The Temptation of a Highlander

Midnight in Scotland #3

by Elisa Braden

In the enchanting Midnight in Scotland series, the unlikeliest matches generate the greatest heat. All it takes is a spark of Highland magic.

A woman hunted

Once a hopeless wallflower, Clarissa Meadows blossomed into a beauty for a single splendid season—only to catch the eye of a madman bent on possessing her. Now, she must flee where he’ll never follow: a friend’s house in the Scottish Highlands. Except he does follow. And Clarissa has nowhere left to run.

A protector unbound

Campbell MacPherson shouldn’t be dreaming about the fair English lass who blushes like a sunrise, blurts out double entendres over breakfast, and shows a peculiar interest in the size of his hands. But when she reveals the threat putting fear in her eyes, this rough, solitary giant vows his protection, even if it means keeping temptation as close as his next breath.

A temptation too hot to deny

Clarissa couldn’t ask for a more imposing—or enthralling—bodyguard than Campbell MacPherson. But accepting his protection puts him squarely in a predator’s sights. And soon, she faces an impossible choice: stay in the shelter of his arms or save the man she loves from the wolf she’s brought to his door.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Marriage Of Convenience, Forced Proximity, Historical Fiction

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 28, 2021

About the author

Reading romance novels came easily to Elisa Braden. Writing them? That took a little longer. After graduating with degrees in creative writing and history, Elisa spent too many years in “real” jobs writing T-shirt copy ... and other people’s resumes ... and articles about giftware displays. But that was before she woke up and started dreaming about the very unreal job of being a romance novelist. Better late than never.

Elisa lives in the Pacific Northwest, where you're constitutionally required to like the colors green and gray. Good thing she does. Other items on the "like" list include cute dogs, strong coffee, and epic movies. Of course, her favorite thing of all is hearing from readers who love her characters as much as she does.

If you're one of those, get in touch on Facebook (@authorelisabraden), visit her website (www.elisabraden.com), and - most importantly - be the first to hear about new releases, price specials, and awesome free bonuses by signing up for her email newsletter (bit.ly/ElisaNewsletter). It's easy, quick, and FREE.

Reviews

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread for my 2022 Favorites.

Just delightful from start to finish and the audiobook is pure gold. :)

****************************************************

This is why I shouldn't make favorites videos until the year is officially over.

Because this is a 6 star book... and now what do I do?

I would like to add a TW for stalking and violence against multiple animals. It is not gratuitous, but it was quite painful in a few places for me. Animal harm is one of my own triggers. I trust Elisa Braden with a lot though, so it was worth it, but take care of yourself.

This grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, highlander romance was everything I needed.

6 stars

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did this story lose track of itself a time or two? Yes. But I still enjoyed it.

Grumpy/sunshine
Found family
Spinster/alpha
Gentle giant
Forced Proximity
Dual pining
Scottish brogue x100
HOT intimacy
Hint of pnr
Ott bad guy

*Ruth Urquhart did a wonderful job at narrating.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weakest of the series so far

He’s big, taciturn and horny.
She’s small, chatty and horny. That’s all the character development you get.

This one is good for anyone looking for a very spicy historical that isn’t too bogged down by plot.
This is very daddy kink coded with lots of internal horny thoughts, some mystery, more horny thoughts, horny dreams and then horny actions. Nothing wrong with smut, I’m just over it and have been in search of deeper plot lately. The first two books had it, this one just doesn’t. I don’t even get how they fell in love, they didn’t spend any time together and their only interactions were in fever dreams.
And the heroine’s little quirk of rambling on in some kind of innuendo laden verbal diarrhea was very overdone and got really old, really fast. I would put a few quotes in so you could cringe with me but I listened to the audio and don’t want to type them out.

It doesn’t help that this book was so incredibly similar to the last book; marriage of convenience between a small English lass and a very large grumpy Scot, who needs to protect her from a scary villain at least the last book had decent character motivations and some relationship development. This one just followed that same formula without any nuance. They were horny for each other, end of.

