Caroline Linden's "A Scot to the Heart" takes readers on jaunt through Georgian historical romance, landing at a respectable 3.75 stars in my book. The tale of Captain Andrew St. James, a Scottish military man thrust into English nobility, brings a delightful mix of challenging emotions and familial dynamics. Linden paints a lively picture of Edinburgh and the clash between Scottish spirit and English decorum. While the storyline has its captivating moments, the pacing felt uneven, and some character development left me wanting more. The romantic interplay between Andrew and Ilsa Ramsay, though emotional and engaging, seemed a touch predictable. Yet, Linden's narrative shines with its exploration of duty, family ties, and the inevitable clash between tradition and individual desires. Fans of Scottish heroes and historical romance will find this a worthwhile read, but it falls just shy of a higher rating.

Captain Andrew St. James always knew he came from a noble family, but his branch was far away until he was told he was now the next Duke of Carlyle. He comes to town and dances with his Best Friend’s Sister, Ilsa Ramsay. One impulsive kiss leads to another, and then there is a scandal that Ilsa gets involved in, and Andrew St. James can’t stop himself from getting involved and helping her regardless of his new title.

I received an ARC from Avon & NetGalley for my honest review.

Scot Found!
Oh, I just loved the way The widow Isla Ramsay has Capt Andrew St James twirled around her little finger. Together they make a formidable pair who know just what they want and move forward together to get it overcoming obstacles and uncovering truths as they do.
This is an entertaining tale with a bit of heat and with lots going on and I enjoyed reading it very much.
My review follows my reading of an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of the book and is based on my own thoughts about it.

This is the first I have read by this author and it certainly won't be the last what a better introduction to her writing than by meeting a gorgeous kilted captain!!

But - yes there is a but - as much as I enjoyed the story and yes I will read more from Caroline Linden I can't say I loved this story in particular, yes I liked the cover - very dashing!! and yes I do love e a Scottish highlander hero but it's the other aspects of the book which caught me off guard and made me re-think my initial thoughts of the book.

I felt as though I has missed something from the first few pages right the way through it was a constant niggle that there was something missing that I should know which is s a shame because this trope and genre is usually my Achilles heel but this didn't win me over as much as I thought it would. maybe it's because I hadn't read the first in the book, or something else, who knows.

will i read more from the series - maybe, will I read more from the author, yes!

Really enjoyed this addition to the Desperately Seeking Dukes series! I liked Andrew and Ilsa together!

This historical romance fell just a bit short for me. It was fun and fast to read, but I was never left feeling satisfied by what I read. It felt that the ideas weren't fully formed.

Personally I am not a big Scottish romance fan but this book worked for me. I am looking forward recommending Caroline's writing in. future podcast episode.

A Scot to the Heart by author Caroline Linden is a well-written historical romance. The characters and setting are described in rich detail. I give A Scot to the Heart 3.5 stars.

I did not read the first book in the series, so all the characters are new to me. The Carlyle duchy is in need of an heir and the current Duchess has to dig deep down to find Captain Andrew St. James (Drew). Years ago he had to forgo his ambition to going to university when his father passed and left debts. So he joined the Army to support this mother and 3 sisters. Now he is called to the castle and given an opportunity and lessons on becoming a duke. But he must take a break to return to Edinburgh to give his family the good news in person and resign his commission. In Edinburgh he meets Mrs Ilsa Ramsay, a friend of his sister, to who he soon becomes enamored. Although she returns his feelings she is not too keen on losing her freedom to a man, but soon her very life is in danger,

I like the characters, the banter, the description of the setting and time period and the story line. I read an ARC provided by NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Captain Andrew St. James learns he is the heir presumptive to the Duke of Carlyle. He quits the military and returns to Scotland to tell his family the good news. There he meets Ilsa, a widow with a reputation as something of an oddball. She is trying to escape the restrictions forced on her first by her father, then her husband, and now her aunt. Definitely not the proper well-born English wife he now needs. The story drags a little in the first half. Suddenly the town is facing a slew of burglaries, which tests their relationship. Neither shows much trust in each other, and Drew takes off for a few weeks to party with his army buddies leaving her to face a dilemma alone. The door is left open for book three, and I look forward to reading it.

I have read all of Caroline Linden’s books and was looking forward to this book as what I thought was be the conclusion of the series

I found this one to be different from the usual storylines in historical romance and I thought it had potential. Having met Captain Andrew St. James in the previous book, I was looking forward to how Ms. Linden would tell his story. I have to say that I was somewhat disappointed. The premise started out ok, but then went downhill. While he had the usual angst about is she suitable, she was blindly oblivious to the going on in her own family.
While I knew there would be a HEA, I was invested in the story enough.

Although A Scott to the Heart is book two in a series, you can get away without reading book one first as there isn't a ton of overlap with the stories (more general background info). The first pages of this book grabbed me and I loved Ilsa and Andrew right away and they have such great chemistry!

