Member Reviews

As light and sweet as the best Scottish Tablet, as fizzy and refreshing as an ice-cold glass of Irn-Bru, and as satisfying as a perfectly cooked bowl of porridge! A genuinely fun, light-hearted and romantic read.

Was this review helpful?

This book was so fun! The banter is top tier and I could not put this book down. And the story was very well written. I would highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

"Kilted Lovers" is the third book Megan Clawson has written and just like her other works, it does not disappoint. One thing I deeply appreciate about Clawson is the originality and freshness of her stories. They're not your run-of-the-mill romances.

In "Kilted Lovers", Lady Alice Walpole is the grand-niece of the King and a woman who doesn't know what she wants in life. As the book opens, we find her getting through everyday life floating from one party to the next. However, it's not something she particularly enjoys. And the society members she surrounds herself with aren't her friends, they're mere acquaintances.

After receiving another round of bad press, Alice is sent to Balmoral in the Scottish Highlands. by her parents to help straighten her out. But not before she has time to form an attachment to a rich playboy named Atticus. At first, Alice resents her time in Scotland, but as the story develops, she comes to discover the true meaning of love, friendships, and purpose.

The MMC Alice met in Balmoral, Fraser Bell captured my heart and is a character I found myself falling for. Clawson has done a masterful job in making him both realistic and swoony. Without giving away any spoilers, it was a pleasure as a reader to sit back and watch Alice and Fraser's relationship unfold.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book! The first few chapters were a little slow for me, but once I got past them, the story started to grow on me. I only wish Fraser and Sophie had been more present in the final few chapters. I give this book a solid 4 stars. I can't wait for Clawson's next book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for allowing me to enjoy an Advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this one. I was thrilled when I got the book because I follow Megan on Instagram and have been so excited to read one of hers. This one was so lovely, super cosy and towards the end I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read more from her now!

Was this review helpful?

Lovely romcom set mainly at Balmoral Castle. Nice depiction of depression and how easy for others to mock what they don’t understand.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! As I proceeded to begin this read it became difficult connecting with the characters. I would have wished there would have been a bit more background mentioned. More so on Fraser. I don’t know if it was just me but I had a perplexing time following along the plot. I found myself at times rereading certain paragraphs/sentences. Perhaps this is why I gave this read a 2.75 rating.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Honestly - I went in blind to this book based purely off of the name and cover. And my goodness - what a DELIGHT. I will say it felt like a clunky start but I am so glad I stuck with it.

Was this review helpful?

Adorable, just adorable, I am a hopeless romantic and I just love love, this book was sm fun!! Royal love story?? Hell yeah. I knew I'd love this book since I've read Love At First Knight which was just as amazing!!

Was this review helpful?

I’m a big fan of this author, and couldn’t resist grabbing the ARC from Netgalley the moment it appeared. A slow-burn romance between Lady Alice Walpole and Fraser, opposites attract in this predictable, lighthearted tale set in the Scottish Highlands.

A nice surprise was the additional depth in the storyline, which thoughtfully included themes of self-value, mental well-being, and supportive friendships. I found their lively banter entertaining and easy to follow. The smooth transitions between chapters keep the story moving at a nice pace.

I’m looking forward to this author’s future works and happily submit my review.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my goodness, this was such a cute romance story by Megan Clawson!
I really liked all the characters portrayed in this book, everyone just seems to get along with each other. The story mainly focuses on Lady Alice who got told by her father to stay in Balmoral as a way to reflect on her actions as she caused havoc one night with Atticus - the ‘love of her life’. A month into being in Balmoral, she wonders why Atticus has not been in contact with her until she eventually learns the truth about Atticus’ radio silence. She was quite naive when she arrived in Scotland but she comes to learn her lesson and becomes a better version of herself after having her heart broken. She also had Fraser and Sophie whom she became friends with within a short amount of time and they showed true friendship by being by her side whenever she is down.

