quickly given that the story takes place during a time that men and women did NOT become friends, let alone best friends. It lacked sincerity and believability.


Lucy’s “insta” friendship with another woman didn’t ring true for me either. It felt rushed and insincere. What bothered me the most though was the two other romances happening in conjuncture with Lucy and Ciaran’s. Eloisa and Lady Felicity could have had their own romances told in their own books instead of just shoving them in like an afterthought. In fact, I would have liked to have had books for each of them. That way they would have had a chance to be fleshed out. I didn’t see a point in having them have a background insta-love happening when there was already a lot going on with Lucy and Ciaran. It was poorly done.


However, For the Sake of a Scottish Rake wasn’t all bad, there was a lovely reunion between Ciaran and his family and it was nice to catch up with all of them and see them so happy.


Click It or Skip It? Skip It. Unfortunately this book missed its mark with me even though I did enjoy the hero somewhat.

Lady Lucinda (Lucy) Sutcliffe is determined to live life. Since the death of her father, the ‘mad’ Earl of Bellamy, she has been living with her Uncle Jarvis, his wife and daughter, Eloise. Yet life under the care of her uncle, feels constricting, so Lucy does her best to experience any new adventure, including swimming in the ocean, without supervision. When Ciaran, the brother to the Marquess of Huntington, spies Lucy in the water, he believes her to be drowning and rushes to her rescue. When it becomes clear that this is not the case, a friendship begins between the pair. Over time, their friendship blossoms and when Lucy fears that her uncle may be trying to marry her off to repay a debt, Ciaran steps in to help. Yet all good intentions begin to be misconstrued.
The development of the friendship between Ciaran and Lucy made for such a great start to this story. I had a real sense of how important they were to each other and its progression to a romance was consequently, seamless. The friends of both Ciaran and Lucy, and their budding romances only added to the story. Characters from previous books make a reappearance but this was dealt with cleverly. Their integration was well explained making this a stand-alone book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A charming friends to lovers via a fake relationship and mutual pining

Folks, this book hits the trope trifecta. Lucy, the sheltered daughter of an Earl everyone considered mad, meets Ciaran when he interrupts her morning swim to save her from drowning. Their paths cross again and again until feelings begin to blossom. He even steps in as a suitor when a distasteful betrothal looms - but they're just friends, right?

The friendship between Lucy and Ciaran felt real and not forced as they spent time together in Brighton and London. I also appreciated the female relationships in this story as the girls got to know and support each other. I did expect at least one of the others to get her own story as well, but they all seem to wrap up by the end of the book, which felt like a missed opportunity. Even the abusive father was handled well - he was categorically awful but there was sufficient comeuppance and a happy lack of victim blaming.

My one problem with this book was how the mutual pining dragged on. Listen, the morning after feelings are admitted and consummated is the perfect time to finish with the "we're just friends" routine. Instead, we are subjected to an endless refrain that does nothing to advance the plot and tested my patience.

Overall, an enjoyable read that felt like it went a little too long. Four stars.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC via NetGalley, all opinions are my own

Another great Bradley read. It is worth your time to brighten your day with this story. A bit wordy in places but not so much to put you off. I like constant action in a story and this type of "constant thinking" in the main people bothers me.

I love this unique story, it checked all of my favorite boxes. Something different, a debutante sneaking out to swim in the early mornings, going to a boxing match in order to sketch, a heiress with an Uncle trying to get his hands on her fortune. A handsome, kind rake, who wants to rescue her, even when she doesn't need it! Sigh! Well written, fast-paced, likeable characters throughout the book, what's not to like? I thoroughly enjoyed the story of three friends, and their admirers. Lady Lucinda, and Cirian Ramsey, who should be Lord Cirian.
I highly recommend! Thank you.
carolintallahassee.com

Loved this Historical Romance by Anna Bradley! I love how she brings her characters to life! Next book please!

While I would say that I thought that this was a fun read I ultimately had mixed feelings about it. To start I liked the premise of the book and the basic outline of the characters. Unfortunately, after these things the murkiness sets in. The book very much tries to be a friends-to-lovers romance but in my opinion that really wasn't the case. Lucy and Ciaran were in fact new acquaintances that had their relationship growing simply because of plot reasons. I also took issue with some issue of the actions and behaviors that the characters engaged in, seemingly without fear of reprisals. This seemed very inaccurate for the era that this story takes place in. Tongues would seriously wag and ruination and disgrace would loom and lastly, I kind of found Lucy's attitude annoying, which I refuse to elaborate on do to spoilers. So in the end I would say this was an OK read.

