I don't know if it was me...this story seemed confusing to me. Until the end, it started making more sense

I was thrilled by the opening and Thomas's story but the quick jump to Boyd, Beryl/Iris and the Hargraves and others lost me. I would have loved to read Thomas's complete story and wonder if perhaps it was in one of the previous two books in the series?

Anyway, this book didn't seem to make sense to me and though I have loved this author's other books in the past - this one did not draw me in and keep my interest. I couldn't really relate to it and it seemed...a bit unbelievable. Anyway, thank you for the opportunity and I would give another of this author's books a try in the future.

The story was dark and twisty and well written but I do believe I needed more backstory to truly appreciate it. I am sure that those who have read the previous books will love this one.

The main couple here became a united front despite both of them having separate, distinct roles to play as two verra determined people who seek justice, answers, and retribution for wrongs committed to their families. From their very first glance, there was chemistry and attraction, which kept them linked as they grew closer together throughout this multi-pronged plot. Though Padraig, the hero, was more of the pursuer in the beginning, which just so happens to be a big personal preference of mine.

A hush-hush, no one must find out, dangerous secret does get exposed before one of them gets the chance to fully fess up putting their love and life on the line, folks. Yeah, it was a test..at first failed then made right again in a big way.

Their romance itself was an interwoven theme that complimented more than held the spotlight the majority of the time, mainly because of the constant flow of conversations and events revolving around several other issues and sub character involvement.

As usual, this author kept me engaged, but I did find myself longing for a bit more main couple time. "Say What?" big reveals and explanations given at the verra end felt somewhat overly convoluted and a tad just, well, too messed up and out there for me to unquestionably embrace as an expected way to tie things together. Hopefully it's just me and others feel differently about that aspect.

Regardless, I wanted Padraig to win the hand and heart of this clever, brave lass as they both sought to accomplish their original goals and be rewarded with love and a HEA as their reward.

Title: The Scot's Oath, Series: Sons of Scotland (Book 3), Author: Heather Grothaus, Pages: 204, pub date: 2/16/21, stand-alone but part of a series, determined good guy hero and clever beautiful heroine, hero smitten at first glance, instant attraction, on and off again perilous situations, no love triangle, OW makes a play for him, no OM drama,underlying constant threat theme, romance safe for me.

Book 1 - The Laird's Vow
Book 2 - The Highlander's Promise
Book 3 - The Scot's Oath

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any form for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and author, publisher, NetGalley, or any PR firm.)

A very exciting and enjoyable story which is filled with danger, secrets, twists and turns and of course, romance! Padraig, having been born and raised on a very remote island, makes his way to the Northumberland manor
Darlyrede House which he's the legal heir to, but meets a dangerous resistance. Not only does he intend to claim the estate, he's also trying to clear his father of criminal accusations. As they wait for the King to arrive, Padraig must watch his back and at the same time a beautiful maidservant catches his eye.

Beryl has secrets and is not who she seems to be but she's very determined to gather whatever information she can at Darlyrede House and its occupants. She mustn't let Padraig distract her but that's easier said than done since he's such a braw Highlander:) Danger surrounds them and many scenes will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Very well written and a well executed plot.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Padraig Boyd discovers that he is the legitimate heir to a Manor and he now might have the ability to clear his father of criminal charges. It seems he is walking into a hornets nest with secrets and subterfuge all around.
Beryl who is there for her own reasons is helping as Lady Hargreaves maid.
This book is filled with mysteries and people who are not really who they are saying they are!
The puzzles the author puts within make you really stretch your mind to try and figure them out!