This actually leads to the topic of mental health which the way it was delivered in this book was very good. Alice seems to think she’s lonely and finds herself depressed most of the time, beating herself up for ruining something good in her life but in the end, she tackles those obstacles and finds help on how to become better. I feel like the message it gave was important as everyone goes through mental health and you’re never alone, there is always people stuck by you when you need them. It doesn’t matter what you look like whether you’re a royal like Alice or different levels of classes. There’s always people a call away.

Wow I feel like I went very deep on that topic but I have developed a soft spot for Fraser and Alice. It took me 3 days to read it as I was so immersed into the story and with the way it was written, it just flowed so well.

Was this review helpful?

⭐ 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4) | Contemporary Romance | Found Family & Second Chances

This book features an unlikely heroine, a swoon-worthy Scot, and a setting that steals the show

After loving Megan Clawson’s debut, Falling Hard for the Royal Guard, I jumped at the chance to read Kilted Lovers. Once again, Clawson delivers a heartfelt story featuring a protagonist struggling with mental health, family expectations, and the search for purpose.

Lady Alice Walpole has wealth, status, and every opportunity at her fingertips—so why isn’t she happy? Her family certainly doesn’t understand, especially when her attempts to fill the void have led to a few unfortunate scandals. To save face (and get her away from bad influences and the society pages), her parents ship her off to Balmoral Castle in Scotland. A punishment in their eyes, but for Alice, it might just be the fresh start she didn’t know she needed.

I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect to sympathise with an entitled, poor-little-rich-girl character like Alice. But Clawson’s writing gives her depth, making her struggles feel real and relatable. Her first meeting with Fraser, the castle’s head gamekeeper, is hilarious, and their slow-burning connection is both sweet and heartfelt.

Fraser is initially reserved and aware of the differences in status between himself and Alice. Yet beneath that formality is a kind, steady presence—the exact kind of grounding force Alice needs.

The side characters bring so much warmth to the story, especially Sophie, the lively maid who absolutely steals every scene she’s in and becomes Alice's best friend. And the setting? Absolute perfection. Balmoral Castle and the nearby village of Braemar made me want to wrap myself in tweed and tartan and book a flight to Scotland immediately.

While the love story is lovely, this book is also about friendship, belonging, and finding your place in the world—even when it feels impossible. Alice’s journey isn’t tied up in a neat little bow; she’ll continue to face challenges, but there’s a sense of hope and resilience in the ending that feels wonderfully real.

I didn’t love this quite as much as Falling Hard for the Royal Guard, but it was still a charming and heartfelt read. If you enjoy books with a strong sense of place, found family themes, and a romance that’s as tender as it is slow-burning, Kilted Lovers is worth a read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Kilted Lover delivers a delightful and heartwarming romance that sweeps you away to the majestic Scottish Highlands, specifically, one of my absolute favourite royal residences, Balmoral. Lady Alice Walpole, tired of disastrous dates and a life of superficial glamour, is banished to Balmoral to "clean up her act" after a particularly public faux pas. What she finds there is so much more than punishment; it's a chance for genuine self-discovery.
The author skillfully weaves a sweet romance with thoughtful discussions on difficult topics, notably mental health, which is handled with sensitivity and respect. Alice's journey of growth is truly endearing. While the premise is undeniably fictional and escapist, the core themes of finding your worth, forging authentic connections, and embracing a healthier perspective resonate deeply.
Balmoral, with its rugged beauty and storied history, provides the perfect backdrop for Alice's transformation. The descriptions of the landscape are vivid and evocative, making you feel as though you're right there alongside her, experiencing the tranquillity and charm of the estate. And it's no secret that Balmoral holds a special place in my heart; its unique blend of royal grandeur and natural splendour shines through in every page.
Fraser Bell, the Piper to the Sovereign, is a refreshing contrast to Alice's London world. His preference for tartan over tuxedos and horses over social gatherings makes him an instantly appealing character. Their initial reluctance to interact blossoms into a genuine connection, and their romance unfolds naturally, without feeling rushed.
The supporting characters, Sophie, Jimmy, and Mrs. B, form a lovely close-knit circle that adds depth and warmth to the story. They are integral to Alice's journey, offering friendship and support that she desperately needs. Alice and Fraser are both flawed and relatable, and their individual struggles make their eventual happiness all the more satisfying. Kilted Lover is a charming and uplifting read that will leave you with a smile. It's a perfect escape for anyone who loves a good romance, a touch of royal intrigue, and the breathtaking beauty of Balmoral. I highly recommend it!

