The Wickedness of a Highlander by Elisa Braden

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Midnight in Scotland, #4

Release Date: March 12, 2024

After the death of her vile brother, Sabella Lockhart has done the best she can to clean up the mess he left behind and with the help of her dear friend Sergeant Munro, she was able to take care of most of it, but now the Sergeant has passed and she is once again on her own, she hires the McCabes, an elderly couple to help her transport the Sergeant to Inverness to lay him to rest with his family and then will tackle one last task before starting a new life in London. She confirms with Mr. McCabe that her belongs are loaded on the mail coach and then bids them goodbye as she makes her way to Glenscannadoo to hopefully fulfill her final and most dreaded task, speaking to the MacPhersons about the wrongs done to them by her brother Kenneth. But things go from bad to worse when upon arriving in Glenscannadoo, she gives last two coins to some boys to carry her trunks only to find out that her trunks, with all her possessions, money and jewels are not on the coach, and the boys have disappeared. She then learns that none of the MacPhersons are in Glenscannadoo at the moment, save one – Alexander. And he is the last MacPherson she would want to see, since she has had a strange fascination for him and because of the small fact that she had almost got him killed. But once she realizes that Alexander is the only person in the town who can help her, she gathers her courage and approaches him about employment – just until she makes enough to make her way to London. And really how hard can working as a maid be?

Alexander MacPherson hires Sabella to be his housemaid out of spite – or so he tells himself, but it isn’t long before he admits the truth, he wants her and knows that she is the bride that is meant for him. He knows she plans on leaving and he can’t let that happen. But his attempts at wooing are hilarious and sadly for him, unsuccessful. But when a fight turns to passion, he thinks he has her right where he wants her, wrong again! It isn’t until his father’s lover talks to her, that she agrees to marry him. And for a time it seems like everything is going to work out perfectly, but Alexander has been keeping secrets from his bride, secrets that may cost him her love, especially when her past comes looking for her.

This was a well-written, nicely paced, delightful read that was a bit lighter than the previous books in this series but was by no means a fluffy read. But after reading the previous books and being reminded of what Sabella and Alexander had endured, I was glad this book was not as dark and dire as the others, these characters have paid their dues and then some, they deserved their happy ending, even if the road to it was not smooth and easy. I adored Alexander and Sabella together, they are perfect for each other and have a connection that is undeniable and leads to some very steamy love scenes. But this book is more than giggles and steam, there is the aftermath of violence, some triggers, secrets, lies, great secondary characters, a villain getting his comeuppance, forgiveness, soulmate love and a lovely happily ever after, complete with an epilogue. I did feel like the book wrapped a bit too quickly, but overall, I loved this story and am happy to recommend it. This is the fourth book in the series, and while it could be read as a standalone title, I strongly recommend reading the books in order for the best reader experience.

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