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

When Padraig Boyd learns he is the sole legitimate heir to a Northumberland manor, he flees the impoverished fishing isle of Caedmaray to claim the estate and clear Thomas Annesley, his missing father of criminal accusations. Arriving at imposing, mysterious Darlyrede House, he faces a formidable enemy in the castle’s occupying lord Vaughn Hargrave. With deadly traps awaiting him at every turn, Padraig finds an ally in Beryl, a beautiful maidservant who schools the rugged Scotsman in the rules of nobility. Sir Lucan Montague a king’s knight accompanies Padraig to inform Hargrave that the King is looking into who has claim to Darlyrede.
More of a mystery than a romance but an engrossing read. This is the third book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading from the start. I loved Padraig who was like a fish out of water but who was as straight as a die. I also liked Beryl & whilst their attraction turned to love it wasn’t the main focus of the book. There was intrigue, skulduggery, secrets, lies & mystery. There were also revelations, which I hadn’t been expecting. Not all questions were answered & things weren't totally resolved so I eagerly await the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Book:The Scot’s Oath
By Heather Grothaus

Series: Son’s of Scotland, Book #3

Overall Rating: Rating: 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Installment III of The Lord of Darlyrede continues….

Caedmaray, Western Isles
Scotland, 1428

This story starts thirty years earlier

Thomas Annesley, Lord of Darlyrede, he is running from the devil, a man who killed his own daughter Cordelia Hargrave the night before she and Thomas Annsley were to wed. Now he was after Thomas. So on the run for the past eight months he finds a job on a fishing boat. The problem is in rough water he is thrown overboard with no one realizing he is gone and in the dark cold Scottish Isles! Plus the fact no one realized he was still alive in the freezing cold ocean. This is where he ends up on small fishing village in Caedmaray in the Western Isles of Scotland. Except it was a place where they didn’t exactly welcome intruders, strangers, especially English Sassenach! Plus most were speaking fluent Scottish gaelic a foreign language he did not know. Luckily the beautiful Jessie Boyd spoke English and gaelic as she and her father welcomed him.

Unfortunately a man named Dragan who had designs on Jessic Boyd and was immediately threatened by this Sassenach’s presence and wants him gone now! Dragan was very smitten with Jessie and was immediately jealous of this man and tries to murder Tommy. Except Tommy was stronger than Dragan, only defending himself, but Jessie warned if Tommy killed a local man, the entire village would convict and have him executed, Dragan became an immediate enemy of Tommy’s also wanted to marry Jessie Boyd. Except one problem for this blackguard, Jessie Boyd was his savior and eventually became his Tommy’s wife!

Northumberland, 1458
Darlyrede House

Thirty years later….Padraig Boyd the son of Baron Thomas (Tommy Boyd) Annesley, Lord of Darlyrede, who is finally caught and they are planning his execution. He is taken into custody because of Dragan who really holds a grudge and still wants revenge against Tommy, even all these years later. Padraig wants to finally clear his fathers name and Tommy again escapes once again. The difference is the King’s man, Lucan Montague, has his own secret agenda and wants to help Padraig get his family home back and have the King listen to his plea and evidence. Lucan believes him it seems there had been many secrets and indiscretions at Darlyrede House still. Plus Padraig falls for Lady Hargrave’s maid Beryl quickly. Except she too is afraid with his unsophistication and his brogue, the English nobility will chew him up and spit him out. As it turns out she is actually a lady herself and only disguising herself as a ladies maid. Beryl’s name is really Iris Montage, and she is looking for proof that Vaughn Hargrave, burned her family home Castle Dare, that killed both her parents and orphaned both her and her brother Lucan. .So she turns out to be Padraig’s tutor as she will care for Lady Hargrave in the evenings. She is documenting everything she discovers in this house of horrors. As there are missing teenage girls including their own daughter and niece as Hargrave is an absolute evil psychopath! It seems he is obsessed with sixteen year old girls!

