This is a terrific book which starts off with a bang! I just love this new series by one of my favorite authors. The story is believable and full of action. It had me at first page and never let go. The characters are real with thoughts and feelings of their own. You won't be disappointed by reading this very realistic romance.
Grace Ware is on the run from men who murdered her father. Even though her father was once the Irish commander of the Napoleon's defeated Army, she is now alone. She is hunted down and flees into a warehouse where she is nailed into a crate by person unknown to her.
When Grace arrives at a warehouse, she is found by a man who could be her hero or enemy. Hugh Pennington, Lord Justice of the Scottish courts finds the lady who may not live but he's determined to help her anyway.
When Grace awakens, she finds herself feigning amnesia to the man who saved her life. She is considered a traitor and must be very careful around this powerful man. She is attracted to Hugh and she to him. There is a lot of mystery going on here, and people who would do anything to get to Grace even if means her life is forfeit.
I really loved the interaction between Grace and Hugh who slowly fall in love.
So please pick up this book and find out if they have a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

What an exhilarating start to a new series!

This had everything you could possibly want in a book drama, deceit mystery spies action and a swoon worthy hero! A resilient and smart heroine who doesn’t back down from any situation.
The suspense will grab you from the first page and won’t let you go till you’ve read through to the last page ( make sure you start early otherwise you could be reading way into the morning ) Evil forces are at work that ultimately throw a wrench in the relationship, once everything is resolved the HEA is the reward!

I highly recommend this new series by May McGoldrick. It’s well written and rich in detail. You’ll fall in love with Hugh and Grace.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest opinion.

This story kept you on your toes, it captures your interest from the very beginning, we had history, murder and mystery oh my and under cover lies. Grace's father worked to Napoleon and she had to keep her identity a secret. It is a romance you should read.

Generally this isn’t normally my sort of book but I found myself enjoying it as light escapism. A guilty pleasure during a time period where work was especially fraught. It’s certainly among the finer kinds of Outlander-lite imitators out there. I found Grace to be a refreshingly multi dimensioned heroine in a genre that often only gives you the barest outline. An enjoyable popcorn book.

The husband-and-wife team who become May McGoldrick are simply great story-tellers. They present romance, mystery, suspense and helpings of history for a rich, complex tale. In Romancing the Scot, you have seemingly star-crossed lovers -- her family supported the French while he is a veteran of the English army whose wife and son died trying to reach him during battle. How could he ever love her, especially when it appears Grace Ware might even be a spy? But Hugh Pennington--Viscount Greysteil -- hero of the Napoleonic wars, is a man capable of great love and passion. Despite his grief over losing his wife and son (and boy is that a complicated set of circumstances) he begins to come alive again when presented with the mystery of the woman, barely alive, who is delivered to him from Brussels inside a chest. What I especially love about this book is how the authors don't allow silly misunderstandings. Grace is not forthcoming in the beginning, but the minute she needs to tell all, there is no backing down. Hugh understands who she is and doesn't "hate" her because she was on the side of the French. For those of us who have read McGoldrick books before, there is a sense of familiarity with the settings, characters and events of the past -- I'm slow on the uptake, but even I figured out that Hugh is the son of Lyon and Millicent. What a treat to catch up on the family and personally, I cannot wait to find out what happens next. This was just a great read. The title is somewhat bland, and could be about almost anything, however. A story this textured and compelling deserves a bit more dash -- so maybe next time. (I received an ARC from NetGelley in return for my honest review.)

Publisher's Description:

In this stunning series starter by USA Today bestselling author May McGoldrick, meet the new generation of Penningtons...five brothers and sisters of passion and privilege. Enter their aristocratic world…where each will fight injustice and find love.

Hugh Pennington—Viscount Greysteil, Lord Justice of the Scottish Courts, hero of the Napoleonic wars—is a grieving widower with a death wish. When he receives an expected crate from the continent, he is shocked to find a nearly dead woman inside. Her identity is unknown, and the handful of American coins and the precious diamond sown into her dress only deepen the mystery.

