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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“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!
Elisa Braden knows how to weave a wonderful, passionate and romantic story. Annie and John were scorching hot, so right for each other and their banter was so good. Loved how Annie calls him English. Outstanding, loved every page. This story had it all for me, hence the 5 stars!
My love for Elisa Braden’s books is unconditional. And books taking place in Scotland? Count me in. This one is funny, tender, emotional, a perfect treat.
I was absolutely taken with this novel and completely swept up into this story and romance! I definitely believe I have found a new favorite author in Elisa Braden and can not wait to explore her back list more as well as get to the next novel in this series!
Elisa Braden’s writing is accessible, extremely engaging, wonderfully paced and beautifully written. Her characters are three dimensional and realistic, the world they occupy was vivid and lush, her tone was comfortable and enchanting. I was delighted from beginning to end. I loved the intermixing of mysticality and magic that surrounds our heroine that helps to drive her desires and will. I was enchanted with the hero and how promptly he fell in love and how determined he was in the pursuit of the heroine.
Our heroine-Annie, is bold and brash in her ways, she is independent and extremely capable but she also can be shy among others and keep to herself, due to the treatment she has received by villagers and the reputation she has of being “mad”. The hero-John Huxley (or fondly referred to by Annie as “English”) is a handsome adventurer who is currently locked in a land dispute which has brought him into contact with Annie on a few occasions. In order to get out of these land disputes John must win the Highland Games, and Annie, in order to get her best friend back-who is a ghost, must marry a lord, these are the catalysts in which bring our hero and heroine into more contact with each other. Annie and John enter into a bargain with each other in order to help the other with their goals, John will teach Annie how to be a proper lady and Annie will teach John how to win the games.
The building of their relationship is so charming, I loved watching each of them challenge the other to find their strengths as they move toward their ultimate goal. I also loved that the hero very early on, realizes that Annie is perfect the way she is, he loves her foul mouth and hoydenish ways, he sees that she is the perfect woman to create the home and family he has been dreaming of-she is protective of those she loves, she knows how to run a household and keep people in line, and she is a fantastic cook! I love that Annie feels so comfortable around John that she can tease him, test him and provoke him. Their relationship was just so beautiful and I believed their feelings every step of the way. I loved that they were able to build a foundation of friendship that blossomed into romantic feelings that they can begin to comfortably explore and when they know it is love they don’t question it, they fully embrace it. Their relationship is sensual and steamy and their chemistry is bold and heart warming. I love that even when they make each other angry they still love each other and they find ways to work it out, and better understand the others feelings and motivations.
I can not recommend this book enough! Definitely do yourself a favor and pick this up, especially if you love a Scottish set romance, love a bold heroine and a hero who is so in love, the charming dynamics of strong family units. I am so excited to get to the next novel in this series (which I already have) and I am anticipating the continuation of this series as well! 6 Stars, definitely a new favorite of mine!!!
Pleasant Enough – 2.5 Stars
I have read more books where the hero is the bold and brash Scott and the heroine the proper English miss, so the switch was a nice change. The ghostly part of the story was a twist, but I’m not sure I enjoyed that element as much. I wished there was more focus on the training John and Annie gave each other. It seemed skimmed over somehow, and I think some depth there would have enhanced the developing relationship. Still, I plan to read the next books in this series.
4.75 Stars!
Elisa Braden has slowly become a one-click author for me, yet I almost overlooked this book due to a paranormal element that was mentioned in some reviews. I want to thank Julia and Jessica for their encouragement to look past the PNR element and read this book for the fabulous heroine and romance. In the end, the PNR aspect wasn’t predominant and it actually endeared me to a small, but special character in the book, Reggie. While obviously not diagnosed in this historical, he quite possibly had Down’s syndrome. The author created this sweet and special boy, who along with Annie, were the only ones aware of Finley’s presence – an apparition borne of Scottish lore (possibly a selkie.) Beyond that small element, this was foremost and specifically John Huxley and Annie Tulloch’s love story.
