Tag: Elisa Braden

The Making of a Highlander by Elisa Braden

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Scottish/Highlander, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews3 Comments

The Making of a Highlander (Midnight in Scotland, #1)The Making of a Highlander by Elisa Braden

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Midnight in Scotland #1

Release Date: April 14, 2020

“Mad” Annie Tulloch has lost someone precious to her and believes the only way to get them back is to marry a lord. She was raised by her highlander step-father Angus MacPherson and his four brawny sons – they love Annie, but the self-proclaimed Scottish hoyden knows she will need help if she wants to learn to be a lady.

John Huxley inherited a castle and land from his business partner and wants to sell it – but water rights are in question and his neighbor Angus MacPherson will not cooperate. Angus wants the land and John promised his friend he wouldn’t sell to Angus. Instead they make a wager – Angus will sign off on the rights if John can beat the MacPhersons at an event at the Highland Games. A feat that seems impossible until a Scottish hoyden offers to train him in exchange for “Lady Lessons”.

John is at first wary – Annie would not be the first woman of his acquaintance that wants to marry a lord and as he has been the victim of more than one scheming female he is not sure he can trust her. But since she is not aware he has a title, she assures him that she wouldn’t consider him for marriage and they strike a deal. But soon this unlikely pair develop a deep bond and John proves himself to be a hero time and again, leaving Annie to wonder if his love is worth giving up her quest.

I loved this story, it has the perfect balance of humor, emotion and drama. I loved John and Annie, they are wonderful characters, both strong and shaped by their past experiences – neither was looking for love, but it is clear that they are meant to be and they will each have to overcome something to be together. And when they do come together, it is truly magical. This book has it all, secrets, vendettas, heartache, laugh out loud moments, a heroine who can manage a houseful of highlanders, a hero who will make you wish you were Annie, steamyish love scenes, great secondary characters, cameos from the Huxley sisters (Rescued from Ruin series) and their spouses, a bit of paranormal action and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I really enjoyed this story and happily recommend this book. It is the first in a new series, but if you read the Rescued from Ruin series, John will not be a stranger to you and you will get the added bonus of a Huxley reunion in the epilogue!

A Kiss from a Rogue by Elisa Braden

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Kiss from a Rogue (Rescued from Ruin #9)A Kiss from a Rogue by Elisa Braden

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Rescued from Ruin, #9

Release Date: August 2, 2019

Hannah Gray has been through hell and survived, but she bears the scars of evil, on her body and her soul. Through a lot of tenderness, healing and love, Hannah has decided that she wants a family of her own. Her sister in law Eugenia has conferred with her sisters and have decided that the house party being given by the dowager Marchioness of Wallingham it the perfect place for Hannah to meet her future husband.

Bow Street Runner, Jonas Hawthorne, has been summoned by the dowager to find a stolen trunk and she wants both the trunk and the thief brought to her. The reward for completing this mission is almost everything Jonas has ever wanted and he sets off without a backwards glance.
When he arrives, Lady Wallingham surprises him by insisting he stay at the castle and expects him to interact with her house party guests. He agrees and then sees her – the woman he cannot forget – the woman who will not look at him – the woman who haunts his dreams – the woman who is haughty and cold to him – the woman who will never be his – Hannah Gray.

Hannah is attracted to Jonas, but at the same time she is terrified of him. When she finally admits her feelings and decides that Jonas is the only man she could marry, she asks her brother for advice and when she is not satisfied with his suggestions, she gets more advice from Maureen Huxley. The scene in which she implements their advice is laugh out loud funny and Jonas’ reaction is priceless.

Can two damaged souls find a love that will heal them and make them whole? Or will they let their fears and past hurts steal their happy ever after?

This book was probably the most emotional, as well as one of the darker offerings and certainly one of the steamiest of the series. It is deep, dark, vivid read with scarred characters, tears (yours and theirs), triumphs, betrayals, pain, healing, laughter and the fabulous Lady Wallingham. I would strongly recommend read the series in order and while Ms. Braden gives a lot of background, to truly immerse yourself in this story, you will want to at the very least read the previous book in the series – A Marriage Made in Scandal. I loved this story and am so sad to know this is the final book in the series, but what a series it was! I highly recommend every single installment and cannot wait to see what Ms. Braden offers us next!!