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.

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.

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

Hugh Pennington is a widower who lost both his wife and son 8 yrs. ago in the Napoleonic wars before he could get to them. Hence his newest fascination with hot air balloons. He is finally opening the crate he just got that contains his new basket when he finds a beautiful woman, near death, curled up on the basket!
Grace Ware was running from the men who murdered her father and their entourage when she finds a huge basket within a crate where she can hide. Unfortunately, that crate is nailed closed and she is shipped from England to Hugh's estate! When Grace is found, she has no memory and, is cared for by Hugh's sister while he attempts to unravel the mystery of this beautiful, mysterious woman who, apparently, has a few secrets that bring sudden, unexpected visits and kidnapping attempts. Grace has a photographic memory that could be a hindrance or, a significant help to unraveling this mystery!

Romancing the Scot is truly a complete story. There’s romance, friendship, family, suspense, intrigue...it has got a little of everything and it all melds together to create an enjoyable historical fiction romance.

Hugh as the hero was perfect. He's protective while still allowing independence and exudes kindness and mercy even while having a bit of a temper. On the other hand, it did take me a while to warm up to Grace, but she ends up a great match for Hugh. I liked all of the secondary characters, especially Jo (who I was excited to learn will be the main character in book 2!).

The writing is excellent and the story flows. Even though it takes place over a short period of time (around a month) and is fairly short (under 300 pages), I felt that the characters were able to evolve and the plot able to conclude without feeling rushed. I enjoyed the bit of suspense: who was after Grace and who's responsible for her father's death. It made the story into more than just a simple romance.

This was my first book by the writing duo known as May McGoldrick, but it will certainly not be my last. A perfect read for a rainy day under the blankets.

Romancing the Scot by May McGoldrick is one of the most exciting historical romances that I've read. Scottish romances are the best. The Scottish characters like the heroine is brave, intelligent, and beautiful. Her skill of memory serves it's purpose in more ways than one. That's part of the attraction that draws in the hero of the story.

Grace Ware is a Scottish young woman. She lives her life by taking care of her father. A single parent. He has been injured in war against the English. Due to his pride, his leg's infection has spread throughout his body. Slowly killing him...then, just as they arrive to land, they're attacked. Grace finds her father dead and the men are now, chasing after her. Running, she hides in a crate. Which ends up shipped tightly to an Englishman of noble birth.

The English are the enemy...

Hugh opens the crate only to find a woman barely alive. Grace Ware is crumpled from the crate and almost left for dead. Hugh quickly takes her out and calls for a doctor. Hugh wants her to live...after losing his wife and child, Hugh feels protective over the woman. The woman goes into a fever of sorts. Her gown and spoken languages suggests she's a lady of high upbringing. Only Hugh and his sister aren't quite sure. Plus, there's the mysterious diamond found hidden in her ruined gown.

Grace Ware finds herself in a strange place. Not knowing who to trust. As she recovers, she pretends to not remember who she is...only when she finds out more of Hugh...her attraction grows and so does the danger that followed her to his home...

Can two enemies find love and be happy or will they be doomed?

Romancing the Scot was funny as well as sweet. I was hooked. My curiosity got the better of me, and I found myself in love. The characters were enticing. Their situations were entertaining to follow as the danger got more intense with every page. May McGoldrick is a talented writer. Overall, I highly recommend her historical novel to all.

Thanks to St Martin’s Press for sending a copy of this book. A story with a difference, not the standard Scottish romance story of this genre, a book with ‘different’ main characters. Very enjoyable.

This was an enjoyable romance with an intriguing historical element that I don't often read in historical romances! Sure, many authors bring into play the political struggles of the time period, but May McGoldrick went the extra mile and really intertwined the politics with the plot of the story. I loved it! As a history enthusiast, I always enjoy learning more while reading my romances. I have actually won several history-focused games due to what I read in romance novels, so take that, romance critics!

Grace Ware is traveling with her father, carrying a secret message from Joseph Bonaparte (brother of the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte) to his wife, Julie, in Brussels, when they are attacked and Grace must flee for her life. Hidden in a basket and thought to be dead, Grace is surprised to find herself rescued days later by Hugh Pennington, Viscount Greysteil. She quickly discovers that he is the Lord Justice in Edinburgh and has much reason to put her in jail if he knew of her allegiance to the Bonapartes. Fearful for her life, she pretends amnesia and soon grows close to Hugh and his family. As her heart grows fonder of Hugh, the danger in her life gets closer, and she must decide if following her heart is worth the risk.