… and what a wonderful love story it was. The romance between John and Annie was perfectly plotted. It was lighter on the angst with no indecisive dithering from either party. The author also forgoes bleak back stories and horrible parentage and writes about two adults who are well-loved and supported by their families. At the same time, Annie is deemed “mad” by some in her village, but the support of her family is evident in her sass and tenaciousness. While John is suspicious from being hurt by love in the past, he’s still optimistic that he can attain a marriage that mimics his happily married parents and siblings. Annie’s family were most prominently featured throughout and I enjoyed the crazy interactions between them all, as well some of the more poignant moments.
In the end, I loved almost everything about this story. Annie was one of the most delightful heroines that I’ve read in a historical and John was a lovely hero all around. Their romance was beyond swoony and the tension was fantastic. The suspenseful moments were also very well done with a nice lead into the next book featuring Annie’s brother, Broderick. Next to the first book I read by this author, it’s a top favorite.
The first book I read by Elisa Braden was a freebie in The Rescued from Ruined series. At the time, I was just beginning to read and enjoy Regency era books and I wasn’t sure if she would be an author whose style was one I’d like. There were so many out there where I couldn’t get past the first chapters and just deleted. However, Ms. Braden became a favorite author and I read the entire RFR series. I was happy to learn she was starting a new series and knew I’d be ready to buy. I was delighted then, to get an ARC from the author for the first in her new Midnight in Scotland series. It’s a new locale, moving from London to the Highlands, beautifully written with engaging characters while bringing in a peek at the Huxley family from the previous series. You don’t have to have read any of The Rescued From Ruin books, but once you get attached to Annie and John in The Making of A Highlander, you’ll want to go back and get to know John’s family and their stories.
John is the sole male and heir in the Huxley crew, but has made his own fortune and proven that he is more than just a titled son. He’s a true gentleman, living incognito, honorable, caring and having been around his sisters, tries to understand Annie when he knows he’s made mistakes. Annie was raised by a tough, Highland all-male household. She’s feisty, fiercely loyal, strong and yet vulnerable, not to mention, she’s a great cook!
I needed a book that I could sit down with and simply enjoy and this was perfect. It has steam, romance, love, wonderful family loyalty, some fun Scottish humor and a wee bit of the mystical. I look forward to the next book in the series. I may have to re-read the Rescued series while I’m waiting.
You can’t see me but I am jumping up and down for joy. I absolutely loved The Rescued from Ruin Series. Now she has started a whole new series, The Midnight In Scotland Series When I read her The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne I was hooked for life.
This story is about a Highland Lass who has been made fun of because her best friend is a ghost and an Englishman who wants to left alone on his crumbling Scottish estate.
Annie Tulloch is a sharp-tongued Scottish hoyden and John Huxley is a proper Englishman whose destinies are going to push them closer whether they like it or not! Annie frustrates John who half the time he doesn’t know what to make of her. She has a sassy mouth that spews insults and profanities. She is an improper little hoyden, he can’t fathom why she fascinates him. John is a mystery to Annie. He doesn’t belong in the Highlands. He is one stubborn Englishman, he irritates her to no end, she cannot understand him, but there is something to him that draws her to him like a moth to a flame.
Elisa’s writing has elevated her to the top of the Historical Romance Genre. I sometimes have trouble finding words to articulate her talent. She is in a league of her own, there are few writers that surpass her storytelling. I know because I have been reading Historical Romance since the early 80’s. Her characters are so well crafted and her stories enchanting. Just know that if you want to be swept away to another time and place Elisa’s stories are the way to go.
You have to read this book!!!
After reading the wonderful series RESCUED FROM RUIN, I always wondered about the Huxley brother and heir, John. I was expecting his story in that series, but this was worth the wait. John, a viscount and heir to his father, the Earl of Berne, is an adventurer, traveled far and wide. Because of a deathbed promise to a Scot, he is now in the Highlands, trying to honor that promise. But the prominent family, MacPherson, makes sure he gets no local help. The family consists of 4 huge men, their giant of a father and a stepdaughter, Annie Tulloch. Her widowed mother married Angus when Annie was 5 and died a year later. A pants-wearing hoyden, Annie has a foul but honest mouth and a tender heart as she cares fiercely for her family. Her companion since her mother’s death is Finlay, a spirit, who no one sees but her, earning her the name “Mad Annie”. Because of his disappointing past with woman who desire his title and wealth more than him, John doesn’t use his title. Involved in a land dispute with Angus, and skeptical of Highland magic, John enters into an agreement with Annie. She has lost Finlay and thinks the only way to get him back is by marrying a lord. She agrees to train John for the Highland games against her family – if he wins, the lands are his and he can go back to England. In return he will instruct her on becoming a lady to attract a lord. But their interaction gives each the opportunity to see the other’s true self. Laughter, loyalty, trust, faith and most of all love combine with mystery, violence and magic for a enchanting story. I most enjoyed the Epilogue with the whole Huxley Family!
