This is one of the BEST books I've read this year! It was full of supplicated, witty banter, intrigue, and sensual chemistry!! I couldn't tear myself away from reading it! It's the story of an ambitious second son, an English barrister working toward a judgeship, and a Scottish daughter trying to retrieve her clan's treasure raided from her destroyed home in the rebellion. These two smolder off the page! She has such a big heart and intelligence in spades. He's drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Gina Conkle has outdone herself with this book.

Alexander Sloane is the undersecretary to the undersecretary, of the Duke of Newcastle. He's a barrister with a talent for numbers. His job is to track Bow Street's sudden influx of money. As well as decipher a Jacobite ledger and figure out the codes & meaning. Magistrate Fielding stepped in and tasked him with investigating a Jacobite sympathizer who's appeared on his radar, Miss Cecelia MacDonald, a demimonde from all appearances. In exchange he'll get his appointment to the Court of Exchequer and title of Baron. He's noticed Cecelia observing the court proceedings already.

Cecelia MacDonald is part of a league now consisting of six women, dedicated to recovering certain treasures stolen from the Scots in the rebellion. Cecelia helped her best friend Anne, and Will escape Countess Denton in the first book. This time she's after Cianranald MacDonald's ancient ceremonial dagger, that's been missing since Cumberland ransacked the Chief's home in '46. It will be shown in the British Museum's collection exhibit during the Marquess of Swynford's masquerade ball, Countess Denton's brother. Cecelia observes Alexander's tailing her immediately. When she discovers him in her mews late that night the dance between them begins. Oh this was such a delicious journey!

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

I didn’t read the first book in this series, but that didn’t detract from my reading of this one. This was a very well-written and well-plotted story, but, for some reason, it just didn’t reach out and pull me into the story. I am sure that is purely a flaw in me and not the book. I found I couldn’t like the heroine at all – I kept trying, I just couldn’t get there. Again – I am sure it is me and not the book.

Alexander Sloane, a former Barrister for the defense, is a by-the-book, to-the-letter-of-the-law man who now works for the undersecretary to the undersecretary to the Duke of Newcastle. Alexander has been promised a promotion as Baron of the Exchequer if he successfully completes his current task of tracing the money assigned to Bow Street and deciphering a Jacobite manual they’ve found. Alexander has worked long and hard for that promotion and he is so very, very close – but then – Mr. Fielding of Bow Street blackmails him into an additional assignment. Following and reporting on a young Jacobite sympathizer.

Cecelia MacDonald is a bit dismayed to find herself as the unofficial leader of a group of Scottish women who are in England to reclaim some property that was ‘stolen’ from their clan by the English. The first book saw the ladies reclaiming some of the gold that was taken from the clan. Now, Cecelia is determined to find and recover the ceremonial sgian dubh belonging to their clan chief. She knows where it will be displayed – now she just has to manage to gain entry. Well, gain entry and then gain exit once she acquires the item.

I liked Alexander, but I thought he didn’t fight to keep the dream he’d had for years. I would have thought a little more effort on his part to gain his dreams would have been good. I’m not sure I would have given up on a dream that quickly or easily. Then, Maura just didn’t grab me at all. For me, she was a bit too loose with her favors and I felt as if I were reading a contemporary character rather than a Georgian character. I just couldn’t warm up to her for several reasons.

While the writing was good, I wouldn’t read this book a second time and I’m not currently contemplating reading the third book in the series. I would like to see The Countess get her comeuppance, but I still probably won’t read the next book to see it.

Should you choose to read this book, I hope you will enjoy it

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

I enjoyed Alexander and Cecelia romance. The tension and attraction between this duo was absolutely breathtaking. I'll be honest and admit that I wish there had been a bit more actual heat here but in spite of that lack I found this couple well matched and easy to root for. I thought that the writing was solid and the storyline was entertaining. All together, a very good read.

