This is the first book I have read by Amalie Howard, but it won't be the last! What a Scot Wants is the 3rd book in a series, and while there were allusions to characters' stories that led me to believe they were the focus of earlier books, I did not feel that I missed anything important in this one, so it can easily be read as a standalone.

Ronan Maclaren, Duke of Dunrannoch, believed in love as a lad when he fell head over heels for the daughter of neighboring clan's chieftain, but he learned the hard way that it does not always end well as his intended eloped with another titled nobleman, playing him the fool. Now, at age 37, he is an affirmed bachelor, and though he secretly hopes he might find love some day, his life is consumed by and dedicated to the clan's thriving whiskey business that he has played a key role in cultivating over the last 20 years. When he is informed by his mother that part of his father's will included a clause that he must marry or forfeit the whiskey business, he is both startled and angered that his future has been decided for him, but he knows one thing: he will never lose his family's business. Ronan decides instead to force the lady to cry off by behaving as a misogynistic boor; that way, he fulfills his late father's stipulations AND secures more funds for the clan as the lady would have to forfeit her dowry to him.

Imogen Kincaid is the daughter of an earl who has just had the rug yanked from beneath her in learning from her beloved parents that she must marry some barbaric highlander or lose her dowry funds to him if she refuses. Those funds have been earmarked by her for years to improve and expand her home for women in need: Haven. Imogen founded the charity when her friend and former governess died in childbirth after being seduced by an unscrupulous rake and abandoned.... And, to make matters even worse, the man who did this to her friend was her own fiance Mr. Silas Calder! Upon discovering his betrayal, Imogen confronted him and was drugged by and found in a compromising position with Silas by the owner of the club where she found her faithless fiance. The club owner drove Silas out of the country, and 12 years later, he has yet to return --- and Imogen hopes that he never will. Since her innocence was ripped from her so cruelly, she knows she will never be able to marry and have children, so she has dedicated her life to helping less fortunate women in their times of need. There is absolutely no way she will allow some heathen highlander to take that from her, and she is never marrying, so there is only one thing left to do: behave so hideously that HE begs to break their betrothal contract --- that way, she keeps Haven, her dowry, AND adds the profits from a prosperous whiskey business. What could possibly go wrong?

What I liked:
--- The antics between the 2 added some humor to the story to see how the one would try to top the other's ridiculous behavior and attire
--- Their chemistry was pretty strong from the start
--- There was some danger/mystery/intrigue/scandal throughout the story in various ways that made it more interesting as well

What I didn't like as much:
--- Given the life expectancy of the 1830s in the UK, 37 was pretty old for a duke to not have been married when, at the time, heirs were definitely expected, and Ronan never indicated that he planned to pass the lineage on to a sibling -- life expectancy at the time was around 50 for men
--- A couple of minor plot lines weren't fully explained or resolved, at least not in this book --- there was a LOT going on with these characters and their influencers, so sometimes it was a little hard to keep everything straight between given names and title names, I had to keep going back to figure out who they were in reference to at times
--- I could have used a little more spice (it got there, but it was pretty far into things)
--- A little too much angst on Imogen's end when she couldn't let go of the past --- SPOILER --- it seemed a little silly that she would deny herself when the other person loved her, had stood by her, would always protect her and would allow her autonomy in running Haven --- everything she basically had needed in a hot highlander package --- come on! ;) --- END SPOILER ---

Overall, a good story with complex yet endearing characters that held my attention throughout.

Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- some but not egregious
POV --- 3rd

*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all

This is the first book I have read by this author and I wasn't sure how it would turn out. This was such a great book! I loved the characters and all their witty interactions. The things they did to try and get the other to call off the marriage was hilarious! I couldn't stop laughing at the schemes they came up with. In the end they both realized their love for the other was more important than the thing they wanted out of life. I loved every minute of this book! I am looking forward to reading the first two books in the series next.

This was the right balance between swoony, angsty, and funny :) The banter between Ronan and Imogen when they first got betrothed was absolutely hilarious! Their trying to make the other cry off went a little long to me, but the climax of the story and conclusion more than made up for it.

There were LOTS of secondary characters in here from previous books in the series and another series this writing duo wrote, but have no fear, you won't be lost if you read it as a stand alone (like I did).

Overall, a very entertaining read!