This is the third book in the Besotted Scots series by Anna Bradley, following Ciaran Ramsey, who charmed me in a previous book when he made a habit of asking wallflowers to dance at every ball he attended. His heroine is Lucy, or rather Lady Lucinda Sutcliffe, a beautiful young woman who is the daughter of an earl and a considerable heiress. Lucy absolutely shouldn’t be a wallflower… except that her father was well-known to be mad, and everyone in society knows it. They’ve judged her before even meeting her.

Ciaran meets Lucy far from London, on the beach at Brighton where she’s taking a sneaky - and scandalous - swim in the sea. Intrigued and rather charmed by her unconventional attitude, he finds himself involved in an unlikely friendship. Only, when Lucy disappears unexpectedly, he discovers his feelings for her run rather deeper than just friendship.

Lucy’s uncle is a total villain, and unfortunately the legal status of women in the time period played right into his hands. He could seem a caricature, except I actually think he could have been worse, and a fortune the size of Lucy’s within easy grasp could tempt men a good deal more saintly. The problems Lucy had to deal with were almost certainly those faced by more than one real woman who probably didn’t have a Ciaran Ramsey to help them escape.

There were a lot of things I liked about Ciaran and Lucy’s romance, but I had two big problems with the book. One was the overly-contrived way Lucy kept insisting they were ‘just friends’ when it had already been made clear to her by Ciaran that he thought a lot more of her than that, and she’d already admitted her own feelings to herself. The second was the ‘extra’ romances… I don’t mind one secondary romance, but the fact that there were two here just distracted from the main plot. Both ‘side’ romances could have had their own story, even if just a novella. Stuffing them in here felt like padding the word count.

I couldn’t quite decide whether to give this three or four stars, but in the end I think I’m going to bump it up to four, because I did enjoy the main romance plot and the two protagonists.

I really loved this one!

A truly sweet historical romance read. Lucy and Ciaran’s slow burn love story was so beautifully told. A true friendship that turned into more. Plenty of action and nefarious intent from awful relatives and a cast of secondary characters that had me smiling.

Definitely recommend.

Brighton, England 1818
Lucy was determined. She wanted to live life after being closed up with her father before his demise for the last four years. Now in the custody of her uncle, she just wanted to experience everything! Her first experience was going out early in the morning and swimming on her own since her cousin Eloisa would not go in. But she was about to meet her fate, whether she knew it or not in the form on one braw Scot, Ciaran Ramsey who thought she was drowning and pulled her in to the beach!
Thus the adventure begins! Ciaran ends up rescuing her out of a real scape and it seems they are bound to meet again!
Then Lucy's uncle (vile man) is determined to marry her off before she turns twenty one and can access her inheritance and picks a terrible husband. She goes to Ciaran and asks him to pretend to be her betrothed and court her. Well, you know how that could end, don't you?
Everything needed to turn this story into the perfect must read! Adventure, lies, witty banter, amazing characters and a couple who need each other, they just don't know it to begin with! Another truly delightful story by the fabulous Anna Bradley will "Wow" you until the end!

Yes, this is a nice romance with just enough steamy to make is a fun read.. The story was well told. I liked the book.

Anna Bradley is, in my opinion, one of the finest historical romance writers working today. She just knows how to write sweeping, epic, emotional tales that wrap you up and carry you off into the sunset, and this one was no exception. She's a genius with a story like this and I would recommend it to absolutely anyone!

A sweet book with a likable couple. I enjoyed the story but got a little tired of the “she loves me, she loves me not”. 4 stars

What a delightful story! It was packed with humor, a spirited independent heroine, surprising story turns and a hero with a capital H. It was full of my favorite things, a guardian protector a heroine who's makes her own choices and scots. Plus we get THREE HEAs by the end of the book!

