Category: Top Pick – Highly Recommended

His Scottish Bride by Shelly Thacker

On By TracyIn Christmas, Medieval (1066-1540), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Novella, Scottish/Highlander, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

His Scottish Bride (Stolen Brides, #5)His Scottish Bride by Shelly Thacker

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Stolen Brides, #5

Release Date: December 11, 2020

Widow Lady Aileen MacLennan MacFarland first met Sir Henri d’Ambosie years ago at the wedding of her cousin Darach of Glenshiel to Henri’s sister Laurien. The two shared a flirtation in which she dubbed him Sir Wicked, but Henri was leaving for war and no promises were made. Aileen was smitten with Henri, who treated her with kindness and made her feel beautiful despite the port-wine stain on her face, but she had no expectations, Henri was something of a flirt and Aileen was not the only lass he spent time with, but that didn’t stop her from wanting more. She wrote to him and though he barely replied, she continued to write for years before finally giving up and hasn’t heard from him since. So, she was understandably shocked to see him at Glenshiel, looking even more handsome than she remembered.

Henri is finally done with war and has been awarded at title and lands for his service, now all he needs is a wife and his heart is set on Aileen. He fell in love with her all those years ago, but knowing he was going to war and may not survive, he didn’t want to make promises he couldn’t keep. But he treasured her letters and the memory of their kisses and now he can’t wait to make her his bride. But things couldn’t be that simple; Aileen is betrothed to Lord Alsh and is set to marry in four days! Any chance of a HEA seems impossible, but Henri refuses to give up hope! Will this be the season of miracles?

This was such a great novella! It was well written and paced perfectly, it never felt rushed or improbable even though it is relatively short. Henri and Aileen are wonderful characters with an obvious chemistry and I loved his devotion to her. The book has a lot of emotion, cameos from Darach and Laurien (His Stolen Bride), steamy love scenes, a wonderful twist and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue! This book is part of a series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title. I really enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it to anyone!

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

The Taming of a Highlander by Elisa Braden

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Scottish/Highlander, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Taming of a Highlander (Midnight in Scotland #2)The Taming of a Highlander by Elisa Braden
Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Midnight in Scotland, #2

Release Date: December 8, 2020

At the end of The Making of a Highlander the reader learns who was responsible for Broderick MacPherson’s imprisonment, but the why was a bit vague. Well, in this installment of the Midnight in Scotland series we learn the whole twisted story!

After the marriage of her brother John to Annie Tulloch, his sister Lady Katherine “Kate” Huxley decides to stay in Scotland for a while – she claims that Scotland is her muse and staying will help her finish her novel/play, but the truth is Kate doesn’t want to return to London and the marriage mart – she is the youngest of the Huxley children and has no desire to succumb to the “mind infection” like her siblings have – otherwise known as falling in love. But when she sees Broderick beating and possibly killing a man, marriage may be the only way to save him from returning to jail.

Broderick MacPherson has endured more than any person should, framed for a murder he didn’t commit and then ruthlessly beaten in prison to save a friend, he is no longer the man he used to be. Filled with darkness and rage, he wants justice and to make the man who was responsible for his torture punished. He finally tracks down the man and is mindlessly beating him when he hears a cry –he leaves the man to investigate, only to find his prey has escaped when he returns. He has no desire to marry, but when Kate blackmails him, he has not choice if he wants to stay out of jail and get his justice.

Kate figures marriage to Broderick is the perfect solution, she will be able to stay in Scotland, remain relatively independent and will be in no danger of falling in love – but things don’t always work out as planned and not only does she fall in love, but her desire to ease his pain almost gets her killed!

This was a well written, fast paced, very intense and at times dark story with wonderful characters and moments of lightness to even out the darkness. Broderick and Kate are absolutely fantastic leads and you can’t help but root for their HEA. The story is full of emotion, pain, betrayal, witty banter, bad singing, steamy love scenes, mystery, intrigue, a VERY evil villain, a dash of paranormal, great secondary characters, hold your breath moments, a nail-biting ending and a much deserved HEA. This is the second book in the series (and it has ties to the Rescued from Ruin series) and while it could be read as a standalone title, I would 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.*