Grace Ware is an enemy to the English crown. Her father, an Irish military commander of Napoleon’s defeated army. Her mother, an exiled Scottish Jacobite. When Grace took shelter in a warehouse, running from her father’s murderers through the harbor alleyways of Antwerp, she never anticipated bad luck to deposit her at the home of an aristocrat in the Scottish Borders. Baronsford is the last place she could expect to find safety, and Grace feigns a loss of memory to buy herself time while she recovers.

Hugh is taken by her beauty, passion, and courage to challenge his beliefs and open his mind. Grace finds in him a wounded man of honor, proud but compassionate. When their duel of wits quickly turns to passion and romance, Grace’s fears begin to dissolve…until danger follows her to the very doors of Baronsford. For, unknown to either of them, Grace has in her possession a secret that will wreak havoc within the British government. Friend and foe are indistinguishable as lethal forces converge to tear the two lovers apart or destroy them both.

My Thoughts:

Spies, intrigue and romance... This well written and stunning beginning of this new series by this husband and wife author team is not to be missed.

Grace Ware is an enemy to the English crown. She unknowingly holds a secret that could have changed the course of the war at the very least and her life without a doubt.
Her talent for absorbing all that she reads or hears makes her a threat to a traitorous group of spies.

Hugh Pennington, Viscount Greysteil, and Lord Justice of the Scottish Courts is a hero of the Napoleonic wars and a grieving widower with a death wish. When his precious new toy, a hot air balloon arrives with a woman, near death nailed into the crate he suddenly has feelings he has no wish for.

After Grace survives it is the Pennington family's wish for her to reveal herself to them. She decides it is best to pretend amnesia instead since she feels certain her truth could mean her imprisonment or death.

I could not put this book down. Although it is the first in this new series it can very well stand on it's own.
I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.75 of 5.0 flames. The heat between our hero and heroine is a palpable thing.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Grace Ware is an enemy to the English crown. Her father an Irish military commander of Napoleon’s defeated army dies right before her vary eyes and she runs for her life. She’s trapped in a hot air balloon basket where she is unknowingly crated and shipped overseas to Scotland where she’s deposit her at the home of an aristocrat in the Scottish Borders.
Hugh Pennington—Viscount Greysteil, Lord Justice of the Scottish Courts, hero of the Napoleonic war. His crate arrives as expected with his new hot air balloon basket, but he’s shocked to find a nearly dead woman inside. A beautiful woman with no memory and her identity is unknown with secrets of her own she arrives with a handful of American coins and the precious diamond sown into her dress only deepen the mystery.
Hugh and Grace are instantly attracted to each other their duel of wits quickly turns to passion and romance. Hugh becomes very protective his mystery woman. There’s an unknown assailant is out to kill Grace, can she trust the Lord Justice with her secrets or run away to keep Hugh and his family safe. Unbeknownst to Grace her secret could wreak havoc within the British government. A great book filled with adventure, suspense, mystery and romance!!!
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

Another fabulous can't put down read, this is the first in a new series about the Pennington Family.

It is set before the Napoleonic wars in Scotland and has intrigue, treason, mystery and love with a bit of humour thrown in.

Loved this

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and voluntarily leave my own opinion

In this stunning series starter by USA Today bestselling author May McGoldrick, meet the new generation of Penningtons...five brothers and sisters of passion and privilege. Enter their aristocratic world…where each will fight injustice and find love.

Hugh Pennington—Viscount Greysteil, Lord Justice of the Scottish Courts, hero of the Napoleonic wars—is a grieving widower with a death wish. When he receives an expected crate from the continent, he is shocked to find a nearly dead woman inside. Her identity is unknown, and the handful of American coins and the precious diamond sown into her dress only deepen the mystery.

Grace Ware is an enemy to the English crown. Her father, an Irish military commander of Napoleon’s defeated army. Her mother, an exiled Scottish Jacobite. When Grace took shelter in a warehouse, running from her father’s murderers through the harbor alleyways of Antwerp, she never anticipated bad luck to deposit her at the home of an aristocrat in the Scottish Borders. Baronsford is the last place she could expect to find safety, and Grace feigns a loss of memory to buy herself time while she recovers.

