Full review will appear on Reader's Edyn on 11/23/17 at http://bit.ly/2B05u5A

Grace Ware is an enemy of the crown – her father a former commander of Napoleon and her mother an exiled Scot. Her father has just been murdered and after running from his attackers, she finds herself locked away in a crate bound for who knows where. Five days later and very near death, she is discovered by Greysteil and nursed back to health. But her luck could not be worse because he’s a Justice of the courts and she fears his retribution should he discover her identity. Her only course of action, to feign amnesia until she can plan an escape to finish the quest her father had been on. But the Penningtons are an accepting family and she is easily welcomed in to the fold. Before too long, she finds that Hugh’s reputation as a fair man is warranted. Worse still, she falls for him and starts to hope for a future which cannot ever be for a known enemy such as she is.

Hugh Pennington, Viscount Greysteil is a widower – having lost his wife and young son in the war and internalizing personal guilt for their deaths, he is known to have a bit of a death wish. While he scoffs it off to others, inside he knows the truth of the rumor. When Grace is literally delivered to his door, he instinctively knows there is much to her mysterious circumstances that must be uncovered. When an attempt on her life is revealed, he vows to get to the bottom of the truth. He has a reputation for being fair, and even considers himself to be so – but the tenacious Grace challenges him at every turn and soon elicits a new way of thinking in some areas. As they uncover her secrets, they come to understand one another. Ultimately Hugh decides he will never let Grace go, but a lot must occur and the cards must fall in their favor or Grace’s life will never be her own.

May McGoldrick – I can tell you that if all books are this fantastic, I will not hesitate to buy every single one of them. This intricate plot was brilliantly crafted and wonderfully executed. The Penningtons are a unique family with a tragic beginning (at least for their parents) that eventually came round to create the family that we are introduced to. While we did not learn a great deal about all of the siblings, I learned enough about Hugh, his sister, and their parents, to wish they were my neighbors and friends. I want to know more and I despise having to wait for the next installment, but with no other choice, wait I will.

Grace is quite clever and her ability with her photographic memory makes her a perfect complement to Hugh. Her strong character and refusal to back down tasks him with reexamination of some of his tactics. Hugh is also quite ingenious and uses his intellect powerfully, but impartially within the courtroom. His role within the court is almost a secondary persona – a change in his demeanor as the Justice comes to the surface. A tortured alpha who doesn’t even realize he is in need of saving – and a betrayed heroine who doesn’t believe saving is even within the realm of possibility – Hugh and Grace couldn’t be more perfectly matched. His family is an interesting mixture with open minds and a welcoming nature toward pretty much everyone. I very much enjoyed my time getting to know a portion of the Pennington family and am looking forward to the next book in the series! Those who love HR with a powerful family that uses their power for good, a charming cast of characters, a thrilling and enthralling plot, a shroud of mystery surrounding it all, and a brilliantly beautiful love story are sure to be pleased with McGoldrick and the Penningtons.

Kindle version provided by St. Martin’s Press ~ Swerve/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The story begins at top speed when Grace, the heroine, discovers some men as they’ve just killed her father and they chase her through Antwerp’s streets. She hides in a crate in a ware-house and finds herself shut away. The crate is delivered five days later in Scotland to Hugh, who’s stunned to find a half-dead young woman in it.

After recovery, Grace is doubly frightened: she doesn’t know who killed her father and why, and she’s hosted by a man who fought in the opposite camp during the Napoleonic wars. She feigns being amnesic to avoid questions, but the fact she’s very intelligent with an exceptional memory plays tricks on her once or two times. She also tends to judge without knowing all the info and on two occasions she throws her truth in the hero’s head who didn’t deserve that.

Hugh is a man marked by the war and who reproaches himself for his wife and his son’s deaths when he has nothing to do with it. His family worries because he’s a bit reckless and has risked his life several times. Besides he’s straight, honest, and tries to be just for the oppressed minorities. He’s annoyed to be attracted to the heroine when she’s in a weakened position, but soon he decides he wants to keep her no matter what.

The rhythm that began so well slows quite fast and never starts again, and we’re left waiting for something to happen. The plot about Grace’s father’s murder is solved quite quickly in the end. There’s a little subplot about a justice decision Hugh must takes for a deaf and mute woman where he puts to good use Grace’s talents, and I almost preferred this story to the rest of the novel.

The whole novel is easily read but I was never really grabbed by it. I even had trouble writing this review! However I’m intrigued by Hugh’s sister, a very interesting character in this volume, who will be the heroine of the second one.