“We’re like Highland thistles, you and I. Tough and Stubborn. A mite hostile when we must be. Our nature doesnae suit everybody. But we grow where we’ve landed. We hold our ground. And we dinnae shrink from a fight, even when we’re trampled.”
The Making of a Highlander is book one in the Midnight in Scotland series by Elisa Braden. This was a great start to a new series, I liked how the author expanded her world and we still had glimpses of familiar faces. Also, we finally got big brother, John Huxley’s HEA. John is a bit world weary and jaded by the time he gets to the highlands of Scotland. Annie Tulloch is loving, lively, and doesn’t waste a minute in riling John up. In order to win a land dispute John must enter and win an event in the Highland Games, as proposed by Annie’s step-father. After a devastating loss, Annie seeks John out in order to help a friend. John and Annie make a deal, she’ll help him win if he’ll help her become a lady, so she can marry a lord. Little does she know, her lord is right in front of her. This book spans about a year and follows both Annie and John building their relationship and surviving some devastating moments in the life of Annie’s family. I’ve quickly become attached to Annie’s step-father and step-brothers and I’m waiting on tenterhooks for their stories. This book has everything you love about Scottish romances, beautiful, eerie landscapes, mysticism, and destiny. The only thing that upset me about this book is that it ended. I seriously can’t wait to read the next. This has become my favorite book by Elisa Braden, I know you’ll enjoy it!
P.S. The epilogue was perfect.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
AMAZING! This is the first book in the new Midnight in Scotland series and what a way to start it off. This was an amazing book! I was so excited to see a new book released by this author. She has a way of catching your attention with the first few paragraphs and keeping it until the end with all the twists and turns. This book was such an emotional rollercoaster. One minute I was crying and the next laughing at the feistiness of Annie. This book had it all; intrigue, humor, drama, and romance. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book!
I was given an ARC and am voluntarily writing a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1cp
Annie Tulloch is not your typical heroine. She’s a brazen, trousers wearing young lady with a penchant for swearing. Oh, and she has a young boy as her companion – one who is, shall we say, different? It seems not everyone can see Finlay, who has been her friend since her mother died when she was only six years old. Annie is now twenty four, and Finlay has begun to fade. Desperate to do anything to keep her only friend in her life, “Mad” Annie misinterprets Finlay’s final advice, which is to marry a lord and fulfill her destiny. Thinking that this means she’ll be able to keep Finlay, Annie seeks out the only man she knows who has the knowledge to turn her into a lady suitable to marry a lord.
Englishman John Huxley has been forced to stay in Scotland until a land dispute is settled regarding property he inherited from his deceased business partner and friend. He promised to never sell the land to Angus, who happens to be Annie’s stepfather. Annie enjoys watching the animosity between the two men, and also loves to needle John every chance she gets. When John is approached by Annie with a proposition, he accepts. He’ll teach her how to become a lady, and she’ll train him to compete in the upcoming games, where he hopes to best Angus and his sons.
Though they continue their bantering and insults while training, Annie and John have a strange attraction for each other. Gradually they form a friendship. When John learns how most of the people in the village ridicule Annie, his protectiveness kicks into gear, and his actions are swoonworthy. Though Annie is longing for, at the very least, a kiss from the man she dubs “English,” John remains the gentleman. Mostly. When one of Annie’s stepbrothers is targeted by an unknown enemy, and almost killed, John steps in again, saving his life. This action ends the antagonism between John and Angus, leaving John free to court Annie, which is something he’s found he desperately wants to do.