Hugh is taken by her beauty, passion, and courage to challenge his beliefs and open his mind. Grace finds in him a wounded man of honor, proud but compassionate. When their duel of wits quickly turns to passion and romance, Grace’s fears begin to dissolve…until danger follows her to the very doors of Baronsford. For, unknown to either of them, Grace has in her possession a secret that will wreak havoc within the British government. Friend and foe are indistinguishable as lethal forces converge to tear the two lovers apart or destroy them both.




Review:




Very good start to this new series!




I had not read this Author before and found I really enjoyed their writing. This Author is actually a writing duo and I could say that the work was seamless in its voice and style. I liked that this was full of action and intrigue that really started from page number one. Hugh and Grace were wonderful, they are caring, daring, smart, fun and sexy. Even though Grace is keeping a huge secret from Hugh it makes total sense for the story. That Hugh can understand and try to help Grace shows what a stand-up character he is. Also, I thought the ending to the story was good for the couple and the story.




Like I said this is the first time I had read this Author, but I find myself wanting to read more from them. I am not sure who is next in this series, but cannot wait to find out.




4Stars

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

One of the reasons I read Regency or Historical Romance, aside from my enjoyment of a good love story, is a personal fascination with the general time period. While I might not want to give up my current necessities of life it certainly is an incredible journey to be able to step back in time. Usually history is simply a backdrop in these stories, with a few major historical events as the exception to that rule. In Romancing the Scothistory is very much alive, a character if you will, of this romance, and that captured my attention and kept it.

There are several levels to Hugh and Grace’s story, each more engaging than the last. Hugh is somewhat of a daredevil these days. The death of his wife and son still tears at his heart and soul, one might think he has a death wish to join them with the risks he takes with his life. Although a man of power, he is also a fair and honorable man. Much of what he feels and believes will be put to the test when a shipment is made to his home — with an unexpected surprise inside.

Grace may have arrived at Hugh’s doorstep barely alive, yet she has the presence of mind to realize that she is in as much, if not more danger now. Grace would be considered an enemy of the Crown here is Scotland, and it seems she has escaped her father’s murderers only to find herself in dire straits once again. Her solution is to pretend to have lost her memory of what happened to her, recover quickly and make her way back to discover the men responsible for her father’s death and have them pay. None of that will be easy, especially the longer she remains with Hugh the less she wants to leave. Nothing can ever come of the passion and emotions they are feeling for they are enemies, but tell that to her heart. Soon that decision will be taken from her hands as Grace unwittingly holds a secret that others are willing to kill to prevent it being told.

Romancing the Scot is a fascinating journey through the history of their time as Hugh and Grace find their way to a happy ending. I was captured from the opening scenes right through to the final page – with a need to continue this series to see what the other siblings will get themselves into next. The history part of this romance is expertly woven throughout the story and easily becomes almost a character to watch as well. I will skim through a huge information dump in any story. I don’t like them, they take me out of the story – I did not feel that in this story at all, and that played a huge part in my enjoyment of Hugh and Grace’s journey.

If you love Historical Romance, a mystery to solve, a bit of a puzzle to put together, interesting secondary characters and a couple well worth cheering for – then Romancing the Scot is a book you should be picking up. It’s an amazing romance, a bit steamy at times, a love story in every sense – and a journey through life changing events. Remember they are considered enemies, so there are some adjustments and issues to be dealt with as well. Discovering how they overcome that small detail is an adventure you will not want to miss. I’d recommend this story, and I’m already looking forward to continuing the series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This takes place in post Napoleonic war in Scotland. It's an entertaining story with a good balance of romance, intrigue, treason, justice, humour and family values.

Hugh is a Scottish aristocrat and a war hero who is still grieving for his losses. As a judge, he is fair and champions those who are not so privileged as long as they have just cause. There are some holes in the system which proves that he is only human.

Grace is the daughter of an Irish Commander, on the opposite side to Hugh. She devotes her life to caring for her wounded father, until he is murdered.

