3.5 stars rounded up

In order to save herself from her father's enemy, Rose Fleming faked her death and began a new life in America, leaving behind everything in Scotland, including the man she loved, MacAllister Campbell. Now, 10 years later, she's returned to Scotland to help her aunt, only to find that she's too late: her aunt been murdered and the threat against Rose herself is far from over, especially now that her mysterious stalked has confirmed she still lives.

Mac has mourned the death of the woman he loved for the past ten years. He'd recognize her anywhere, so when she runs into him in London he demands answers. It becomes immediately clear that Rose is in danger and this time Mac is determined to protect her. He plans to be sure he won't lose her again, even if she's less than enthusiastic about accepting his help.

**There may be what some consider to be spoilers in my personal commentary from here on.

I understand Rose's unwillingness to put MacAllister in danger, but once it was clear he was already in danger, more than capable of handling it, and that she really did trust him, I wish she'd have stopped harping on about doing everything on her own. Her dialogues really became rather repetitive. Sometimes it felt as though I were rereading parts of the book I'd already read. In fact a couple of exchanges between Rose and Mac were nearly identical.

Though the romance itself took a backseat here, there was never any doubting their remaining feelings for each other. However, one of my biggest pet peeves was brought into play here: the separation. As if they hadn't already been separated long enough, Rose and Mac were apart again for six months before their eventual HEA. It wasn't believable to me that MacAllister would ever let Rose out of his sight again and for her part, Rose was totally unwilling to make any compromises; despite how lonely she frequently complained she'd been in America, she still insisted she must return and wouldn't entertain any alternatives. At this point I was pretty much done with her and wondering why Mac was putting up with her.

I greatly enjoyed the plot itself and loved the suspense of it, but the villain's motives needed more fleshing out for me that we never really got in the end. Despite their obvious chemistry and connection, everything from Rose just seemed contrived and rather fake, but despite not being convinced by or thrilled with her, I enjoyed this read overall. I will definitely be seeking out the other installments of this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As this is my introduction read to Mrs Tara Kingston’s work, and the forth in a series, I do wondered if I would not be a bit lost as some of the previous books protagonists took part in this one’s action. But the author did a great job, the side characters were perfectly integrated with reasonably details to not derail the storytelling and not enough to need me to read their stories.
It was a very different read from the Historical romance I do read.
I did not questioned the romance part as despite the prologue which sucked me in the story, the first chapter rekindling the main couple left me few things to wonder. Sure, the very last part of the book kept me a bit on edge of how they would be able to make it work with an ocean separating them from their own established life.
I had no doubt about their love, time didn’t tempered their feelings, their passion is still there only waiting to be reawakened.
Now about the whole plot, it felt like reading a suspense novel, wondering when will occur the next betrayal or murder as corpses seem to follow each step of the heroine.
My only reserve is about the motive of the vilain, what did he really expected from Rose, sure some explanations were given by the end but it was quite a crazy scheme concocted by a mad man, but it did not diminished the entertainment of the full narrative.
A 4.5 stars read
I was granted an advance copy through Netgalley by the publisher Entangled Publishing, and I purchased my own copy. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

4.5 stars - This is a great second chance romance that really delivers on the mystery/intrigue front. The heroine was capable, but not at all silly (running off half-cocked like she’s invincible). Thankfully, the heroine had skill and a healthy dose of common sense too. This was very refreshing. So often authors write historical heroine’s I want to throttle. Not so here. It a captivating tale from an author who’s found a new fan in me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 Stars

“We all have our secrets…”

Rose Fleming has been in hiding for the better part of her life. After the death of her brother and the threat on her own life, Rose flees her home in Scotland and builds a new life for herself in New York. Finally feeling safe with an ocean between her and the villain that has haunted her dreams, Rose is stricken with fear when she receives an ominous note from her aunt beseeching her help. Without thought to her own safety, Rose rushes to her aunt’s side only to discover she is too late, and was lured back to London for reasons far too sinister to imagine.

MacAllister Campbell is shocked to discover that the woman who ran into his arms as if the very Devil was chasing her is non-other than his lost love, Rose Fleming. Long thought dead these past 10 years, when she clings to him and begs for his kiss, he’s, of course, obliged to come to her rescue. But as the plot of her reasons for fleeing the country and faking her death unravels, MacAllister vows to protect Rose at any cost…even if it’s his own life.

When A Lady Kisses a Scot is my first read by Tara Kingston. What lies within these pages, is not what the shiny cover portrays. Rose and MacAllister’s journey to a happily ever after is filled with a macabre mystery. Once I set the thought of this being a romance to the side and read it as a mystery, I found myself enjoying the story more. This is part of Tara Kingston’s Her Majesty’s Most Secret Service Series, but may be read standalone. There are no cliffhangers. Would recommend to fans of historical reads.


