A Scot to the Heart
Book 2 in the Desperately Seeking Duke Series
Rating: 3 stars
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

A Scot to the Heart is the second book in the series where a dukedom is trying to be established for an uncertain future. We meet Captain Andrew St. James briefly in the first book as we learn along with him that he is the future Duke of Carlyle.
This book starts off with Drew's point of view of his reception of this news. He realizes that his life is about to change and has to take action on how to be better prepared for when the time comes for him to become duke.
He takes off to share the news with his family and it is in his first day back that he meets the Widow Ilsa Ramsay.
They instantly share a great attraction and hot chemistry.
I really liked both leads in this story. I love how adventurous Ilsa wants to be after so many years of being repressed by her father, aunt and then her now deceased husband. She is trying to enjoy her widowhood to the best of her ability. When she meets Drew for the first time, it is her who dares to kiss him first. Drew is immediately smitten and decides to pursuit her.
Drew was an adorable male lead who was so sweet and cared so much for his family. He tries to do the best for them and looks forward to the day he will be able to provide a better life for them.
The reason for the three stars is that in my opinion for the last part of the book I was a little bored with the story line of the robberies. The only good outcome of it was that we saw that Drew would stay by Ilsa's side no matter the consequences.
I look forward to the rest of the series because I'm a big fan of this author.

Book: A Scot to the Heart
By Caroline Linden

Series: Desperately Seeking Duke, Book #2

Publisher : Avon

Release Date: June 29, 2021

Book Rating: 5/5 stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags

1787
Fort George
Ardersier, Scotland
Àird nan Saor is Gaelic

Captain Andrew St. James, known as Drew to his friends and his family except for his Mum of course. He had always been aware he came from a titled family, but it was a poor relation with no heir. As the current Duke is in poor health and with no children, his heir was a brother who died. So Drew is the next heir in line to inherit as he has no wealth or status, so he is shocked to learn he is the heir of the wealthy Duke of Carlyle! He has to investigate, but goes home to Edinburgh to inform his mum and three sisters of their new soon to be status and wealth! As Drew assumes his family would be thrilled with this surprising news. Drew thinks of all he could do to help his family, but not everyone in everyone in his Scottish family is happy about it! Especially about moving to England who many still think as the enemy with relatives being butchered and lost by Cumberland’s Redcoat’s in Culloden. Of course Drew understood he was not the only one in the running for the Duke but it was obvious the Duchess thought him the best choice, but hinted a good English wife should be best and the sooner he got married and settled down the better his chance to assume the title. As his competition was a gambling womanizer who would be on no hurry for a wife! Now the Duchess wanted him to look at one of the the Duke’s ignored properties in Scotland the other reason her was in Edinburgh. He just didn’t expect to meet the woman of his dreams here. A woman who was the exact opposite of what a future Duke should desire in a good English wife! The first thing being this woman was very Scottish, beautiful, independent and free!

Ilsa Ramsay’s a widow whose former husband was murdered in a duel. It causes a great scandal even though it was husband who rarely let her out. Only did for appearance as this was no great love affair at all. Her father had picked this man to marry as she followed all the rules and it her name still ended in scandal. Even if it was all untrue people like believing the worst. So after her mourning period was over she decided to live her life much as she decided she painted a room like her favorite area in Edinburgh Calton Hill. This included taking her drapes down, allowing her pony to live inside her home, wearing whatever color she desired and going to the Oyster tavern . For once in her life she wanted to have fun in her life! She decided it’s worth having fun and decided to kiss this handsome stranger she meets at the tavern not realizing it is her new friend Agnes brother! The one who was to be inheriting Ducal title and all that goes with it. So Ilsa she is not to be any future Duchess plus she had no desire to live in England. Even though she tries to fight it they at like moths to fame she and Drew. Plus it was not one sided by any means and you watch them both fall helpless in love. Ilsa does let Drew know she is not a by his tile or fortune and not to feel obligated to her in any way. Then a big scandal hit involving Ilsa’s family which reminds her of the one her dead husband caused ! Except someone she loves might be caught and executed for a crime he did not commit! Will this scandal destroy any future happiness or future for Drew and Ilsa? Read and find out.