4.5 stars
This was a very entertaining read, there were amusing encounters when Ronan and Imogen are in each other’s company. Both had past disappointments and although they were attracted to each other, they fought against it. Although there were humorous times, there are also some serious issues to be dealt with. There are unwanted suitors with which to contend. I enjoyed that other members of the family make an appearance. This has been a very good series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a funny story of how two people who can't stand each other at first site.. The author had me laughing out loud! Truly an outstanding story by one of favorites. I liked the characters who had thoughts and feelings of their own. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.
Ronan Maclaren, a hunky highlander, loves his life a it is. A business of whiskey distillery that has income to help his clan since he is the laird. Now it has come to his attention, that he must marry. He doesn't want to, but his parents have sealed his fate. Marry Lady Imogene Kinley or lose his business.Ronan hasn't met the woman yet, but knows he won't like her.
Lady Imogene doesn't want to marry either, but her parents have decided to honor a contract with a highlander no less. She knows that she will have to marry or lose her charity home for women. Imogene decides to get the lout highlander to cry off, so she can keep her independence.
Ronan and Imogene try each other patience, so let the games begin! So much shenanigans abound, but one thing happens. They fall in love which wasn't in their plans.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

I love this kind of book. Sassy, funny. A bit of passion. I kinda dig the spinster trope as I may have ended up in that category. It makes sense to me Ronan our H and Imogen our h would not have liked each other at first given the circumstances but opposites do attract. I will be adding this author to my to-read list. Thank you for allowing me to review an advanced copy.

WHAT A SCOT WANTS by Amalie Howard and Angie is book Three in the Tartans and Titans Series. This is the story of Imogen Kinley and Ronan Maclaren the Duke of Dunrannoch . I have read the previous books, but felt you could read this as a standalone book.
Imogen has a trust issue with men so she has been making sure to present herself as non desirable women to deter any suitors. Ronan is a Lair who also runs the Maclaren Whisky Distillery so he is happy to do that and no rush to marry. But when these two are thrown into a possible marriage of convenience between the two they both vow to deter the other one to break things off. Of course they but heads as soon as they meet and try to stick to their goals but it doesn't take to long for them to start fighting something else instead of being apart.
Enjoyed their story

What a Scot Wants by Amalie Howard was a very enjoyable book. Yes it was a romance but it was also very humorous. The main characters are Imogen and Ronan and they are being forced into marriage by their parents. They have never met, but if they back out then there is a huge financial penalty for both of them. So upon meeting they both set out to make the other back out of the marriage contract. The lengths that they go to are laughable. But in the end they discover that they do indeed suit each other and fall in love. I really enjoyed the story and recommend it to all.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a wonderful story full of adventure and romance with a wonderful backdrop. Exciting and thrilling, not one I could put down.

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

MaClaren Estate, Scotland 1831 "I'm no' marrying a bloody stanger!" Ronan Maclaren, Duke of Duranrannoch and Maclaren Laird said as he was given the news of the bridal agreement his father had left in his will. Can't you just hear Ronan's voice saying that? "When he took a bride, he'd like to feel some spark of affection for her!" To say this grabbed my attention combined with the Scot on the cover is an understatment! If he broke the contract he would lose the distillery he had built up over the last twenty years of his life. But he had a plan forming to make the lady, Lady Imogene break the bethothal so it would not be his fault! Oh yes brilliant minds.
Little did he know that his "bethothed" Lady Imogen, to say the least, was not taking the news well either! She had started a home for women taken advantage of by men after a terrible incident in her past and needed her inheritance to expand an continue. She would lose it if she broke the contract.
Their first meeting was so much fun! Each was trying to come across obnoxious. I seriously could not stop laughing till tears came to my eyes at their antics to make the other think they were so undesirable and back out of the contract. He, kind of a lecher and she a empty headed ninny! Let the Games Begin, indeed!
Seriously I adored this book, but know there are some serious and a little dark elements that come into play that bring Imogene and Ronan full circle as they get to know each other. They each were compassionate and truly only wanted to look out for what meant most to them. But when the past comes back to haunt will they fight for each other?
This author team is amazing and I cannot wait to read more! Trust me, you do not want miss this one!!

Ronan and Imogen have each decided that they never wish to marry. When they are suddenly betrothed to one another, by arrangement of their parents, they are less than happy. They spend the first part of the story trying to push each other away and cry off. Eventually ex lovers enter the book and create problems that can either tear Ronan and Imogen apart or bring them together.

