3.5 stars rounded up.

Even knowing he shouldn’t, Blayne MacNeil can’t seem to help himself when he agrees to act as bodyguard to Miss Charlotte Russell. He’s suitably shocked when he arrives to tell her he can’t help her after all, only to have her announce him as her new fiancé. Blayne has been in hiding for nearly 20 years and announcing an engagement, no matter how inauthentic, could prove deadly. If he’s recognized by the wrong people, it could lead to a murder charge.

Charlotte has met with some success as a published novelist and is determined to establish her independence and avoid marriage. Since no respectable society gentleman would tolerate his wife writing adventure stories, she must thwart her parents’ plans to marry her off. When her newest manuscript is stolen, her brooding fake fiancé is her staunchest ally and the greatest threat to her freedom.

I’ve got some mixed feelings here. I loved the premise of the bodyguard turned fake fiancé, but beyond that there was such a plethora of other plot devices and elements in use that it got to be a bit much. This made the story feel a bit hectic at times while at others the pacing was rather slow. I found my attention span wavered similarly as well.

From here on, you chance some mild spoilers as I get my thoughts out. Charlotte took some getting used to, especially as some of her thought processes were a little nonsensical and she could be rather arrogant, but I generally liked her and appreciated her determination to fight for Blayne and not let him push her away. Yet, conversely, as her parents kept finding new obstacles for her, she at one point nearly just meekly gave up, and this seemed out of character. There was just a lot going on here, so some things weren’t fleshed out as much as they perhaps could’ve been while others received a bit too much attention. I wanted more of a real comeuppance for the villain here and a true clearing of Blayne’s name and his restoration to his rightful place. Instead, it left me feeling like the victory was rather hollow and there was just too much crammed into the story.

With all of these occurrences, our MCs don’t get any steamy time together until nearly the end of the story and even then, it was quite tepid. I can enjoy a good slow burn, but this was rather too little and too late for me, as well as somehow lessening the true connection between the MCs. I think this could’ve been more poignant and emotional than it was, especially given everything Blayne had suffered, and I wanted the MCs to get at least a little more time together without outside characters, threats, or other situations to deal with, so this felt like a missed opportunity. The back and forth with Charlotte’s parents also got old fast. They were so awful and wishy-washy and I just wanted Charlotte to be decisive in her interactions with them and stick to her guns rather than giving them further opportunities to hurt her or cause issues. I also wanted to see more of Carlton Guthrie stepping up to help Blayne, a man who is supposed to be like a brother to him, rather than leaving the situation in the hands of his own brother-in-law just when Blayne needed him the most. I understand this was useful to set up Marcus’ story, which I do look forward to, but after everything Blayne had done for Carlton, I wanted to see that relationship come a bit more full circle. Overall, this has elements I loved and others not so much. The writing was solid, and I liked these two as a couple, but their journey felt rather discombobulated and lacked sufficient gratification to leave me wholly satisfied with the ending.

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

This novel was beyond charming and delightful! Sophie Barnes' writing has an ease to it that was instantly accessible and drew me into the world. A lovely romance was at the center of this fast paced novel that clipped along with intriguing plot lines and external conflicts. I was rooting for this romance from the first moment the hero and heroine meet and I was swept away in their love for each other.

Charlotte (the heroine) is bold, independent, a dreamer, a hard worker and steadfast. She is a writer and she initially hires Blayne, the hero, as a body guard after she is robbed in the streets of St. Giles. Blayne is a brawny Scotsman, who is hard working and completely taken with Charlotte, so even when he tries to cry out of their original arrangement he is constantly drawn back into her sphere. This novel morphs quickly into a fake dating/fiancee trope that leads to great tension and delightful proximity, as Charlotte and Blayne try to outwit her parents and fight their budding feelings for one another.

These two are an absolute delight to watch as they both claim to not want to marry while constantly suppressing feelings of attraction and interest for the other. Luckily about half way through the novel they have both come to terms with their feelings and the conflicts surrounding them are more outward facing and we get to see how their love, trust and devotion for each other will make them a strong couple.

I was absolutely in love with their story from the moment it started. Watching Charlotte and Blayne learn to trust and love each other with their secrets and dreams was so beautiful. I loved watching the strength each of them had when it came to fighting for the other. I love that even though these two are from different social standings they ultimately respected and loved the other for their true selves and not the worth that society deemed they had.

I highly recommend this novel, especially if you love a strong hero and heroine, who are head over heels in love with each other, who are endlessly supportive of the other, who see the true value in each other and who know exactly how to help the other succeed in their goals.