Vaughn Hargrave is the big thorn in his fathers side, accusing him of the heinous crimes,. from murder to trying to have him removed from his own land and stealing his family home and even trying to have him emxecuted! Padraig knows his father as a kind. thoughtful, loyal, loving and hard working, quiet man that would not harm a soul! Padraig course at first he was not taken seriously just another fortune hunter. Well that is until the evil tyrant Vaughn Hargrave who is suspected of many gruesome crimes involving young teenage girls which includes torturing his own servants where everyone fears him. Yet he has to agree with the King but does everything he can to get rid of Padraig but I won’t spoil that for the readers,

Yet Padraig soon discovers Iris has been lying to him right from the beginning and Lucan too! He feels Satin’s bite as he felt they had been his only true friends! So his all her nobility training goes to dust as the brogue comes out and he does not care. He even is ready to give up the house and everything that came with it realizing it wasn’t worth it! Padraig’s heart is truly broken as he was truly in love with Beryl/Iris and would of even put up with het vicious kitten, he now just wanted to go back to Scotland. Except the lady he desires most is in an extremely dangerous position where death might be her only option. Will Padraig ever know if he returns to the Western Isles of Scotland? Will he ever forgive the Montage siblings betrayal? Will he ever open his heart again? Read and find out and read the teaser for book four too.

I have been reading Heather Grothaus novels since 2006 and they always sweep me away into the world of imagination that I love. I also know this author loves animal so I loved Satin/ Satan it was too adorable. I am also a lover of fury creatures too, so I love animals in my stories. This was a story that was action packed from start to finish, designed a lot like a gothic novel I felt. It seemed to me every other page had something major and life shattering happen it was absolutely brilliant. Probably my favorite read this year! That is not surprising as I always love Heather Grothaus books! This was another with a breathtaking setting, the dialogue was exhilarating, the multi-dimensional characters were mind blowing though I think Satin was a bit of a scene stealer!LoL Now the plotting was set up so brilliantly, that left me breathless as I had no idea what was coming next! Plus this was a riveting, fast paced, action packed, page turning, romantic novel was filled with deceit, murder, mayhem, treachery, betrayal plus forgiveness, sweetness, faith and love. It was a totally amazing read from prologue to epilogue, from beginning to end, from start to finish. I absolutely loved this book so much!

I absolutely and unequivocally recommend this magnificent novel “The Scots Oath” from start to finish. Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before as you won’t be able to put this one down!

Son’s of Scotland Series by Heather Grothaus
1)The Laird’s Vow
2)The Highlander’s Promise
3)The Scot’s Oath

I received this book from the publishers for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas, thoughts and opinions are my own.

The saga of Thomas Annesley, Baron Annesley, and the Lord of Darlyrede continues; when he is forced to flee the Highlands to avoid capture. He signs on to a ship and is left for dead when he fails to return to the ship after delivering cargo to the isolated Island of Caedmaray in the Western Isles. This is where Thomas Annesley dies and is reborn as Tommy Boyd. It is on this isle that Tommy meets and marries Jessie Boyd and becomes a humble fisherman and fathers yet another son; Padraig.

But his peaceful life comes to an end when he is taken into custody by Sir Lucan Montague. Lucan takes Tommy to London to answer for his many crimes, crimes that started 30 years ago with the murder of his betrothed, Cordelia Hargrave – a crime he adamantly denies committing. After spending time with Tommy and learning his side of the story, Lucan comes to believe him, and when Tommy once again escapes. This series starts when Lucan sets out once again to find him, but this time he helps Tommy’s sons along the way – this story is how he helps Padraig – Tommy’s only legitimate son lay claim to Thomas Annesley’s title and his estate – Darlyrede. But this will not be a simple case of walking in and claiming his birthright – the King will decide and since the death of Thomas’ parents many years ago – Lord and Lady Hargrave have lived at Darlyrede, first as Thomas’ guardian and later as grieving victims of Thomas’ supposed murder of their daughter. Now Vaughn Hargrave has been ordered to share the keep with Padraig until the King decides who is entitled to the holding. But Padraig is not just looking to claim the property – he is looking to clear Thomas’ name. A task that Lord Hargrave will thwart at every possible turn. While his task seems hopeless, Padraig will find an ally in Lady Hargrave’s maid, Beryl – who has her own reasons for being at Darlyrede and is not who/what she pretends to be. Together, they will have to sift through the secrets and lies to find the truth, but will they be prepared for what they find?

