This book was ok. I felt it needed more romance. I didn't really feel the chemistry between the characters. At times the H was very unlikable.

Lord Liam is a fortune-hunting Scot looking for a heavily dowered spinster to marry. He singles out Lady Clara who does not want to marry and is way too smart to fall for his attention. Liam tricks Lady Clara into coming to Scotland and then into marriage. Great read!! I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Jade Lee, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

This was a very different sort of historical romance. Lord Liam Laughton is a fortune hunter, he needs an injection of cash to restore his clan's coffers and provide for them, as his father has frittered their wealth away. He travels to London and finds himself a bluestocking with a very healthy dowry, the thing is that Lady Clara, is educated, opinionated, and definitely doesn't want to be married, or leave London and it's intellectual pursuits.

Liam is sneaky and conniving, and decides to trick Clara into coming to the Highlands by tempting her with a ghost story. When she arrives, she is tricked into marriage, however, can she make a life that can satisfy her in the highlands, and can Liam make up for the deception and trickery and bring Clare round to understanding her feelings for him. It was such a treat of a book, a properly clever and capable heroine, with wide ranging interests, single minded in her pursuit of knowledge, and determined to stay out of the perfect lady straight jacket her mother would prefer. A initially suspect hero, with an agenda that suited him and his clan, but not his chosen future wife. However, he develops into a devoted and genuinely loving partner.

A great and unusually interesting historical romance, highly recommended.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Lord Scot by Jade Lee
Always a Scot #1

Lady Clara has established the life she desires. She believes she is a bluestocking on the shelf, will never, can do as she pleases in London, attend gatherings and educational events, and use her dowry as she pleases. She does NOT want a husband and has made that clear to her family. And then Lord Liam Loughton appears on the scene with a plan to win Clara in five steps…or whisk her off by kidnapping if the wooing doesn’t work. Two determined clever tough and delightful people may have met their match in this story!

What I liked:
* Clara: intelligent, inventive, sees the bigger picture, has no desire to lose her autonomy, has trust issues, is more capable than she realized and able to feel more than she realizes.
* Liam: educated, handsome, wants what is best for his clan, willing to do what it takes, ends up liking Clara more than he thought he would and really SEES her and wants what is best for her.
* Aaron and Lilah: engaged, brother and best friend of Clara, supportive but really not necessary in the story so they head off to London fairly quickly.
* Deirdre and Rhona: young women that work in the castle and help Clara learn how to run her new home.
* The wooing and how it does/doesn’t work on Clara
* Liam’s way of dealing with his father
* That when presented with the options for her future, Clara makes what proves to be a wise decision
* Watching Clara and Liam get closer, learn to trust and appreciate one another, and eventually work their way to a HEA ending
* The location – Scotland
* The growth in both main characters
* How things turned out between Liam and his father
* Wondering if Mairi and Connall will be up next in the series or if it will be Mr. Russell with someone new
* Reading a new-to-me author that I would like to read again

What I didn’t like
* The manipulations of Liam’s father
* Thinking about how difficult it must have been for women in the past

Did I enjoy this book? Yes, more than I thought I would at first
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

The Scot and the Bluestocking

Clara has no intention of marrying, but Liam is persistent. He gets Clara to visit his castle, but can he convince her to stay? There is deception and some underhanded happenings. Who is doing the deception, and who is keeping secrets? Will Liam be able to win Clara, and can love survive what Clara finds in Scotland? Clara is an interesting enigma. In some ways, she might be naïve, but I did admire her strength. She was unusual in a society that was all about obeying the rules. As for Liam, he might have to prove that he is not a cad who is only interested in Clara’s dowery. His clan is poor, so does he just want Clara for her money, or is he really in love? Will he be a man of his word, or is he full of empty promises?

He was determined to win over Lady Clara. Her dowry and her brother's position in government had first drawn his attention. He had a plan and no woman had resisted him beyond five encounters.

She, on the other hand, was determined to remain independent. A bluestocking to the core, she would not live a life of being tied to a man. No, no way. Not even the charming Scot. But why could she not get him out of her mind?

A fun tale that leads the characters on a merry chase as they travel to Scotland. A great start to a new series and excited to see the future stories!

Lord Scot by Jade Lee tells the tale of a woman who does not want to marry and a man who does, most specifically, her. Of course, he wants her dowry as well. His castle in Scotland is falling apart. His father is a drunk, drinking half the whiskey they produce. He has been away for years, getting and education, and planning. Now he has found her and he is ready to return home. He faces two battles: getting her there and keeping her there. Getting her there proves to be easy. Keeping her there, more difficult, especially after his father tricked her in to marrying him. But he can give her what she wants: autonomy. She now has a chance to do things her way. It is a heady experience and she wants more. It turns out she might want more of him, too.