While the overall story was fairly entertaining there were elements that missed the mark. The two main characters had good on page chemistry but the romance was definitely PG and not particularly steamy and the relationship seemed to stall near the end with the story losing a lot of momentum as a result.

I really enjoyed this. I appreciated how independent Charlotte was and how fiercely protective Blayne was. There was a lot happening, but for myself, it worked, adding to the drama and the adventure. It wasn't as sensual as one might expect with just glimmers of seduction - a lot of chemistry, but not a lot of actual passionate scenes (only one, actually, that I recall beyond some encounters set short. I was okay with that, but it was unexpected. It was the perfect pick me up on a gloomy day.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC :)

After being accosted on a visit to her publisher, Charlotte Russell decides the best option she can take is to hire a bodyguard. Upon meeting Blayne MacNeil, she knows he is perfect for the job. Sadly, Charlotte’s father has plans for her future which involves her married to a rich American. To avoid the impending match, Charlotte announces she’s already engaged.....to Blayne.

Charlotte as a character was great! As an author, she is intelligent, well-spoken, and independent. Her family, who are part of the aristocracy, aren’t aware of her writing career, but she still hopes to live out her future alone and just writing all day. Blayne on the other hand has spent the last 19 years going by an assumed name to avoid his past and the law. He's rough around the edges but has his hidden depths. Both of the characters work well together and are very likable.

Sophie Barnes truly is a great writer. I have read many of her works before (and most of this series). This book can definitely be read as a standalone, but of course, many characters tend to cross over. Overall, this book did not disappoint. The storytelling is well done and exciting. Her writing is extremely visual and rousing as well. One thing I did note is that there was a decided lack of steamy scenes, especially compared to Barnes’ previous work. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing! I think there may have just been too much plot happening to even try including them. There were probably about 5 different plotlines. I don’t think all of them were necessary, but I didn’t mind it.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Liked all the other books in the series I really enjoyed this one.
Charlotte has been writing novels under a pseudonym and now needs someone to serve as protection into the speedier parts of the city.
Blayne wants nothing than to own a small plot of land where he can grow his plants and serving as Charlotte's bodyguard will get him that much closer.
But Blayne has a secret he is keeping and when he is forced to pretend to be a fiancé he can't help falling for Charlotte and vice versa.
I love Blayne. He was sweet and kind. I also liked Charlotte's independence.
Can't wait for what comes next.

It's the first time I've read a Regency Romance that keeps me glued to the story page after page.
.
The characters have great chemistry between them that makes the story flow without falling into the hackneyed or expected plot twist.
.
Blaney has a past that haunts him and Charlotte has a secret to protect, they both know each other minds and are clear about their ambitions and what they want for their future but their attraction to each other makes them act without remorse and step in to the other life.
.
I was surprised that there were so many elements and it kept me interested until the end. The characters have well planted minds making one understand their conflicts and dilemmas without fail, it really is the first Regency writer who makes me understand why there are so many passionate readers of this genre.
.
It was my first Sophie Barnes book but not the last, i'll be looking forward to read more works from her
.
Thanks to BookBuzz.net and Sophie Barnes to give me the chance to read this great book in exchange for my honest review

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Charlotte Russell lives a double life. She is a Viscount's daughter and a novelist who writes about scandalous adventures. She hires Blayne MacNeil to protect her when she goes into the seedier parts of London, and when her manuscript for her newest novel goes missing she enlists his help locating the culprit.

I really struggled to get into this book. I'm not sure if it was that Charlotte wasn't super likeable until the middle of the book. She came off a little pompous expecting Blayne to just go along with her schemes. After about the 50 percent mark, it got immensely better. I think the plot was dragged down by the secrets too much, and the fact you didn't get a lot of information about Blayne's secret until the very end. It didn't feel really integral to the story.

I thought that Sophie's writing is really engaging, but I think my lack of connection with the characters is what really stopped this from being a winner with me.

I loved this book. The characters are very colorful. Charlotte is a young lady who has figured out how to get what she wants within the boundaries of society. Blayne is a wounded hero worthy of a woman’s love. The two find their way to each other through a series of misadventures, some of their own making. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Both of them intend to avoid marriage.
Charlotte pens outrageous novels that are best-selling under a pen name that is male. She intended to never marry and live in a cottage as a spinster.
Blayne agrees to be her body guard the is roped into becoming her fake fiance. Will this be the death of him?
Sophia Barnes writes a scintillating novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I haven't read the other books in the series but after this one I am going to back track and read the others. I really enjoyed this book. Although it was slow in parts the pace did quick up at times in the story. The plot touches on the era very well and highlights how times have changed now.