Overall this was a satisfying story. Imogen finds herself in a few precarious situations throughout, and is in need of saving. Most, if not all, of the saving is done by either herself or another character. There weren't any grand rescues by Ronan and I wish there had been. I also thought that Ronan had a rather quick change of heart after speaking with his sister-in-law. I'd like to have had more inner dialogue from him leading into this decision.

My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the pleasure of reading and reviewing What a Scot Wants by Amalie Howard.

This is such an absolutely wonderful story to read!! The authors, Amalie Howard and Angie Morgan, did an excellent job at writing this one together. My thanks to you both for writing such an enjoyable book for us readers to read:)

I so loved Imogene and Ronan, both characters are stubborn, set in their ways and loathe each other before they even meet! They find themselves into a forced betrothal and I laughed so much at their antics to try everything they could to make one of them break the contract!!! As the weeks go by, though, their feelings shift and sensuous passions set them on fire. Unfortunately each of them have someone from their past come back into their lives and in Imogene's case, she's in true danger.

I highly recommend this book!! I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

A captivating tale of romance and deceit. I'm always drawn to historical romances, especially the ones with a highlander. This book was intense. It seemed like everyone had a secret, even when you weren't expecting them to have one. I loved the plot. Neither character wants to marry the other, but they find out that they really need each other in the end. There was romance and drama, thrilling drama. It was a wonderful read.

Highlander Ronan Maclaren Duke of Dunrannoch must marry, but he’s in no particular hurry. He’s perfectly happy as the laird of his clan, running the Maclaren Whisky Distillery.
Lady Imogen Kinley has cleverly avoided wedlock for years. Men, she has learned from painful experience, are not to be trusted. Determined to remain independent, she takes an indecent amount of pleasure in making herself as unattractive to potential suitors as possible. She also runs a refuge for women in Edinburgh. When desperate measures are taken by their parents and a betrothal contract is signed, it’s loathing at first sight. They each vow to make the other cry off—by any means necessary.
I love the authors’ books & this one didn’t disappoint, yes it could easily be read on its own but all the books about the Maclarens are very, very good so if you love series then I’d recommend reading them all. This book ticked all the boxes for me, two of my favourite tropes, marriage of convenience & enemies to lovers. The characters were well portrayed & had plenty of depth. I loved Ronan & Imogen & their first meeting was hilarious as was their betrothal ball as each was determined the other would cry off & their antics had me laughing out loud. They both wanted to deny their attraction, which only grew and grew. I also loved that Ronan’s siblings made appearances so it was great to catch up on their lives. Whilst this was a fun & entertaining read it also had its darker side with a villain out for revenge & who threatened everything Imogen held dear. I’ll miss the Maclarens
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I loved this story. It's interesting, funny at times, but also quite dark at others. All in all, this is a great read and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys good historical fiction.
Duke Ronan Maclaren doesn't want to be shackled because of forced marriage. In fact, he doesn't want to marry at all and that's why he is livid when he finds out the terms of his father's will. It's either marry Lady Imogen Kinley or lose everything he holds dear. Well, one thing is clear he must find a way out of this unwanted betrothal no matter what. And that's exactly he would do.
Imogen has been enjoying her freedom. She is looking forward to getting all of her inheritance soon and then she would be able to help as many women in need as she could. Unfortunately, that seems like an impossibility now. Because of some silly contract, she must marry Ronan or lose all of her inheritance. Well, she isn't some helpless woman, she will make sure that this marriage never happens. But she must also make sure that she isn't cheated out of her own dowry.
It's going to be a clash of will between Ronan and Imogen. But then new threat surfaces and things get far more complicated than either of them want. Will they be able to deal with everything and achieve their goals or are they both doomed to an unhappy marriage alliance.
The novel is very well-written. I liked all the characters, especially the main characters. The story is well-paced and I found it a highly entertaining read.

A smashing success. Ronan and Imogen are being forced into a betrothal and have drawn the battle lines. Both are stubborn and fiercely independent which lead to plenty of sparks. It is an emotional roller coaster as you will laugh at all the antics they get up to as well as sigh in anguish at the pain Imogen is reliving. They have to struggle against those who would like to tear them apart by force as well. I love the witty repertoire and the fight in the female characters in this story and the series. You will enjoy not one single minute of boredom as you turn the pages to the end of their well deserved happiness.