Lady Lucinda, Lucy, Sutcliffe is a few weeks of turning 21 and receiving her father's substantial inheritance. Her father after losing his beloved wife, retreated to his country estate with Lucy and locked them away. Society considered her father mad and she therefore was probably mad too. Unfortunately after her father died, she was under the unfortunate control of her selfish and self indulgent Uncle Jarvis. Uncle Jarvis is determined to get a piece of Lucy's substantial inheritance to pay for his mountain of gambling debts. Her marital stock in the London's Ton is low because of her father's madness. Enter Lord Godfrey, who is a scheming, abusive gambler who loves to inflict pain, especially on young women. His former young wife died after one year of marriage to the awful man. Godfrey is determined to marry Lucy as he's holding all of Uncle Jarvis' gambling debts.

Ciaran Ramsay is a lost man, wounded by events that happened in Scotland. When he spies a young woman in the Brighton surf and thinks she's drowning and jumps in to save her. It's just Lucy having an early morning swim in the ocean. This starts their unconventional friendship. She's determined to experience adventures after being locked way at home. Ciaran finds himself "saving" her several times when she has an escape planned out and sees herself perfectly safe. As they're drawn together he finds her a unique female that shakes him up and helps him feel again. When she disappears from Brighton he delays his trip back to Scotland to make sure she's safe. And this begins their journey to discover women and men can be friends but it turns to love quickly. I loved Lucy's intelligence and independence. I also enjoyed seeing Ciaran come back from numbing mindlessness to burn hot for Lucy. He is a born rescuer and I adore those types of heros.

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

I loved this book! filled with so many interesting and complex characters. I loved all the details. A wonderful read that will take you away from it all!! I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington from Netgalley and
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Lady Lucinda Sutcliffe has been a ward of her Uncle Jarvis since her father died. Lucy’s life has been sheltered, to say the least, since her father kept her at home and secluded. The death of Lucy’s mother left her father, the Earl of Bellamy, crushed, and some even say mad. Now her uncle has taken Lucy, along with his own wife and daughter to Brighton. Lucy hates the restrictions placed upon her, and sneaks out every day while the rest of society sleeps, to swim in the sea. Her exhilarating frolic is interrupted when a gentleman rushes in to “save” her, believing she is drowning.

Ciaran Ramsey is just returning home from another dreary night of drinking and gambling, when he spots Lucy. He mistakes her joyful romping for struggling, and rushes to rescue her. After her initial resistance, Lucy realizes what’s happening, and allows Ciaran to take her to shore, letting him believe that he was a hero. Eventually, Ciaran will come to realize that Lucy is an excellent swimmer, who plans to continue her early morning exercises. Almost every day, Ciaran finds himself coming to the beach, where he and Lucy lie on the sand and talk about their lives and wishes. Before long, Lucy declares Ciaran to be her best friend.

Ciaran and his family were forced to leave their home in Scotland, when an unfortunate incident ruined the family’s reputation and standing. Ciaran had been betrothed to Isobel, who rejected him, leaving him with a broken heart. Now, forced to live in England, and having lost his love, Ciaran spends his time listlessly drinking and wagering. His acquaintance with Lucy is the first thing in forever that has brought him any happiness at all. The beautiful and unusual young lady has somewhat stirred him to life again, and he values the friendship greatly. So when Lucy no longer appears, and he finds her home vacated, Ciaran again feels lost. He plans to go to London, hoping to find her there.

Lucy’s uncle had immediately whisked the family away to London after learning of Lucy’s early morning excursions. He can’t afford a scandal, as he has plans of his own for Lucy and her substantial fortune. Before Lucy comes of age in a few short weeks, Uncle Jarvis plans to marry her off to a disgusting old man three times her age, one to whom he owes a substantial debt. Lucy soon realizes just what her uncle’s intentions are, and is determined to thwart his plans. When she encounters Ciaran in town, she’s overjoyed to see her friend again, and asks for his help. Will he pretend to court her? Just for the short time until she’s in control of her own funds?