This book should be called "My Scandalous Scot" or "10 Scandals too Many" as it suffers from an EXTREME excess of plot and also a disappointing lack of sex scenes.

Plots too many include: a reticule robbery (never solved), stolen manuscripts, a family on the brink of financial ruin that must be saved, an unwanted arranged marriage that must be averted, a reporter that must be thwarted, a ruined wedding that must be salvaged, an accused murderer who must be aquitted, a villainous uncle who must be thwarted, a bullet taken by the wrong person (Nooooo! Charlotte has bragged she's so great with a gun - let her finally get to put up or shut up and shoot the shooter!),

OMG it was all just too much. Charlotte and Blayne should've taken her publisher Avery (and maybe a runner and a lawyer) with them to vouch for Charlotte's identity as "Charles Cunningham" at their FIRST meeting with the new illegal publisher. Case Closed.

The whole part with the newspaper reporter catching them should be left out completely and there should be confession of feelings and a sex scene there.

Also, Blayne doesn't get his name cleared and his inheritance in the end?! Disappointing. I kind of think if we're going to do all this arresting Blayne at the wedding and standing trial for murder, we should leave the whole Mr. Cooper marriage plot out or vice versa and either way he should get his birthright!

The one and only sex scene needs to be spiced up and lengthened, it is the payoff of this whole mess and it's a let down.

Good news is -- I did like the main characters (her parents and his parents and his uncle all suck though). Charlotte is a kindly spinster authoress, who brags she can shoot (prove it!). Blayne is a tough guy with a chewy center who likes books and plants.

It was very disappointing that Blayne's "best friend" the Duke couldn't take a week to help his buddy avoid the noose! I mean he had months before the baby was born so that was a LAME excuse on his part.

Also, I reported it to the publishers, but I believe in Chapter 7, Charlotte outs Blayne as "Mr. MacNeil" when sassing Lady W and her mother at the ball. She should've called him "Mr. Wright" because that was the fake fiance name they were using at that point. Otherwise her mom should've said "Who? Who is Mr. MacNeil?" and exposed the lie then (Mr. Cooper's spying would not be needed then).

I think this is just too much (and too little in way of sexiness) for one book. Maybe half of this plot can go into another one?

I absolutely adored this book and am so excited to have it on my Favorite Books of 2021 list! It's got all of the things I love - class difference, fake engagement, and a bit of murder thrown in for added drama. Oh, and did I mention the secret identity? So many amazing tropes in one book, and it all came together so nicely. Although this is the seventh (!) book in the series, and the first one I have read, I had no trouble getting to know the old characters and understanding where the hero is coming from with his backstory. It made me really interested in reading the previous six books, which I am sure are just as entertaining as this one. There's something about the way Sophie Barnes wrote the hero and heroine that made me wish they were real - and when I want to jump into a book to meet the characters, I know the book is a keeper!

Blayne MacNeil has a plan. He is going to take the money he saved up over the years, buy some land in the country, and have a quiet life with the freedom to do what he loves. Of course, that was his plan, until he met Charlotte Russell. You see, Charlotte has an entirely different plan in mind for Blayne. One that involves him going by a completely different name, Mr. Wright, a fake engagement to keep her parents' eligible suitor at bay, and a future as a successful novelist living as a spinster somewhere until she's old and gray. She comes into Blayne's life with a sort of wild fervor, and while she finds her deceit regrettable, it is necessary. As they are forced into each other's company to maintain the charade, Blayne finds himself more and more committed to protecting Charlotte. He wants her to be happy, safely settled, and without the shackles of an arranged marriage. Marriage to him is impossible, as he has been on the run. For the last twenty years. For murder. Not that he plans on Charlotte, or anyone else, finding out. Ah, the best laid plans...

I loved Blayne and Charlotte so much, there are not enough words to express my adoration of them both. Blayne was a sweetheart, protective of Charlotte and unafraid to be candid with her in his thoughts. It was hilarious in the beginning, as he had no intention of going along with her schemes, and then he found himself roped into them anyway. His friends' reactions were also funny, and it made me want to read their stories, to get to know them better as well. Charlotte was an amazingly strong woman, with great awareness of herself and her strengths. She understood when she was wrong and she fought for herself when she was right. Her secret employment as an author was inspiring, and I felt as devastated as she did when things went wrong. And then I loved Blayne all the more for his reaction to learning who she was. Oh, and Blayne enjoys plants and books. When I tell you I literally sighed when I read that about him, I am not lying. Was there ever a more adorable hero created? And I'll go farther, was there ever a more adorable couple? I'm sure there are contenders, but Blayne and Charlotte are definitely at the top of my list.

