This is meant to be a companion novel to "Scot to the Heart" (which I have not read), so it's possible that I would like this better if I read them in the proper order.

The 24 year old heroine's parents own a fabric shop that she's worked in for her whole life. The hero was good friends with her brother growing up and became a lawyer.

There's a lot of good going on in this book, but the story felt too drawn out and too short at the same time. And something stopped me from truly connecting with the story or the characters. But I'm still interested in reading the full length books in the series. ( )

I read this novella in an ARC copy.

It features the romance of the Best Friends of the hero and heroine of A Scot to the Heart. This romance actually begins a bit before the events of the main novel. Agnes is the sister of Drew St. James, the hero of A Scot to the Heart, she is as a child, acquainted with his best friend Felix Duncan, the only surviving son of a well-respected Edinburgh barrister. The St.Jameses are involved in the fabric trade and run a moderately successful shop selling fine silks and linens to ladies of the town.

When their father dies with a great deal of debt, Drew leaves to join the Army to send money back to help them keep the shop and support themselves. Before Drew leaves, Felix comes with an offer of help from his father, but is turned away by Drew, who doesn’t want to owe anyone anything. Agnes, the eldest girl of three, loves helping her mother with the shop and together they bring it back to solvency, though it is never hugely profitable.

Agnes becomes best friends with Ilsa Ramsay, the heroine of A Scot to the Heart, and the two of them often take tea at a local shop together. It is there that she becomes reacquainted with Felix, when he buys currant buns for her and her friend to go with their tea. Ilsa is tremendously beautiful, so Agnes is certain she is the one who has caught Felix’s interest, but he is actually flirting with Agnes. They encounter one another at the tea shop often and their interest blossoms.

Agnes and Felix run into each other at a party and drunken hijinx ensue leading to mutually desired sexual encounter that goes too far for a well brought up girl like Agnes, and which Felix is too drunk to clearly remember, though he knows he should offer for her. Their budding relationship is soured leading to the events that unfold in A Scot to the Heart and the rest of this novella.

There is a legitimate misunderstanding here and completely wonderful character-driven conflict. This absolutely arises out of people knowing their own worth and thinking the other person doesn’t value them. Watching them clear it up and realize they truly belong together is very entertaining and you feel their HEA is earned. In some ways, I liked this pairing even more than Ilsa and Drew’s romance. It’s a very strong companion to the main novel and well-worth reading. ( )

This was such a fun story! I loved Felix and Agnes in A Scot to the Heart and I’m so happy to see their story from their own point of view. We certainly saw the ebb and flow of their relationship in the previous book, but we didn’t know the underlying causes – and now we do. You’ll love the main characters, but you’ll also love the secondary characters who I wouldn’t mind seeing in their own stories.

Felix Duncan is a successful Edinburgh lawyer who also happens to be close friends with Andrew St James (newly discovered heir to the Duke of Carlyle). Felix and Drew were close from the time they were children when they were coached in golf and other sports by Drew’s father - back before Drew’s life fell apart. Drew’s sister Agnes had always caught his attention as children, but, as an adult, she mesmerizes him. He is totally smitten. Except, somehow, he seems to always put the wrong foot forward when it comes to her.

Agnes St. James has been flirting with Felix Duncan over currant buns at Mr. Agnew’s coffee house for quite some time. She’s quite taken with him and always looks forward to those encounters. She thinks there could be a chance for romance – until… Well, I won’t spoil the story and tell you what happens – other than there are misunderstandings.

I loved this quick, short read and I loved watching Agnes and Felix find their own HEA among all of the stress, drama, and excitement that was popping around them. I hope you’ll give it a read and enjoy it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )

Oh my goodness, Agnes and her beau, Felix, are a lot of trouble. People around them can see the attraction and in general approve of them as a couple. These two have a terrific evening together, drunk, and them bumble it. Felix needs a lesson in what a girl wants, needs it so much. Agnes gets her back up, justified completely. Felix's idea of a proposal is, well it's bad. Having a coherent conversation is sooo not happening here. I wanted to smack their heads together. This is all good because it means I became invested in their story. When I got to their HEA All I could have jumped for joy. They are perfect for each other and the smokin' hot love scenes are delightful. I'm giving you a little tidbit, The Scot to be won is Agnes. Topsy truvy from our usual storyline. Will there be HEA's for the other sisters? The mother really needs one, please let her be happy.

#CarolineLinden #HowTheScotWasWon #DesperatelySeelingDuke #BookFunnel #ScotRomance #HistoricalRomance #Romance ( )