Staff Pick
Let's start with what matters most: a gruff, sexy Scottish sword maker. Now for the heart of the story — the emotional growth of our heroine and her fight to be taken seriously by those closest to her. And let's not forget, she gets to fall in love with a gruff, sexy Scottish sword maker. Delightfully inspiring. Recommended By Jennifer V., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
An NPR Best Book of the Year
A Bookish Favorite Book of the Year
A Bookpage Best Romance of the Year
Award-winning author Alyssa Cole’s Reluctant Royals series continues with a woman on a quest to be the heroine of her own story and the duke in shining armor she rescues along the way…
New York City socialite and perpetual hot mess Portia Hobbs is tired of disappointing her family, friends, and — most importantly — herself. An apprenticeship with a struggling swordmaker in Scotland is a chance to use her expertise and discover what she’s capable of. Turns out she excels at aggravating her gruff silver fox boss… when she’s not having inappropriate fantasies about his sexy Scottish burr.
Tavish McKenzie doesn’t need a rich, spoiled American telling him how to run his armory… even if she is infuriatingly good at it. Tav tries to rebuff his apprentice — and his attraction to her — but when Portia accidentally discovers that he’s the secret son of a duke, rough-around-the-edges Tav becomes her newest makeover project.
Forging metal into weapons and armor is one thing, but when desire burns out of control and the media spotlight gets too hot to bear, can a commoner turned duke and his posh apprentice find lasting love?
Review
“Witty, heartwarming, and super sexy! A charming royal romance.” Fresh Fiction
Review
“Cole includes just the right amount of sass, sex, and heart to satisfy romance readers.” Publishers Weekly
Review
“Multicultural characters, current social issues, a generous helping of Scottish weapons lore, a hero who learns to forgive the past, and a heroine who comes into her own make Cole’s latest a lively, upbeat escapade rich with humor and heart.” Library Journal
About the Author
Alyssa Cole is an award-winning author of historical, contemporary, and sci-fi romance. Her contemporary rom-com A Princess in Theory was one of the New York Times’ 100 Notable Books of 2018, and her books have received critical acclaim from Library Journal, BuzzFeed, Kirkus, Booklist, Jezebel, Vulture, Book Riot, Entertainment Weekly, and various other outlets. When she’s not working, she can usually be found watching anime or wrangling her many pets.