At least in this book they both had body betraying syndrome. 🤷‍♀️

Also prepare yourself for A LOT of gore and violence. See triggers.
TW: many instances of animal death and cruelty. Graphic descriptions on page of the death of a beloved pet. Descriptions of dead bodies, brutally killed. Miraculous curing of infertility (male).

[Preeti · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5- "It was silly and lovely" 🌟

(Forced proximity, gentle giant, mutual pining, protector- protectee )

I want to say this one is the best of the series but I also don't want to put any other heroine above Mad Annie from book 1. So let's settle with 'this book is as good as book 1', for at least now.😝😝

Plot summary
Clarissa is a 28-year-old who was considered a wallflower for 8 long seasons. Then in her last season, she attracted a wealthy, handsome suitor's interest who turned out to be an obsessed psychopath. 

However, she is living with her grandmother in genteel poverty and has no one to protect her from this deranged suitor. So, she and her grandma visit Scotland to stay with her friend Kate(h of 2nd book). Here, Campbell, the eldest Macpherson brother is asked to 'guard' and 'protect' Clarissa.

First and foremost
Is it standalone- Well!!! I am certainly not the right person for this advice BUT if you try reading it as a standalone, you will miss all the highland charm and quirkiness of Macpherson's family and other related side characters like part-time herbalists and full-time fortune teller, Mrs. Mcbean an and her pet donkey.😂😂 

And, you will miss the ongoing love story of Macpherson senior too.

Things I loved about the book
1. The sweet, ol' mutual pining with a slow burn romance- He was the grumpy, stoic, Scotsman who thinks "she deserves better" and she believes, " He doesn't like me much". Oh!!! sorry and she also constantly think about his body parts (I am talking about his hands🤭🤭).

2. A quite well done forced proximity, sort of bodyguard, and sort of Marriage of Convenience romance.

3. Seeing the other Macpherson's bickering with each other and some clues regarding the MCs of future books. 
*I am really curious about Mrs. Mcbean's vision of six sons.🤔 

4. The steam which is a trademark of Elisa Braden's books. It's 🔥 although we have fewer scenes than previous books.🤭🤭

5. The perfect Scottish H-
"You're my Eden, love, “Perhaps I’m a thief for claiming’ ye when I’ve no earthly right, but what’s a man to do when he’s handed a miracle? Keep it, that’s what. Guard it with his life. Cherish it with everything he has.” ummmmm!!🥰🥰🥰

6. The Villain- He is a real psychopath, an old-school baddie with no chance for redemption. And, this gives our H every opportunity to show his machismo, isn't it perfect.🤭🤭🤭 

7. The mystic undertone-  If you have read the previous books, you would have seen the power of the dead, charms, and well-hidden meanings of dreams in this series. This magical touch reminds me of some old Highland romances. 

8. Pets as side characters- Campbell's dog was pining for Clarrisa's affection as much as Campbell.🤭🤭

Niggles- I have only one…
Whenever Clarrisa(h) becomes nervous, which happens only when she is near H, she starts blabbering. It's not weird but it involves a lot of sexual innuendos and sometimes it gave me second-hand embarrassment.😂😂 But, it's not a big deal because otherwise, I found Clarrisa, a perfect h. 

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me, reading a lovemaking scene in my romance:
•Contemporary hero: "Good girl." 😒🥱🙄
•HR Scottish hero: "That's a good lass." 😍🥺🤤

YOU WANT TO GRAB THIS ONE, YES YOU DO:
•Grumpy Highlander
•Sunny English spinster
•Forced Proximity
•Mutual pining
•Unintentional double entendre aplenty
•Suspenseful plot
•Dirty scottish brogue galore

This one was my favorite of the three (so far) and I can't wait for book 4 to release! (Alexander!)

More reviews and book talk at :

You can find me here too ☞

[Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. Made me laugh until I cried in places. Sex was good. Lots of hot, rough, deep-feeling sex. I heartily approve.