After helping her clanswoman Anne complete her mission, Cecelia MacDonald has become the de facto leader of the group of women committed to restoring some of the things taken from their clan after the Jacobite uprising. With Anne’s mission to find the clan’s gold completed, it is up to Cecelia to find the MacDonald’s ancient ceremonial dagger and restore it to the clan’s chief. And now after years of searching, she knows where it is and just needs to figure out a way to gain access to Sir Hans Sloane’s collection, but first, she needs to shake the man following her.

Alexander Sloane is a man with a dream, he wants to be appointed a Baron of the Exchequer, and to attain that goal he has left his family’s legal practice, where he served as a barrister and has taken a job as the undersecretary to the undersecretary to the Duke of Newcastle. Currently, he is tasked with examining Bow Street’s funds and deciphering a Jacobite ledger. But when the magistrate of Bow Street asks him to follow a Jacobite sympathizer and report her day-to-day activities to him, in exchange for help getting appointed to the Court of the Exchequer, Alexander has no choice but to comply. However, once Alexander meets Cecelia everything changes, and soon protecting this fiercely independent woman becomes more important than any appointment.

Trust doesn’t come easy to Cecelia, but Alexander is unlike any man she has ever known and when he suggests a partnership, she is tempted to believe that it could work. But in her heart, she knows that an upstanding, honorable man like Alexander has no future with a displaced Jacobite sympathizer like her and that she will need to guard her heart. Working together proves they are a good team and she begins to think she might actually succeed at her mission, but when a villain from her past with a score to settle sets, Cecelia, in her sites, any chance for a HEA seems to disappear, and she can only pray that she doesn’t take Alexander down with her.

This second installment of the series is just as intense as the first book and packed with more than one surprise. I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book after meeting Cecelia in the previous story, but she is not the woman I thought she was, Cecelia has lots of layers that she keeps in place to guard her tender heart and she meets her match in Alexander. This book has wonderful characters, a lot of sexual tension, a couple of mild love scenes, a hero that is sure to win your heart as he did Cecelia’s, a bit of betrayal, intrigue, some live and death moments, great secondary characters, cringe-worthy villains, and a sigh-inducing HEA. The story starts a bit slow and if you didn’t read the first book, you might not understand the significance of certain things, but overall it is a good read and I would happily recommend this 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 was a well-written, entertaining book. It was clever, steamy and fast-paced. It held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

If you're looking for a historical romance that's not set in London's ballrooms, this would be a good choice. The action is easy to follow. The characters' attraction well written. If you enjoy Scottish Jacobites and their efforts, you'll enjoy this book.

I received an advance reader copy. These are my honest opinions voluntarily given.

The cover made me think this book would be Georgian romance. It's really not. It has more of a Highlander feel. It was too much action-adventure for me. DNF.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

BOOK📖REVIEW

Book: A Scot Is Not Enough
By Gina Conkle

Series: Scottish Treasures, Book #2

Publisher: Avon and Harper Voyager

Release Date: April 26, 2022 (Tuesday)

Overall Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags

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London, England 1753

The honest and straight forward Englishman, Alexander Sloane, is the Undersecretary to the Undersecretary Duke of Newcastle. In other words, he is a barrister who has been diligently toward a promotion as a judge in the financial courts, including a title as a Baron. He now has been given a rare job opportunity by the Magistrate, Mr. Fieldings, which is a bit more exciting then working on his Bow Street’s financial reports. He was expecting some type of financial reports needing calculating, however Alexander is quite appalled with the details of this job which is far from honest. This job entails being able to decipher a Jacobite ledger and spy on an innocent Scottish woman, who is suspected of being a Scottish sympathizer with no proof or evidence. He is promised that his dream job as a Court of the Exchequer, to be a judge in the financial courts and becoming Baron Sloane will become a reality and happen a lot faster. Plus it is a position he has never experienced in his life, which makes him very uncomfortable. This is to be top secret and highly confidential where this information can’t be shared with anyone not his employer, the Duke!