She escapes with her life and finds herself in a hiding place which is impossible to escape from. Hugh finds her in one of his deliveries. A crate with his air balloon basket. She is half dead and he doesn’t waste any time in getting her to safety. He ensures that she receives the proper medical care, but when she discovers who he represents, she hides her identity under the guise of amnesia.

Hugh and his sister Jo ensure that she is made comfortable. It's the Pennington's way. Hugh starts having feelings that he thought died eight years ago and Grace is confused by her attraction to him. On the occasion that she challenges him about his justice system, he realises that there are some truth in what she says and this could mean a new beginning.

She is unaware of the object that was found in her possession and the danger that it could represent. She is subjected to an attack and as the story unravels, she finds that there is more at stake than her mystery object. The last thing she wants is to put the Penningtons in an awkward situation. Will she run or will she give Hugh a second chance?

I absolutely love the interactions between Hugh and Grace. They make a wonderful couple and complete one another. Jo is the ideal sister and best friend. It's an engaging story with a solid and realistic plot. The characters are well developed and I found myself totally captivated from beginning to end. It would appeal to fans of historical romance novels.

I was kindly issued with an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

As a Regency romance lover, I’ve read hundreds, probably thousands, of books in the genre. And in all those books, I’m honestly wracking my brain to think of one where the heroine wasn’t on the ‘English’ side in the Napoleonic Wars. Which makes Romancing The Scot a standout right off the bat.
Grace Ware is twice an enemy to the English crown. Her father is an Irish military commander who was once Napoleon’s best tactical officer, her mother an exiled Scottish Jacobite. Fleeing her father’s murderers while on a mission to deliver a secret message from Napoleon’s brother to his wife, she ends up trapped in a crate and almost dies before the shipment is offloaded in Scotland… at the estate of a Scottish magistrate, a hero of the wars on the English side.
Hugh Pennington prides himself on his honour and his fair treatment of everyone, regardless of their situation in life. Shocked to find a beautiful woman near death in his shipment, he cannot help but want to know the truth about her, especially when a priceless diamond is discovered sewn into the bodice of her dress. Grace’s secrets may prove lethal to more than just herself, though, and even Hugh’s sense of fairness may be tested once he discovers her true identity.
The only detail that bothered me slightly - and I have to confess that I don’t know enough about accents in the era to know if this would actually have been a factor - is that Hugh didn’t seem to note Grace had a different accent to the English and Scottish nobility he knew. Having been raised in the French court and then moving to America, it seemed to me that she would sound different. Even Grace making a conscious decision to mimic the speech of Hugh and his sister would have dealt with the matter. A small detail, and one which didn’t really affect my enjoyment of the story.
It is very clear that the author has done their research. The historical detail in this story is fantastic, though it is woven cleverly into the story rather than info-dumped. The romance part is rather slow to start, but fantastic once it gets going, and if you are a lover of genuine historical accuracy and intriguing detail in your Regency romances you are going to absolutely adore this. I most certainly did.
Five stars.
Disclaimer: I was invited by the publisher to review an advance copy of this book.

In a very short space of time Grace Ware goes from looking after her ailing father to running for her life. Her special gift is not going to be much help to her when her traumatic journey ends.
Hugh Pennington, Viscount Greysteil is taking a break from his duties as Lord Justice of the Commissary Court to take delivery if his new toy. He was not expecting the gondola to be occupied.
This story is full of danger and intrigue . Our brave heroine has to use the full power of her incredible mind to ensure she will survive. Our hero is also a very clever and powerful man . He needs to use all his resources to get the future he wants.
An exciting story with fascinating characters.
I loved it.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

I loved how the author combined actual historical events with the hero’s and heroine’s past that puts them on opposing sides even as they’re attracted to each other. Hugh is a man of honor and kindness. He’s open to hearing personal criticism and reflect on them, making changes if needed. Grace is passionate, intelligent and has great empathy for other’s suffering.

The historical events tying this story together made it interesting for me.

