Never Kiss a Scot (The League of Rogues #10)

Another great addition to the League of Rogues series. This one features the fabulous Brock Kincade whom we met in Ashton Lennoxs book, Wicked Rivals. Our heroine is Ashtons sister Joanna and our hero is the brother of Ashtons heroine, Rosalind. So it is a family affair! It is a wonderful read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love that all of Rosalinds brash, handsome, irrepressible brothers will get their own books and I hope Ashtons brothers will as well. At twenty-years-old, Joanna Lennox has endured three seasons without anyone showing any interest whatsoever. The men dont even seem interested in dancing with her much less courting her. What in the world is wrong with her? She just doesnt understand it. She isnt ugly, she has a large dowry, shes intelligent and has all of the skills required for running a large home so, why isnt anyone even a fortune hunter interested in her? I loved the opening scene in the book. Joanna is in the library late in the evening when she sees a tall man, dressed in dark clothes, entering the room. She doesnt recognize him, but he says he is Rosalinds brother then, he kisses her senseless and ties her up. Hes there to rescue his sister from the evil clutches of Ashton. To say that there is no love lost between Brock and Ashton is putting it mildly. However, Ashton has to suck it up and tolerate Brock at least until the wedding is over because Brock is walking Rosalind down the aisle. However, when Ashton catches Brock alone in a room with Joanna, kissing her, with his hand up her skirt, Ashton goes berserk and orders him from the house. What Ashton doesnt know is that Brock is determined to marry Joanna not for her money (though that is a plus), but because he wants her – the real her. Given Ashtons animosity toward Brock, he and Joanna decide to go to Gretna Green to marry over the anvil. They have to be crafty in order to escape without Ashton and the League managing to overtake them. On that trip, Joanna discovers strengths and bravery she never knew she possessed. They slept outdoors and were even kidnapped by highwaymen, yet she never complained and moved forward. Even when her brother caught up with them, she stood up to him and faced him down. Joanna turns out to be quite a heroine. Brock Kincade, along with his brothers and sister grew up in one of the most abusive homes Ive ever read in a story. His father was extremely abusive and violent. Brock is so afraid that hes like his father that he wont allow himself to be violent in any way even when hes attacked, he only does the minimum to protect himself. Brocks father did some despicable things and betrayed some of the Highland clans. Those clans havent forgotten what happened and some have transferred that animosity to Brock. Who are the hidden enemies at the castle? Are they after Brock or Joanna or both? You really need to read this delightful series including this book. The characters are wonderful youll fall in love with all of them as you read the books. Joanna and Brock are both wonderful characters and I cant wait to see their siblings get their own books. BTW I read the Whispersync version of this book so I listened to the audio as well as reading. The narrator, Heather Wilds, has a wonderful range of voices and I thoroughly enjoyed listening. Her Scots brogue was wonderful to hear especially the Gaelic ballads I loved those.

Its been a while I have read some Mrs Lauren Smiths work. I do loved this sweet novel, with no big drama nor too much angst, the author created a lovely story of two people who get to know the other and who get confirmed they made the right choice. Joanna and Brock have had quite a first encounter, they shared a scorching kiss then he tied her to rescue his own sister from her brother. But by the month that passed after, they cant stop thinking about the other. So when they see again, they still feel this deep pulse that brings them together. Mrs Smith crafted a beautiful tale of two soulmates who slowly discover and understand why they were meant to be together, he makes her felt cared and cherished while she shares the same aspirations as himself. It was like a reverse wooing, they marry then learn about the other, and each new discovery is a new stone to the future they will built together. I do loved how each meeting with other protagonists deepened their bond, reenforcing their relationship. 4,5 stars for a smoothly narrated romance.

I\’m not exactly sure where this book went wrong for me. It may have been that it started out way too deep with emotions and feelings from a first kiss. Or that they so soon planned to marry and escape to Gretna Green without knowing each other well. I don\’t really know but this book never took off for me. I liked it enough to finish it, and I liked the characters but something was missing for me. It just kind of fell flat for me. I realize I am the only odd-man-out here, but it just didn\’t do it for me.

When I first started reading this book I was stumped. I was shocked that it wasnt a continuation of the last League of Rogues in the series. It was another look at how deep Waverly wanted to end the League, & their families gone. Cant wait to read what happens next.

A little confusing because of Hugos appearance, and the events in book 9. But it is another great story with great characters. Joanna was tough but still kind and vulnerable. Brock was a big strong Scot, caring and attentive but terrified of love. Very likeable characters and perfect for each other.

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