When a Scot Ties the Knot

Narrator Carmen Rose sets the scene for the witty banter between two headstrong protagonists. When 16-year-old Madeline Gracechurch pens love letters to Captain Logan MacKenzie, her imaginary fiancé, she avoids the pressure of being presented to society. Years later, when she kills Logan off, the newly widowed Madeline thinks she's free from social obligations and retires to work on her drawings--until a handsome Highlands soldier appears at the doorstep of her Scottish castle. Rose gives shy Madeline a dignified English accent and the roguishly commanding Logan, a Scots brogue. Though Rose's pacing can be rushed at times, she takes things slow when it comes to the sensual love scenes and captures the heat of this steamy Regency romance. M.F. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Starred review from July 20, 2015
Dare’s marvelous third Castles Ever After Regency romance (after Say Yes to the Marquess) builds a gradual, intense romance between two people who are determined to avoid love and commitment. Maddie Gracechurch, determined to avoid a London season, writes to Capt. Logan MacKenzie, a Highland warrior, pretending that he’s her fiancé. He conveniently dies in battle, leaving her to pursue an illustration career and savor singlehood. Nine years later, Logan appears at Lannair Castle, where Maddie resides with her aunt Thea. Though Maddie explains that the letters were purely fictional, he intends to make good on his promise to marry her. Logan wants to have a home for his men who have followed him through the trials of battle; the castle is perfect. And he assures Maggie that once they’ve consummated the marriage, she can continue her work while they both enjoy their freedom. But their mutually acceptable agreement is hampered by their physical desire, as Logan comes to know the woman behind the letters and Maggie learns to break through his practiced emotional detachment. Dare’s swiftly moving plot is enhanced by the seamlessly developed romance, and the sensuality is heightened by the slow awakening of the unlikely pair’s mutual attraction. Agent: Steve Axelrod, Axelrod Agency.