Was this review helpful?

The best Megan Clawson book yet! Regally Blonde/Kilted Lovers (title is showing as both right now!), is a romcom set mainly at Balmoral. Lady Alice Walpole, niece of the King, is bored of life in London. The parties are full of boring posh folk, the topics of conversation are shallow and she is hounded by the press every time she steps out of line, or even appears to be doing something newsworthy. She is caught partying a little too hard with her latest crush, Atticus, and her parents decide to send her to Balmoral for the summer until the media forget what happened. There she meets a cantankerous housekeeper called Mrs B, a chatty maid called Sophie and her mornings begin with a bagpipes wake up call from Piper Fraser Bell.

The setting for this one is obviously still regal, but unlike her last two books, we do not return to the Tower of London, but the altogether more scenic Scotland. And with that comes gorgeous scenery, swimming in lochs and riding off on horseback, which really gives this story a few more dimensions, I loved the characters, particularly Sophie who is everything you'd want a true friend to be. Yes, the romance is all a bit 0-100 in a few chapters, but at least they all loveable and the character growth from Lady Alice becoming Ally makes the suspension of belief worthwhile.

There's a lot of talk about mental health, coping with the stigmatism around depression and defining self worth, which really gives this book a bit more oomph than just a romcom. A great read, with loveable characters, a great location and plenty of heart. Oh and a cameo from Theo in Love at First Knight too! I just hope we get to see Sophie pop up again.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for a free ARC in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Finally, a romance set in Scotland, with a decent chunk of Scottish culture sprinkled throughout! I've never read a book that has felt more like the royal equivalent of the movie 'Wildchild' - suffice to say, a joy to read! Let's get right into it...

Firstly, I thought the opening was absolutely gorgeous. I loved the immediate comparison of classic fairytales to the royal reality, it carried a level of self awareness that promised this wasn't going to be a fluffy, head-in-the-clouds romance. I also appreciated that it challenged the sexism embedded in classic romance narratives, once again setting itself apart from the cliches from the start.

Lady Alice, who I will be calling Alice from this point onwards because we're cool like that, is such a funny and brave FMC. She is like the royal equivalent of Bridget Jones. She's such a hopeless romantic, but this is counterbalanced with her pessimism which eventually subsides as the story continues. She's also a brat, in the best ways, and this is the element of her personality that reminded me the most of Poppy from the movie 'Wildchild'. There were also so many moments where Alice's humour shot right through the page. Her joking that the bagpipes sounded like a 'chicken's battle cry' got me in the giggles. Also her mentioning that the only classical music she had listened to being 'the Bridgerton soundtrack cover of that one Pitbull song' really made me laugh - she was unintentionally hilarious!

Alice did have a lot of depth to her character and we got to see a real range of emotions from her which isn't always the case with romance books especially when the focus is on the love. It was pretty moving and even a little bit depressing to read about Alice's sadness and loneliness at Balmoral. I really felt for her and it was nice to get a glimpse underneath her cool girl, badass exterior. It was equally refreshing when her sadness evolves into depression and we see some mental health representation in our FMC - yay!

Despite really liking Alice at the beginning, she did start to grate on me as the book went on. Maybe this is saying something about how well rounded and true to form Clawson's characters are but Alice did border on annoying for me at times. Firstly, it felt a bit ironic that she was so upset about people loving her quietly when she was doing just that to Fraser and even kissed him in secret. At times, she did feel a little 'pick me' and I didn't feel the compassion towards her that I would've liked to. It was also really frustrating to watch Alice dig herself into holes and make silly decisions when I really felt she was capable of making better ones.