John and Annie have taken a decidedly steamy direction in their relationship. I love their passion, their witty banter, and their humor. But John is still harboring a secret that Annie doesn’t know. Past lessons have wounded him enough that he needs to be sure he’s loved for himself as a person, not his wealth or connections or family. He is also harboring doubts about Annie’s insistence on marrying a lord. Thus, they have some obstacles to overcome before they can have a future together.
THE MAKING OF A HIGHLANDER is a truly wonderful story with characters I came to love so much. John has such a big heart and so much affection to give to the right woman hidden beneath his proper English exterior. Annie is vulnerable underneath her bravado, as well as being intelligent and determined. Their story is heartwarming, moving, steamy, and so romantic. THE MAKING OF A HIGHLANDER is one of those books I couldn’t read quickly enough, yet hated to see end. If this first book is any indication, I have a feeling this new series is going to be great!
The Making of a Highlander (Midnight in Scotland, #1)
by Elisa Braden (Goodreads Author)
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I received this book as an ARC, as always a beautiful story. I love the caracteres. Annie is so adorable,and John magnificent. I highly recommend this book. It was fun to hear from the Huxley family.
This book had me wishing I could marry a proper English man and live in the Highlands of Scotland. Annie and John’s story was so sweet and Annie has a hell of a sense of humor and she’s a no nonsense, take no prisoners sort of gal. I really liked that about her. This book was so good.
Where do I start!? It was brilliant, one of those stories you want to read over and over again.
A historical romance set in Scotland mid 19 century, a fiesty heroine looking for a lord and a lord who wants to be seen as a man, perfect recipe for a love story, couple it with a bit of supernatural, ad in an overprotective family, a quest to win and a bit of humor( hello there Mrs. Macbaine).
Absolutely in love with the characters, more so with Annie than John, but simply because of what Annie has been through, she is such a strong person, I rarely read this kind of character anymore. Elisa has a way of writing her heroines, without exagerating and making them real, she has so much love in her heart for her family, a hard working scottish lass and the worst kind of tomboy, in the best possible way. She sets to save her friend, not knowing she is the one to be saved, and in comes our hero.
We read a bit about a young John in the previous series( you can read this book as a stand alone), we know his family and I was waiting to see what kind of hero he was going to be, the best kind! An alpha male and thoroughly possessive, using anything in his power to get what he wants, in this case our Annie.
The book has a bit of a mistery, not yet solved and I’m impatiently waiting for the next instalment, I enjoyed this book very much, if you want a brilliant historical romance, this is your book.
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review*
What a great start to a new series! The only male Huxley sibling finally gets his own story. John is a hot, tough, rough around the edges guy hiding under a proper British nobleman’s skin. Annie is a breeches wearing, foul mouthed, no filter hoyden that had me laughing out loud every other page! Anyone who calls the remote parts of the Scottish Highlands the “arse crack of Scotland” is a winner in my book! Both characters suffer from trust issues, but tragic family matters end up throwing them together regardless, and once that happens watch out because these two definitely know how to burn up the pages! Their relationship is passionate and untamed! Waking up in the mornings with a few aches and bruises means a night very well spent! So hot in the best ways! Woowee!
The Making of a Highlander is a great follow up to Elisa’s previous Rescued from Ruin series, but despite there being characters in common, this new story feels totally different. While the RFR stories certainly pushed some boundaries, you were always aware that the characters were living within the confines of the aristocratic, British society. This story, by contrast, feels much more free and unrestrained. The characters live and speak as they please. It made them more relatable, IMO. I could totally see myself being best friends with Annie and wanting to spend the weekends hanging out with her uncouth, but hilarious, stepbrothers. Her stepfather is like your own grumpy, crotchety Grandpa; a big heart that gives the best bear hugs and tells the best stories, hands down.
There is a supernatural thread in the story involving a “ghost” friend, but it’s very smartly done and doesn’t drag the story down into absurdity, much like the time travel aspect doesn’t drag down Outlander. There is a couple of villains, but they aren’t really central to John and Annie’s story and serve more as a set up for future books. We do get to catch up with a few of our favorite characters from the previous series (the epilogue made me smile from ear to ear), and I’m really looking forward to meeting the strong women that are going to bring Annie’s tough guy stepbrothers to their knees! Great job, Elisa, as usual!