The Napoleonic Wars are over but the political maneuverings are far from, Grace and her father are traveling with messages from Joseph Bonaparte to his wife Julie. They are attacked and Grace ends up hiding in a crate that gets shipped off to Scotland. As the daughter of a French cavalry officer with Jacobite ancestors, Grace finds herself in a perilous position when she awakens in the home of a former English cavalry officer and current judge.
Hugh still blames himself for not being able to rescue his wife and son during the war; he therefore likes dangerous hobbies such as ballooning. When an unconscious woman is found in the new basket he had delivered, he can't help but be drawn to her.
Grace and Hugh may have been on opposite sides of the war but their serendipitous meeting will have them joining together.
 
"I shouldn't have kissed you," she finally managed to whisper.
"No, it was I," he said, his gaze still setting her body aflame even from two steps away. "But I don't regret it, and I don't think you do, either."
 
First in the new Pennington Family series, Romancing the Scot is a rich and intriguing tale. Hugh is our viscount, former cavalry officer, and current judge hero, whose parents you might remember from the authors' Scottish Dream Trilogy. I greatly appreciated the authors' attention to Hugh as a judge. We don't get a courtroom scene but instead an engaging look at how he approaches his cases, specifically through a case involving a deaf and mute woman accused of murdering her child (in the author's note, the case is said to be based on a real one). This approach not only allowed Hugh and Grace to bond through solving how to work the case, showing how Hugh appreciated Grace's mind and abilities, it also added unique details to an often written about time period.
 
While Hugh provided the calm and commanding demeanor, Grace gave us the action and compelling components. She at first claims amnesia because she fears that her father fighting for Napoleon and her Jacobite ancestors might land her in trouble but can't keep lying as she grows closer with Hugh. Grace was a wonderful heroine who didn't need to be dramatically overwritten to show her brilliance in strength living the everyday life she was placed in. She traveled with her French cavalry father, fighting sicknesses, helping wounded, and marching in the muck like many of the women in her time did; she's utterly capable but also so human in her vulnerability. The story's drama comes from Grace running from men who killed her father and her thinking they're after a huge diamond she didn't know until later she was transporting. There are English and French spies and some machinations.
 
The story started off right away at a bit of run and it did jolt me a bit as I had to attempt to place the characters and what exactly was going on but it does level off fairly quickly. The middle slowed a bit as I thought more of a focus on the romance between Grace and Hugh could have sparked vivacity but I also greatly enjoyed the feel of history in this historical romance. There's a mention of the Spa Fields riots, the workings of the law I mentioned, and a focus on the Scottish Clearances. If you read a fair amount of Scottish historicals from the 1800s, you've probably run across this historical event, what made this feel different was instead of just reciting what the Clearances were or did, the authors' focused on the actual people and effects, it felt more intimate. The historical components in this story felt true and woven in a way that immensely added to the feel and created a richer story tapestry.
 
I thought the middle could have used more romance between our couple but I also believed in them when they made love, the writing sometimes veered toward flowery/purple, the plot was weaving and intriguing, and the historical components highly enriched the story. Hugh's sister Jo was a touching character in her own right and with the set-up (adopted, broken engagement) the authors' have alluded to, I can't wait to read her book. Romancing the Scot was just an all around interesting read and a strong beginning to the Pennington Family series.

Enjoyable and entertaining book, with quite a few twists and turns. Both the h and H are dynamic and interesting characters, with well developed side characters. Not your run of the mill regency romance.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. This book tells the story of Grace Ware, the daughter of one of Napoleon's most trusted military men. Grace's only family is her father and she has traveled with him throughout her life, even as far as the battlefields. Grace's amazingly perfect memory has made her a valuable asset to her father as well, she can remember literally everything - everything she reads, sees, and hears and exactly where it originated and can even sort these items chronologically. Its quite amazing. Anyways after her father is murdered, Grace ends up hiding in a crate and ends up being shipped to Scotland, where she arrives 5 days later almost dead. She's been shipped to Hugh Pennington, a decorated war veteran himself only on the British side. After nursing Grace back to health, Hugh begins to have feelings for her without knowing who she is. But can they overcome their differences and find happiness together?
Overall I thought this was an ok book. The plot like was fairly interesting and I liked both the main characters. There was a little bit too much mush-y stuff for me, the hero and heroine profess their undying love, multiple times. Which is fine but just not something I usually go for. Other than that though it was a sweet story and I found it interesting. It was a fairly quick read and I would recommend giving it a try!

Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Lots of suspense and intrigue. Hugh is wonderfully compassionate and Grace is fierce and independent. I felt their chemistry from the start.

This is my first read by this author and it didn't disappoint. I'm eager to read Hugh's parents story as well as Jo's in the next installment.