I really enjoyed both Grace and Hugh, particularly in their interactions with each other throughout the book. Hugh has a fascinating background - he fought in the war against Bonaparte, and while fighting overseas, his wife and son contract a fever and die. He has been in mourning for the past eight years and has a deep animosity towards the French, whom he blames for his family's death. So it was surprising to me that he took Grace's identity so well! It was bit too clean-cut to be totally believable, but I still enjoyed their relationship once everything was out in the open. I particularly liked Hugh's sister, Jo, and her friendship with Grace was lovely. Grace was a great heroine, with her strength of character and her selflessness in sacrificing her safety to ensure the safety of her new friends. I don't mind when the hero does the saving, but it's nice to see a heroine who can save herself if she so chooses.

I greatly enjoyed this story and I can't wait to read Jo's story next! I hope May McGoldrick continues to insert much history in her books, as it makes the book all the more enjoyable. Well written and rich with history, I loved every minute of it!

Grace Ware’s father is an Irish military commander of Napoleon’s defeated army and she has spent her life traveling around with him and being his confidant. When they arrived in Antwerp under assumed names things did not go well when some men attacked and killed Grace’s father sending her on the run. Grace found herself hiding in a warehouse from the men when she is nailed into the crate she chose to hide in and loaded for shipping.

Hugh Pennington, Viscount Greysteil, Lord Justice of the Scottish Courts is the man whom receives the crate that Grace had hidden in and when opened finds the woman on the brink of death. Rushing the strange woman to a doctor it becomes touch and go trying to nurse her back to health after her time locked up at sea. When Grace recovers however she finds herself amidst those on the other side of the war and feigns amnesia before she finds herself labeled a traitor.

Romancing the Scot by May McGoldrick is the first book in the new historical romance series, The Pennington Family. Set in 1817 after the defeat of Napoleon the book brings together two characters from each side of the war. There’s romance building among a bit of a mystery to be solved while wondering who to trust.

I found that while this story is heavy on the action, even starting on the opening pages when Grace and her father are attacked, that the story could also seem to drag in part through the middle of the book. It’s a bit light on the romance side though so perhaps that was what needed more of a spark to gel the entire thing together. Still a very solid start for this series for the fans of historical romances.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the start of a new series by a new author to me. We have a woman who is running for her life. She literally is mailed to a man and almost dies. I loved the story a great deal. I am hoping that the next one comes out soon.

What can I say…if you love history, then you’re in for a treat with Romancing the Scot the first book in May McGoldrick new series The Pennington Family. For an introduction to the author, the book was an okay read. The story opens with Grace Ware witness the murder of her father, an Irish military commander of Napoleon’s defeated army. To avoid being the next victim, she ran, and things took a turn for the worst. Who would have thought..that fleeing for her life that fate would have her land, at the door of an aristocrat of a renowned statute.
With the mass amount of history being incorporated in the telling of this story, I will give Romancing the Scots high marks on that score. However, this was a Historical Romance was it not. The romance didn’t come until you were a third of the way into the story. Which to me seemed really forced at times and not believable. The characters I couldn’t really get into them, the chemistry I just didn’t feel the spark. The story dragged and didn’t really pick up until about the halfway mark.
I will recommend this book if you’re passionate about history.

The first chapter sucks you in and you are held captive right through the last page. As always, the writing is superb, the pacing is just right and the characters are well developed and believable. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the series and can’t wait for Jo’s story in the next book!

We have murder, traitors, lies, spies, attempted kidnappings and best of all romance all packed into one excellent novel.

We first meet Grace Ware as she and her father are arriving in Antwerp – from America. Her father was injured in the Napoleonic wars and the wound has never healed correctly. Grace is his caregiver, confidant, secretary – well – just everything. She has followed her father on all of his exploits during the wars and since. She’s seen the horrors of war, cared for the wounded and since her father is a high ranking military commander, she’s been close to the emperor. Somehow, with all she’s seen, she has managed to remain a sweet, caring and very intelligent young woman who just happens to have a photographic memory.

I really liked Grace. Often, when I read these books where one main character is keeping a secret from the other – especially by lying – it really annoys me because it goes on much too long and is usually ill-advised. This time, it is completely understandable and reasonable that she does so. She has landed in a country where she and her family would be considered traitors and the home she has landed in belongs to none other than Hugh Pennington, Viscount Greysteil, Lord Justice of the Scottish Courts. No matter how nice they may be treating her, if they find out who she is, they may very well turn her over as a traitor.

