Category: Scottish/Highlander

Hit Me With Your Best Scot by Suzanne Enoch

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Hit Me With Your Best Scot (Wild Wicked Highlanders, #3)Hit Me With Your Best Scot by Suzanne Enoch

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Wild Wicked Highlanders, #3

Release Date: February 9, 2021

Thanks to an agreement his estranged parents made 17 years ago, Coll MacTaggert, Viscount Glendarril and heir to the Earl Aldriss, along with his two brothers – must marry an Englishwoman before their sister Eloise marries in a few weeks or their mother will no longer fund their Scottish estate. Originally the brothers planned to arrive in London and wreak havoc, thinking that their mother would back down, but grossly underestimated her and now that his brothers have found love, Coll has no choice but to find a bride – but he will do so on his own terms and will not let the countess pick his bride! He is escaping her latest matchmaking attempt when he meets Mrs. Persephone Jones, the lead actress at the Saint Genesius Theatre, and is immediately intrigued, and even though Coll knows that an actress is not a suitable choice for a wife, he can’t seem to walk away. And when he protects her from an unwanted suitor he decides to take the position of her protector – at least until he finds a wife.

Persephone has secrets and has been hiding in plain sight for eight years, she knows getting involved with Coll is a mistake and could potentially expose her, but there is something about him that touches her like no one ever has, and even knowing he needs a bride, a position she could never fill, she can’t seem to send him away. She knows their time together is limited and even offers to help him find a bride and justification for spending time with him in exchange for his protection, a position he happily agrees to. Coll plans to enjoy his time with her and even tells his mother he is going to marry her to annoy her and to give him time to find a bride without her meddling. But after yet another “accident” almost kills Persephone, Coll realizes two things, one; that someone is trying to kill her, and two; he can’t live without her. Persephone knows the time has come to tell Coll the truth and wonders if she is brave enough to face her past so she can have a future with the man she has come to love.

This was a great story, well-written and fast-paced, with wonderful characters and a well-plotted “whodunit”. Of the three brothers, I think Coll is my favorite, I loved his protective nature and his willingness to let Persephone be herself –Sigh, he is just amazing. The story has so much to offer: secrets, scandal, steamyish love scenes, a well-executed mystery, cameos from previous characters, surprises, a strong likable heroine, great secondary characters, and a hard-won HEA. What kept this from being a five-star book is the fact that it is the last book in the series and it ended with some unanswered questions and no epilogue. I wanted to know what happened with his parents and would have liked a glimpse into the future with all three brothers, unfortunately, that did not happen, so I am left to wonder and feel a bit cheated. Even still, I really enjoyed this story and would happily recommend the title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own *

Highland Treasure by Lynsay Sands

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Medieval (1066-1540), Scottish/Highlander1 Comment

Highland Treasure (Highland Brides, #9)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Highland Brides #9
Publication: 1/26/21
Number of Pages: 384

The inimitable Lynsay Sands has just delivered another exciting Highland tale filled with wit, cross country chases, love, honor, and betrayal. It is unusual for me to love both of the main characters equally, but, this time, I loved both of them. I normally love one of the leads and will, at best, like the other. Of course, I’ve loved Rory throughout the series and have really looked forward to him finding his special lady – and I am so happy that she really was special. While this is the ninth book in the series, you can totally read this as a standalone without being the least bit lost. That said, it is a wonderful series and I highly recommend all of the books.

Brutally beaten, shaken, kicked, and locked in a dungeon, Lady Elysande de Valance has just barely managed to escape the castle in which her parents and all of their soldiers were murdered by de Buci, someone thought to be a friend. Just before her mother died, she gave Elysande a letter to take to Rory Buchanan who just happens to be in England. The letter asks Rory to deliver a treasure to her Sinclair relatives in the Highlands of Scotland.

As a gifted healer, Rory is being paid a small fortune to travel to England to heal Baron Monmouth. Normally, Rory wouldn’t charge for healing, but the Baron asked him to travel all the way to England – and he offered the payment – and he is English … Just as Rory is taking his leave of the Baron, Rory’s brother, Alick, delivers a note to him. The note asks Rory to deliver a treasure to the Sinclair’s in the Highlands.

When Rory and his men reach the clearing to which the note directed them, all they saw was an abandoned cart. No horse attached to the cart, nobody around at all – just some bags piled on the cart. What? Then, three riders appeared at the edge of the woods. When the riders tell their tale, Rory immediately agrees to help.

As they all head out for the Highlands, de Buci and his soldiers are in hot pursuit. Rory and his men have to keep the badly injured Elysande safe, figure out how to save the English King along with his son, and manage to make it back to the Highlands in one piece. Of course, along the way, love happens as well.

I loved Elysande because she was smart, savvy, brave, honorable, witty, and stubborn as the devil himself. Sometimes she was a bit too stubborn, but she was also faithful and loyal to her people and her king. What she endured, without complaint, lets you know how resilient she was.

This was a lovely, exciting, couldn’t-put-it-down read and I can hardly wait for Alick’s story. I hope you’ll give the story a try and that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. BTW – the epilogue is absolutely priceless – you should read the book just for that if nothing else.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.