I won't regurgitate the plot but Andrew is a dream... he's supportive, intelligent, strong and sexy. Ilsa is an heiress with a few secrets and although she really likes Andrew, she is also trying to stay under the radar. Andrew's family adds color to the story and the promise of additional books.

My only criticism is that the book is a bit slow at times and I didn't love the angst involved with the family needing to move from Scotland to England. I don't know why that bothered me but I just felt so bad for some of the characters. But ignore that and read away if historical romance with hot Scots are your thing!

What a great and adventure filled story! I have enjoyed this series very much. I adore the concept: Invalided duke...no close heirs...potential heirs asked to bring themselves up to scratch and respectability. Add one Duchess hardened by the weight of loss and responsibility for the dukedom to administer.

Through so many ups and downs Drew and Ilsa find a true and abiding love. They chase all over Scotland looking for Ilsa's father who is in big trouble. They elude law enforcement, becoming fugitives and some harrowing moments. Drew is a protective, loyal and intelligent man, but he needs a woman that will soften the harder military edges he has. Ilsa is just that woman. She too is smart and loyal and had that soft side to help Drew.

Their compromise for potentially having Drew inherit the dukedom is inspired and allows Drews family choices and opportunities. I was a bit frustrated with the cryptic nature of the chat at the end with Drew and the family solicitor. Mr Edwards is just a bit too cagey and secretive. I know that he answers to the Duchess, but at some point...please. I am excited for the next story...who will it be?

Together they determine they are more than perfect for each other and in grand Ms. Caldwell fashion, we are along for the ride. The conversations, encounters and discoveries are fun, witty and sharp. The supporting characters are brilliant and beautifully detailed, each bringing their own humor and intelligence to the story.

Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in anyway.

I’m such a fan of Caroline Linden! This book/series has been so fun and interesting! I loved the setting & adventure in this book! Most of the book actually takes place in Edinburg. Drew is such a sweet hero who loves his family! He’s also protective of those he cares for! I really adore him! Ilsa is our widow heroine who’s been told what to do as a child and an adult, from her husband. She’s now ready to live her life! These two are opposites but a perfect match! Their meet cute is so fun and unexpected! Drew is the next possible heir to a dukedom & will be given money as long as he acts and dresses well. He also should be looking for a proper wife! While Drew and Ilsa have an instant lust, it’s a slow burn to love. I enjoyed the kisses, touches, and banter between them. There was also a thief plot within their story….that gives an adventure for them! I also thought the characters were wonderful and hope Drew’s sisters and friends get their own HEA stories! The ending wasn’t the best part…I do hope we get more from Drew ans Ilsa! I can’t wait to read the next book & find out who will be the new Duke!

When Drew unexpectedly finds himself to be the heir of the Duke of Carlyle, his world completely changes. He resigns from the military and goes back home to inform his family of their change in fortune. As he is preparing himself to take the responsibilities of a Duke, his paths cross with the fierce and independent, Isla. They are attracted to each other at first sight, even before they know each other's identities. I enjoyed the chemistry between Drew and Isla. They are lovable characters especially the kind of relationship they have with Drew's sisters.

This is book two in the Desperately Seeking Duke series and to understand the context of the plots and enjoy them, I would definitely recommend reading them in order.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

I'm a new reader to Caroline Linden and she is going on my must read list! The characters and plot are heart warming and complicated. The plot's don't focus around gentry and I love that! I love this series about distant cousins who are in line to inherit a Dukedom, or are they? Can't wait for the next installment.

In A Scot to the Heart, we follow Andrew St. James, an army captain. James recently learns he is heir to a Dukedom and returns home to Scotland to inform his mother and sisters. On his first night home he shares an unexpected kiss with widow, Ilsa Ramsay. I loved Ilsa right away. Against the slave trade, finding her own way as a woman and trying to shrug off her family's oppression. There is also a light mystery in the book which is my JAM!

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

#AScottotheHeart #NetGalley #CarolineLinden #Avon #Harpervoyager

Slow moving story that had a slight mystery to it. No real drama. Just a sweet read. Characters were likable. I did have a hard time keeping my interest in the book due to the slowness but I think many would enjoy it.

I enjoyed A Scot to the Heart by Caroline Linden but I have to say, I don't love the cover. This is the second book in the Desperately Seeking Duke series and I've been enjoying it so far.

The main characters in this book are well developed and I loved the way they met. Of course, they don't know who the other is...until they find out they know someone in common. As they continue to find themselves together, they are drawn to each other. The problem is, Ilsa doesn't want another husband and Andrew needs to marry someone who can fill the role of a "proper duchess".

If you're looking for a series to pick up, check this one out. You don't have to read them in order as you don't miss out on anything by reading as a standalone. I'll be looking forward to picking up book three when it is released!

I recognized the plot of this immediately from the first book, but unfortunately, knowing what happens totally ruined it and I was completely disengaged. I think this story should have come first, and then we could have been left in the dark on the other man's decisions.

Great God above, he was heir presumptive to the Duke of Carlyle.