As the plot progressed, I also found myself doubting Alice's judgement and her whole reality which was difficult especially as this was a single POV book. She'd gotten it so wrong with how Atticus felt towards her, which you know one strike is okay everyone makes mistakes and has lapses of judgement. But her completely getting the wrong end of the stick about Sophie's feelings who she was with day in, day out? That was frustrating for me.

When she did eventually stop behaving in ways that sabotaged, her actions started to feel disingenuous a kind of shallow. When she supports her local community, I feel like she only does it because she feels bad about how she treated Fraser and Sophie rather than actually caring for the causes she's supporting. It also felt like she was only giving back to her community so Fraser and Sophie would think she's a good person and forgive her ('something to remind me exactly why I am doing all I have done since leaving Balmoral').

Alice's dynamic with Fraser was also brilliant from the jump. They had great chemistry but also a really satisfying friction of banter between the two of them, This push/pull throughout made the slow burn so wonderful and rewarding to read. I liked that we get to see them build the foundations of a friendship with the romantic attraction flickering in the background it made their love feel real and authentic. Fraser can be really cruel at times ('you don't know a single thing about love') but he really does soften up as the novel progresses and becomes pretty committed to making things work with Alice.

There was so much character development and what was more impressive is that even characters who weren't super integral to the plot had their own slice of growth. I re-read one of my notes from the beginning and did gasp because I described Atticus as 'deliciously charming' when by the end of the book he is not only the opposite of both delicious and charming but he's undoubtedly the most irrelevant character in the whole book - development!

Despite the book following some classic ARCs and tropes that are found in romance books (this isn't a criticism, I think it's impossible not to), I must say there was a surprising amount of unpredictability to this book. Because the FMC who drives the plot is so determined and bold, we don't see her behaving in ways that would put her in the box of 'damsel in distress', but her decisions are still romance driven to a degree because of her character and internal drive to experience love. In the first 10% of the book, Alice and Atticus get together which felt a bit fast for me. The POV was executed so well, that I really believed Alice's perspective and didn't see any holes in that relationship until a bit later on which I think shows a really strong foundation of storytelling.

The relationship, or lack thereof, between Alice and her mum was particularly heartbreaking and did create some nice tension that would've usually been placed elsewhere whilst adding so much to Alice's character.

Sophie was such a likeable and sweet character, it felt like she was the ultimate people pleaser with such a gentle heart. I thought she was the most endearing and perfect contrast to Alice's wild/daring side and also contrasted the abruptness and chaos of Alice moving to Scotland remarkably well.

There were a couple things about this book that did rub me the wrong way though. Firstly, Alice's transition from being on a train to Scotland and then being in the train was so confusing and abrupt it really influenced the momentum and continuity for me. 'Only when the car purrs to a halt do I take much notice of my surroundings. I hardly remember getting off the train at all.' came directly after we read Alice's thoughts whilst she's still on the train. I'm not sure if the abruptness was intentional but it was frustrating to me. Also, the 3.5 horse ride journey that Alice is made to do after she gets off the train felt wildly unnecessary and unrealistic. She is royalty! Why are they making her ride a horse in this century for so long, if she's newly arrived royalty?! Makes no sense to me.

Another plot point that felt unrealistic was the whole sequence of her confronting Atticus. I believed she would've done it, but the logistics around it really distracted me from the tension and suspense of her finally confronting him. Firstly, it felt unrealistic that she would be able to find his workplace in corporate London - there would've been so many office buildings and companies in said buildings and she magically stumbles upon his office? Unrealistic. Even when she does get help from clues about how to find Atticus, these also feel unrealistic. Once she's in Atticus' workplace building, she enters the lift and there are buttons on the lift with the names labelled - I have never experienced a lift with labelled buttons but maybe I am uncultured, who knows. I respect that this was a clue to help make the plot feel more realistic but unfortunately for me it ironically did the opposite.

Similar to the train ride to car sequence feeling discombobulating and confusing, I felt the same about when we realise Atticus has moved on. We find out after Alice's character does, so we see her reaction but we don't know what she's reacting to. I feel like this could've been executed well but the way it was structured and stitched together just made it feel like we were watching something behind a curtain rather than a level of suspense and rumination being built in the readers head. Also, on her way back to Scotland, I realised there was no mention of her eating or sleeping for 14 hours?! This is insane, the girls gotta eat.

