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.*

The Temptation of a Highlander by Elisa Braden

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Midnight in Scotland, #3

Release Date: December 28, 2021

When a spurned suitor turns violent, Miss Clarissa Meadows flees to the highlands and the home of her dear friend Kate MacPherson with her grandmother in tow. She believes that she is safe from the threat that Stephen Northfield posed and even considers marriage to Francis Prescott, Viscount Teversham, another dear friend as an added layer of protection. Their marriage would be in name only, a plan that seemed perfect until she met Campbell MacPherson.

Campbell MacPherson is the eldest brother and a quiet giant who has much pain and loss in his past. Pain that has held him a prisoner to darkness until he meets Clarissa. The attraction is fast, furious, and impossible to deny – but denying is exactly what he does. That is until it is clear that the threat that sent Clarissa in hiding has found her. And that stokes Campbell’s protective instincts, he takes Clarissa to his home to protect her and keep his family safe, but he still tries to deny his feelings for her. But soon, just keeping her hidden isn’t enough to save her and he demands that she wed him and even goes as far as to using her attraction to him to tempt her into agreeing. And agree she does, they wed, and mere hours later, Northfield makes it clear that he will kill Campbell and make her a widow. Clarissa tries to get Campbell to end the marriage, but he refuses and once again tempts Clarissa into compliance. For a short time, all seems right in her world, but soon his past and secrets will threaten to pull them apart. But even when the past is resolved and love blooms, the dark shadow of Northfield still hangs over them and it is clear that this fight is to the death – but whose?

OMG – every time I read a book by Ms. Braden, I think “this is the best one yet and I don’t think she can outdo herself” – but she does! Every. Single. Time. And this book is by far the best one yet! This book is perfection, it is well-written, perfectly paced, and features a plot that holds you captive from the first page and doesn’t release you until the last word is read! And even after you read the last word, you know that Campbell and Clarissa will stay with you for a long time and you will chafe at the knowledge that you will have to wait until the next book until you can reunite with them! This book has it all, secrets, a deranged psychopathic stalker, great secondary characters, pain, darkness tempered by moments of lightness, a heroine who inadvertently spouts inappropriate innuendo, dogs who fall in love at first sight, coos, steamy love scenes, a bit of magic, a soulmate type of love and finally a HEA that is bound to warm your heart and possibly bring a tear to your eye. This is the third book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title with no problems. I can’t recommend this book highly enough; in my humble opinion, it is a must-read and definitely deserves a spot on your keeper shelf!

*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.*