I’m still relatively new to the world of historical romances but I really enjoyed this one - I loved the whole story, the element of danger, the chemistry between The main characters and the plot development all worked together to make it one of the most enjoyable historicals I’ve read so far. Looking forward to more in the series!

As a history but I loved this read, as a romance fan it was ok. Grace witnesses the murder of her father and ends up running for her life. She ends up trapped in a crate and shipped to Scotland. Hugh is the Lord Justice and after saving Grace their attractions grows. But what will happen with the truth comes out. This is an entertaining read with loads of drama and suspense. The characters were good and the story held my interest throughout. Be advise most of the romance is in the later part of the book. A good read.

Hugh Pennington, Viscount Greysteil, High Court Judge, was a Calvary Officer in the English army, he is a landowner and he rescues Grace from a crate. She is almost dead.
Grace Ware is the daughter of Colonel Ware, who lead the armies for Napolean against the English and allies.
This story has it all, kidnapping, danger, intrigue, spies and treason. The descriptions and dialogue are amazing and help you to maintain interest in the story. The characters seem realistic, warm and welcoming. Of course there are bad apples in every barrel. The plot is complex but it grabs you from the start and you are unable to put it down. It is a wonderful tale and unusual, her dad worked for the bad guys. I loved her rescue from the crate and how Jo, Hugh's sister, accepted her so quickly and was so kind to Grace.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.

Star crossed Regency with a sprinkling of intrigue

Judge Hugh Pennington, Viscount Greyneil, pries open the crate of his new hot air balloon to find a crumpled figure inside. Grace Ware, daughter of a Napoleonic general, feigns amnesia when she realises where she is. I’ve never read a Regency with a French-aligned heroine, so this is a nice change. Of course, the two of them fall in love, but Grace’s secret and shadows from her past threaten to drive them apart. The intrigue adds a nice layer to the novel without feeling forced.

Despite seeing through Grace’s eyes, I don’t feel like I really got to know her over the book – we see people react to her and grow to love her, but we don’t really see why. Hugh, meanwhile, I found a lot more fleshed out and proactive.

All in all, it’s a good Regency romance and I am keen to see Hugh’s sister Jo find her own happy ending.

I received a copy of this story from the author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a great story. This is my first book by this author and I was not disappointed. It has everything. Intrigue, action, romance. Loved it

Intrigue and Romance

Romancing The Scot is a story with elements of intrigue, murder, suspense, and justice all wrapped in a beautiful romance that takes place in Scotland, after the Napoleonic war. It’s a captivating story rich in characterization and historical detail.

Hugh Pennington, Viscount Greysteil, is filled with guilt, heartbroken over the loss of his wife and young son. Now eight years later after the war, he is known as hero and judge of the Edinburgh court. Hugh is an honorable man who advocates for those less privileged and unfortunate who are unfairly caught in an imperfect system.

Grace Ware is the daughter of an Irish commander who fought for the French. As Grace and her father make their way from America enroute to Brussels, their party is attacked, and Grace escapes with her life. She’s hidden in a crate, but doesn’t realize the crate is bound for Scotland. Found after five days and barely hanging on, Grace is nursed back to health by Hugh and his sister, Jo. But Grace is at first wary to divulge her true identity to her newly found friends, and confused over her attraction to Hugh. Hugh discovers Grace is highly intelligent and fascinating, unlike any woman he has ever met. Her formidable gift for memory and recall is the genius he needs in aiding him with some difficult cases in court.

But danger has followed Grace onto the Pennington estate. Hugh is determined to protect Grace at any cost, and uncover the threat surrounding her. But will Hugh still love her after he finds out the truth about her father? Great plot and admirable characters, mild heat level. I highly recommend this book for all fans of historical romance, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I received an ARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley, and voluntarily reviewed it.

the first book in mcgoldrick's pennington series, romancing the scot, finds hugh, viscount greysteil opening a box he expects to contain a new basket for his hot air balloon only to discover a young woman trapped and nearly dead at the bottom of it.

he takes her in and with the help of his sister and his staff nurses her back to health. when grace awakens and realizes where she is, she is afraid to reveal herself fully. her father was a supporter of napoleon. by all rights and purposes she is considered a traitor to the english crown, and as a high justice of the court, hugh would have no choice but to sentence her. so she feigns amnesia.

but as she learns more about him, and as the intrigue surrounding her draws near, she finds it more and more difficult to hide from hugh. she is drawn to him. his compassion, his kindness, and his fair-mindedness are an incredible draw. and then there is the pull of his physical presence. a flame of attraction she's never felt for any other man before this one.

she's afraid of how her past will affect him. afraid that because she was a good and loyal daughter she'll never have the chance to live with love. because that is what hugh offers her. his love, his heart, and he does this wholly, with no reservations. and it's super dreamy. i loved this story.

i can't wait to see where the other penningtons will find true love.