Also, I did find this kind of funny but also so out of character that I was more in shock than anything. Why do we get a scene where Fraser is topless?! He hasn't really been sexualised at all, this is a pretty closed door spice level book, and he doesn't really walk around topless but there's a scene at his house where he's around her and he's just topless...for no reason. Haha why? It felt so random and out of place.

This is arguably more of a constructive criticism than irritation, but I really wanted more imagery and descriptions. Clawson painted some really lovely imagery ('the sky is beginning to blemish in bruises of purple and gold, like a peach left too long in the sun') and I wanted more of it but it felt few and far between.

In conclusion, a great Scot based romance with depth for days, The character development and originality was impressive on this one, but there were so many plot points that I found either confusing or frustrating so it's a 3/5 from me!

Was this review helpful?

This book was such a fun, feel-good escape! "Kilted Lovers" (previously "Regally Blonde") is a charming royal rom-com that had me grinning from start to finish. Lady Alice Walpole, a party-loving royal with a knack for making headlines, gets banished to Balmoral after one too many scandals. There, she meets Fraser, the rugged, no-nonsense piper who’s about as far from her glittery London life as you can get.

I loved Alice’s journey from spoiled socialite to someone who actually starts to figure out what she wants in life. Fraser is the perfect grumpy-to-soft love interest, and their slow-burn romance is sweet and satisfying. The Scottish setting is dreamy—Balmoral feels like its own character, and I could practically smell the fresh Highland air.

While the story is light and predictable in the best way, it also touches on deeper themes like self-worth and mental health, which added a nice layer of depth. The supporting characters, especially Alice’s new friends, are a delight, and the banter is top-notch. It’s like a warm hug in book form—perfect for a lazy afternoon or a rainy day.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

I especially loved this. I love that it wasn’t steamy, spicy, or smutty. This was a perfect escape into a coming of age story. And angus didn’t hurt the eyes either! I kind of wish there has been some turn around for the parents but I recognize that this is stilled in reality more than having an HEA ending for everyone. All in all, 9/10. This was light, funny, and fun. Alice was a treat to read about.

Was this review helpful?

This book focuses on Lady Alice, the great niece to the King, who has been banished to Balmoral for bad behaviour! While there she meets the Piper, Fraser Bell, who would much prefer to play around with the horses and just do his job.
While there, Alice finds herself more and more drawn to this life and realises how truly lonely she is in London. But could romance ever ensue when one wears tiaras and the other Tartan?

This was so good, Megan knows how to write an excellent royal rom-com and this is no exception. I loved that the theme of mental health was explored & the concept of depression and loneliness despite having everything you could ever want. Seeing Alice’s character development was brilliant & I found myself relating to some of her feelings of sadness, while also rooting for her to find happiness and peace. She was cheeky, fun & had so many sides to her that I loved. Fraser was such a loveable character too, and there are plenty more characters you’d just love to know in real life. I’ve loved Megan’s previous books, falling hard for the royal guard & love at first knight, but I do genuinely think this is my favourite of hers so far.

Was this review helpful?

This is my second book by this author, and I liked seeing a little tie back to her other characters which was fun and it’s always sweet to have a little royal romance makes me feel like I could fall in love with a prince and keeps my hopes alive. I also really appreciated the mental health/illness representation. I thought it was really well handled and I will pick up other books by the author again!

Was this review helpful?

I love Megan Clawson’s books!!!

This was a fun read and a great setting! While I will say this was not my personal favorite of her three books, this was a great addition to her works. I think one thing I liked best about this book was her side characters. Having a group of lovable characters and multiple romances in one book made for an even more wholesome story.

Can’t wait for her next book!!

Was this review helpful?

i wanted to like this so much more than i did but the story felt like it had been done before and i had such a hard time connecting with the characters, things moved too fast for me to fully engage with them and understand them

Was this review helpful?