In her third novel, “Kilted Lovers,” Megan Clawson continues to enchant readers with her signature blend of royal romance and authentic emotional depth. Following the success of “Falling Hard for the Royal Guard” and “Love at First Knight,” Clawson takes us to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, where Lady Alice Walpole’s journey of self-discovery unfolds against the majestic backdrop of Balmoral Castle. While maintaining the charm and wit that defined her previous works, Clawson ventures into more profound territory, crafting a romance that doubles as a thoughtful exploration of mental health, identity, and finding one’s place in the world.
The Plot: More Than Just a Royal Romance
Lady Alice Walpole, a young royal with a penchant for parties and a reputation as a serial dater, finds herself exiled to Balmoral Castle in Scotland after her latest scandal with boyfriend Atticus Beaumont. There, she meets Fraser Bell, the stoic Pipe Major whose daily duty is to wake her with bagpipes—much to her initial dismay. As Alice’s summer in Scotland extends, what begins as mutual irritation transforms into a deeper connection, complicated by class differences, personal insecurities, and the machinations of those around them.
What elevates “Kilted Lovers” above standard royal romances is its nuanced approach to Alice’s depression. Clawson portrays mental health struggles with remarkable sensitivity, showing how Alice uses relationships and socializing as distractions from her inner emptiness. The novel doesn’t shy away from depicting the reality of depression—the numbness, the inability to cry despite overwhelming sadness, and the constant battle against intrusive thoughts.
Character Development: The Heart of the Story
Clawson excels at creating multi-dimensional characters who evolve believably throughout the narrative:
- Lady Alice Walpole: Far from the stereotypical party princess, Alice begins as someone who uses external validation to fill an internal void. Her journey from a woman who can’t envision her future to someone excited about the most mundane aspects of life is beautifully rendered. Alice’s battle with depression isn’t magically cured by love—instead, she learns to prioritize her own healing while still opening herself to connection.
- Fraser Bell: The bagpipe-playing stable master is much more than the brooding Highland hero one might expect. With his own complex backstory—having given up his dreams to care for his family after his father’s death—Fraser embodies quiet strength and genuine kindness. His dimpled smile and tendency to blush humanize him, creating a love interest who feels refreshingly real.
- Sophie Chorley: As Alice’s first true friend, Sophie serves as both foil and catalyst for Alice’s growth. Her straightforward nature and commitment to community make her one of the novel’s most endearing characters, with a satisfying subplot that subverts expectations.
- Mrs. Buchanan: The stern housekeeper’s gradual softening mirrors Alice’s journey, providing a beautiful secondary romance that demonstrates Clawson’s skill at crafting meaningful relationships across all age groups.
Setting: Scotland as a Character
Balmoral Castle and its surroundings emerge as practically another character in the novel. Clawson’s descriptive prowess shines in passages about the Scottish landscape:
“The deep emerald leaves ornament the stone, as though all of it belongs to the landscape and we are all just Mother Nature’s guests. Not another manmade structure can be seen for miles, at least not above the sea of green as the forest stretches for leagues.”
The contrast between London’s superficial glitter and Scotland’s raw authenticity serves the novel’s themes perfectly, illustrating how environment shapes identity. From Loch Muick to the Prince Albert Cairn, each setting feels meticulously researched and lovingly rendered.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works Brilliantly:
- Mental Health Representation: Clawson’s portrayal of depression feels lived-in and authentic. Alice’s observation that “my depression is like a chip in a window screen” provides a fresh, resonant metaphor for how mental illness affects daily life.
- Class Dynamics: The novel thoughtfully examines privilege without being preachy, allowing Alice to acknowledge her advantages while still validating her struggles.
- Supporting Cast: From Jimmy the groundskeeper to Mrs. Buchanan, the secondary characters are fully realized individuals with their own arcs.
- Scottish Culture: The details of Highland traditions—from the Ghillies Ball to ceilidh dancing—add richness and authenticity to the setting.
- Quiet Moments: Some of the novel’s most powerful scenes are the simplest—watching stars with Fraser, swimming in the loch, or sharing tea with Jimmy.
Where It Occasionally Falters:
- Pacing Issues: The middle section meanders somewhat, with Alice’s community center project feeling slightly rushed in comparison.
- The “Big Misunderstanding”: While the central conflict is handled better than many romance novels, there are moments when a simple conversation could have resolved issues more efficiently.
- Atticus as Villain: Alice’s ex-boyfriend borders on caricature at times, lacking the nuance found in other characters.
- Convenient Resolutions: A few plot points wrap up too neatly, particularly regarding Alice’s parents and her professional endeavors.
Themes That Resonate
“Kilted Lovers” explores several interconnected themes with impressive depth:
- Mental Health and Self-Worth: Alice’s journey reminds us that happiness comes from within, not external validation.
- Class and Privilege: The novel examines how wealth and titles can be both burdens and shields.
- Finding Home: The distinction between houses and homes—between belonging somewhere and belonging to someone—threads throughout the narrative.
- Generational Patterns: Alice’s discovery about her mother’s past at Balmoral adds fascinating complexity to their strained relationship.
- Community and Connection: The community center subplot reinforces how human connection serves as an antidote to isolation.
Writing Style: Finding Her Voice
Clawson’s writing has matured significantly since her debut. Her prose is at its best when describing emotions or landscapes, with occasional flashes of poetry that never feel forced:
“Love is Fraser Bell, his burnt auburn hair, his deep dimples, and the feeling of calm he brings with his entrance into every room.”
Her dialogue rings true, particularly in the Scottish characters’ varied speech patterns and colloquialisms. Sophie’s blunt observations (“You’re looking like shite”) provide welcome comic relief, while Fraser’s soft-spoken declarations carry emotional weight.
The humor throughout—from Alice’s inappropriate comments to Mrs. Buchanan to the bickering between the Grenadier Guards—balances the heavier themes without undermining them.
Final Verdict
“Kilted Lovers” represents a significant step forward for Megan Clawson as an author. While maintaining the charm and accessibility of her previous royal romances, she demonstrates impressive growth in character development and thematic depth. The novel’s thoughtful treatment of mental health, combined with its authentic portrayal of Scottish culture and genuinely swoony romance, makes for a compelling read.
Though not without flaws—particularly in pacing and some plot resolutions—the emotional core of the story resonates strongly. Readers who enjoyed Clawson’s previous works will find much to love here, while newcomers will appreciate the novel’s blend of escapism and emotional authenticity.
For fans of royal romance looking for something with more substance than the average fairy tale, “Kilted Lovers” delivers a satisfying balance of swoon-worthy moments and genuine human connection. As Alice herself observes, “It turns out fairy tales don’t actually come close to an accurate representation of love”—and Clawson’s willingness to explore love’s complexities makes this novel all the more rewarding.
For Readers Who Loved “Kilted Lovers”
If you enjoyed the Scottish setting and emotional depth of “Kilted Lovers,” you might also appreciate:
- “The Bookshop on the Shore” by Jenny Colgan
- “The Royal We” by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
- “The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary
- “A Scottish Affair” by Hannah Dennison
- “The Summer Seekers” by Sarah Morgan
These titles similarly blend romance with thoughtful exploration of identity and belonging, proving that love stories can be both escapist and emotionally resonant.