However, the honest and straight forward Alexander Sloane who sees everything as black or white, is very disappointed and uncomfortable with this new assignment which he adamantly refused! Especially when he realized this Scottish woman, Cecelia MacDonald is not even a suspected criminal! As she only appears to be a demirep by all appearances, except this magistrate is dishing out bribes and extortion toward Alexander where he has the power to totally ruin him. So he basically is between a rock and a hard place, having no choice but to honor the Magistrate’s requests! This job entails being able to spy on an innocent woman and decipher a Jacobite ledger. He is to find some useful information, as his dream job as a Court of the Exchequer, to be a judge in the financial courts will become a reality and happen a lot faster if he does these required assignments. He is afraid to think of what would happen without any useless information for this twisted magistrate!

Cecelia MacDonald home was destroyed during the uprising, and her father was taken as a prisoner. Luckily Clanranold which is connected to her clan, as Clan Macdonald of Clanranald. They are one of their strongest allies and took her in and welcomed her with open arms, when she was homeless and destitute. So when the English stole their ancient ceremonial sgian-dubh (black handled dagger) she was determined to return it to her clan in Arisaig. The problem is the ancient ceremonial sgian-dubh is heavily guarded and protected by the English monarchy!

Cecelia is also part of a women’s league with the aid of a half a dozen women. They discover lost treasures that Cumberland’s soldiers stole during the uprising and return the items to their rightful owners. These women also help Scottish people who are suffering and forced to live in England. So they get them whatever is needed like food, clothing and medical supplies to help the poor and suffering Scottish people who are in England. If readers of the first book, “The Scot Who Loved Me,where Cecelia had assisted Anne and Will escape the clutches of the evil Countess of Denton!

What Alexander wasn’t expecting that this woman is the most beautiful, smart, witty, honest and desirable woman he has ever met! When he begins to see things are not as clear and honest as he had originally thought. Now he starts to understand the Scottish side of things too and their attraction is very mutual and they both find themselves in surprising circumstances that could end their lives.

Will this Scottish woman ever open her heart and let love lead her destiny? Will this man who also felt his occupation was more important than any entanglement realize he found his ultimate match? Can two enemies bury the hatred of the past? Read and find out!

This is Conkle at her heartwarming best with another irresistible love story that is warm, witty, wicked, wild, welcoming and wonderful! I have read both books in this phenomenal series which I absolutely loved! A book that can be read as a stand alone or in series order that I highly recommend!

Scottish Treasure Series
1.The Scot Who Loved Me
2. A Scot Is Not Enough

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

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Alexander Sloane is meant to monitor Bow Street funds for the Crown, a minor task that's meant to further him in his government career. He did not bargain for Scotswoman Cecelia MacDonald, on a mission to steal back the ceremonial dagger that was taken from her clan by British soldiers during the 1745 Uprising.

Immediately intrigued by--and attracted to--each other, Alexander and Cecelia begin a game of cat and mouse. However, when they both find themselves up against the same enemy, they begrudgingly begin to trust each other... and potentially give one another a chance.

If you're into a Scottish romance, this is a very Scottish romance--though while most "Scottish romances" feature a Scottish hero, here we focus on a Scottish heroine. It's not an unprecedented take by any means, but one that we see less of, and seeing it is definitely refreshing. I can honestly say that I enjoyed our heroine; Cecelia is sharp without being over the top, witty without being too cute. Personally, I found her more compelling that Alexander. I've seen a bit of an uptick in historical romance heroes with military or government connections lately, and while I get that it's an attempt to offer something other than the typical lords and dukes.. I don't know, I think it can be tricky to pull off. They often come across as more straitlaced, or a sort of take on the modern veteran hero, and I... don't know if that quite works for me.

Nonetheless, it's an enjoyable book. Quick, fast-paced, and definitely hot. The issue that kept me from fully connecting with it is honestly... That these two just kind of knew they wanted to go at it too early. Together, on the same page. There was no "what is this feeling" or "against my better judgment, I am drawn to this person". A friendship did not build up before turning to romantic feelings. There was instant lust, and while I'm not against instant lust in theory, I think the awareness that both characters had that this was what it was, they just wanted to hit it FAST... I don't know. It kind of took the suspense out of it for me.

