In Elisa Braden’s enchanting new Midnight in Scotland series, the unlikeliest matches generate the greatest heat. All it takes is a spark of Highland magic.
“Make me a lady, and I’ll make ye a Highlander.” –Mad Annie Tulloch, Scottish lass
“Challenge accepted.” –John Huxley, English gentleman
No lady can tempt him more than the next shore
Everyone wants handsome adventurer John Huxley to settle … Huxley to settle down—family, friends, London society. Everyone except John. He’s evaded too many scheming title huntresses to trust in happily-ever-after. Now, a vow made to a dying friend has him locked in a land dispute with a stubborn Scot who offers one way out: Win the Highland Games. John likes a challenge, but this one’s impossible. Still, with training from the Scot’s stepdaughter, victory might be within reach. He only has to teach the fiery, foul-mouthed, breeches-wearing lass how to land a lord. It seems “impossible” is just getting started.
She’s no lady—she’s Mad Annie Tulloch
Everyone calls her Mad Annie. True, her best friend is a ghost. And yes, her greatest talents involve cooking for giants and taunting ridiculously handsome Englishmen. But she’s not mad—she’s desperate. To save her friend, Annie must marry a lord. The trouble is no lord will look twice at a hoyden like her. This calls for “Lady Lessons,” and she knows just the uptight Englishman to provide them.
When did a simple bargain become a battle of desire?
Amidst cursed castles, caber tossing, and questionable chaperones, John and Annie’s wildfire attraction threatens to send their plans up in flames. And when Annie’s family is targeted by a dangerous enemy, John is tempted to stay, to fight, and to win the greatest prize of all: A fiery lass’s tender, loyal heart.
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Very enjoyable opening installment of Elisa Braden’s Midnight in Scotland series. Authentic, believable and sympathetic characters, and compelling motivations for what they desire. John Huxley is a rather rare kind of hero, not a rake or the reserved, unemotional sort, but a nice guy and a gentleman, which is just what Annie Tulloch needs.
Elisa Braden is one of my favorite authors, and not only was I excited to learn of this new series, but also to have the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review: I loved it. There was a hint of the supernatural, which surprised, and in this case, delighted me. I usually don’t go for that, but it was so well done, and not the most important aspect of the story – although it added so much meaning to it. The romance between John and Annie is sublime. They are both strong-willed, and when they clash there are fireworks – clever retorts, strong physical attraction, substantial emotional actions and reactions. Great story, well-written. Highly recommended.
Ms. Braden weaves a beautiful, engaging story about John Huxley, brother of the Huxley sisters from the Rescue from Ruin Series. He and Annie, his fiesty Scottish lass, turn their world upside down! They have chemistry, humor, and intense passion for each other, and compassion and love for their families and friends. This is a must read for Ms. Braden’s current and new fans. i highly recommend Ms. Braden’s books and received a free copy (ARC) for the purpose of an honest review.
This book has it all-laughter, love and great sex. Annie is a caring sole even though she has a mouth on her that could rival any man. She was different and the Villagers made fun of her character( she had an imaginary friend) but her family loved her just as she is and she them.
John Huxley needed to get rid of the castle that was left to him but the only way was to make a bargin with Annie’s Da. So Annie was to teach John to be a highlander and John was to teach Annie to be a lady. Laughter and love followed these two on their adventure. I loved these 2 people and you will too.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Excellent…excellent…excellent! Did I mention this was an excellent book?! I loved every single minute of it. Reading it felt like coming home. This is a continuation of The Rescued from Ruin series and it includes all your favorites from the past books/stories. If you haven’t read that series…you are definitely missing out! But you don’t need to read that series to enjoy this book. This one takes you in an entirely new direction.
This book has it all…steam, romance, love, great families and some hilarious Scottish humor! I could not put this book down! I cannot wait to see what happens next!
You MUST read this book…it is that good! I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review!
Elisa Braden had to live up to a lot after the Rescued from Ruin series. I wasn’t sure that I could love a new series as much, but I’m happy so say that she delivered with this book. I was absorbed with this book from the first page.
The banter between Annie and John was hilarious. I couldn’t believe the things she said to him. I laughed outright in so many parts. It has been awhile since a book made me laugh this hard. Annie’s smart mouth, loyalty to her family, and her caring ways with the family made you love her. Annie couldn’t have been more perfect. She was sweet and her heart was so vulnerable at times. She also had eccentricities like the rest of John’s family. They are a perfect match.
John was able to see this side of Annie. He protected her with no thought about the money or what others thought. He was ferocious with the need to protect, cherish and love her despite how she vexed him in the beginning. John had a lot to prove to the highlanders (Annie included), but again he rises to the challenge. John will not being English or his title define him.
