Suzanne Enoch

Full review appeared in Reader's Edyn on 01/28/20

Aden has a bit of a problem. Instructed by his mother to marry an English lass or deal with loss of funding for their home in Scotland, he either needs to complete said directive, or figure a way out of it. The very intriguing Miranda provides a solution for both options. Aden isn’t sure which direction is most desirable, but he knows for sure he has little choice but to come to Miranda’s aid. At the very least they will soon be related by show more marriage and part of the same family. At the most, and he’s no where near that way of thinking yet, she’ll be the lass he marries. Unbeknownst to Aden, the ploy she has become involved in, however unwilling, is much worse than originally intuited. As the risk increases, so does their passion. But Aden hesitates to put a label on anything before lifting the burden of stress off Miranda’s shoulders. He wants her – has never been captivated or affected by anyone like her – but he wants her head clear when she decides whether to keep or discard him. And he fears the worst. With his tender heart on the line, and new emotions flooding to the surface, he wagers everything in an all-or-nothing move to save her from the clutches of the evil vulture. If it works, at least he’ll have a chance with her. If it backfires, he risks losing her forever with her fate sealed and her future controlled by someone who harbors only ill will. If anyone has a chance, it’s this wagering Highlander and the ferociously loyal family he has backing him up; by rights the same family that is soon to be hers in one form or another.

I’m in love! Deception, desire, and kilts! Oh my! I love Scottish HR and have some books I adore, but this series and Ms. Enoch have easily moved to the absolute best of them all! I laughed, got angry, was shocked, even cried! My family looked at me like I was losing my mind every time I cracked up. Pretty sure the whole time I was reading I usually had a s**t-eating grin on my face. And you know what? I don’t give a fig! Books that inspire that kind of emotion and joy from me are a treasure! My only singular complaint is that I had the first book in the series and didn’t realize it until after I had finished this one. Argh! I could have read in order. But no matter. I am sure it will be just as engaging even already knowing the outcome. I even moved it up on my list, so I will have it polished off in a couple of weeks at the most. And now that I am getting caught up and back to my regularly reading habits, I will be able to actually read these ARCs prior to release. How about that concept? Seriously though, I just read something I really didn’t care for, so much that I was wary of a new read from a new author. Not so any longer. Aden and the McTaggerts have rejuvenated me! *le sigh* I need to visit Scotland.

I absolutely loved the quick wit and cutting comments which slowly morphed into playful, sexy banter between Aden and Miranda. Opposites attract and these two were a fantastic example of exactly that. There’s nothing better than a damsel in distress, who in any other circumstance could hold her own, than a hunky, brooding Highlander in a kilt come to rescue and thoroughly seduce her. I enjoyed the fact that Miranda had loving, possibly unconventional parents, who allowed her to be herself with no forced expectation of marriage. She was free to do her own choosing despite her numerous seasons and determined to marry for love, if ever deciding to marry at all. And how she came about making that decision and acting on it was fantastic! Then there’s Aden – despite is flaws, which actually endeared him to me more, he was pretty much flawless. The perfect pepper to Miranda’s salt. I didn’t want the book to end. And dang those other McTaggert men. Sex on a stick, all of them. I am curious to know what the story is behind their mother, Francessca. There seems to be a bit more that occurred beyond her agreement with their father, creating quite a rift between her and her boys. She nearly explains it to Aden and then stops herself. I’m hoping to discover more in the next book because Coll is inevitably next for his own romance. Estrangement aside, I thoroughly enjoyed her character. She added quite a lot to the story and her quick assessment and keen sense when dealing with her boys – dealing with everyone really – was a thrill to read. I truthfully cannot come up with a single complaint to mention. Whether you enjoy Scottish HR, or have yet to experience it, this is a wonderful place to begin. Although, in hindsight, I might give the first book a read first so as not to create any spoilers. But even if beginning the series here, an electrifying experience within these pages is guaranteed! The series title says it all – and boy do I crave more of those Wild Wicked Highlanders!

Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St.Martin’s in exchange for an honest review. show less

I had some very significant problems with the hero's behavior. I liked that he wasn't going to bend to the ill-wishes of his chief, and that he looked out for his brothers. Obviously I wasn't so keen with his plan to force the heroine into marriage, but, he was in a jam, (and this is fiction), so okay. (Though it seems like he'd be making enemies of both the clan chiefs in his vicinity, which seems like a very poor move. And he's highly unlikely to receive her dowery if he'd forced her, and show more that's if her warrior brother didn't just straight up kill him outright over it). So it's not a great solution, even before you consider he'd also be tied for the rest of his life to someone who will likely hate him. Suddenly though, after she claims to two visitors to be his employee, he considers all his problems solved! He won't have to marry her after all! (I cannot fathom how this one lie absolves his family of kidnapping... Does he think that just saying she's a governess instantly makes her into one? That she's somehow no longer a Duke's sister who's been abducted but a working woman who accepted employment of her own free will??) On top of that, apparently that also makes her fair game for seducing! (Like preying upon one's employees isn't entirely despicable!) But he gleefully proceeds, all the while content that they definitely won't have to marry! This is pretty dick-ish alone. She's been raised as a lady, she's a virgin, she's nobility with all the expectations that come with that, *she's his captive*... But then, to add insult to injury(!) *he takes no precautions whatsoever.* Any of the times. He doesn't even think after 'eesh, I should have done that differently', or, 'we won't need to marry- unless I impregnate this fine lady with by bastard!'. Nothing. The consequences would totally devastate her life of course, IF she *survived childbirth*, (which he should be keenly aware that not all women do, I believe it said that's what killed his mother.) But he doesn't seem to worry about any of that, he only thinks that he'll definitely want to be sure to destroy the special license he had ordered (back when he planned to force her into marriage)! ?!?! We eventually learn why he's afraid of marrying a woman he actually cares for. And, that at least subconsciously, he's aware that he'd have to keep her if he impregnated her. So he definitely doesn't want to marry her, but is also sabotaging those efforts I guess. =/ I don't really think that excuses any of it though. Besides these aspects he was decent, but those are some pretty glaring character flaws! And they lasted pretty far into the second half of the book! The heroine had some standout moments where she acted bravely and made good decisions that helped others. This is probably 2.5 stars, but I've enjoyed Enoch's books so I'm rounding up. show less