A wonderful book from start to finish and the chemistry between Drew and Ilsa is off the charts. I love Ilsa being so open, honest and free. Plus having a pony named Robert was brilliant and the animal lover in me loved that Robert was a rescue pony and lived in Ilsa’s home! This book also hinted at Drew’s sister Agnes and his best mate Felix Duncan. It shows a lot of their animosity but also chemistry too. Setting up readers to read their story next in the novella How the Scot Was Won, I definitely want to see if and how they obtain a happpily ever after too. I loved this book very much from start to finish plus I found the story itself very refreshing and unique. I also feel in love with the St, James family. Winnie and Bella were hilarious too. Even their mum who seemed to know when things were going to happen before her children did. Definitely highly recommend this book! It is filled with all the elements that historical romance readers will absolutely love.

Caroline Linden is a phenomenal storyteller and knows exactly how to draw her readers in. You can read this as a stand alone book or in series order. A book readers will absolutely love! It is a riveting fun page turner laced with spicy dialogue, passionate tension, and witty but heartwarming escapades. A delightful romantic story not to be missed! This is a book I highly recommend.

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader’s copy from Avon publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

Pre-Order Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Scot-Heart-Desperately-Seeking-Duke-ebook/dp/B086JYFW98/ref=nodl_


https://play.google.com/store/books/details?pcampaignid=books_read_action&id=A9DZDwAAQBA


https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-scot-to-the-heart-caroline-linden/1136892589

https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-scot-to-the-heart/id1505298086

https://www.target.com/p/a-scot-to-the-heart-desperately-seeking-duke-2-by-caroline-linden-paperback/-/A-81047988


https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-scot-to-the-heart?utm_source=walmarthybrid&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=BookBub

https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9780062913654_a-scot-to-the-heart.html

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/a-scot-to-the-heart-caroline-linden?variant=32126582784034

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/a-scot-to-the-heart-caroline-linden?variant=32126582784034

https://www.audible.com/pd/A-Scot-to-the-Heart-Audiobook/0063050757

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance readers copy of this story.

A Scot to the Heart is book 2 in Ms Linden's Desperately Seeking Duke series. The basis of the series plot is a dukedom with a terminally ill duke who has no direct heir. His mother, the dowager duchess, starts a search for the next closest male relative and a couple of spares too. In this book we have Drew, a military man who's actually a cousin of the dying duke. He has to feel his way around being a civilian again and possibly a duke too. It's rough and has his doubts but as a good military man he knows how plot strategic maneuvers and it gives him some comfort as he settles in. While he's struggling with all this he meets a woman so beautiful she stops him in his tracks. They have an unusual meet cute but it works. Ilsa's not sure she wants to give up her newfound freedom but Drew is a temptation she finally gives in to. I can understand Ilsa and her concerns, being on her own for the first time is liberating and scary, and wonderful. They wind up as a power couple, together they map out the future in a way that keeps them together but keeps a little self identity too. They're lovely characters and I'm glad they had such a nice HEA.

#CarolineLinden #Netggalley #AScotToTheHeart #DesperatlySeekingDuke #Avon #historicalromance #HunkyScot #romance

There are two types of characters that I will NEVER get sick of. Brawny and lust Scots and the widow. I feel like I've been on a widow kick lately (see last review) but I am not hating it. And I especially wasn't hating it when I met our hero, Captain Andrew St. James. 

Now, I will fully admit I at one point attempted to read the first book when it came out because of all the reviews and word of mouth, but ended up setting it aside and not coming back to it. But I also know myself enough to know that usually the first book in every series I love is typically my lowest rated one. So the fact that I decided to read this without completing the first book should at least help if you are on the fence on wanting to start this if you haven't read About a Rogue. But I will attempt to pick that one up again, because after reading A Scot to the Heart, I am kind of smitten with what Caroline Linden did with these characters. 

I loved Drew's steady hand and ability to find humor and joy and playfulness throughout his story. He is perfect if you are looking for a military man that is built like a house and awfully romantic at heart. He's my favorite type of her. Big and brawny but sensual and tender. And I especially loved Ilsa and her wild heart and the fact that Drew doesn't try to tame her, like so many of the men in her life have done. These two are very sweet but spicy together and I loved how they complimented each other. 

I also really enjoyed the second half as there is a great mystery/suspense element that really pulls you in and keeps you on your toes. Plus, Drew's sister Agnes and his best friend Felix have a concurrent story of their own taking place in the background and I am so excited that we do not have to wait long for their novella, How The Scot Was Won, that is scheduled for release on July 6th.

Overall this was a very satisfying story and I cannot wait to continue on with the rest of the series, as well as reacquaint myself with the first book and novella ahead of this one.

4.5 stars rounded up

After years of serving in the army to support his family, Andrew “Drew” St. James’ life takes an unexpected turn when he learns that he is the heir presumptive to his distant cousin the Duke of Carlyle. The Duke is an invalid and has been for years, but when his younger brother dies, his mother, the duchess, has her solicitor, Mr. Edwards to find the duke’s heirs. The duchess wants Andrew to move to England and learn about the dukedom, but gives him six months to get his affairs in order and asks that since he plans to go to Scotland to see his family, Mr. Edwards asks that he inspect Stormont Palace, one of the duke’s estates in Scotland that they might want to sell. Drew agrees to everything and even suggests that when he returns, he would like the duchess to help him find a wife, someone who would be the perfect duchess.

He returns home and spends his first night with his friends, they go out for dinner and that is when he meets and dances with an amazing woman. They share a moment and she kisses him before leaving him stunned and smitten. The next day Drew learns that his mystery woman is his sister’s dear, widowed friend. He knows Ilsa Ramsay is not duchess material, but he cannot stop thinking about her. He spends time with her and begins to wonder if he will be able to walk away. In an effort to decide, he invites her to join his family when they visit Stormont Palace.

Ilsa thought she was done with marriage, after marrying the man her father chose and enduring a cold marriage and then a horrific scandal when her husband was killed in a duel, she thinks she will be happier as a widow. But meeting Drew makes her wonder if maybe marriage with the right man could bring the joy she has been trying to find. The time they spend at Stormont Palace confirms their feelings and when they return he makes it clear that he wants to court her. But their return to Edinburgh is plagued with one problem after another, problems Ilsa is sure will destroy any chance for HEA.

This was a well-written, interesting, nicely paced read. I loved Drew, he was such a great hero, and even though he was not perfect, he gave his all for those he loved. The book held my attention from the first page to the last, it was filled with wonderful characters, a little bit of mystery, some warm love scenes, a couple of surprising twists, including a whammy at the end that may change everything for our lovers as they start their HEA. There was also the hint of a secondary romance featuring Drew’s sister Agnes and his friend Felix that will be followed up in the novella: How the Scot was Won which is releasing a week after this book!! I enjoyed this book and am happy to recommend it, and while it is the second book in the series, it could easily be read as a standalone title.

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

This is the story of Andrew(Drew) and Ilsa. Drew is an army man who unexpectedly becomes heir to a Dukedom. Ilsa is a widow of genteel birth, who is lively and vivacious.
The way they meet is so cute. It's a serious attraction at 1st sight.
They find themselves constantly in each others path thanks to Drew's sisters, who are good friends with Ilsa. You get to see their relationship develop and watch them fall in love.
There is a secondary mystery in the story. Robberies being committed all over Edinburgh, including the store Drew's family owns. It looks like an inside job so to speak, and suspicion falls on Ilsa's father. I really didnt like the way this part concluded. As a result
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

I really liked the previous book in the series, so I was excited for what A Scot to the Heart would bring. However, I was just severely underwhelmed by this book.

Neither of the leads is particularly compelling to me personally, but there’s a lot I can see readers liking. Ilsa is perhaps the more interesting of the two, as she has stock in tobacco companies, and it’s cool to see a woman in a moneymaking position in a historical that isn’t tied to having a title. Drew didn’t really win me over, as Scotsmen aren’t really my thing, and he didn’t do much to deviate from the stereotypes to really draw me in. I did appreciate that he was heavily influenced by the many women in his family, creating a different family dynamic than one often sees with heroes, which often leans more toward men having influence.

But the story just dragged, I felt nothing for either character, and couldn’t care less if they ended up together or not, even with an apparent attempt to build tension and ramp up stakes. There is apparently some sort of mystery, which also failed to engage me enough to want to see its outcome.

This book is theoretically pretty good, but it didn’t hit the right notes for me personally, especially with how picky I’ve started to become about historical romance (even with some of my favorite authors). I’m definitely in the minority on this one, so if you’re a historical romance fan and the premise of this one appeals to you, I’d still recommend checking it out.