**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Rose Fleming has been presumed dead for the last decade. It required leaving everything—and everyone—she loved behind, including MacAllister Campbell.
Ten years ago, Mac mourned the death of the woman he loved. It’s taken years to heal his heart only to discover that not only is Rose still alive, but still in grave danger. Believing it’s finally safe again, Rose returns.and runs smack into the only man she ever loved. Rose was wrong about the danger being gone. The stalker she escaped years ago still has her in his sights.
What does this man want with Rose and why are the people she loves being systematically killed off one by one?
As expected from this author this newest book is a suspense thriller with romantic overtones.
This is book #4 in Her Majesty’s Most Secret Service series and although the title may lead you to think otherwise the story doesn't occur in Scotland. Our hero though is Scottish born.
This Romantic Suspense starts out in London and most of the story happens there.
There are a surplus of characters being murdered and some are closely connected to our heroine and some only briefly crossed paths with her. All are connected to our villain though.
The murder victims seem almost ceaseless but the romance is a very nice compliment to this tragic storyline.
I gave this book 4.25 (rounded down to 4) of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

As a whole, this is an entertaining and fun read. My favorite aspect was the mystery behind the attempts on Rose's life and the murders of those close to her. Watching the investigation unfold and bringing in the additional agents from the investigation agency kept the action moving along at a good pace. The prologue sucks you in immediately and I liked that the next chapter picks up 10 years later and drops you right into the middle of the action. The final revelation isn't a complete surprise, but there are a few twists and turns that keep you interested.

Rose is a strong heroine and (as it is pointed out multiple times) is able to overcome her fears and do what she has to in order to free herself from those plotting against her. MacAllister is everything a historical romance hero should be. With that said, it was actually the romance part of the book that I found least interesting. Some of the dialogue between Rose and MacAllister is a little cheesy and had me rolling my eyes at times. I loved them as a couple, it really was just the times they were speaking lovingly to one another that I thought could have been better written..

I don't want to give away too much, but I have to say I did thoroughly enjoy Rose fighting for her freedom rather than waiting to be rescued - she was definitely not a damsel in distress. It was also nice to see that she didn't have to automatically give up the life she had made for herself simply for being a woman in this time period.

Rose Fleming disappeared ten years ago, after her brother dies, trying to protect her from Merrick. Her aunt ensures that everyone believes that Rose has died, having drowned soon after her brother’s death. It is only on her return to London, that she once again reunites with MacAllister Campbell, who was the love of her life, before he left to follow his career. MacAllister had thought that Rose had truly died and he has regretted not returning for her, before her supposed death. However, her return soon reveals that the death threat against is still very real and that she will need to trust MacAllister, if she is to survive.
This was an action-packed book, with a pace that did not let up throughout. It was filled with murder and mystery, with her past and her father’s involvement with Merrick, gradually being revealed as the storyline progressed. At no time, did the action overtake the lovely romance between the couple and ample time was given to exploring their feelings for each other.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A heroine, Rose, whom somebody is trying to hurt and an old lover hero, MacAllister, who tries to keep her out of danger. This is a new to me author. I think the author could have revealed the truth behind the danger to Rose much earlier in the story. It was a bit dark for me with many murders occurring. I felt it was more of a mystery story than a romance. I received an ARC for my honest review.

This wasw an intriguing historical but very different than I expected, I like romance heavy on the romance and relationship and light on the mystery/thriller part. This book is more about the intrigue and msytery than the romance and so while it was writtend and enjoyable it is not my type of story.

The story starts in the late1800's and then restarts 10 years later so most of the action is in the late 1800's. I like historicals that aremore victorian than this period. ose wass presumed dead 10 years before when a man killed her father and brother and was after her. She has lived in NY until she comes back to London becuse her aunt needs her but she finds the aunt dead and thats when the intrigue begins.

Mac has always loved Rose/Lily and was devestated by her death but now he has to fight the bad guys for her. He is a reporter and works for the crown and so he has connections to help her. This was a good mystery and thriller with a historical aspect to it as well. It is part of a series and can easily stand alone.

I received an e-arc of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Rose and Mac's story, while being overall a good read, definitely had some irritating points to it. Some of the problem was about how Rose seemed to be the one on the wrong when Mac had originally left her heartbroken. Mac didn't apologize to her soon enough or adequately enough, in my opinion. The love scenes were good and the overall story was interesting, the one big issue at the end seemed easy enough to me to be resolved but the author had turned it into a make or break thing and that just seemed a little over the top. Other than that, I'd say overall I recommend this book as a nice afternoon read. If they did half stars it'd be a 3.5 instead of just 3.