Grace Ware, who has an extraordinary memory, and her father, an Irish colonel who fought for Napoleon have been in America since her father was injured at Waterloo. They are returning to Europe and land in Antwerp on their way to Brussells. Her father is killed and she runs to escape the same fate. She hides in a crate holding a large basket and finds herself trapped as someone nails the crate closed.
Five days later, Hugh, Viscount and Lord Justice of Scotland is waiting for the delivery of a new basket for his hot air balloon. Upon it's arrival he and his sister, Jo, go to open it and find a nearly dead woman, Grace, in it. They take her home and send for the doctor who does not hold much hope of her recovering. She slowly recovers but is afraid to tell them who she is.
That doesn't stop Hugh from falling in love with her and vice versa. She becomes a help in his legal research but her past has caught up with her. There is so much going on in this book and I will not spoil it for you. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.
Thanks to the publisher for allowing me an ARC. No one has asked me to write a review or influenced my opinion.

This is a delightful romance which reads like a contemporary romance set in a historical period.

Trouble finds Grace and her father when they arrive in Europe after a long sojourn in the Americas.  In escaping from her father's murderers Grace finds herself closed up in a crate and shipped off to sea. Imagine Hugh Pennington and his sister's surprise when they uncrate his new hot air balloon and all its accoutrements to find a young woman barely alive curled up around the contents of the box.
Being that Grace now finds herself in the home of the Lord Justice of Scotland and a survivor of the Napoleonic wars and Grace's father was one of Napoleon's leading generals, Grace determines it judicious to pretend to have amnesia. Matters become more dire when she finds that trouble might just have followed her to the wilds of Scotland.  It's interesting to see Grace work to extricate herself from her dilemma.
Grace might understand that she's in danger in more ways than one and that she's pretending to have lost her memory but her passionate nature will not allow her to take a back seat when she see's injustice.  She has no qualms about expressing her opinions to Hugh and actually wakes him up to the fact that he might inadvertently have been party to injustice himself. I truly enjoyed the case of the poor deaf and dumb woman imprisoned for the murder of her son who is rotting in jail until Grace took an interest in her plight and does the research necessary to bring her justice.
A delightful story that comes together really well and introduces us to a host of new characters who will soon be finding their own romances.

Great story by the author. First one I read. Hero is Huge. Heroine is Grace

Grace and her father are on their way to Brussels from the States. It’s after the napoleons war . Grace has a memory like an elephant she always always remembers. Along the journey Graces father is killed. Grace sees the killers in the room . Also the killers see her and she needs to run and hide . Some Street children that she helped earlier help hide in a crate . Little does Grace know that the crate is sealed up with her inside. With no food 🥘 or water 💦. The crate arrives in Scotland where a Viscount wants to try Bollowing .
Huge is not only a viscount but also Lord Justine in Scotland. When he finds Grace in the crate he needs and feels to find out how Grace was stuck in there .
Grace pretends to have amnesia because even though the war between France and England are over they were staying with Napoleons brother in the states and on their way to Brussels to meet his wife. She doesn’t want to hang since people will think they are traitors.
Once Grace tells Huge everything they do need to find the traitors to the British Government. That is where Graces memory comes in. How does she name. Do they go after her

I loved this story, Hugh and Grace are wonderful characters that having you rooting for their HEA.

When Grace Ware finds her father and their servants dead and the villains still in the room, she runs. She hides in a shipping crate and ends up being sealed in.

When Hugh Pennington, Viscount Greysteil, Lord Justice of the Commissary Court, opens the crate housing his balloon gondola, the last thing he expects to find is an almost dead woman and a handful of American coins.

Grace wakes with a fever and doesn't know where she is, in her delirium and tries to find her father. What she finds is Hugh in the library. In her fevered state, she doesn't answer his questions, but does tell him her name is Grace. Since he found her, there have been more questions than answers, including who is she and why did she have an uncut diamond sewn into the lining of her gown?

Grace finally wakes and is horrified to learn that Hugh is the Lord Justice and she is in Scotland. Her Irish father was a commander for Napoleon and her mother's family were Jacobites. Afraid to reveal her identity in fear of being imprisoned as a traitor, Grace feigns amnesia. But the ruse is hard to maintain, Grace has the gift of a photographic memory, she can remember every word she has ever read and pretending to have no memory is hard for her. She wants to trust Hugh and his sister Jo, but fear keeps her quiet. In addition, she has no idea how the diamond ended up in her possession and wonders if she has unintentionally become a conspirator with her father.