Series Overview – The Carlyle duchy is in peril and the current duchess is doing everything in her power to track down the possible heirs and begin their training in how to manage the rich and powerful duchy. The duchess has lost all of her children and the current duke was injured many years ago leaving him mentally and physically incapacitated. He is unmarried and has no children. The duchess has had their solicitor, Mr. Edwards, diligently searching the family tree and tracking down the possible heirs. They have identified three possible, and the duchess isn’t thrilled with any of them. One, Maximilian St. James, is a card sharp and someone the duchess certainly hopes will not be the one to inherit. Max was featured in the first book of the series – About a Rogue. The next is a Scot and a soldier, Captain Andrew (Drew) St. James (this book), and the third one – heaven forbid – is a Frenchman – who I assume will be featured in the third book, All the Duke I Need, releasing at the beginning of 2022.

Captain Andrew St. James knew he was very distantly related to a ducal family, but he never gave it any thought because the two branches of the family were estranged and they hadn’t communicated in a couple of generations. As he returned from a particularly nasty job of doing road repairs in the rain, he was shocked to be immediately summoned to Colonel Fitzwilliam’s home where he was given the shock of his life. Evidently, he is the heir presumptive to the Duke of Carlyle. UGH – definitely not on his list of things he wants to happen – but – it does offer the opportunity for him to provide a happier, more comfortable life for his mother and sisters. Yet, when he arrives at the ducal estate, it is to find there is another potential heir and that he has to make himself ‘respectable’. Drew is the closer heir, but if something happens to him, his cousin Maximilian would inherit. Drew is given a sum of cash and instructions to get his life in order so he can live on the Carlyle estate and learn to manage it. Drew sets off for Edinburgh to convince his mother and sisters they want to move to England, and then he has to resign his commission in the army. In other words – he has to uproot and turn his and his family’s lives upside down.

Ilsa Ramsay has been sheltered and treated like a child her entire life. Propriety and decorum have been drummed into her until she is absolutely chaffing from it. First, her father and her aunt kept her from doing anything she enjoyed. Then, being the dutiful daughter, she married the man her father told her to marry. That man also controlled her every move and he was even worse than her father and aunt. Now, she is a widow with a fortune and has every intention of enjoying her life. Not that it is easy because her aunt now lives with her and is still constantly on her about propriety. She just needs some freedom to do a few things she enjoys – things other young women get to do. She just has to rebel on occasion. On one such occasion, she dances with – and spontaneously kisses – the most handsome and intriguing man. Too bad she’ll never see him again.

Drew is instantly drawn to the beauty who had so much gaiety and life in her – and who spontaneously kissed him. Who is she? How can he find her again? What luck – it turns out she is a great friend to his sisters. The electricity between Drew and Ilsa just sizzles and no matter how hard Ilsa tries to fight it, she just can’t win. She knows there can be nothing between them – he is a ducal heir for goodness sake. However, when major trouble arrives and Ilsa’s safety and security are threatened, Drew will move heaven and earth to help her.

I absolutely LOVED Drew and Ilsa. He is the most honorable and upright man you’d want to meet. He loves his mother and sisters and treats them with humor, love, and respect. I also loved Ilsa who just wanted love and companionship, but never got anything except censure. I still don’t love the duchess though. She’s had Drew turn his entire world upside down with the expectation that he is the closest heir to the duke and is expected to inherit – when she knows there is one relative who is actually closer.

I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written, fast-paced story filled with delightful, entertaining, and relatable characters. I’ll be excited to meet the final potential heir in the third book of the series. I actually have a feeling he was introduced at the end of this book, but nothing in the book actually said that. A new steward, Mr. Montclair, was hired as estate manager. Could he be our French heir?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Scot to the Heart is the second book in Linden's Desperately Seeking Duke trilogy- in which the Duchess of Carlyle is looking for the heir of Carlyle dukedom since the current duke has no nearest living heir. We already met the first potential candidate, Maximilian St. James, in About a Rogue; this is about Scottish Captain Andrew St. James, the great-grandson of the third duke, which at the moment the most possible candidate for the dukedom.

As with Maximilian, the Duchess also gives task to Andrew with six months to establish himself as refined gentleman, to become a duke. Andrew is to return to Edinburgh, to learn to manage dukedom by first taking care of Stormont Palace, the duke's Scottish property, and if possible find himself a good wife. And on his first night back at Edinburgh, Ilsa Ramsay catches Andrew's eyes...


Drew and Ilsa are both likable characters. I adore Andrew's relationship with his family: his single mother and three younger sisters. I love Andrew's friendship with Felix Duncan. I love Ilsa's determination to be independent; after all the years she could only do what her father and aunt wanted. When she got married, Ilsa's husband wanted Ilsa to stay at home, to be a good wife. After her husband died, Ilsa didn't want to waste the opportunity to be herself!