Liam is a strong character with a plan for his life and his home. Nobility in Scotland is different than nobility in England. Life is harsher in Scotland. A man has to be stronger. It is harder to be honest with his woman. Clara lives her life. She has convinced everyone, finally, that she had no intention of marrying. Instead she pursues her friendships and her education. She is interested in many things and in many people. Liam, Lord Loughton, fascinates her, but she doesn't wish to marry even him. He offers to share her dowry with her so she can pursue her own goals. She is struck by this but wants to be no man's wife. The plot is strong. Convincing her is tricky and she navigates Scotland and her husband's home, only through sheer strength of will. This is an enticing story. The characters make it worth reading.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Lord Scot by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #lordscot #jadelee

Lord Liam Loughton has come to London looking for a wealthy wife. He's found the one he needs. She is tough, smart, and has a large dowry. Now all he has to do is convince her. Lady Clara is a happy bluestocking and spinster. She enjoys her life in London and has no desire to leave, and certainly not to go to Scotland (fortune teller thing here). Well, maybe she could visit if the castle is haunted. Off they go to Scotland with her brother and his fiancée. Liam wants to bring her to his home and court her. Unfortunately, his obnoxious father and the many in his disgusting clan have other plans. Tricks and lies may get her dowry, but they won’t win her love.

I like Liam and Clara. Both are intelligent, educated, stubborn and opinionated. The chemistry between them is good and the snarky banter and bickering is fun. Even after they are married, they have a long way to go to happily ever after. Remember they are stubborn, and that is what it will take, spending time together, talking, planning for the clan and castle. The story has a lot of humor and a big chunk of drama. It is entertaining and the characters interesting. Aaron is funny, Lilah is sweet and helpful. An enjoyable beginning for a new series.

I received an ARC of this book from the I publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this book. The concept was different and I liked the main characters but the writing and flow of the book didn't work for me.
The progression of events didn't make sense and if felt like there was things missing.
It just seemed lacking and I couldn't connect with the story.
I will check out this author again but this book just didn't click for me.
2.5 stars

He plans to marry Clara for her wealth and politics (her brother's influence).

Liam is used to using his charm to get a lady (five times does the trick).
Only, it doesn't quite work on Clara. At first, she was way too trusting, finally, she got a clue and realized he was manipulating her into marriage (but she thinks its her mother). I wanted to like Clara, but I often found her contradictory. I did like that she told Liam he was hanging out with witless women. But she jumps from one topic of interest to another, and that plays right into Liam's plans for her. I wasn't onboard with his scheming and manipulation.

Liam is desperate for a rich wife and will do anything to secure one. He's shady. He hurts Clara. At the beginning of the story, it's hard to see any chance for Liam's redemption or any reason to root for their relationship. However, if you're willing to swallow several big grains of salt, you find yourself invested in their story. Neither protagonist is perfect, but they are perfect together.

This is the first story that I've read from this author. I picked the book up because it's set in Scotland. Can't wait for the rest of the series!

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

A young man determined to better his clan's circumstances does so by any means possible, even if it means conning Lady Clara and her brother into visiting his castle in Scotland. Clara on the other hand is different in so many ways from the unmarried women in society and has earned herself a reputation for being a bluestocking. Having clawed her way out of her family's control to take up her right to live life on her own terms, she thwarts every attempt that Liam makes to win her over. Making promises he is not at all sure he is able to keep, he lures her Scotland. Unfortunately, once there she has to make the acquaintance of his disreputable father and clan, but she stands on the promises made to her that she will be allowed free reign to improve the lot of the people. I normally enjoy this author's novels but found this one difficult to read in some parts at the sheer ugliness that Clara had to face, but fortunately, Liam persists in protecting her and allowing her to be herself. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Liam Loughton is a Scottish nobleman in search of a wealthy bride and Lady Clara seems eminently suitable for him. She’s smart, she’s rich, she’s strong-willed and she’ll make a perfect bride. Pity she doesn’t want to marry, never, and she doesn’t want to leave her beloved London with all its entertainments, museums, scientific conferences and the like. He’ll have to do his best to convince her, and maybe seducing her is the first step…
Jade Lee has outdone herself this time, writing a book which is full of humor and a little angst as well. I simply LOVED the hero, who started like a sort of fortune hunter, even if for good reasons, and soon revealed himself to be a wonderful, understanding, caring man. Clara is an endearing character, full of quirks, and it took a great man to love her. She’s brilliant, but like many brilliant minds she’s inconstant in her interests and she tends to be distracted by many different tasks.
The side characters are very interesting as well and well fleshed out and I really hope they will feature in the next book of the series. I look forward to it! Just a little warning: this book can be read as a standalone, of course, but reading Lord Ares will help you understand the characters better. I fell in love with Liam and Clara in that book and I couldn’t wait for their story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lord Liam Laughton needs a strong wealthy wife to help him aid his clan. Lady Clara is happy being a spinster & the last thing she wants is to leave her beloved London for the highlands. She certainly won’t do it for a man who laughs when she’s trying to anger him, teases when he ought to be terrified, and kisses her when she’s not at all ready to marry anyone.
This is the start of a new series but we did meet the pair in ‘Lord Ares' & I'm so pleased they have had their story. I loved the chemistry between the pair & even though they both had traits, which I usually dislike I found that I loved the pair & how their relationship grew & developed. A delightful read, which I devoured in two sittings
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Clara is happy being a spinster, spending her time reading and attending lectures. Liam is the son of a Scottish laird. His desire to help his clan recover and grow leads him to London in search of a wealthy wife. He courts Clara and lures her to Scotland.