Hugh is a man of honor and is known throughout the country as a fair and honest judge who upholds the law equally – despite rank, nationality, gender, affliction, etc. He is also a man who has been grieving for the last eight years over the deaths of his wife and young son. He blames his wife for being foolhardy, he blames the French for starting the war that kept him from getting to them and he blames himself for not being there. The once joyous man now laughs or smiles very seldom. His family thinks he has a death wish because he takes up dangerous hobbies – like ballooning.

When the new basket Hugh ordered for his balloon arrives, he hurries to open it. What catches his attention when he opens the crate isn’t the basket – it is the woman lying in it. He’s sure she’s dead, but then notices slight signs of life. As she fights for her life over the next few weeks she intrigues Hugh. She’s obviously very self-confident, intelligent, well-bred and very beautiful. Both of them fight the attraction for different reasons, but neither of them is successful. It is so satisfying to watch Hugh deal with his grief and Grace come to trust and believe in Hugh and his family. Delightful!

I would have liked to see the book end with the actual wedding instead of just talking about it – but maybe we’ll get that in the next book.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

I really enjoyed Romancing the Scot! I liked the slow burn romance. The characters were believable and I really liked them. I can't wait to read more about the Penningtons!

May McGoldrick once again delivers a sweet romantic tale laced with danger lurking in the shadows. If you actually like history in your historical romance, you get a touch of that, as well. Also, some perilous, even deadly drama, where blood is spilled. What you won’t get is verra much Scottish brogue. But not to worry, this leading man may come off with gentlemanly English manners true to his station in life as a highly respected judge and lord of the manor, but he isn’t a sissified dandy. No, he’ll roll up his sleeves and get to work right alongside everyone else. Just wanted to give you a heads up, the backdrop may be Scotland, but it had quite the English feel among most of the characters.

It all starts off with a bang taking Grace, the heroine, pretty much to hell and back. That is saying something, because she did not have an easy life to begin with, folks. Fortunately, she is no shrinking violet either. She’s seen humanity at its worse played out on the battlefield and thanks to her Scottish papa she’s learned a lot about survival instincts during her 28 years by his side. It doesn’t hurt she is drop dead gorgeous, speaks several languages, and has a photographic memory. Hugh, the hero, got the whole package delivered right to his door, my fellow romance book loving friends.

I did find it a little stretch of the imagination regarding some things (i.e., how a certain something was hidden and who put it there. I just couldn’t picture not detecting it sooner. The item was quite clever though. Also, how no one heard her yelling as she was being trapped.) But I rolled with it, as one often has to do when reading strictly for entertainment.

Overall, I did enjoy the storyline and seeing this destined to be together couple get their HEA. I did skim through parts of it, not feeling like I had to hang onto every word, which is usually a sign it was dragging a bit in spots. However, this author tends to be a tried and true good match for me. I have yet to regret reading any of her books. She’s one of my favorite historical romance authors.

Title: Romancing the Scot, Series: The Pennington Family (Book 1), Author: May McGoldrick, Pages: 284, stand-alone but part of a series, older alpha good guy widow hero; feisty, intelligent, virgin, damsel in distress heroine, a few very steamy scenes, some bloody violence, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama, no rape.

(I received a free advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship or affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

Hugh Pennington—Viscount Greysteil, Lord Justice of the Scottish Courts, hero of the Napoleonic wars lost his wife & son over six years ago. 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, Colonel Ware was an Irish military commander of Napoleon’s defeated army & her mother, was an exiled Scottish Jacobite. When Grace took shelter in a warehouse, running from her father’s murderers through the harbour 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.
A very well written riveting read, the characterisation is very good both Hugh & Grace are very likeable & it was lovely to see Hugh leave his grief behind & learn to love again. Grace is delightful & is a mature intelligent woman with an ability she is able to put to good use not only for her own sake but for others. The pace of the book is very good & I was loathe to leave it but was too long a book to read in one sitting. There were twists & turns along the way until the reason for the murders in Antwerp was finally revealed. The rest of the Penningtons are intriguing & I look forward to their stories – I’ve already read Gregory’s & loved it, Jo certainly deserves her HEA. I was also intrigued by the parents the Earl & Countess of Aytoun, not realising their story had already been written, so I’ve been & bought it!