Megan Clawson’s third novel, “Kilted Lovers,” delivers a heartfelt tale of unexpected romance set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. Following her successful debuts “Falling Hard for the Royal Guard” and “Love at First Knight,” Clawson maintains her talent for royal romances while adding greater emotional depth to her repertoire. This time, she explores the transformation of Lady Alice Walpole from a lost socialite to a woman finding purpose, love, and her authentic self in the rugged beauty of Balmoral Castle.
The story unfolds as Alice, banished to Scotland after one too many scandals, encounters Fraser Bell, the stoic royal piper whose bagpipes wake her every morning. Their initial antagonism gradually melts into something deeper as Alice discovers there’s more to life than the empty social whirl of London. Clawson weaves themes of mental health, belonging, and self-discovery through a narrative that, while somewhat predictable in structure, contains genuine emotional resonance.
Character Development: Beyond Tropes and Titles
At the heart of “Kilted Lovers” is Lady Alice Walpole, whose journey from spoiled socialite to a woman with purpose offers the novel’s most compelling arc. Initially presented as a party princess with questionable judgment, Alice reveals layers of vulnerability and self-doubt that make her transformation believable. Her struggles with depression are portrayed with sensitivity and realism, avoiding quick fixes and acknowledging the ongoing nature of mental health challenges:
“My depression is like a chip in a window screen. It’s always there. You can just see it bugging you from the corner of your eye, and with every bump and pothole, you wonder if this might be the one that will finally send the whole thing bursting into a million shards.”
Fraser Bell, the kilted piper, offers a refreshing contrast to typical romance heroes. Rather than the brooding aristocrat or cheeky rogue, he’s thoughtful, genuine, and grounded. His sense of duty, connection to nature, and steadfast loyalty make him an appealing character whose kindness becomes his most attractive quality.
The supporting cast adds color and depth to the story:
Sophie Chorley, the honest, hardworking maid who becomes Alice’s true friend
Mary Buchanan (Mrs. B), the stern housekeeper with her own unexpected love story
Jimmy Campbell, the cheerful groundskeeper hiding romance behind his practical exterior
Setting: Scotland as a Character
Clawson transforms Balmoral Castle and the Scottish Highlands into more than mere backdrop—they become essential characters in the narrative. The author’s descriptions bring the misty glens, crystalline lochs, and ancient stone structures to vivid life:
“The castle may be perfect and pristine, but the culture of the place is crumbling. I think she will be good for us.”
The contrast between London’s superficial glamour and Scotland’s authentic beauty mirrors Alice’s internal journey. Balmoral becomes a place of healing, where the noise of society’s expectations fades into the peaceful silence of nature—though this silence initially terrifies Alice before becoming her comfort.
Themes: Finding Authenticity in a Curated World
Several compelling themes emerge throughout the novel:
Mental Health and Healing: Clawson deserves significant praise for her nuanced portrayal of depression. Alice’s struggles aren’t magically cured by love or scenery but are shown as ongoing challenges requiring both professional help and personal growth.
Authenticity vs. Performance: The novel explores the tension between societal expectations and personal truth, particularly for those in public roles.
Community and Belonging: Through the village hall project and the genuine connections formed at Balmoral, Clawson demonstrates how meaningful community provides purpose and healing.
Class Boundaries: While romance typically crosses these lines, the story thoughtfully considers the practical challenges of relationships that defy social hierarchies.
Writing Style: Warmth with Occasional Missteps
Clawson’s prose is warm and accessible, with moments of genuine insight and emotional weight. Her dialogue particularly shines when capturing the Scottish cadence of characters like Sophie:
“God, you need a shag. Now you’re picturing the old folks at it, and I think I’m gonna boke.”
The author effectively balances heavier themes with humor and warmth, preventing the story from becoming too melodramatic. Her pacing is generally strong, though the middle section occasionally drags before picking up for a satisfying finale.
Some metaphors feel overstretched, and certain secondary character motivations remain underdeveloped. The villains of the piece—particularly Alice’s mother and Atticus—sometimes border on caricature rather than fully realized antagonists with comprehensible motivations.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Four-Star Assessment
What Works Well:
Authentic portrayal of mental health struggles
Strong sense of place and atmosphere
Genuine character growth for Alice
Heartwarming secondary romance between Mrs. Buchanan and Jimmy
The subversion of fairy tale tropes while maintaining romantic satisfaction
Areas for Improvement:
Some secondary characters lack depth
Occasionally predictable plot developments
A few conveniences in the resolution that feel too neat
Uneven pacing in the middle section
Some emotional revelations feel rushed
Comparison to Clawson’s Previous Works
Fans of “Falling Hard for the Royal Guard” and “Love at First Knight” will recognize Clawson’s signature blend of royal romance and modern sensibility, but “Kilted Lovers” represents growth in her handling of emotional complexity. While her previous works leaned more heavily on rom-com conventions, this novel demonstrates greater ambition in tackling serious themes while maintaining the warmth readers expect.
The characters feel more richly developed than in her earlier novels, particularly in their flaws and growth. Alice’s journey specifically shows Clawson’s maturing skill at creating protagonists with meaningful arcs.
For Readers Who Enjoyed…
Readers who appreciate “Kilted Lovers” might also enjoy:
“The Royal We” by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
“The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary (for its warmth and mental health themes)
“The Simple Wild” by K.A. Tucker (for romance in remote settings)
“The Idea of You” by Robinne Lee (for romance across social divides)
Final Verdict: A Highland Romance with Surprising Depth
“Kilted Lovers” delivers on its promise of a royal romance with Scottish charm, but offers more substance than the cover might suggest. Clawson balances lighthearted moments with thoughtful exploration of mental health and authenticity, creating a story that satisfies on multiple levels. While not without flaws, the novel’s emotional honesty and character growth elevate it above typical genre fare.
The book earns its four stars through engaging characters, atmospheric setting, and the meaningful journey at its heart. It’s the perfect read for those who enjoy romances where characters find not just love, but themselves in the process.
As Alice herself realizes: “It turns out fairy tales don’t actually come close to an accurate representation of love… Love can’t be bundled up into words or song. My love for him is the trees; it is the ground beneath my feet; it is Scotland, the pearl of the world, and a pocket of the universe too beautiful to be retold.”
For readers seeking a romance that warms the heart while acknowledging life’s complications, “Kilted Lovers” proves that sometimes finding your true self is the most important happily-ever-after of all.