**romancing the scot published on november 14, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press (swerve) in exchange for my honest review.

Good characters,exciting story. An unusual look at the period just after the Napoleonic wars.

This story shines with fantastic heroes and a plot that was well thought-out and smart. I was genuinely caught up in the intricacies and details of the story and I could not put this book down!

Grace Ware’s father was an Irish colonel who fought on the side of the French during the Napoleonic wars. Her father is killed by strangers and Grace escapes sure death, trapped in a crate shipped from Antwerp to Scotland, barely surviving the crossing. The crate was sent to Hugh Pennington, Viscount Greysteil, who also happens to be the Lord Justice in Edinburgh and was a high-ranking cavalry officer during the Napoleonic Wars. Obviously, Grace can’t tell him her true identity.

Hugh is a widow who has spent years grieving the loss of his wife and his young son. He is irresistibly drawn to Grace and is fascinated by her wit. He is a delicious hero, confident in his abilities, loyal and honorable. And yet Grace confronts him with his Court’s anti-Irish bias, prosecuting defendants for petty offences, simply because they are Irish. He accepts her findings, although it cuts him deeply that his sense of justice and fairness has failed.

The romance between Hugh and Grace is simply beautiful, I found that the attraction between them was wonderfully rendered. The authors did a great job of building up the tension. Hugh and Grace are not enemies but soulmates. Hugh fears for Grace’s safety and his love is demonstrated in actions and words.

Riveting storytelling, elegant writing style and wonderful characters, this book had it all! It was my first read by authors May McGoldrick, but it won’t be my last! “Romancing The Scot” is the first in a new series about the Pennington siblings and I can’t wait for more!

Romancing the Scot (The Pennington Family, #1)
by May McGoldrick
Anna Swedenmom's review Nov 14, 2017 · edit
it was amazing

If we had ten stars to give this book deserves them!
So buy buy buy buy buy!

From the start you will be engaged for every layer of this book and its offerings. If you love romance, mystery, strong characters, and a wonderful plot line you will love this story. This authors writing created a picture in my mind and that is not an easy thing to do. From start until finish, I was totally a part of the story and not willing to lay it down until I was done reading it. Then I just wanted more!
The plot is one I did not expect, her characters were wonderful, the way the story unfolds was perfect, each element made this a fantastic read! So buy and sit and enjoy! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna

I loved the opening scene of this book. The hero’s character is amazing and made me fall in love with him before I even finished reading the first chapter. A lovely romance that develops gradually and made me fall in love with both Hugh and Grace. I also adored Jo’s character and cannot wait for her to get her own story. Such a brave, kind and loving character definitely deserves a happy ending.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

Romancing the Scot by May McGoldrick is the First book in the New Series called "The Pennington Family". This is the story of Hugh Pennington and Grace Ware.
Grace's father was once a high ranking military commander but in the Napoleonic wars left badly injured and Grace took on the job to take care of him. One of the jobs she has taken to help him was to be his secretary of sorts and help him continue his work. But on one of these meetings her father is killed and she runs to hide inside a shipping box. These leads her to be shipped to Hugh's house. Hugh has his own issue that he is fight. The lost of his wife and young son. Hugh feels the guilt of not being there for them. Hugh is careless now with his life and has taken to do daring things that worry his family and friends. When he gets a shipping box he thinks it is his latest hobby but find a half dead women. Grace pretends to not know who she because she is not sure who she can trust. Grace thinks her lost of memory can buy her time.
I not sure I can say enough about this book. I have loved the books by this author before but this just shows me how right I am to put them so highly on my list.

I received an arc of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Grace Ware has spent her life supporting her father. An Irish military commander who supported Napoleon, her father now helps deliver messages from Napolean’s brother in America to his wife in Belgium. While on one such mission, Grace and her group are targeted by assassins. Grace, the only survivor hides inside a crate, only to find herself nailed in and transported by ship.

Hugh Pennington, Viscount Greysteil, Lord Justice of the Scottish Courts is shocked when the ballooning basket he has been waiting for is uncrated. Discovering a delirious woman inside he is compelledto offer her aid.

Grace, upon awakening, must fake amnesia or risk being labelled a traitor. While Grace recuperates she cannot help her growing attraction for Hugh. Grace challenges Hugh and helps him to discover new ways of thinking.

Can two opposing sides find love all the while a hidden enemy lies close to home.

I found this an intriguing read. It is unusual in Regency novels for a main character to have served at Napoleon’s side. There is a delightful mix of intrigue, action, drama and above all else romance.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has a few hours to spare because once you start it, you can’t help but finish it.