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.*

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!