Hugh is intrigued by Grace and feels alive for the first time in years. His family believes he has a death wish and that he is overcome with grief after losing his young wife and son eight years ago. But what they don't know is that guilt more than grief has kept him prisoner for all these years. Grace is the first woman he has ever met that stirs his soul.

Hugh does his best to protect Grace and as they get to know each other, something sparks between them. But Grace is still keeping secrets and Hugh has too much honor to start a relationship with a woman who might be spoken for. They continue to grow close, Grace challenges Hugh and he begins to change. When a nosy neighbor comes calling with her houseguest in tow, Jo tries to hide Grace by sending her off with Hugh, but the neighbor cathces them on the road and Grace knows her time is running out, because the houseguest knows her true identity. Later Grace learns of Hugh's wife and child, she is heartbroken and finally confesses who she is.

Hugh struggles with this knowledge, he also finally faces his past and knows without a doubt that Grace is the woman he wants in his life, no matter her past or her family. When the houseguest tries to lure Grace into a trap - Hugh knows that he loves her and will never let her go.

But there are forces at work that could ruin any future between them and secrets that must be discovered and set to right before they can even consider a HEA.

This was a fantastic story, well written and fast moving. The story has action, intrigue, secrets, steamy love scenes, wonderful secondary characters and a nail biting, sigh worthy ending.

I am happy to recommend this book and look forward to reading Jo's story. FYI - The story of Hugh's brother is already available in the anthology Christmas in Kilts

Grace is beautiful and has a very useful gift for the work she has been doing with her father, a follower and fierce supporter of Napoleon: she has a photographic memory.
When her father is murdered and she has to flee from the killers, she ends up hiding in a place that takes her to Scotland in the arms of Lord Justice of the Scottish Courts, Hugh Pennington, Vicount Greysteil.

He has been a widower for a few years and is enchanted by Grace's beauty. And she, in delirium, recites parts of a poem, but it could be a letter in code.

Amid spying, secret messages and a war that seems to never end, the couple finds themselves trapped in a magic and new feelings that enchant but that can disrupt the already delineated plans.

This is the author's first book I read, beginning of a new series.
Interesting narrative, with good historical research.
I did not feel connected to the main couple, but I quite liked the minor characters whose books will follow it.
3,5 stars

Romancing the Scot by May McGoldrick
The Pennington Family #1

Goodness me! This was a book well worth reading! I am so glad there is a new series by this excellent husband-wife writing team! I could not stop reading once I began and even with a house to clean, menu to plan and guests arriving tomorrow – I had to finish this story and write the review tonight!

I can’t imagine being seeking refuge from certain death only to find myself locked in a box and transported for days without food, water, light or hope of getting free. The fact that Grace emerged from what must have felt like a coffin without losing her mind is a testament to her strength of both body and mind. She continued to shower strength throughout the book and what strength it was whether applied to getting well, used in self-defense or determining what tack to take next – she was an impressive person that I wouldn’t mind calling friend.

Hugh Pennington was shocked when he found Grace inside of a box he expected to contain parts for a balloon he planned to fly. Her status was near death and his action quick in finding help and someone to help her survive – if at all possible. With his employees, sister and a doctor to assist things were tough and go but…Grace did have a fighting chance.

This is definitely a romance with intrigue, spies, danger, death and a whole lot of history that I found fascinating. I didn’t know Napoleon had a brother and didn’t realize that the Irish immigrated to Scotland. I was fascinated by some of the legal cases mentioned and references to the wars that were fought. I was reminded of bigotry and how it has reared its ugly head throughout the ages. I loved Hugh’s sense of fairness and responsibility as well as his gentle but masterful touch. I found Grace to be a woman to emulate. I found Jo’s situation sad and am happy to know that her turn for a second chance at love and happiness will arrive in book two. I have read other books by this author and loved each one. This book was rich and complex and a delight to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars