As usual, I've read a lot of books this month, and the one that stands out to me is The Making of a Highlander by Elisa Braden.
"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."
This book has a lot going for it. It is charming and adorable with a nice bit of suspense and drama. With an added element of the paranormal, I really dig it.
It is the first book in the Midnight in Scotland series, but none of the others are out yet. That said, I will be checking back in when more are released.