I guess I wanted more denial? Especially considering their respective positions and how dangerous it would be for them to hook up. I just wanted more than that, and I don't think I ever fully believed that they fell in love because those feelings of lust were so forward in the novel, and so strong. Don't get me wrong--I love lust in romance novels. I love the physical attraction characters experience. It was just very dominant, and the emotional connection didn't quite hit the level of the physical connection.

For all that I have that critique, keep in mind that the book is fun! I just think that it could have gone further in terms of the romance.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Alexander Sloane is an barrister who is almost a job away from getting the job that he wants. Cecelia MacDonald is trying to recovering the ceremonial sgian duhb stolen from her clan by British soldiers during the Rising of 1745..Alexander could have been interesting, torn between his desires and his duties, this was a good book.

This is the second book in the Scottish Treasures series and just like the first one I had a hard time getting into it. I don't know what it is. They're both well written and with an interesting plot. Once I did get farther into this one, I did like it more than the first and the last 75% of the book flew by.
Cecelia Macdonald is a wonderful character. Her efforts along with the other ladies of the league to return some of what was stolen from Scotland is brave and intriguing. Alexander is a bit lackluster and one one dimensional. It could have been interactions with his character that made the first part of the book drag. His immediate infatuation for Cecelia didn't quite seem believable. Overall I did like this book and will most likely continue with the series.

Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Cecilia and Alexander have an insane connection. When Alexander is tasked with following Cecilia, he soon gets more than he bargained for. Cecilia was a Jacobite, yearning to return a priceless relic to her clan. When Alexander gets involved with Cecilia he’s soon uncovering plots that run much deeper than either of them could know.

I don’t read a lot of books about highlanders or Scots in general. It was a nice change of pace and gave me some more background in the Jacobites I didn’t know. This was my first Gina Conkle book, it will not be my last.

*thank you to @netgalley and @avonbooks for the ARC

Ambitious barrister Alexander Sloane is incredibly close to attaining the coveted government post he’s been working toward for years. All that stands in his way now is the small job of monitoring Bow Street’s funds for the Crown, but of course this assignment becomes infinitely more complicated when it leads him to the most enchanting woman he’s ever met.

Cecelia MacDonald has only one task left to complete her league’s mission: recovering the ceremonial sgian duhb stolen from her clan by British soldiers during the Rising of 1745. She’s never had any issues convincing men to do her bidding and she enjoys the game she’s engaged in with Alexander Sloane just as well. But all too soon, she finds herself relying on him for more than just a mild flirtation or the hope of regaining the dagger.

Alexander and Cecelia become an unlikely team, with the desire building between them undeniable. As they reveal the secrets of others around them, Alexander soon realizes that loving a woman who must be all wrong for him, is the only right thing he can possibly do.

I enjoyed this book so much more than its predecessor. Cecelia’s hesitance to trust Alexander was a bit annoying at times, but ultimately, even then she had given him much more of herself than she’d ever come close to giving anyone else. There were some really lovely comments made about love in general and a very nice appreciation of quiet moments between loved ones that are sometimes overlooked, both in romance and in life, but which are some of the most precious of all. Alexander knew almost immediately what he wanted with and from Cecelia and he made no effort to hide his intentions, though he did ease a skittish Cecelia into it slowly. The poor guy certainly suffered for his association with her, but he was impossible not to like and cheer for. He made Cecelia see sense when needed and supported her as well and I found the development of their relationship lovely. This story was a bit low on steam, with several potential scenes interrupted before they could go very far, but the tension, connection, and sensuality were so strong here that I didn’t really mind. Alexander and Cecelia had an undeniable connection, even if Cecelia did want to resist it at first, and I enjoyed that inevitability between them. It’s rare to find that sort of well-crafted, visceral connection that just leaps off the pages, but I think it exists here. Despite the mystery and suspense elements here, I was happy to see those not taken so far that the book became stressful for me. We definitely have a clearly evil villain established, but Cecelia and Alexander seem to be a match for her, so I’m looking forward to her demise in a future book.