I don’t think there is any trope I love better than friends-to-lovers. Ciaran’s and Lucy’s friendship deepens and solidifies, and their affection slowly turns to attraction, then love – though neither recognizes it for what it is at first. They realize that they will do anything for the other. Ciaran is even willing to marry Lucy, though she refuses, believing his heart belongs in Scotland with his former fiancée. Ciaran was such a sad man, homesick and broken hearted, with no purpose to his life. Despite that, he has an inner core full of honor and compassion, and I totally adore him. Poor Lucy has been stifled, and tainted by her “mad” father, and is about to be forced into another prison, one of an unwanted marriage. Still, she has a lovely and strong spirit, and is brave and unselfish. FOR THE SAKE OF A SCOTTISH RAKE is a beautiful, slow developing romance between best friends, who try to outwit Lucy’s evil uncle, who has even more nefarious plans up his sleeve. I love how each of them came to realize their true feelings, and how right and perfect they are for each other. I adored seeing Ciaran come back to life, and leave his depression and his childhood infatuation behind. There are two other secondary romances involving Lucy’s cousin and their friend, which were also very enjoyable. I found FOR THE SAKE OF A SCOTTISH RAKE to be a wonderful read, one that will appeal to readers who enjoy a slow building romance instead of instant lust. Did I mention that I adore friends-to-lovers?

I really enjoyed this story. It is a friends to lovers story with very engaging characters.

Lucinda Sutcliffe lived a rather repressed life due to her eccentric "mad" father. After her parents are gone she goes to live with her aunt, uncle and cousin. Lucy's adventurous spirit is determined to explore and experience new things, which gets her in trouble. An attractive Scottish stranger rescues and befriends her. Evil forces threaten Lucy's ability to choose her own path, but her friend, Ciaran Ramsey shows up to assist her.

This is a very likable story, however, it was a little slow, especially at the beginning. Lucy and Ciaran's relationship developed over a series of little events. The pacing was necessary to show the growth of the friendship, but it seemed a little hard to get to the meat of the story. Nevertheless, I found this to be a strong story with an exciting ending.

Wickedness and romance!

A romantic melodrama, complete with a heroine whose father was rumored to have been mad, a Scotsman languishing from unrequited love, and a tyrannical bully of an uncle who thought nothing of selling his niece to a sinister Lord to pay his gambling debts.
All the ingredients are here for a super read but it just didn't fire for me. Well to honest the first part was great. I was sure I was in for a rollicking read. The second just didn't continue the promise.
Lady Lucinda Sutcliffe is about to undertake her first season, and hopes to delay any marriage commitment until she turns twenty-one and is able take charge of her considerable fortune. (And who would blame these heiresses given that all properties and monies go to their husbands when they marry). Her uncle has taken a house prior to the season at Brighton. Ciaran Ramsey has joined friends there whilst he mourns his lost love in Scotland. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself in the unlikely position of gaining a woman as a friend, and as it turns out, that woman Lucy, really needs a friend.
Lucy's such a likeable character, as is Ciaran Ramsay, despite his despondency.
The amusing introduction where Ciaran tries to save Lucy who's swimming in a secluded cove at a totally ludicrous time early in the morning, enjoying her freedom, even if it is a stolen moment, is just too funny.
And then at a brawl when Lucy takes a wrong turn and finds herself slap bang in the middle of a bare knuckled fight. Once again Ciaran must save her, even though Lucy was well into saving herself, except Ciaran and fate intervened.
After that, everything devolved. Lucy is whisked away to London by the horrible uncle. Enter the repugnantly sleazy Lord her uncle's s intent on forcing her to marry, and of course just in time (sort of) comes Ciaran. A couple of other romance threads fired up that sort of hung there (probably waiting for upcoming chapters). All too much happened in the last part of the story giving a strong sense of the ending being somewhat rushed.
The magic for me was left behind, confined to that secluded cove at Brighton.

A Kensington ARC via NetGalley

Lady Lucinda Sutcliffe had a very restricted background due to her father’s ill health. Now she was in Brighton and was seeking new experiences, nothing was too daring for her. I like Lucinda’s energy and joy of life. During her stay in Brighton she met Ciaran Ramsey and they became friends through some unlikely adventures. Ciaran had problems of his own but he was determined to be there for Lucinda. Unfortunately, her Uncle Jarvis has plans for Lucinda that she would not like. There were a number of interesting secondary characters, all friends of either Ciaran or Lucinda. This was an engaging tale of friends who may become to mean more to each other, some very dangerous moments and a villain who could have had more of a comeuppance that he did! I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.