I really liked this book. It was also hysterically funny! These two were SO creative when it came to how they were trying to chase off the other. There were more than a couple of times when I laughed out loud at their shenanigans. And the way the author described some it made it even funnier. I'm thinking about Imogen and her showing up with a draft horse to a park filled with society people. "A massive horse about nine hundred yeas old, plodded along the street, slower than ice could freeze." Yes, that one did make me laugh out loud for sure. I think I might have even giggled for a while too!

It's not all fun and games though because there are some unscrupulous people lurking around both Imogen and Ronan. And they are dead serious on getting what they want. All of that leads to a whole lot of action. It also caused me to wonder how in the world Imogene was going to escape an ex-fiance Silas and his obsession with her.
It all comes to a dramatic end and with a sweet Epilogue.

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

What a comedy this book was! Amalie Howard and Angie Morgan created a romance that was one big game. It ought to have been called How to Lose a Betrothed in Ten Days, because that was basically the goal of both the hero and heroine. It was so much fun watching it escalate as each became more and more desperate to be rid of the other. Definitely a book to read if you need a laugh!

Ronan Maclaren, Duke of Dunrannoch and Maclaren Laird, has no intention to getting married against his will. But when he finds out his hand has been promised to another, and if he refuses it means the loss of the clan's distillery, he is enraged. The only way to make things right without becoming shackled in a loveless marriage is to make the lady refuse to marry him, and so the games begin. Lady Imogen Kinley has been badly hurt by a man in her past, and she's not about to allow another into her heart. She has found her purpose in running a women's shelter, and she is content there - until she realizes that the dowry she depends on to keep it going is forfeit unless she consents to marry a man she has never met. Unless he refuses to marry her...and she is an expert at making men run far away.

Ronan and Imogen were quite the pair - neither wanted to marry, but they were surprised to find that they didn't mind each other as much as they expected to. Sure, in the beginning they found each other repulsive, because that was the whole point of their scheme. However, they couldn't keep up the ruse for long, and as more of their true personalities shone through, they didn't find the idea of marriage quite so distressing. I will say I was quite disappointed in Ronan, because his actions were less than gentlemanly for quite too long. Knowing Imogen's true character, you would think he would have had more compassion for her situation. I would have hoped they could have come to a compromise without hurting each other, but they both were insistent for quite some time that they did not want to marry, even when they knew they were exactly what each other would want in a match. It was entertaining, of course, but I would have enjoyed it even more had it not dragged on so long. I appreciated how it came to a close though, and I loved how they showed how they cared for each other in the end.

As it's the third in a series, I definitely have some reading to do! Can't wait to see how the previous two books went, given the success of this one.

This is the first book I've read by these authors and I really enjoyed it. I hadn't realized that this book was part of a series, however, you don't need to have read the series to enjoy the story. Although, after enjoying this book I intend to go back and read the previous books in the series. This book is about Ronan and Imogen and how they plan to trick the other person to back out of the betrothal contract that their parents had signed. Both of the characters would experience significant losses if he/she backs out of the contract so they are trying to get the other person to back out first. Ronan and Imogen have both experienced negative things when it comes to love in the past and have zero desire to marry anyone. I really enjoyed the banter between the two characters and reading about them falling in love. The antics the two of them acted upon had me laughing out loud one minute and then just wanting to smack them another moment. I loved how Ronan is the first person to stand up for his family and the people he loves. The way Ronan stood by Imogen's side when her traumatic past came to light for the other characters (not the reader...we discover early on what happened to her) was phenomenal and demonstrated the true depth of Ronan's character. Imogen did have a very traumatic experience, which drove the story for the villain, so please be aware of that while reading the story. That being said, overall, I really did enjoy the story, the interactions between Ronan and Imogen were nothing less than superb and the secondary characters add additional depth to the story (especially if you have already read the previous books in the series). Now it's time for me to go and read the other books in the series!!

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

I did not think this story could top A Lord for the Lass because I loved Julien. I was wrong. This story, my favorite in this series, surpassed my love for Julien and brought me a new love, Ronan. Everything about this story worked. Ronan and Imogen are hilarious and the banter and double-entendres had me laughing out loud. The compassion of these two and their fight for each other was truly a delight to read. A lovely story.