When a Lady Kisses a Scot by Tara Kingston is an intricate mystery/suspense with a delightful romance thrown in. The prequel drew me in and the immediate action of chapter 1 balance with the intrigue kept me reading. Rose and MacAllister wonderful together but very set in their paths. The danger, death and mystery that surround Rose are intense with each new revelation and death dragging me deeper into the story and worry over Rose’s safety. The secondary characters were delightful, intriguing, sinister and very scary. I would love to read more about them. I highly recommend this book. It will keep you turning the pages to figure it all out.

MacAllister Campbell lost the love of his life, Rose Fleming, 10 years ago and he's never truly gotten over her death. Imagine his surprise when he runs into her outside the theatre. Rose faked her death to get away from an evil man and no one knew where she was except her aunt. When she receives a missive from her aunt, Rose sails from New York back to England, only to find out that she was too late--her aunt was dead. MacAllister has no idea that he's going to be plunged into a mystery surrounding Rose. When the violence and bodies start piling up, Rose finally tells MacAllister the truth about the mysterious tattoo on her hip.

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Kingston and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters had depth and were very well-written. The mystery was engrossing and all the pieces of the puzzle didn't fall into place until the very end. There were lots of twists and turns in the story and it kept me turning the pages until the last words.

After fleeing for her life ten years before, Rose Fleming has returned to England to late to save her aunt. Although she is scared, this time she will see justice done. She did not expect to run into an old friend.

MacAllister Campbell is a journalist and an agent for the Crown. When a woman who he believed dead suddenly appears, his whole world is turned upside down.

The bodies soon start to pile up around our heroine. It's time to take the help of people who know how to help. Our hero will do his best to find the culprits and keep her safe.

A very exciting murder mystery.

This is a Victorian historical romance and part of a series. Each book in the series is connected but can be read alone.

I loved it.

I liked this but I didn’t know it was a romance mystery I like romances but I don’t really want a mystery but I didn’t like this and would read another one like it!!!!!

The book is part romance and part mystery. After believed dead for ten years, Rose returns only to realize someone is still trying to kill her. MacAllister is the last person she expected to run into but it happened and he is stunned to see that she is alive. His love for her has never died and the old feelings between them begin to resurface and grow stronger. The only problem appears to be that someone is trying to kidnap her and they want her dead. The book is well written and entertaining. I would recommend it as a great read.

When a Lady Kisses a Scot is the fourth book in Her Majesty’s Most Secret Service series. I haven’t’ read the other books in the series and felt that it could be read as a standalone. Rose Fleming fled to America when her life is in danger, but when she receives word that her aunt needs her she returns. She is trying to solve the mystery of why she is in danger when she runs into MacAllister, the man she loved and had to leave behind. MacAllister works for the Secret Service and is convinced that the investigation he is working on is somehow connected to Rose’s mystery. As they work together to solve the mystery their love for one another grows, but there are mysteries to solve and obstacles to overcome before they can have their HEA. The book was well written and full of twists. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinion are my own.

Life has been a roller coaster for Rose Fleming. A woman who had to start her life over again, became successful. However, the past always has a way of catching up. Escaping from those who tried to take years ago by faking her death, she returns to save those she loves. She never expected to run into the only man she has ever loved, MacAllister Campbell. MacAllister biggest regret is not being there to save Rose. She haunts his thoughts constantly and when he runs into her again, he has no plans to let her go. He will do what he promised himself years ago, protect and keep Rose safe. As they try to uncover the plot to who wants Rose dead, their love for each other continues to grow. Rose is no damsel in distress and MacAllister is no knight in shining armor, but together they will stop the evil that has been plaguing Rose since she was young.

MacAllister is just mush when it comes to his woman, “I cannot deny you.” He smiled as he tugged his shirt over his head. “But you already know that, don’t you?” MacAllister must find his woman intriguing, "his body went taut. “Do you aim to woo me with flattery, lass?” I liked this book, I liked MacAllister.

This was my first read by Tara. The prologue had sucked me in, although with chapter 1 happening ten years later I kind of was hoping the main couple Mac and Rose weren't going to meet again so quickly due to the circumstances. I kind of wanted more of an anticipation as a reader. I'm also unsure if these characters appear in the other books in this series, but they are all standalones. I was surprised by the mystery and action that happened and 10% left in the book was glad for a change of a longer ending. Overall this was a good read!

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.