"Lord Difficult" by Eileen Putman offers a charming, though somewhat predictable, Regency romance. The story follows Emmaline, a matchmaker with a sharp wit and a run of bad luck. She meets the brooding Scottish lord Robert Tavish, who poses as a client to investigate a mysterious death of one of Emmaline's other clients. The romance between Emmaline and Robert is a slow burn. For readers who enjoy strong character backstories and historical detail, there’s plenty here to draw you in. Emmaline’s independence and Robert’s journey to understand himself add depth, though the chemistry between them remains fairly understated. The side characters like Emmaline's aunt occupy a sizeable portion of the narrative.

Though it’s the third book in the series, but it works as a standalone. If you're looking for something light with Scottish charm, intrigue, and an endearing—if stubborn—pair of leads, "Lord Difficult" could be a good addition to your reading list. Just don’t expect it to be overly steamy, despite the cover art featuring a ripped shirtless guy in a kilt.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Lord Difficult was everything I'd expect and desire from a historical romance. Elements of this romance harken back to traditional romance novels similar to Catherine Coulter's in which the reader is deeply immersed in the historical elements of the story through the unique writing style. This book was an interesting blend of, what feels like Victorian England and Scottish elements that make up so many historical romances. The characters are well-developed and have strong backstories; I especially enjoy the profession of the MMC, so unique! Throughout, little tidbits of secrets and interesting pieces of information are revealed, keeping the story moving at a relatively consistent pace. This is a well-written slow burn with minimal spice.
So, Here are my Top 5 for Lord Difficult by Eileen Putman

Profession of Mr. Robert Tavish – Mr. Tavish has a very unique backstory and profession as an archeologist. Not only is this a unique profession to see in a romance novel, but definitely in a historical romance!

Character Development of Mr. Robert Tavish – Throughout the novel, Mr. Tavish’s character changes, developing in subtle ways that ultimately come to show a reasonable development behind his character.

Side Character Backstories – I think John is my favorite! His role throughout the story remains a strong, solid presence that helps to provide a backbone that runs the length of the novel.

Odd Elements – There are a few elements in the novel that are just odd enough or “off-the-wall” enough that it helps to keep the reader absorbed and wondering what happens. These elements are ingrained in the story well enough that they don’t necessarily stand out as obviously odd, but rather, curious and interesting.

Standalone/Interconnected – My absolute FAVORITE series to read are the ones that can be considered standalone with each couple gaining their happily-ever-after yet having undercurrents of unanswered questions that run through the series.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel.

This was a clever, well written, romance full of mystery, secrets, and slow burn chemistry. The secondary characters were full and well developed. I did at times get pulled out of the story a little bit by the changing POV of these secondary characters and there were times where her aunt's stories were just too long and distracting. Otherwise, the pacing was great and I really loved it.

Unexpectedly philosophical! I loved the fairy tale references and the slow burn. This was my first book from this author and will definitely reach for more!
🌶️/5

This was a very entertaining love story. A death sets off an investigation of murder, the suspects being a nice and her aunt. The drama and different llor twists and turns were very interesting and engaging. Rhe often humorous and witty banter between the characters was delightful. I enjoyed not only one but two romances that occurred, and the ending was wonderful. I highly recommend reading!

I really enjoyed reading the very entertaining book by one of my favorite authors. Ms Putman writes a romance with drama, intrigue, and adventure that had me at first chapter. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.
Emmaline Stanhope is a resourceful lady who supports herself along with her elderly aunt. She has a match making business and has in the past read tarot cards. They are just trying to survive the best way they can. When one of their clients gets run over by a mail wagon they couldn't believe it. The man just did not move when the driver told him to.
When Robert Tavish finds out about Emmaline and her business, he decides to hire her to find him a bride. But there is more to his interest in getting into the lives of the two women. He really is sent by his uncle to investigate the death of the man who was killed.
Emmaline is one tough cookie when she finds out what Robert is not telling the whole truth. When she is abducted and rescued, Robert decides to take her and her aunt to his home in Scotland.
I felt that both of them had issues with trust and being truthful. They also have an attraction that builds and turns to very sweet romance. I love a happy ever after for these two who were meant to be,
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

The sizzle, the suspense, the banter, the denial of feelings it was all a great recipe. And those intimacy scenes, super romantic and steamy.

I really enjoyed this book, it gave me beauty and the beast vibes. Emmerline and Robert have both had difficult complected lives and when fate puts them both together, things get even stranger. It's a slow burn, which I also enjoy.
Definitely would recommend.

Impoverished Emmaline lives with her eccentric aunt and is running a matchmaking business. Rigid in his ways, Robert is sent by his uncle to investigate the ladies to see if they killed their last client. When Emmaline is abducted and then saved, Robert decides to take her to Scotland to protect her. As they get to know one another they try to fight their mutual attraction. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Anglesey Press for my honest review.

I love the story it really reminded me of a beauty and the beast retelling set in highland times/scotland. This is a series book and I loved the chemistry between the two characters although he was brooding.

A cute and dreamy romance for anyone who is a fan of scottish men. Love these types of stories and how the writing brings everything together.