The attraction between Drew and Ilsa is palpable... I love their interaction and dynamic. I love their conversation. I love the way they are flirting with each other. It's so easy to read about two people when they're genuinely fit. Sure, with a possibility of Drew becoming an English duke, an English wife is expected, but it doesn't mean that Drew cannot take a Scottish wife! So you see, things are good.

That's why, for me, the problem with this book is that the conflict between Drew and Ilsa seems artificial. It feels like Linden is confused as to how to make the conflict exists, because the problem Ilsa is facing doesn't appear until about 2/3 of the book. The problem also doesn't make Drew back down from his intention to take their relationship seriously. Simply put, I'm not amused with this conflict 😞.

Other than that, A Scot to the Heart is an enjoyable read. I look forward to the companion novella that will feature Agnes St. James (Drew's younger sister) and Felix Duncan (Drew's best friend) in July. Then of course, the final book of this series coming next year.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for the ARC to read and review.

I don’t know why I can’t connect with this author. I began the first of this series and just hated the hero. From Andrew’s descriptions in that book, I had high hopes he would be a more compelling hero. He just falls flat. The heroine does too.

I gave it a go.

I loved Andrew, in the first book he sounded like a stick in the mud, so wound up his breeches would split, the other heir presumptive Maximilian St. James (first book About a Rogue) was so wicked…..well what a treat he turned out to be!
Ilsa Ramsay is free, free from the stifling rules of her family, finally after her husband’s untimely death she’s living her life for the first time as she sees fit.

An impulsive kiss from a mysterious lady is not far from Drew’s thoughts and fantasies until they meet again and the sparks ignite

I loved the banter and witty dialogue, the romance was slow burn and tastefully done without too much drama. Loved Ilsa she’s not the typical heroine she’s vibrant and full of life, not afraid to speak her mind. Drew and Ilsa are the perfect couple, I enjoyed reading this story. But my question is who’s the duke?
I wonder if it might be the Frenchman.

Great read! I highly recommend and I can’t wait for the next instalment to the series, I have a feeling it’s going to be the best one yet!

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. This is my honest review.

2.5 stars. A drama-filled Scottish historical romance with a frustrating subplot.

Captain Andrew St. James learns that he is, surprisingly, the presumptive heir to a distance cousin, the Duke of Carlyle. He has a whole life to change, but he first wants to spend time in Edinburgh preparing his mother and sisters for the change. Ilsa Ramsay wants some adventure and ends up dancing with a handsome soldier. When she finds out he is also her friend's brother and soon to be an English duke, she decides he's not for her. But their kisses suggest otherwise. Then Ilsa is faced with a major scandal and Andrew comes to her rescue.

Honestly, I was quite enjoying the story and the challenges of Andrew becoming a future duke and Ilsa not being sure she wants to give up her independence. Especially not for someone about to be an English duke. However, the "dangerous scandal" alluded to in the description made me super frustrated. The resolution was not to my liking and I think it was kind of horrible and then somehow wrapped up very quickly. This subplot definitely significantly impacted my enjoyment of this book and I felt like it was totally unnecessary and didn't really do anything to move the romance along.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for providing an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

I am a huge fan of Caroline Linden but have had a hard time getting into this series. The first book was a bit tough, but this follow-up was more of what I have come to expect when I pick up her books - entertaining and delightful.

First off, I loved that the characters weren't a part of the aristocracy. And she didn't fall on old tired Scottish love story tropes. This story felt so fresh to me. The characters were all comfortably middle class, merchants, and Scots.

Captain Andrew "Drew" St. James is summoned by a distant cousin, the Duchess of Carlyle, and told he is the heir to the dukedom. To prepare for his inheritance, he needs to make himself respectable and learn the duke's properties.

He returns home to Scotland to his mother and sisters. After a night at an oyster bar, he falls in love with his sister's friend, the wildly inappropriate Ilsa Ramsey. Ilsa is a widow finding herself and learning to live after a bad marriage and a somewhat sheltered life.

There's a secondary mystery about robberies. But overall, the focus is on Ilsa and Drew as they dance around each other. I loved that both were on a personal journey of discovery. It was really nice to see them fall towards each other. I also loved that they didn't fight their attraction or drag out any separation. It was love at first sight and then figuring out all the details.

