This story is more about the developing friendship of two lonely people with a little bit of romance. Robert lonely? Yes, he acts confident but underneath he wants to be seen for who he is and he desperately wants to be needed. Ian on the other hand wants to be alone and pretty much spurns Robert’s trying to involve him in communication. Robert and Ian’s friendship develops slowly and with trepidation through their interests (astronomy, poetry). Overall it is a nice story.

Sometimes I love a good old historical romance - and if it's between two men all the better. 

A Scot's Surrender was a really charming and fun read. Robert Townsend seems to have it all - looks, money, wit and the talent to get everyone to like him... except for grouchy Scottish factor Ian who seems to hate all those things about Robert. 
They're both reluctantly attracted to each other though and it was fun witnessing their growing friendship and more. Soon they realize they did not know nearly as much about each other as they thought which makes them take a closer look at themselves. 
This one is more of a slow burner romance wise but it was perfect that way. Especially since the book was more on the funny and quirky side in the beginning but showed more depth and seriousness towards the end. It also doesn't leave out the fact that that time wasn't kind to gay or bisexual men. 

All in all a great read and definitely not the last book I read by this author.

Lately, I've been reading a lot of romance novels with a mystery nestled within the story, but I've never had one where the answer to the mystery had that result. A Scot's Surrender was funny and fun to read. I'm told is the third in a series of books where the previous two were hetero-based relationships, and I would love to find out more about the other two that came before.

While his older brother is away, Robert Townsend stays to oversee Llynmore Castle. His charm and jovial nature win over every one around him but not so with the estate's steward, Ian Cameron.

When Ian's home was destroyed in a fire his only choice was to move into Llynmore Castle. This puts him close proximity to the devil-may-care Townsend brother, who he feels just must be a wastrel, although it doesn't curtail his attraction to him.

After another family seeks refuge in the castle, a case of stolen items sets Robert and Ian on a sleuthing expedition. With all the time they spend together they find, not only have they misjudged each other but they just might be perfect together.

I love the Townsend family. They all have their quirks but they have each other's backs through thick and thin. The author, Lily Maxton, weaves in a M/M romance right in line with the others in the series. I typically don't like humor running throughout the book as often it has a very canned/forced feel but Maxton has made it work throughout the entire series, she clearly has a knack for it. I only wish there was an epilogue since it seemed to end abruptly.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Even though this is Lily Maxton's first book featuring two male leads, I jumped at the chance to read it because I love historical romance.

Maxton can certainly write. The countryside setting was quaint, and the mystery was resolved in a rather unusual way. I giggled when Robert and Ian caught the thief.

This isn't a long book, but the characters are fairly well developed. The ending is a realistic, if tentative, HEA.

What was missing, at least for me, was that raw, overwhelming passion. I didn't feel the spark between the MCs. Something about the romance fell flat. The men seemed rather careful and stiff around each other.

There was also some drama involving secondary characters toward the end that had me rolling my eyes. I'm not sure if this is a spin-off from one of Maxton's M/F series, but I thought the secondary characters were perhaps TOO present.

Overall, this is an even-paced story with likable MCs, a light enemies-to-lovers theme, and moderate steam. Give it a go if you like historical romance. Just don't expect any kilt action.

I loved this book. The whole series has been great. My only complaint was that it wasn’t longer.