ARC Review: A Scot's Surrender (The Townsends 3) by Lily Maxton

Blurb:

When his brother leaves him in charge of Llynmore Castle, Robert Townsend is determined to make everything go smoothly. What does it matter if he's inexplicably drawn to Ian Cameron, the estate’s stoic steward? Robert is sure he can ignore the way the Highlander's apparent dislike of him gets under his skin. They'll muddle along just fine so long as they avoid one another. An excellent plan…until a fire forces Ian into the castle—and Robert's personal space.

Ian Cameron has worked for everything he owns, unlike spoiled Robert Townsend. And he may not have friends, but he has the Highlands and the stars, and what more could he really need? But when a guest's stolen possession appears in his room, he doesn't have much choice but to admit to the handsome and aggravatingly charming Townsend brother that he needs help. To solve this mystery, they'll have to put aside their differences. And as Ian learns more about Robert, he'll have to guard his heart…or it may be the next thing stolen.

Dani's rating:

Even though this is Lily Maxton's first book featuring two male leads, I jumped at the chance to read it because I love historical romance.

Maxton can certainly write. The countryside setting was quaint, and the mystery was resolved in a rather unusual way. I giggled when Robert and Ian caught the thief.

This isn't a long book, but the characters are fairly well developed. The ending is a realistic, if tentative, HEA.





What was missing, at least for me, was that raw, overwhelming passion. I didn't feel the spark between the MCs. Something about the romance fell flat. The men seemed rather careful and stiff around each other.

There was also some drama involving secondary characters toward the end that had me rolling my eyes. This is the third book in what has thus far been a M/F series, and the secondary characters were a little too present.

Overall, this is an even-paced story with likable (if not terribly complex) MCs, a light enemies-to-lovers theme, and moderate steam. Give it a go if you like historical romance. Just don't expect any kilt action.

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An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Download links are provided as a courtesy and do not constitute an endorsement of or affiliation with the book, author, publisher, or website listed.