Drew's sisters and friends were also entertaining in their own side plots. The book felt real; I felt like I could see myself hanging out with these characters. It was a nice refreshing take on the Scottish hero and lass. I loved it!

Drew and Ilsa are an outstanding couple considering their own games and love.
Drew is set to inherit a title that he doesn't want.
Ilsa will do what has to be done if Drew inherits the title.
Caroline Linden has written a good storyline but it ends in a cliffhanger.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

This was a delight to read! I loved the writing and the characters. They were captivating and really made me connect to the story! This is perfect for historical romance readers!

I find this story has intriguing things about it. Such as the story is based around a Scottish family who has been suddenly placed in the English aristocrat world. The male character, Drew is surrounded by a number of women who are a major influence in his life. And there is Ilsa, the love interest for Drew. Her character is a strong, intelligent and determined woman who wants nothing, but to control her own destiny. I think that the book offers a good plot, which leaves me excited to read how Drew and Ilsa come together. Their story I thought was a slow burn. I liked the dialogue among the characters. The entertainment was a little mellow.

I enjoyed Drew and his family. I loved their relationship and I liked his dedication to learning about his role as the Duke. I had a hard time connecting to Ilsa. I am not quite sure what was missing for me with her, but wanted something....

Andrew St. James is a captain in the army when he learns he is the probable heir a Dukedom. The Duke his long estranged cousin isn't well and the Duchess of Carlyle wants him to immediately begin learning what his what his position entails. Drew returns home to Edinburgh she share the news with his widowed mother and three sisters. There he meets a Ilsa Ramsay, a friend of one sister. She is the widowed and has endured a sheltered upbringing and a stifling marriage. She longs for freedom and indulges in small eccentricities like having a pony for a house pet. Together sparks fly.

I like that the story follows Drew's time in Scotland. His family isn't jumping at the chance to be aristocracy. The first two thirds of the story is light hearted and fun. I love Ilsa as the heroine. She is determined and has a modern mindset although still fitting in within the rules of her society. She is the more colorful of the two main character, more flirtatious and more interesting. The last part of the book turns into a mystery and it changes the books tone and pace. I knew who the villain was instantly but not all the why's and details. I did like the how the story ends.

This is the second in the series but is easily read as a stand alone. The book does end with the expectation the series will continue. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)

Caroline Linden has been on my radar for years, but for some reason, I had never actually read one of her books. So, when I saw the request for a review of A Scot to the Heart, the fact that Ms. Linden wrote it was partially why I chose to read it. But it was primarily due to the title… I’ve been looking for a good romance set in Scotland.

A Scot to the Heart is the second book in the Desperately Seeking Duke series. The book totally stands on its own. In fact, until I went looking at the first book in the series, About a Rogue, I didn’t realize how this series fits together. So, this series follows the St. James family. This book is about Drew, a captain in the Scottish army and finds out that he’s now the heir to a distant cousin, who also happens to be a duke. Suddenly Drew has many new responsibilities and heads home to tell his mother and sisters the interesting news… and meets Ilsa, who turns his world even further upside down.

I found that I really enjoyed both Ilsa and Drew and was cheering them on. Ilsa is a widow who feels like she can finally breathe. She’s no longer under her father’s watchful eye or her uncaring husband. Isla longs for a bit of freedom and perhaps adventure. She’s friends with Drew’s sisters and keeps getting thrown into his path. There’s a definite attraction between the two that just can’t be denied. I genuinely preferred those moments in the book when Ilsa and Drew were interacting rather than just getting through the book to get them back together. Not that the other parts were bad, I just found them together to be more satisfying, and the rest primarily filler to round out the story.

The plot was interesting. I liked the idea of a mere mister finding out that he’s a ducal heir and needing to learn what he can before the title is thrust upon him. I actually could have used more of this plot than was given. About halfway through the book, the central conflict to tear Drew and Ilsa apart came into play and took the story off track a bit, and threw me for a loop.

All in all, I found A Scot to the Heart to be a solid read. I’m curious enough about the St. James family to read more in the series. I was sucked into the story and, except for a slight hiccup near the end, found myself glued to the page until I reached “The End.”

A Scot By Heart, is full of a lot of unexpected twist and turns. I really enjoyed reading it, I had a heard time putting it down. Ilsa is practically part of the family by the time that Drew finally asked her to marry him. Perfect match and fit.