Sophie Barnes gives us a hint at the end of the book who the next hero will be, and I'm so excited to read his story! Now I just need to go back and read the first six books while I wait...

**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**

I received "Her Scottish Scoundrel" from Netgalley and voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Charlotte Russell is in need of a bodyguard because she sometimes visits a not so nice place in town for personal reasons so she decides to hire one from the Black Swan, a tavern. Blayne MacNeil happens to be the owner of Black Swan and is stunned by the audacity as well as the courage of Miss Russell to stand up for herself while interviewing candidates at his bar. He volunteers himself at the end, and then there are a series of unexpected lies that they keep building on to hide their true identities and their pasts. I absolutely loved the wit, humor and banter in this fabulous story. Sophie Barnes has done an extraordinary job in weaving this tale while incorporating love, romance and mystery.

Society lady Charlotte hires scoundrel-with-a-heart-of-gold Blayne to be her bodyguard so she can continue her secret writing career. When she also asks him to be her fake fiance to get out of her parents' matchmaking, sparks fly.

I loved this story and these characters, and while the usual regency romance tropes were out to play, Barnes makes them feel fresh and exciting so that I was rooting for both Charlotte and Blayne from the very beginning. There's playful banter, steamy kisses, a dark past, heroes that won't allow the behavioral strictures of the time to prevent them from being together; it has all of the good things!

This is one of my new favorite romances and I'm excited to read more of Sophie Barnes's books.

I've always felt like Sophie Barnes does an excellent job with characters and their dialogue, and that made Her Scottish Scoundrel such a fun read! Charlotte is an secret adventure novel writer who needs a bodyguard, and hires Blayne, a big Scottish hunk. Then, through a few unfortunate circumstances, he ends up having to pretend to be engaged to her to keep her from marrying a rich American who only wants a titled wife.

The lost book mystery was a fun change of pace from other historical romances. I liked its originality. I really liked Blayne, but he was kind of a generic Scottish hero. I know his background is a secret, but I think he should've had more background up front. At least enough to get me interested in him as a person.

Charlotte, on the other hand, was an absolute joy! I'm used to feisty heroines, but she had a brazen gumption that I ADORED. She wouldn't take no for an answer, loves to write, and loves Blayne fiercely and quickly. I also LOVE her reaction to her father's rejection of Blayne. That takes guts and I was so proud of her. She is everything I want in a heroine.

*Given an ARC by Netgalley for an honest review.*

He had a dark past and knew he would spend his life in hiding until he became a body guard to the beauty sitting in his club. She wants nothing to do with marriage but her family had other ideas. This story will have you up all night. Can't wait for the next book in series.

Twists and turns abound in this lovely historical romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of strong independent woman and her Scottish rogue. With unexpected plot Twists throughout, Her Scottish Scoundrel keeps the reader guessing.

Her Scottish Scoundrel by Sophie Barnes is a romance which I have read with gusto. It has all of the elements which I look for in a romance. This is from the characters to the tropes used. To start of the story was simple yet chaotic in the end. However, this worked for me since everything did fall into place. I love both main characters Charlotte was independent but does know when to back down. While Blayne is as of now the best hero. He plants, reads books which is contrary to his looks. His character is deeper than the dark, brooding rogue. I like that despite this, he is gentle and considerate of Charlotte. Their relationship is one of loyalty despite not trusting each other at first. A lot of scandals have come their way but both help each other. The whole story is both situation and character-driven. I love how the author executed this story. It could be just the regular damsel in distress but it was made better. If given the opportunity, I would buy a physical copy just to reread it again.

Despite my raving review, I still gave it a 4.5 heart rating. This is because I would have liked it to have an epilogue. Knowing a happily ever after was due but was not written does not seem final for me. However, this does not stop me from loving the story. In consolation, the next story which has Marcus as the lead is next. It is The Dishonored Viscount and I would love to read it too. Again, it was a good read. It made me smile and laugh a lot. I love Charlotte and Blayne, their chemistry is the best.

This was a great book for anyone who enjoys the fake fiance trope, strong women, and past life drama. It has a great plot and solid character building. Truly a delightful romance.