NOTE: I received an ARC directly from the author for the purpose of a timely and honest review, however, she is an automatic pre-order for me and my purchased copy was already in my library as of the writing of this review. Elisa Braden
This book was phenomenal. I (along with many others) had been eagerly awaiting the story of John Huxley (affectionately called English in this book) the only Huxley male among many sisters. We finally learn just where and what he has been up to! I hate spoilers so I will not post any. I will simply say, if this is the start of her new series, it is going to just as fantastic as her Rescued from Ruin series, if not better. I loved everything about this tale. The wit, humor, action, emotion and heat are what I have come to expect from Elisa Braden, and she did not disappoint! I recieved an arc in exchange for my honest opinion, all view are my own, and I also purchased book. I simply can not recommend it enough.
Miss Annie Tulloch lives in the Scottish highlands with her four older step brothers and stepfather, all of whom dote on her very much. This capable young woman runs the house full of men with no assistance, but has a couple of odd friends who help her through the day. She has no girlfriends her age as the women, and men, in fact about everyone in the village close by, refer to her as ‘Mad Annie’. After all – she IS a bit eccentric.
For awhile now, an English neighbor, a gentleman named John Huxley, has been in an ongoing ‘negotiation’ of sorts with Annie’s stepfather over a property that Angus, her father, wants to own. John will not sell to Angus or any of his sons, as he made a vow not to do so to his dying friend years before. So the haggling has come to a wager.
This wager is proposed between John and Angus over ownership of the property in question. It involves the summer games and feats of masculine derring do, in which the Scots are well known to prevail. But also another bet, a side gamble,between the gentleman and Mad Annie. Annie will help John win his wager with her stepfather Angus, if John will teach her how to behave like a lady.
She has her reasons. Annie must marry a lord, but not for herself. It’s for a friend.
This is a wonderful story with terrific banter, colorful characters and perfect heat between Annie and John. Annie is a most unique heroine and she’s all the better for it. John is one who has a past that affects his present, but he must decide if he’ll allow it to intrude on his future.
I LOVED this story and am already waiting for the next in this series, as this was the first, of what I hope are several stories. I highly recommend it.
One of my favorite authors is at it again. I love Elisa’s new book “The Making of a Highlander”. The story of John and Annie is a sweet, entertaining love story that will make you want to keep reading until the very end. This Englishman and Scottish lass have great chemistry from the very beginning and their interactions kept me laughing throughout the book. I highly recommend this book and really any of Elisa Braden’s books.
The Making of a Highlander by Elisa Braden is not just another Highland romance. It is the epitome of what a historical romance should be. It has excellent characters, a wonderful setting, something quirky to grab the readers’ interest, and most of all, enough sex to keep it interesting. We have been introduced to John Huxley in the Rescued From Ruin series, but only as a very peripheral character. We also met some Scots in that series, but their roots were not a focus of the story. We have watched John’s sisters fall in love and marry … all excellent reads. Now we come to John, who has been somewhat damaged by woman in the past, so he is reluctant. We have a woman, Anne Tulloch, who is the least likely woman in the world to attract at English lord … and yet she does. We have an amazing cast of characters, written as the supporting cast, but each and every one of them could easily be the protagonist in another book. Braden must spend hours fleshing out her characters; she knows them so well. It is one of the exciting things about reading any book she has written.
Braden leaves much of the story off the page, but her readers experience it anyway. Readers know what is going on in the background … how Mary and Nora’s friendship grew, for example. We see the sparks between Nora and Angus … this relationship has the makings of a fine story. We see Annie’s strength and her ability to treat each person in her life as best suits that person. It is exciting to see the story progress with these fine characters at the helm. There is a plot, one we will learn more about in the future, I’m sure. It is well-done and complex and involves more than one character. It is all very exciting. Braden has a following … a very serious and loyal following. Check the reviews to verify this fact. The Making of a Highlander is not at the bottom of my list of favorites; it catapulted to near the top as I read it. I loved this book. I love Annie Tulloch MacPherson Huxley. I recommend you read if for yourself to see why. The worst part is that now we will have to wait for the next installment.
I received a free ARC of The Making of a Highlander from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.