skimmed 90% of this book. ( )

I liked the characters a great deal but found them to behave inconsistently and found just about everything else to be ridiculous. The writing was too modern, both in style and attitude. Why did Ian have to marry Genie? There were so few other prospects that he felt he had no choice but to make everyone so miserable? The bad dude was laughably one-dimensional and over the top. Were not 1, not 2, but 3(!) romantic pairings necessary? Nope, especially since Mary Fran and Matthew get their own novella.

I could forgive the anachronisms, since the story is for a modern audience, but just couldn't get past all the other inaccuracies. I have another novel by Burrowes that I paid zero dollars for, so I'll give her another chance, but I have a feeling that this is a relationship that won't work out. ( )

Ian had a title and no money. Genie had the money and needed a title. But it would take a lot more to get these two married to solve both these problems. And very soon it became all too clear that neither wanted the marriage. But both felt they had to. Scenes between Ian and Genie were painful. Fortunately, we got to see Ian and Augusta fall in love instead. There was only so many time I could read about Ian trying to woo Genie and watch her completely shut down and treat him like a monster. That soon grew very tiring.

Watching Ian and Augusta fall in love was both sweet and exhausting. But overall, worth the journey. Though the rest of the book was kind of long and drawn out, the moments between Ian and Augusta were more than worth it. The solution to their problem was a long time coming, but provided a satisfactory ending. There was only so many time I could read about Ian trying to woo his intended bride and watch her completely shut down and treat him like a monster. That soon grew very tiring. ( )

The Bridegroom Wore Plaid
4 Stars

As Laird of a land rich but cash poor clan, Ian MacGregor must marry an heiress. His chosen bride would rather be ruined that consent to be his, while her impoverished cousin, Augusta, is everything Ian could want in a wife. Drawn together despite their circumstances, Ian and Augusta will have to defy social convention and survive the machinations of a malicious madman with murder on his mind.

Too many characters and too many storylines detract from an otherwise engaging romance and a solid suspense plot.

The beginning is long and tedious mainly due to the necessity of introducing the numerous characters and their connections to one another. The pace picks up 1/3 of the way through and the primary romance between Ian and Augusta is ultimately steamy and satisfying. Unfortunately, the secondary romances do not fare as well, as the relationships are underdeveloped and the characterization is lacking.

The subplot surrounding a nefarious relative’s homicidal plans for Augusta is thrilling albeit predictable, and the villain is suitably despicable although keeping his identity a secret for longer might have ratcheted up the suspense a notch.

All in all, an enjoyable story despite its problems and I will continue with the series.

On a final note, Mary and Matthew’s story, which receives the least page time, is the focus of a novella. Not being a fan of short stories and not being that interested in this couple, means that I’ll skip ahead to the next full length novel in the series. ( )

This was my first ever adult romance. It was a lot more racy than I had anticipated. That would have gotten old fast if it weren't for the characters and the plot. I was actually surprised that the plot was engaging and not completely see through. Of course, I knew in the end that the main characters live HEA but how that get there was surprising, due to the plot twists. The characters were also well rounded and not stereotypical. The women had some brains; the men weren't just lusting after everything in sight. They had some scruples.
Read in an afternoon, I probably won't be reading many more this year but when I'm looking for well-written happy endings, this would be my go-to author. ( )