Cover Image: Mistress Mackintosh and the Shaw Wretch

Mistress Mackintosh and the Shaw Wretch

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Member Reviews

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

That was not a favorite historical romance for me. I don't like road trip stories and here it was really tiring the number of times the female character tried to escape from the male character. I didn't like the dialogues a lot too. To be honest; I read this book and then forget all about it until now. Sorry.

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Judging by the cartoon cover alone, you wouldn't suspect it to be a Highland romance, but this book had many surprises-- a protagonist with scoliosis, for one (extra points for amazing representation, especially as the author also has scoliosis!) The fully fleshed-out characters and gripping plot made for a great story-- I just didn't connect well with the characters and didn't feel as invested in their relationship as I wish I was.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

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Honestly
I really did not get this book at all
I didn't finish it
I couldn't finish it, to be honest.
would I try again?
sure

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wow! this was so incredible !! amazing! i am so thankful that i got to read this one early and it was just so sensational! thank you so much netgalley for this e-arc!!!

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Oh, this book is desperately cute! I really love it, it’s sweet, romantic and simple. You will love Finn! He is so good, kind and shy, I like such main characters he is a right person to be attracted to, he is a very healthy choice, if you fan of toxic relationship romance, this book is not for you. Jory is a little bit annoying sometimes, but she is quite relatable! And of course Scottish vibe and historical settings make me comfortable, for a really long time I haven’t read such books. I found out that I really miss them, thank you for such a fun time!

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Thank you to Eridani Press, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book - I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I can honestly say, although this is the first book in a series and the first one of I have read from this author, I am sure this is going to be a hit. The book is written with humour and there are plenty of sparks flying between the two characters, who are well-formed, believable and adorable.

I cannot wait for the next one!

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This was such a cute read and I loved every minute of it. I just flew through this book and I fell in love with the characters instantly.

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I was originally interested because of the cover, but this turned out to be a fairly enjoyable story. The FMC was ultimately not the most likeable of heroines and the MMC ended up doing things that I found fairly unrealistic, but it was certainly a solid start to what I am sure will turn into a nice little series.

The beginning did seem somewhat slow and confusing, and the plot seemed to waiver here and there, but the characters did develop nicely. (I do wish Jory wasn't quite so ungrateful and immature, and ultimately, this is one of the reasons I gave this book 3 stars...it is very hard for me to finish a book where one of the main characters is so immediately unlikeable.)

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This year, I decided to go back to historical romances to see if I still enjoy them as I once used to. It turns out that I am not completely blown away by many of them. In that attempt, I chose to pick this book because it was based in a different time and place than I have previously encountered.
There were different things that worked for me but several others that didn't. I think the main point was that the entire relationship felt a little rushed. Given that they knew each other as children, they might have dealt with it sooner rather than later. Mistress Mackintosh is a woman with no future. She is contemplating her escape when she finds out that she is to be sent to be a nun. The historical background here was quite fascinating and was one of the reasons I wanted to read till the end. She is to be sent on her way with just one man to protect her and drop her off at the final destination.
I found the number of mean attempts by our lady heroine to escape her protector without actually talking to him about it, to be once too many. The first time was fun as a plot point, but the next few times, it did not make sense, given the reality that was obvious by that point.
The ending's tone was a lot different from the pacing of the initial stages of the book. This is a road trip of sorts, with the two leads falling for each other during the journey. I did not feel like I was reading about a different time, even with my interest in the political situation of the time.
I would try another book by the author, but this one was not for me.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

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The cover of this book drew me in immediately! I love a good historical romance and Mistress Mackintosh and the Shaw Wretch is no exception. A sweet, cute, and fast-paced read, this will hit the spot!

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This book was so good, I keep raving about it to my friends. I couldn't stop reading it, definitely an amazong read

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“I told you, mistress. If you jump, I shall follow. So we may as well go over together.”

If you’re looking for a hidden gem, you have to pick up this sweet, dramatic, twisty love story.