This book was definitely not what I was expecting and was by far the darkest of the series to date. It is well written and fast-paced, but it is not a romance – it is more of a dark mystery or thriller. I liked Padraig and Beryl/Iris, but I couldn’t tell you when or why they fell in love – the focus of the story was just not on their relationship – it was on the mystery of what really happened the night Cordelia was killed and Thomas fled. The book is on the darker side and has a definite “gothic” feel, a lot is going on and there are so many secrets, lies, surprises, twists, and revelations that you don’t even notice that the “romance” novel you are reading doesn’t have any romance until you get to the very end of the book. And while many things are resolved in this book, Thomas’s story is clearly not over and the author leaves us with a final scene that will have you wondering what is going to happen next! If I was rating this book strictly as a romance, I would give it 2 stars, but if I was rating it as a mystery, I would give it 4 stars, so I am going to split the difference and give the book a solid 3-star rating and will definitely be keeping my eyes open for the next installment. This is the third book in the series and while you could read this as a standalone title, I would strongly recommend reading the books in order for the best reader experience.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own *

Will he be able to make it through the shadowy surroundings without loosing more than his heart ...

And while this story is not set in Victorian England, it has al the tastes of a gothic tale with its dark atmosphere, heavy mood full of shadows and betrayals waiting at every corner.
Padraig is the sole character who is truly whom he presents to the world. He does not lie and has no secret. He is a good man set on a honorable task, clear his sire’s name.
And if he can gain in the meantime a new home, he is willing to take the risk he knows he will face.
Beryl is caught between what she is hiding, her goals and her loyalty. When every step she takes might lead her into a trap. She is torn, believing one thing a day but proven the contrary the next.
Plus the new contender for the position of heir of Darlyrede Castle is everything she is drawn to but how can she trust him a stranger when she is not certain of those surrounding her.

And while secrets are slowly revealed, allegiances are tasted and evils are lurking in the shadows, they have to find in their inner strength and faith in the others the willpower to confront the darkness concealed in their mist.

A riveting tale which will raise goosebumps and speed up your pulse. Its dusky atmosphere will make you look over your shoulder.

On the romance level, while Padraig and Beryl have an instant recognition, I feel like their amorous relationship was not enough developed. They too quickly went from attracted to in love/
Be forewarned of the bit of a cliffhanger about the next book set in the last pages.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen light my detailed lovemaking scene.

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

Padrig Boyd is the son of Thomas Annesley, Baron of Dalyrede. The Baron has been running for his life. Vaughn Hargrave has accused him of all sorts of things including murder, trying to have him removed from his own land and hanged. He gets stranded on a very small island where Jessie and her father live, along with a few other people.
Jessie Boyd and her father gave him a home and he married her. At least he would have peace. She and the small group of islanders had lived on Caedmaray for if not all then most of their lives.
Beryl was known as the cold French girl. Euphemia Hargrave Had disappeared fifteen years ago along with a lot of people. They came from the town, the farm, or a guest. The bodies were never found. The place had a funny feeling about it. Thomas had been gone thirty years now.
This is book was scary in some spots, you kinda got goose pimples running up and down your back.
There was a lot happening, hunting, Robbers, spying, and of course the disappearances. It read easily, was engaging and entertaining. The characters were scary such as lord Hargrave. There were some good people that would bend over backward to help Padrig and Lucan Montague who was the king's man, in this case, he believed Padrig. I enjoyed the book and look forward to her next one.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I LOVED IT!! This is one Fantastic story I was not expecting at all! Gripping and Suspenseful and so much more! I love when a book grips you right from the start and takes you on a heart-stopping journey as in The Scot's Oath. Heather Grothaus weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of murder, dark secrets, and mystery. It's an unforgettable Highland romance that brims with tension-building twists and turns, remarkable emotions, characters that come off the pages and pull you into this emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, great dialogue and with one fantastic plot. As Padraig comes forward to claim his birthright little does he realize his very life is in danger. Padraig meets Beryl a maidservant and they soon themselves slowly drawn together and soon find themselves swirling down a vortex of darkness and violence and as the suspense builds, tension escalates  and mayhem abound which brings this read together perfectly.