Second in the Desperately Seeking Duke series, this follows Captain Andrew St. James, who we briefly saw in the first (About a Rogue). To get the full overreaching arc of the series, you want to read this series in order. The author does a small recap by showing us the scene where Andrew and Maximilian (hero from first) are called to Carlyle Castle by the Duchess and told that her son, the current duke, is in ill health and that they are two of a possible three heirs. The scene is this time shown from Andrew's point-of-view and he is our captain out of the “An army man, a cardsharp, or a Frenchman,” heirs and currently, the most promising one to inherit. He's shocked but also carefully joyful as to what this could mean for his mother and three sisters. He joined the army when he was eighteen to keep his family out of debtors prison after his father died with numerous unpaid bills and he had to find a way to support the family. He plans on resigning his captaincy and going home to Edinburgh to alert his family. He's given the same deal Maximilian was by the Duchess, 500 pounds to use wisely, stay respectable, and return in six months time for the Duchess to judge their progress.

And she was so tired of toeing the many, many lines laid down by people who told her that all her desires and interests were wrong or unseemly.

In his first night back to Edinburgh, Andrew goes to an oyster cellar with his bestfriend Felix Duncan and he is instantly intrigued by a woman there and they share a searing kiss before she disappears on him. The woman turns out to be widowed Ilsa Ramsay and a good friend of his sister Agnes. Ilsa grew up with a loving but controlling father and then married a man that kept her even more locked up, she's bursting at the seams to have even a little freedom. Her husband died in a duel over a year ago and she is getting her first taste of freedom but society restrictions and her Aunt Jean who lives with her keep trying to keep their thumb over her. Ilsa never does anything that is completely wild, you have to keep in mind the scope of late 1700s that this story takes place, but I still felt some of her struggle got lost. I did greatly enjoy the talk of oyster cellars and their new infamy, adding some flavor of the times, which, besides some mentions of wigs and woman wearing kerchiefs to cover bosoms, I'm not sure I totally felt a distinction from Regency sub-genre feels. Reading this in the twenty-first century, I also had to smile at Ilsa and Andrew starting their romance, essentially, with a drunken kiss in a bar.

Drew had been gleaning scraps of information about Ilsa, and the picture they formed made his heart ache. A lonely childhood, raised by a strict aunt while her father worked. More tutors and instructors than friends. A husband who wouldn’t allow her to ride, even though she relished it.

The first book worked hard to set the scene for the whole series, this scaled things back and for the vast majority of the story, focused on Ilsa and Andrew. I usually favor angsty hard won love but Ilsa and Andrew had a light and easy fall in love that was warming in its own way. They have beginning heated attraction but they also so clearly become friends through it all. When Andrew has to check on a Carlyle holding, Stormont Castle, he invites his family, a few male friends, and Ilsa to join him. At the castle is where their friendship blossomed and they just made me smile. There's a scene where Andrew is going to pretend to be a ghost to give his sisters the scare they all have been wanting and he invites Ilsa to pretend with him. I feel like I don't read enough stories that have the leads being so light-hearted with each other and then the way the eye contact starts to get heated in a way that they both realize they love the person they are having such fun with, gives the romance such a great different dimension.

There was no one else in the room. It was only the two of them, moving about each other more and more slowly and deliberately, every touch lingering, every glance heated. Then there was no music, just the thud of his heart and the husky invitation of her whispers as she tugged at his clothing, pressing against him as he undid the laces on that scarlet gown and tasted her skin . . .

It was around 60% that these two both have realized their love and it honestly felt like the story could be wrapped up but then the story goes in a bit of a different direction. While these two are falling in love, there is a lingering to the sides story about robberies in Edinburgh that suddenly comes to the forefront with about 30% left. It felt a bit awkward as romances tend to solve the action and then leave the ending for the romance between leads, this swapped those two. It didn't fully work for me, as I was mostly here for the romance and with that kind of run out of steam because of declared love, I lost some steam to keep engaged in the story. Basically, Ilsa's father is accused of the robberies and the town starts to turn on her and she decides she must find her father who skipped town and try to help to prove his innocence. Andrew does go with her but I still felt like this plot thread was placed out of order.

Holding her close, he pressed his cheek to hers and whispered, “Let the world go hang. I love you, Ilsa.”

There was some skipping of time that had interactions I would have liked to see between Ilsa and Andrew and Ilsa's pet pony Robert ended up feeling more hokey than cute eccentric. However, I still enjoyed the little things that make Linden's stories stick-out, the overreaching series arc, the brief but deep mention of Andrew's family not wanting to be English (his mother's cousin died at Culloden and her father barely survived the English brutality after), and the general light, developed friendship between Ilsa and Andrew. There was obviously something between Andrew's sister Agnes and his friend Duncan and that tease has me wanting to read their novella. We also have yet to meet the frenchman who is the third possible Duke of Carlyle heir and I can't wait to read his story as he looks to be paired with the Duchess of Carlyle's ward.