Book Review #ladyscot #jadelee #dragonbladepublishing #netgalley #ARC
Lady Scot is the second edition in the "Always a Scot" series by Jade Lee, and while I did not read the first book in this series, this novel can be read as a standalone. I found this to be a fairly enjoyable novel, it is quick paced, well written and quickly engaging. The novel has many interesting characters that help to guide the story while setting up future romances. I think Jade Lee does a nice job of unraveling the love story between the main hero and heroine and setting up some heroine's for the novels that will be forthcoming. I do think that perhaps with reading the first novel in this series I would have gotten some further glimpses and insight to the hero and heroine of this novel which might have provided a different depth to their love story, but overall I was not confused by their past relationship and where we meet them in this novel.
Mairi has decided that she is down with Scotsmen and runs off to London on her own seeking the help of a countess to help her navigate London society and find a sassanach husband. Connall has loved Mairi forever and he knows now might be his last chance to secure their future, so he swiftly follows after her and then is also obligated to bring along two other women to London in hopes of finding husbands this London season.
In this novel Jade Lee balances the three women preparing for a London season and Connall's attempted courtship of Mairi, even though he claims he is also in London to find himself and English bride. With all these moving pieces the story really clips along swiftly and we jump moment to moment in this novel. The moments that focused on Mairi and Connell's interactions were really sweet and heartwarming. Connell feels so sure of his love for Mairi that he tries to find ways to bring her out of her shell as well as trying to meet her where she is in her feelings. Mairi is working through her understanding of love and the pain that love can bring when it is stolen prematurely from someone, and this is the real conflict between their relationship and why she has a hard time surrendering herself to Connell. I think that Connell's dedication and determination when it comes to his love is done in a really lovely and consensual way, he never pushes Mairi past what she is ready to give and that shows a really nice understanding that Connell has for Mairi. The steam level on this novel is on the lower side, but I do love that Mairi, while a virgin, is not innocent to the ways she can give herself pleasure.
Overall, a sweet heartwarming novel about two people who have loved each other for a long time realizing that love is all that matters and that you must embrace it when you find it and cherish it while it lasts. I am definitely interested in continuing on in the series, Lee definitely leaves the reader wanting for the next book.
Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.