This was an incredible start to a new series. The story was amusing, the characters were lovable and the story gave you all the feels. I can’t wait for more.
I received and ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
AMAZING, a hilarious and passionate way to start a series!
Annie Tulloch, or “Mad Annie” to the locals, has a friend that only she can see. She is an extreme hoyden. She wears breaches, speaks her mind-even if its crude, and she orders the MacPherson men, her family, around as if they weren’t the largest and strongest of men.
John Huxley, or “English” as Annie calls him, is a fish out of water in Scotland but he must win the mediation with Angus MacPherson so he can sell the land he was endowed and get the hell out of Scotland. The only stipulation is that he cannot sell it to the MacPhersons and thats exactly who wants it. His time in Scotland has been prolonged and he has spent it trying to repair the castle and grounds that he now owns.
I don’t want to give a ton of the book away because it is just so good and I don’t want to ruin it for others. The original story takes many directions all while reading about the hottest couple I have encountered in a book in a long time. The banter and funny moments abound. The phrases that come out of Annie’s mouth had my jaw dropping or had me laughing out loud. Wow, it has been a really long time since I laughed this much while reading a book! Oh, and it’s not just a funny moment here and there she is consistently funny and naive, yet has a side to her that makes your heart absolutely ache. She is a breath of fresh air and John takes second to her but not by much. Their chemistry smolders for the entire book from their first scene together until the very end. The other character’s are also very compelling and make me wonder who is in book two of the series! And book three and four, lol. I just love when I find a series that has me panting for the next book……….so much so that I may have to reread this one right away. I received an ARC of this book and chose to post my review.
Elisa has done it again!! This is going to be another fabulous series! I have been eagerly awaiting the story of John Huxley, the sole male sibling amongst a gaggle of Huxley sisters and it was well worth the wait! Annie was such an original and quirky heroine and I loved her so much! I really loved how they each enjoyed pushing the other’s buttons and with all the bantering back and forth that neither noticed they were falling in love until it was too late! I really love the Huxley family from RFR and now after reading this one I’m so excited to have the MacPherson family take center stage in this Scottish based series! I want to read them all right now, but will try to patiently wait for the next!!
I was fortunate enough to receive a ARC copy and I am delighted to voluntarily leave an honest review.
It’s official….Annie Tulloch is now my all time favourite heroine! Oh my goodness, what a character she is and I absolutely loved her to bits. Her mouth has no filter and she’s rude and crude, wears breeches and has no idea how to ever act like a lady but she does have a heart of gold and takes care of her stepfather and her 4 stepbrothers.
John Huxley finds himself having a deal with Annie. If he teaches her how to become a lady so that she can marry a Lord (the reason for this is extraordinary in itself!) she will teach him how to caber toss so that he can win a competition against her stepfather. Weeks and months go by as they each try to help each other but he doesn’t know how to handle such a hoyden and she does everything to aggravate the uptight Englishman!
I can’t say enough how much I loved this story, a lot of humour and characters you won’t soon forget. Annie’s “chaperone”, Mrs MacBean, is an absolute hoot:) The story also has a lot of passion, heartache, loyalty, danger, suspense, etc. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars, it certainly deserves it. Elisa Braden has outdone herself and I’m soooo looking forward to the next books in this series.
I was given an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Elisa Braden’s writing and the world she creates is brilliant, and this new series promises to be nothing short of amazing. So many wonderful characters to capture the hearts of readers, leaving the hope of many more books to come. This one will have you laughing, crying, sighing, and definitely on the edge of your seat at times.
One of my favorite new couples…
John Huxley has been searching for years to prove himself, or find something to fill the void in his life, something to heal the wounds of the past. He never expected to find it in Scotland… to find her in Scotland. Annie Tulloch is a heroine like no other, and for sure no stiff, proper lady. She’ll steal your heart from the start. You don’t want to miss the bickering, tussles, and sparks flying between these two.
Prepare to fall in love with Annie and her MacPherson clan! And then add to that the familiarity and joy of revisiting the Huxleys. WOW!!!
I received an arc for my honest opinion. “The Making of a Highlander” is a real page-turner and I strongly recommend it. It is like no other I’ve read! Five stars+
If you are looking for a fantastic book to read, I just finished an ARC of Elisa Braden’s newest book The Making of a Highlander. It is available on Tuesday, April 14th. The story held my interest from the beginning. Annie, the heroine, is now one of my favorites. She is strong, says what she thinks and appears to be somewhat mad (as in crazy). Don’t want to give too much away but highly recommend you check this book out if you love Scottish folklore, sexy highlanders, an out of place Englishman and, of course, there is love.
