My father in law got very sick and my focus was too shattered to try and read. I will likely try again some day when my attention is stronger

I finished approximately 30 - 40% of this book. I simply could not get into it. I really enjoyed the initial premise but felt incredibly tripped up by the writing style. I felt it came off as overly mystical and over the top. I'm not sure how to describe it. I felt simply it distracted from the storyline, which was otherwise very solid. I am not leaving a review on goodreads to avoid leaving a negative review.

Marketed right, maybe not in the romance section, I really think this book would have appeal for the right audience in the mood for a fantasy steampunk novel.

The Laird of Duncairn can be described as an alternate historical fantasy with a hint of steampunk. The world building was pretty amazing. Interesting melding of fey lore with advancements in science and technology and political struggles. Good strong female protagonist. However, I had a hard time keeping interest in the story overall. I found myself getting somewhat bored at times with the writing. The author would go off on detailed rants that would distract the reader from the plot.

This is a pretty difficult book to rate; I oscillated between three and four stars for a while. The real rating would probably be 3.5 stars.

This was pretty well written and the fey lore was interesting and well-developed. The storyline was also coherent and well-developed. For some reason the title made me think this was a paranormal historical romance, so I was pleasantly surprised when there wasn't really a romance aspect (I'm not particularly fond of romance-for-romance's sake)

However, I felt my attention drifting off all the time, pulled in sometimes by a well-written turn of phrase or an event. But mostly, I wasn't particularly engaged, and perhaps that is to do with its pacing; it read as slow in a lot of parts and some scenes just seemed like 'filler' that didn't add a lot to the story; if these scenes had been cut out then the narrative would have more clarity and focus in general.

Publisher's Description:

The year is 1882 Scotland, and the auld alliance betwixt king and fey has long been forgotten. Men of science, backed by barons of industry, push the boundaries of technology. When Sir Walter Conrad discovers a new energy source, one that could topple nations and revolutionize society, the race to dominate its ownership begins. But the excavation and use of this energy source will have dire consequences for both humans and fey. For an ancient enemy stirs, awakened by Sir Walter's discovery.

Outcast half-fey Effie of Glen Coe is the Empire's only hope at averting the oncoming disaster. Effie finds herself embroiled in the conflict, investigating the eldritch evil spreading throughout the Highlands. As she struggles against the greed of mighty lords and to escape the clutches of the queen's minions, her comfortable world is shattered. Racing to thwart the growing menace, she realizes the only thing that can save them all is a truce no one wants.

My Thoughts:

I found this title disappointing as it was not at all what I expected. It was listed as a paranormal romance title, but in my opinion there is no romance in this book.
Since I read mostly romance with some historical fiction thrown in, If I had realized the nature of this book I would not have started the read.
I did finish the book even though it was not really to my liking or what I thought it to be.
I gave it 3.25 of 5 stars for storyline and character development because it is well written, just not my cup of tea.
I received a complimentary digital ARC from the publisher to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I have voluntarily reviewed.