You had me at the reference to Bringing Up Baby. Well, you actually had me when I learned that the fabulous, fantastic, funny Suzanne Enoch was the author. With Every Duke Has His Day she continues her unbroken successful string of books that make me laugh and swoon and just love them so much I can’t stop turning pages but also don’t want to leave these endearing characters at the story’s end.

Science-minded Michael Bromley, the Duke of Woriton, might seem a little odd and boring on the show more surface, but we – and Elizabeth “Bitsy” Dockering, third daughter of a viscount very much enjoying her second Season in London – soon find out that is not the case. Not the case at all. But the dogs Lancelot and Galahad (great names, by the way) are the real stars of the story. Michael is nonchalant about watching Lancelot while his aunt is away. He’s a scientist for heaven’s sake. How hard can taking care of a dog be? Galahad is sweet, loving and absolutely adorable. Well, to Bitsy – and ONLY to Bitsy. When Bitsy’s dastardly suitor hatches a plan to kidnap Galahad we’re off and running, with a slapstick plot that is indeed reminiscent of Bringing Up Baby via Jane Austen, involving opposites that aren’t all that opposite after all, some humor, some heat, and a delightful romp to a delightful HEA.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy of Every Duke Has His Day via NetGalley for my reading pleasure and honest opinion. Pleasure is an understatement; I loved this book and can’t wait to see what Enoch comes up with next. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own. show less

Terrific conclusion to the series. Coll is the oldest son and the most resistant to his mother's demand that her three sons marry or risk losing the funds needed to support their Scottish estate. In the first book, It's Getting Scot in Here, she ambushed Coll with the woman she'd picked out for him. It did not go well, as Coll walked out and refused to have anything to do with her choice. A few weeks later and Lady Aldriss hasn't learned her lesson and does it again. This time, when Coll show more walks out, he only goes as far as the theater's backstage, where he encounters a very intriguing woman.

Persephone is wealthy, independent, and intelligent. She is also the theater troupe's lead actress and one of the most popular in London. She is frequently surrounded by men who want to be her protector, whether she agrees or not. The big Highlander who appears backstage one night intrigues her, especially after he rescues her from an overeager protector wannabe and clears a path for her to leave the theater that night. She's grateful but doesn't expect it to go any further.

I enjoyed the first meeting between Persephone and Coll. Their banter was fun, and their connection was immediate. Coll found himself back at the theater the next day instead of looking for a woman to court. Once again, the banter between them was lively, but Persephone made it clear she wasn't interested in anything more and sent him on his way. But when a suspicious accident nearly kills her, Persephone offers to help him find the right woman if he serves as a bodyguard of sorts. Coll is more than happy to spend time with her. He also takes the opportunity to make a point with his mother - he will find his own wife and tells her he has set his sights on Persephone. Of course, he knows he can't marry an actress, but he enjoys his mother's reaction.

I loved watching the relationship develop between Persephone and Coll. Neither one intends anything serious. Coll knows where his duty lies, and Persephone has no interest in marriage. However, neither can deny the sparks that fly between them. When it becomes evident that someone really is out to kill Persephone, Coll's protective instincts kick in, and nothing will stop him from keeping her safe. The more time they spend together, the deeper their connection becomes. Persephone can't help falling for the man who sees her for the woman she is, not just the roles she plays. On the other side, Persephone sees more than the giant, growly Highlander; she sees a man who cares about his people and his family. I thought they were well-matched in intelligence, and I loved their conversations.

As the attacks on Persephone intensified, Coll's determination to get to the source did too. I liked seeing Coll earn Persephone's trust so that she would share her past with him. Her history did not surprise me, but her strength and resilience were amazing. I loved seeing Coll involve first his brothers, then the rest of the family in protecting Persephone. I loved how the whole family, even Lady Aldriss, get involved in the final confrontation. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over and the culprit vanquished.

The follow-on scenes were great as they wrapped up Coll and Persephone's story and the loose ends of the series. I loved seeing Persephone face her parents and set them straight on their place in her life. I also liked seeing Coll's parents own up to their mistakes. I would love to see a novella showing what happens next with them. show less