Another first for me, Rose Prendeville is an author I will look for again. Although this is the second book in this series, I found it unnecessary to have read the first. The characters from there feature in Lady Len and the mysterious Mack so we do learn of the connections between the two stories. Silas has come home from his studies in Aberdeen at the behest of his father, who believes he is dying and want Silas to be chosen as the new laird of the clan. He also wants Si to marry, Ellen is the chosen bride, quiet, sickly and full of self doubt. The journey the pair make negotiating their various insecurities is quite enchanting. I loved the side characters too, this book is an easy read but also well written. There are lessons that each of them learn and ends very satisfactorily. For a refreshing and sometimes humorous read I recommend this series and thank Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read and review this book.

*2.5

I really wanted to like this because the cover is adorable but I just didn't. The writing was not good and kind of confusing at parts. They just didn't spend enough time together for me. Also he got mad at her for teaching the kids to read and to me that didn't align with his character and made me confused.

I received an arc through netgalley.

First of all, this cover is ADORABLE and the book was just as cute. I loved the plot and the writing was solid.

This is so good. The title and cover tell us how tongue in cheek it is, but it's not cartoony. This is a nicely paced insight into the 18th century world of the clans and the importance of the laird, and of succession. Ellen (Len) is small and frail, so constantly underestimated by her family. She's reluctantly being married to Silas Mackenzie, the son of the Laird, in order to unite the clans. Silas is a giant, and is both terrified and enchanted by Len. They are both underestimated by the clans, and by themselves.

There are wonderful side characters including the Laird himself, and some mystery as well. The nod to the importance of literacy is gold, and the letters are swoony. There's a tiny third act breakup, which makes sense to the plot.

Can they make it work? How will he fit in? So much fun!

And thank you to NetGalley and Eridani Press for the ARC.

Based on the cover and description, this book looks and sounds adorable. Instead, it's heavy and angsty and not at all what I expected. I'm sure others will enjoy it, but I'm not the target audience. DNF.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A light hearted historical romance novel set in the days of Scottish clans, making a pleasant change from the sea of Bridgerton inspired regency books currently dominating this market