Miss Prendeville. Mistress Prendeville even. May I call you Rose? I just have to say. Wow. Thank you for writing this!
Sometimes a book clicks into my heart in a unique way. This is one of those books. About halfway through I knew it would be five stars for me. Why? It’s hard to put my finger on it. It’s just the perfect mixture of ingredients, much like the sweet foraged meals our main characters eat throughout the book.
First of all there’s the cover. This isn’t something I usually address in a review but I feel I have to. Although the book is much darker than I might have guessed from the illustrated cover (if you have sensitivities please check content warnings, there is a lot), the spirit of Jory and Finn is absolutely captured.
Then there’s the writing! Miss Prendeville has a beautiful writing style, lilting and poetic, that makes me want to quote even mundane sentences. She’s also a master of showing, not telling. Describe your feisty female lead as a tiny hedgehog and I’ll be your fan for life honestly.
Of course there’s the characters. The characters are so beautiful, especially Finn. He’s a combination cinnamon roll and warrior. There were too many precious moments between Finn and Jory to count. I will say the villains are very intense (again, check content warnings please).
Another really special touch was Jory’s disability. It’s uncommon to see that represented so well without making it her personality. Finn was incredibly empathetic about her pain, and it’s truly beautiful and unique. Most books don’t go there with chronic illness. Honestly this one made my eyes get misty.
Overall it’s just a great book and I cannot wait to continue the series!

Tropes: Only one bed, friends to lovers, road trip, found family
CW: Death of parent, violence, bullying, sexual assault, kidnapping, chronic illnesses, murder, medical trauma

I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley. Opinions are all my own.

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This book was everything I wanted it to be. It had me turned pages without even realizing. It was so good!

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Firstly, the cover is adorable. Whoever had a hand in designing it did a great job. Definitely made me want to look into this book.

The story was sweet, and adventurous. I love that Joey had a slight disability. There’s a distinct lack of representation for characters with disabilities of any kind, so it’s nice to see that being included and relevant to the story. The story was fast paced and the romance was engaging. The characters offered a lot to love. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

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Tropes: one bed, strangers to lovers

This novel initially was challenging for me to start with as the writing wasn't something I was used to. After the first chapter however it is nothing difficult and gives the novel some charm.

Jory Mackintosh is sent by her uncle to be a nun in a convent far away. Finn, the man she has adored from afar since she was a child is the man who has been chosen to deliver her. They are unaware of their roles in this exchange and the budding alliance in the regions. What sounds like a misogynistic story is actually a story that has our FMC empowered as she takes back her own choice.

Jory is our strong but stubborn heroine whose walls are thick. Finn, our charming hero is determined to give her the tools to empower herself, all the while staying by her side to offer support if and when she needs it. Our stubborn duo find themselves falling for each other (Again!) while they try to figure out how to get our heroine out of being a nun in the convent.

What ensues is a quick read on a journey that results in a happy ending for Jory and Finn, as well as their clans.

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Thank you to Netgalley and Eridani Press for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Mistress Mackintosh and the Shaw Wretch is a quick and easy romance read for fans of Outlander or other Scottish historical romances. The romance was a great mix of cute moments and just a little bit of heat (spice). Nothing explicit happens, as I know some people are interested in knowing beforehand.

The adventure was entertaining and kept me enthralled in the story. Jory is a heroine who is described as strong-willed and before her time. For the most part, that was true, and it was fun to see her fall in love with a man who respected that about her.

Overall, Mistress Mackintosh and the Shaw Wretch is a lovely and predictable story that provides just the right mix of heart-warming and danger. If you're looking for a cute romance, pick this one up!

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This was a surprising romance! I really loved the chemistry between the main characters and the fact that there was a main character with a visible disability was great to see. I liked the structure and the slow pace wasn't too slow or too boring for me. Overall, a fairly quick read, with some darker elements, but it is a HEA and I enjoyed reading this book.

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The opening scene of this book really drew me in. The character's chemistry was strong and their banter was fun to read. BUT, as the book continued, I found myself struggling to care. For such a short book, it felt too long and mundane. It took FOREVER for anything to happen. I did end up enjoying the plot, it just too long to get there.

I know many reviews complain that the FMC is mean despite how sweet the MMC is, but it didn't bother me too much. She is strong-willed for sure, and occasionally her attitude made me wonder if she cared about the MMC at all.

I do think this book would work for several readers.

PERFECT FOR FANS OF:

1. One Bed Trope
2. A Slow Burn Romance
3. Outlander, but with Really Tame Steaminess
4. Historical Romance

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This was a surprising read!

I really fell in love with Finn and Jory, their connection was extremely engaging to read about.

I did find this to be a bit darker than I thought but I loved all the scenery, history and events we got to experience during this book.

If you are looking for a slow burn romance between soulmates than this could be for you!

4/5⭐️

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I would've loved to read this, but unfortunately, when I downloaded it to my kindle, it didn't appear, no matter how many times I tried to download it.

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