Elisa Braden

My Review: (May contain spoilers, fair warning upon reading this review)

This was a chef's kiss novella and one of my favorite books of the series at this point. I can see how this book is a bridge between her two primary series. This book was a enchanting quick read that I soaked up like a sponge. I love also how quick paced this book was. I really didn't want to put this one down here. This book was really enchanting in what we see in the romance itself. There is so much adventure in this show more one, with a slight amount of flashbacks, but they aren't flashbacks that will bother anyone. They are well mixed into the story that you don't feel the transition. We also see such great chemistry between these two. They have both been pining for the other for years. So when the hero realizes she is making a stupid decision....he decides to make his claim haha sometimes a big play is what you need to do when hints to the other isn't working. This is a very short story though, its only like 70 pages, so you sweep through it so quickly. What I really appreciate is how much emotional depth was packed within this story. Very endearing and I was so invested in these characters and I kinda wish we had longer with them and then that sweet quick ending that had a magic feel to it was just right! I can't wait to move on to her highlander series now! But a bit bittersweet this series is over though. show less

When A Girl Loves An Earl, is the fifth installment in the "Rescued from Ruin" series and in this one we get the long awaited story between Viola and James. This is a unrequited romance and I absolutely adored it so much. I love a heroine going after her man and being the one pining after the hero. Both of these characters are so strong willed and feisty and so so stubborn and I loved seeing these aspects if I am being honest. They are so real with each other. I couldn't seem to get enough show more of their bantering and interactions. Elisa Braden really knows how to write good historical romance and most especially wonderful characters that just captivate you so deeply.

In this one we have our hero, who grew up as a Scot and had his own dreams that didn't include being part of the Aristocracy. But when he ends up the sole heir of the earldom, he has to sacrifice everything to do what needs to be done and loses the woman he loves and more. But now he is fully fledged into his role, and determined never to marry or have children. But then he is overwhelmed by a young woman who has her heart set on him. James is torn because he knows that there is something real between them but at the same time he also can't give into what he is feeling for Viola. But Viola knows he is the only man she could ever love and will fight for their relationship no matter the stakes.

What appealed me the most about this book was seeing a heroine going after the hero. I loved how determined she is and strong she is about it. Now there are some factors to this that can prove to be ingorant at times, especially to the consequences of her actions. But she definitely learns the cost of her actions and accepts the responsibility that comes with that. I loved how Elisa Braden developed this story, I wasn't sure what would happen here, but it actually ended up being such a solid read and I became endeared by this pairing and we got hints for the upcoming next story and I can't wait for it.

Definitely a win of a historical read and truly loving this author! show less

I've been hearing Elisa Braden recommendations for years, but only just got my hands on her books. I really enjoyed this. Right from the first chapter I was sucked in and felt emotionally attached to the leads. They make mistakes, have miscommunication issues, etc. but all in a pretty reasonable way, we can see how those things would make sense given the character's circumstances. Which is something I really appreciate and is too often ignored out of author convenience I think. I wanted show more their second chance to work out, so they were easy to root for. Near the end there's a tragedy and I actually wept real tears! lol. I'm usually a pretty tough nut to crack, so props to Braden for drawing me in so deeply. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series. show less

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Introduction
The Making of a Highlander is the first book in the "Midnight in Scotland" series which follows the McPherson family. In this book we follow the sister of the clan. She is a bit of a outcast in their village and then we get her match, who is a Earl under disguise of just being a plain Englishman. This story implements a vast arrays of elements that seem to seamlessly blend so well together. This was also show more my first Elisa Braden and I was so impressed with it. It was just overall such a delightful story that was enticing and enjoyable. I had a blast with it, and I see now why so many love this author's work, she definitely has a writing style that is endearing and something that we need more in more recently publishing historical's.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: John Huxley
-Earl
-Aristocrat
-In hiding from English Society
-Renovation

The Heroine: Annie McPherson
-Young sister of the McPherson family
-Caregiver
-See's Ghosts/Imaginary Friend
-Highland Lass
-Bullied
-Curvy and Plain
-Cook/Baker

Summary
John Huxley is just looking to escape the stresses of English society and find some peace after being hunted by scheming debutantes who just want his wealth and title. He wants to find something more in his life. He is now hiding out in the wilds of Scotland, and working on a land dispute and then meets the Scot's stepdaughter, Annie. Annie is known as "mad annie" because she has an imaginary friend who isn't so imaginary but everyone else believes that he isn't real but to her he has been her companion. When its revealed that its her destiny to marry a Lord, she seeks out John and they do a trade of sorts. She will give him Scottish lessons on being a Highlander, and in return he will train her in being a lady so that she can appeal to a titled lord. But soon the chemistry builds between them and they discover a match they least expected to find...

My Outlook
I really had such a fun time with this and the audiobook is really superb so I do recommend listening to this one if you can. I enjoyed seeing how this romance developed and there was so much to this story that was appealing. The set up of the story was very intriguing but we also have the mix of banter, sass and sensuality that blends so well within the storyline. I wasn't sure if this author would live up to the hype, but she does entertain. I am really intrigued to see where she plans on taking this series and exploring her backlist. There were many elements to this one that just worked out so well for me. The first one is that I loved the sexy bantering. These two have such a great attraction towards each other but they also have a strong passion and the way that this author writes steam, is just perfection. Her writing style was unique and refreshing. Its not something you see much anymore in historical romance, and it was so easy to just become so comfortable with this one and just indulge in the romance. It definitely won't be the last time that I choose to pick this book up. Definitely intrigued to see more of this family because they really captured my heart within this one!

Overall View
I found The Making of a Highlander to be a well done, perfectly portrayed, illustrious detailed romance that captured my heart and had me yearning for more!

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5/5
World Building: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Hero: 5/5
Heroine: 4/5
Steam: 5/5
Heart & Feels: 4/5
Ending:5/5
Overall View: 4.5/5 show less