A Scot to the Heart: Desperately Seeking Duke

Caroline Linden

Jun 2021 · Desperately Seeking Duke Book 2 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

The second book in the clever, sexy Desperately Seeking Duke series from USA Today bestselling and RITA award–winning author Caroline Linden.

An Officer and a Scotsman

Captain Andrew St. James always knew he came from a noble family, but his branch grew far from the wealth and status. Nothing shocks him more than learning that he now stands as heir presumptive to his distant cousin the Duke of Carlyle. There is much for Drew to learn and adjust to—but first he goes home to Edinburgh, to tell his mother and three sisters of their startling good fortune.

A Lady and a Temptress

Ilsa Ramsay yearns for some adventure and fun, not another husband. When she discovers the handsome soldier who sweeps her off her feet for a rollicking dance is her friend’s brother, soon to be an English duke, she tells herself he’s not for her, no matter how tempting he is. But one impulsive kiss, then another, and another… says otherwise.

An Irresistible Attraction

Drew means to marry a respectable, dignified Englishwoman—a very proper future duchess. The spirited Ilsa is none of that. Still, when she’s caught in a dangerous scandal, he leaps to her aid without hesitation. And neither family duty nor future obligation can make them ignore what’s in both their hearts.

Ratings and reviews

*** A Father's Love *** Con: The ending felt like a cliffhanger although it was not. The reader has to decipher what is actually happening and what will happen. PRO: I loved reading this book. From the very beginning I was intrigued, deeply absorbed and intent on finishing this book in one sitting. The storyline was original, tense, confusing, shocking, freeing, romantic, principled and noble. The main characters Drew and Ilsa were amazing. Ilsa's personality was eccentric but after years of unhappiness following society's dictates, she freed herself and lived the way she wanted to. To her aunt's dismay. She proved herself fiercely loyal and loved unconditionally. I liked her honest approach to life. She was true to herself and to others. Drew did not spurn his opportunity to become heir. His first thought was not for himself but of his mother and sisters and what he could do for them. When Ilsa entered his life, he felt a connection and let things unfold as they may. Soon it became abundantly clear Ilsa meant more to him than any other woman. CONCLUSION; An excellent book, well written, with enough drama and suspense to satisfy. The unpredictable twists and turns in the story took me off guard and really surprised me. A must read. I highly recommend it. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Reasons I enjoyed this book: Action-packed Inspirational Page-turner Romantic Realistic Steamy Unpredictable Wonderful characters

Book: A Scot to the Heart By Caroline Linden Series: Desperately Seeking Duke, Book #2 Publisher : Avon Release Date: June 29, 2021 Book Rating: 5/5 stars Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags 1787 Fort George Ardersier, Scotland Àird nan Saor is Gaelic Captain Andrew St. James, known as Drew to his friends and his family except for his Mum of course. He had always been aware he came from a titled family, but it was a poor relation with no heir. As the current Duke is in poor health and with no children, his heir was a brother who died. So Drew is the next heir in line to inherit as he has no wealth or status, so he is shocked to learn he is the heir of the wealthy Duke of Carlyle! He has to investigate, but goes home to Edinburgh to inform his mum and three sisters of their new soon to be status and wealth! As Drew assumes his family would be thrilled with this surprising news. Drew thinks of all he could do to help his family, but not everyone in everyone in his Scottish family is happy about it! Especially about moving to England who many still think as the enemy with relatives being butchered and lost by Cumberland’s Redcoat’s in Culloden. Of course Drew understood he was not the only one in the running for the Duke but it was obvious the Duchess thought him the best choice, but hinted a good English wife should be best and the sooner he got married and settled down the better his chance to assume the title. As his competition was a gambling womanizer who would be on no hurry for a wife! Now the Duchess wanted him to look at one of the the Duke’s ignored properties in Scotland the other reason her was in Edinburgh. He just didn’t expect to meet the woman of his dreams here. A woman who was the exact opposite of what a future Duke should desire in a good English wife! The first thing being this woman was very Scottish, beautiful, independent and free! Ilsa Ramsay’s a widow whose former husband was murdered in a duel. It causes a great scandal even though it was husband who rarely let her out. Only did for appearance as this was no great love affair at all. Her father had picked this man to marry as she followed all the rules and it her name still ended in scandal. Even if it was all untrue people like believing the worst. So after her mourning period was over she decided to live her life much as she decided she painted a room like her favorite area in Edinburgh Calton Hill. This included taking her drapes down, allowing her pony to live inside her home, wearing whatever color she desired and going to the Oyster tavern . For once in her life she wanted to have fun in her life! She decided it’s worth having fun and decided to kiss this handsome stranger she meets at the tavern not realizing it is her new friend Agnes brother! The one who was to be inheriting Ducal title and all that goes with it. So Ilsa she is not to be any future Duchess plus she had no desire to live in England. Even though she tries to fight it they at like moths to fame she and Drew. Plus it was not one sided by any means and you watch them both fall helpless in love. Ilsa does let Drew know she is not a by his tile or fortune and not to feel obligated to her in any way. Then a big scandal hit involving Ilsa’s family which reminds her of the one her dead husband caused ! Except someone she loves might be caught and executed for a crime he did not commit! Will this scandal destroy any future happiness or future for Drew and Ilsa? Read and find out. A wonderful book from start to finish and the chemistry between Drew and Ilsa is off the charts. I love Ilsa being so open, honest and free. Plus having a pony named Robert was brilliant and the animal lover in me loved that Robert was a rescue pony and lived in Ilsa’s home! This book also hinted at Drew’s sister Agnes and his best mate Felix Duncan. It shows a lot of their animosity but also chemistry too. Setting up readers to read their story next in the novella How the Scot Was Won, I definitely want to see if and how they obtain a happpily ever afterI loved this book

When Captain Andrew St. James learns that he is heir to the Duke of Carlyle, the Duchess gives him and his cousin six months to settle and prove they are worthy to inherit. Following several weeks of instruction from the duchess and her solicitor, Drew goes to Edinburgh to tell his family the news. They are shocked, but start planning for the future they hope to have. He meets Ilsa Ramsey, a young widow. Ilsa has always been controlled by her family, including her rake of a husband. Out of mourning, she is testing her freedom for the first time. There is a strong attraction between Drew and Ilsa. They are a little uncertain, but enjoy spending time together. Before long, they fall in love. When a scandal involving a string of burglaries threatens Ilsa’s family, Drew will not let her face it alone. When he presents her to the Duchess, she is skeptical (it’s her way), but Drew and Ilsa convince her that the best way for Drew to take up his responsibilities is to do it together. Before they leave the Carlyle Castle, Mr. Edwards hints that there might be another possible heir. Nothing certain, just a possibility? He also tells him that the Duchess has a wonderful surprise for him, as a wedding gift. I really enjoyed this story. The romance was funny, sweet, and a little sexy. The characters were great. I look forward to the next story. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

About the author

Caroline Linden knew from an early age she was a reader, not a writer. She earned a math degree from Harvard University and wrote computer code before turning to fiction. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award, the NJRW Golden Leaf Award, and RWA’s RITA® Award, and have been translated into seventeen languages around the world. She lives in New England with her family. Find her online at www.CarolineLinden.com.