Vaughn Hargrave acquired Darlyrede House by treachery.
Thirty years later, Padraig Boyd travels from Scotland to claim his father's inheritance taken by Lord Hargrave. Iris Montague and her brother Lucan, a knight for the king, know Dalyrede House has secrets. With Padraig creating conflict, Darlyrede House starts to fall. What rises from the ashes is a profound love between Padraig and Iris. Thomas Annesley, you totally surprised me!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Read the ending...OMG...now I can't wait for the next book in this series.
No spoiler here, but what a great story. The plot is so intriguing. The characters are masterfully presented. Absolutely one of the best stories I've read!

This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words, for this ARC. What a fantastic tale. So much intrigue! Well written and for those who do not want too much salaciousness, right up your alley. The characters, the back story, the setting, just all together. And best? There will be a continuation tale!

At first, I was confused. I read the prologue and it was set 30 years ahead of the rest of the book. So i just kept reading and the story unfolded in such an engaging manner. I was enraptured as i read every sentence.
The heroine is a maid to Lady Hargrave. Lady Hargrave is a woman in her 60's who is fragile and frail. She has seen many of her female relatives and servants go missing over the years with no one to know what became of them. The hero is the son of the man in the prologue. He is at the castle as a usurper who claims to be the legitimate heir to the castle. He has petitioned the king and challenged the present Lord Hargrave's occupancy. The hero is supported by the king as the issue is being investigated.
I have been reading for about 40 years and this book is not one that I had read before. It was a swirling and churning story of mystery and horror and dishonor. No one was who they were supposed to be and as the story unfolded, it surrounded the reader and took them.into the settings. This story was very successful. I have read many stories like these that get stuck in the whirlpools and make no sense and the story gets bogged down or the characters aren't strong enough. But this book was not like that...it was not boring, it told a strong tale and the reader could follow it with the correct amount of attention. This book was enthralling all the way to the last paragraph which is a lead-in to the next book that I can't wait to read!
This book is definitely 5 star material. I highly recommend it's purchase and addition to your keeper shelf.

This was a very enjoyable read for me. Pagraig has arrived at Darlyreed to claim his birthright. He is being helped by Lucan, the knight that found him, and Beryl a maid a Darlyreed that is to teach him manners. Since he grew up in a small villiage he isn't prepared to live and interact with the nobility with out imberassing himself.

Padraig quickly begins to have feelings for Beryl, even though he can tell that she is keeping secrets. Well it turns out that alot of people in Darlyreed are keeping secrets. Quite a few of them are of the dark and twisted variety. Danger lurks around every corner, and as Padraig and Beryl start to uncover what is going on, things get worse.

There were twists and turns around every corner, and I never knew what was coming next. Everything was revealed slowly which really ramped up the tension. This story is a bit on the darker side, which I thought made the story even better. The only thing I would have liked to see more of would be Pagraig and Beryl falling for each other. It seemed like we got mostly them lightly flirting with each other during their lessons.

Also while this main story is wrapped up we get a cliffhanger at the very end with a character we were introduced to towards the end of the book. So I will absolutely be reading that when its released.

Hmm. I'm not entirely sure about this book. I think I liked it? The Scot's Oath, by Heather Grothaus, is the third in a series, and I think I might've appreciated this book more had I read the first two novels. It follows Padraig (a rough but not naive man from a remote island) as he tries to claim his birthright. Beryl (a maid) and Lucan (a knight) help him navigate the treacherous waters of Darlyrede (said birthright).

While I liked the main characters individually, I had a hard time understanding what they saw in each other aside from appearance. So much of the book surrounded the weird goings on at Darlyrede, and there was little time invested in Padraig and Beryl's relationship.

I loved Satin the cat though.

Overall, the story was relatively interesting but slow paced. As I said earlier, it might have been more interesting had I read the first two books. Oh, and there's an epilogue that introduces a cliffhanger (not directly related to P & B's story...they get their HEA), basically setting the scene for the fourth novel.

I was grateful to receive an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!