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

3.5/5 stars

The premise of the book is intriguing and definitely eye catching, Who doesn't love a good recon mission led by a witty woman? Two people who oppose each other having to come together as a team to accomplish a goal while sexual tensions are high and the longing is mutual and lusty, a good time in dead.

This did have a mini cliffhanger which I didn't love because it feels like we kind of left standalone territory. But over all this is a fun historical romance read, especially if you need a respite from historical romances that revolve around the titled and royal lineaged.

I would like thank NeGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review!

This was my first read from this author…. and now I will be devouring Gina Conklin’s backlist.

Cecelia has a mission that he is mucking up.
Alexander has career goals that she is distracting him from.

The sexual tension between them burns hotter than a Vauxhall fireworks show. She wants him tied up and at her mercy- only this time it won’t be because she snagged him sifting through her garbage. And he wants a taste of the lips that haunt his dreams.

For the first time either can remember, they are mentally sparring with an equal. Their words are innuendo, insult and invitation. They are irresistibly drawn to each other, and form a tentative partnership to keep her from being deported for treason.

When the true traitor targets Cecelia, Alexander makes a decision that completely alters his course. An altered course he embraces for the promise it holds.

Why I loved this book:
1. The heroine is feisty, cunning, unapologetically independent and completely capable of bringing the hero to his knees.
2. The hero is a stern brunch daddy who is a firm believer in maintaining the order of things. In the strict adherence to rules and regulations.
3. The complex aftermath of the Jacobite rebellion is intricately woven into the plot.
4. The characters are perfectly rendered exposures of what it means to be morally gray.
5. The slow burn, banked fires between the MCs flares into daring, exquisite intimacy.

The title alone is just sizzling !! Conkle really shines a light into these characters stories ..relatable h and hot H ...great book and highly recommend!

This was a great adult historical romance! It had a unique premise, and I loved the characters in it! Plus, the epilogue was wonderful. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

I really tried, but I couldn't get into this book. Perhaps it's because I didn't read the previous book in the series, but I had difficulty keeping some of the characters and their motivations straight. I simply didn't find the story that compelling, which I hate to say, because that's not necessarily the author's fault--it could be me. Maybe this story just wasn't for me.

This is a great book of treachery and love.
Cecelia and Alexander make an amazing couple when it comes to love.
A Gentleman of Virtue
Decent and ambitious, Alexander Sloane is finally a finger’s breadth from achieving the government post he’s worked towards for years. A minor task monitoring Bow Street funds for the Crown is his final hurdle. But he discovers more than he bargains for when his assignment leads him to the most captivating woman in London.
A Woman of Questionable Repute
Cecelia MacDonald has one mission: find and steal the sgian duhb, the ceremonial dagger taken from her clan by British soldiers during the Uprising of 1745. The coy and clever Scotswoman has never had any trouble using men to do her bidding and she’s enjoying the cat and mouse game she’s playing with the delectable Alexander. But when a mutual enemy proves deadly, she must rely on him for more than flirtation to gain the dagger.
An Explosive Partnership
As Alexander and Cecilia become unlikely allies, their desire for each other overwhelms them. When shocking secrets come to light, will Alexander realize loving the wrong woman is the right thing to do?
Gina Conkle has written a delightful romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

This book is filled with lots of instant lust and some fascinating intrigue. I really enjoyed the intrigue but found the instant lust a bit tiresome. I really liked Cecilia and would have enjoyed seeing her quick wits and daring with less focus on how bewitching she is. Alexander could have been interesting, torn between his desires and his duties, but instead he just pants after Cecilia and takes even the most bland statements and reacts as if she is tantalizing him. I really liked the premise of the book, with the ladies efforts to liberate their stolen ceremonial dagger and other stolen loot.