Review - A Scot to the Heart by Caroline Linden

A Scot to the Heart, the second book in Caroline Linden's Desperately Seeking Duke series, is just as good as the first! Andrew St. James is the presumptive heir to the Duke of Carlyle, but he's just an army captain, and not prepared for the role at all. The Duchess of Carlyle gives him six months to become a respectable gentleman, and he is determined to do just that. When he gets to Edinburgh to tell his family, however, he meets the vivacious widow, Ilsa Ramsay. Ilsa has lived her whole life under the thumb of first her father, then her husband. Now, she's finally free to do what pleases her, and intends to live her life to the fullest. When she meets Drew, her friend's brother, though, all her plans might go out the window.

This book was very fun - the characters are great, both are infinitely likeable and very believable as well. Their path to falling in love is filled with such joy that it's a pleasure to read. The climax of the story is unexpected and very riveting. There is no third-act breakup common in novels, which felt unusual - I kept waiting for it to happen but it didn't - and it didn't need to, which is nice. Because the majority of the conflict was external, they could just be together. I love it.

Overall it's a great story. Great characters, unexpected plot, and a good amount of steam. Also, ghosts! Definitely read this book if you like Linden's other work. I am for sure looking forward to the next book in this series!

Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Review - About a Rogue by Caroline Linden

"I don't dare touch you or kiss you, because I might combust on the spot if I can't have all of you." Max St James, About a Rogue

First of all - I LOVE this book. All caps. L-O-V-E. I've read a few of Caroline Linden's other work, all of which was good and I enjoyed; About a Rogue is exquisite. 

This is the first book in her new series- Desperately Seeking Duke. The dukedom of Carlyle has lost its only direct heir, and with the present duke in ever-declining health the Duchess seeks out any other heirs - a Scottish army captain and a notorious rogue. 

The rogue is the hero of this novel - Maximillian St James. However, this is a bad boy with a heart of gold. He leverages his shot at a dukedom to propose a partnership with Samuel Tate, owner of a very successful pottery business, including marrying his sweet, calm daughter Catherine Tate. Catherine, however, is in love with another man, and her younger sister, Bianca convinces her to elope on the eve of the wedding, which results in Bianca being forced to marry Max instead.

This isn't quite an enemies-to-lovers story, since Max never views Bianca as an enemy. In fact, he may be one of the sweetest, most patient male protagonists I've read! The chemistry between Bianca and Max builds steadily and is delicious to read. The climax of the book hits hard and fast, and is oh-so-satisfying. 

Linden does an exceptional job writing passion. Both romantically and otherwise. Bianca's passion for her pottery business is conveyed expertly, as is Max's passion to prove himself.

I am so glad to have received this ARC from Harper Collins and the Avon Historical Romance Readers group on Facebook. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!