John Huxley is surrounded by well-meaning family and friends encouraging him to give up his adventuring and settle down. But John has spent a good deal of time evading title-hunting harpies and doesn’t have much faith that happily ever after is possible for him. When his dying friend leaves him land in the Scottish Highlands, John is happy to get away, but his intentions to sell the land are thwarted by a land dispute with a stubborn Scot. John loves a challenge so when the cantankerous Scot agrees to settle the land dispute if John wins an event at the annual Highland Games, he can’t back down. This is an impossible task, but with the help of the Scot’s stepdaughter, he just might stand a chance. The greater challenge will be teaching the fiery lass to be a lady, all the while not succumbing to her unlikely charms.
Annie Tulloch faces ridicule in their village for being a bit different and being raised by her stepfather, along with four stepbrothers, makes her a little rough around the edges. But to save a friend, she must marry a lord, which is problematic given her hoydenish ways. Fortunately she knows just the upright and proper Englishman to teach her.
Their lessons soon stoke a deeper bond and when Annie’s family is threatened by a vicious enemy, John is shocked by his own need to step in to help and to win Annie’s heart for himself.
I really wound up loving this book. It has everything: romance, steam, suspense, drama, humor. It was a real page turner once I got into it and was thankfully low on Angst. Annie was very outspoken and took some getting used to, but I wound up being charmed by her just like all the other characters were. I adored John’s strength alongside his vulnerability and I think he’s one of my favorite heroes I’ve read in some time. I was thoroughly charmed by the MacPherson men and I’m very much looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Making of a Highlander
Midnight in Scotland Series #1
Elisa Braden
https://www.facebook.com/authorelisabraden/
Release 04/14/2020
Publisher Verity Jane Publishing
Blurb :
In Elisa Braden’s enchanting new Midnight in Scotland series, the unlikeliest matches generate the greatest heat. All it takes is a spark of Highland magic.
“Make me a lady, and I’ll make ye a Highlander.” –Mad Annie Tulloch, Scottish lass
“Challenge accepted.” –John Huxley, English gentleman
No lady can tempt him more than the next shore
Everyone wants handsome adventurer John Huxley to settle down—family, friends, London society. Everyone except John. He’s evaded too many scheming title huntresses to trust in happily-ever-after. Now, a vow made to a dying friend has him locked in a land dispute with a stubborn Scot who offers one way out: Win the Highland Games. John likes a challenge, but this one’s impossible. Still, with training from the Scot’s stepdaughter, victory might be within reach. He only has to teach the fiery, foul-mouthed, breeches-wearing lass how to land a lord. It seems “impossible” is just getting started.
She’s no lady—she’s Mad Annie Tulloch
Everyone calls her Mad Annie. True, her best friend is a ghost. And yes, her greatest talents involve cooking for giants and taunting ridiculously handsome Englishmen. But she’s not mad—she’s desperate. To save her friend, Annie must marry a lord. The trouble is no lord will look twice at a hoyden like her. This calls for “Lady Lessons,” and she knows just the uptight Englishman to provide them.
When did a simple bargain become a battle of desire?
Amidst cursed castles, caber tossing, and questionable chaperones, John and Annie’s wildfire attraction threatens to send their plans up in flames. And when Annie’s family is targeted by a dangerous enemy, John is tempted to stay, to fight, and to win the greatest prize of all: A fiery lass’s tender, loyal heart.
My review :
Will she make of him a Highlander ? But will he be able to reciprocate the process by changing her in a lady …
Oh my, I do not think I have laughed so much since The Truth About Cads and Dukes, and The Devil is A Marquess.
And while, not everything is all white and pink, I just adored the funny and hilarious banters between Annie and her English.
Why is it so difficult to praise a good, more than good read?
I can easily point out the flaws of a book, but it is so much harder when everything is so close to perfection.
Annie, what a mouth she has, and her temper, it matches her fiery hair! For a tiny woman, she is ten times taller than her true size, what she has not in heigh, she has in strength of character. Nobody can put her down, she always bounces back.
She manages her brood of brothers and father like a mother hen, and they all eagerly comply as love is what glue them together.
When her Englishman entered her life, she saw first his prettiness, but slowly he won her admiration and heart as he does not bend, he is able to adapt himself to harsher circumstances and his honor holds him from settling for the easiest way.
John, finally the sole Huxley male’s tale!
I loved he was like his sisters, once love has found its mark in his heart, he is devoted to the objet of his desire. He makes mistakes, dictated by his own past’s wounds, some deeper than others. But he also makes amends for them, ten time. And while he needed a bit of time to understand Annie is nothing like the women from his youth. Once, he has been able to fully comprehend the extend of his feelings for her, he is forever hers.
Mrs Elisa Braden, once more transports us in her realm with larger than life characters, rollicking talks and tremendous protagonists plus a bit of suspens and magic.
Why if I could give more than 5 stars, I would happily do.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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