It took a few chapters to settle into the story. This is the first book of the series, but reads like a continuation. Once into the story, it flows well and is enjoyable. There was some initial references to ghost hunting and a fortune-teller's prediction, but minimal reference or explanation was made as the story progressed.

I loved this book! After reading Clara's brother's book, Lord Ares, book three in Lords of the Masquerade, I have wanted to read Clara and Liam's story. It can be read alone, but I fell in love with their characters before reading this book. I was thrilled to see that Clara could learn to love and Liam would want Clara more than her dowry.
It is an entertaining book that is a wonderful start to a new series. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received this book from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an honest review.

3 stars

Lord Scot by Jade Lee is the first book in the new Always a Scot series. It follows Lord Loughton and Lady Clara. Lord Loughton needs a fortune to help his clan, and Lady Clara is a spinster who doesn’t want to lose the freedom to pursue her interests in London. The characters in this book first appeared in other books from the author.

I enjoyed Clara’s character arc in this book. As a character who never fit in, it was nice to see her find a family among the clan. It was also funny to see the interactions between the English and Scottish characters. Loughton is a complicated character. He struggled with his duty to his clan and what is best for Clara. I would have liked the book to have a bit more steam. The cover and description made it seem like it might be a bit sexier. Hopefully the future books in the series will be.

I was invited to read an ARC of Lord Scot, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #LordScot

Lord Liam Laughton has come to London looking for a wife. He's found the one he needs, now just to persuade her.
Lady Clara is a blue stocking who is never going to give up her beloved London and the freedom of being a spinster.
Both our characters have very strong views on what they want and are extremely stubborn. Our heroine's intelligence is just as valuable to our hero as the dowry she has. Will his Scottish castle and Clan will give her the type of challenge she needs? She doesn't know if she is furious or fascinated.
This historical romance is lots of fun. I was hooked from first to last page. The characters are so interesting and full of contradictions.
Great fun.

I really enjoyed the "Lords of the Masquerade" series, and expected to enjoy this book as well. Unfortunately, I found Liam irredeemable from the very beginning. When he tricked Clara into marriage, that was the last straw for me. DNF at 55%.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

I have been eagerly awaiting Liam and Clara’s story since they were introduced in Lord Ares. Full of excitement, adventure, and romance, Lord Scot is a journey you will not want to miss! This story contained all the ingredients that make for an unforgettable read!

Although duplicitous and sneaky at times, I couldn’t help but love Liam. Liam would do anything for his clan, including marrying an English woman with a large dowry to help save his poverty-stricken land. Liam breaks all the rules to gain Clara. However, it is his respect and love for Clara that pulled at my heart.

Clara, although brilliant, is flighty and inconsiderate in an oblivious way. Clara is easily distracted and is adamant that she will never marry. Clara doesn’t trust her feelings for Liam and is frightened to open herself to his unconditional love. Clara can be selfish and single-minded, but deep down, she has a heart capable of unlimited love.

The couple has a rocky start, but Liam never gives up. The dynamic between the couple is beautiful. Liam is attentive to Clara’s every need and anticipates her desires. Liam places Clara’s thoughts and feelings before his. Liam is not ashamed of his feelings for Clara and declares them often. Reading about a man that is confident in his emotions was refreshing. I loved how the connection between the couple evolves throughout the story. The attraction is evident in the first chapter, the passion is fiery, and the developed love is tremendously romantic.

This plot was cleverly written to showcase both characters’ strengths and weaknesses. The story was intimate and complex. I was pulled in from the first page. The background of Scotland was breathtaking. The secondary characters enriched the plot. This novel not only moved quickly, but it also flowed perfectly. Lord Scot is both a continuation of The Lords Of The Masquerade series and the start of the Always A Scot series. Lord Scot resonated with me on an intellectual and romantic level. Clara’s search for a balance between independence and commitment was realistic and took the book's entirety to resolve. She had to learn that giving yourself to another person does not diminish yourself. Liam’s straightforward declarations of love were heart-warming and swoon-worthy. I felt Clara’s epiphany about her relationship with Liam was rushed at the conclusion. However, it was executed lovingly and organically. Lord Scot was well worth the wait! I am curious to see where this new series leads. Jade Lee again breathes life into a magical, enthralling romance that enchants the reader. This is a must-read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.