And I love me a BIG, QUIET, DEEP-FEELING ALPHA MALE.

I was hoping for a little bit that he might somehow be a virgin, but that was unrealistic and he wasn't. He's definitely not a man-whore tho.

There were a couple areas where I thought there were some inconsistencies, like the author changed her mind about a detail mid way through and took the plot in a slightly diff direction. But I can't now recall the specifics, so I'll let it slide.

Wonder who's next. Rannoch needs his story but I'm not a fan of men who sleep around (the rake, the man-whore, the charmer, etc.)...

We shall see.

[Crystal's Bookish Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite in this series yet. Loved it so much. This giant Scottish hero protecting sweet Clarissa was EVERYTHING.
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TW: animal death

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐💫
2½ stars.



A somewhat cringey and jumbled read.

Over the top violence (especially against animals)

Over the top villain that made little sense.

A hero that is portrayed in a flat and stereotyped/caricatured way.

Great that it has a “older” heroine… but the heroine is so immature for a 28 year old woman (even for that time period/era.)

The heroine is also rather verbose.

There is not enough emotional build-up or good chemistry … it feels rushed and flat.

The thing/part about the heroine being a proficient or skilled ballerina/dancer …made little sense and did not really add anything to the story and felt contrived/inane when combined with the heroines weight/size obsession.

And all the negative incessant references to Clarissa being ‘plump’ in the past felt really unnecessary/exaggerated.


And once again the size and height difference (tiny heroine+huge hero) of the main characters is unoriginal and overused.

[Lady Nilambari Reads HR · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars on a re-read! Reading comforting books when you are sick is a joy! I can read this book again, and again, and again, and love it all the same!

This book was a little sweet, a little scary, a little creepy, a little inappropriate, a little filthy, and I loved every bit of it.

Quick Review
- The long-anticipated story in the Midnight in Scotland series did not disappoint. I was so invested in this series that I did not pause to post reviews/ post updates whilst reading it. How does Ms Braden come up with one enthralling story after another? I am telling you, Ms Braden can do no wrong.
- Let's start with the plot. My goodness, it was scary creepy. I don't think I've ever read about a stalker in this genre. I am mentioning the villain first as he was instrumental in bringing Campbell and Clarissa together. He was one of the craziest villains, a true hunter who played psychological warfare. This character added a lot of depth to the story and made it a soulful, emotional and unique tale.
- This brings me to Clarissa. This nervous talking, innuendo throwing spinster was a brilliant heroine. I loved that she was strong even when scared, and she was willing to fight back wherever & however she could. I thoroughly enjoyed her inappropriate attraction to Campbell. Her double entendre had me laughing from the get-go.
- How adorable are these MacPhearson men? I loved this big brawny Scot, a tempting highlander indeed. I wish there was more about him, the military service, the ex-girlfriend dream thing etc. I totally adored every bit that was presented, but I wanted more, greedy that I am. This man of few words, but all the right, filthy ones, made for a great hero.
- The romance just came and exploded in your face all of a sudden. It did not sneak in and develop as Cam & Clarissa rarely conversed due to Cam's aversion to responding to anyone. Their chemistry was so emotionally charged that when they did get together, it was blinding, and I loved it. Their banter was little, to speak of, but their steam, oh god, the steam was wicked.
- The mystical element was high in this story. It was a little confusing at first, especially the similar dreams bit. But as soon as Cam stopped grunting and started talking, it all became clear. The Highland magic holds this series together. It's so lovely.

Special Mentions
- Fergus, the adorable dog
- The mystery that is Alexander MacPhearson
- The budding romances between Rannoch & Magdaline and Angus & Nora
- The Huxleys
- Francis, the flamboyant friend
- And last, but by no mean the least, Mrs MacBean, the beany old lady with her cryptic messages and inability to pay attention to any conversation

PS - Lack of food & sleep, plus constant travelling has affected my review writing ability. I will re-read this book and edit this review.

My Recommendation
Read it. Enough said. Also, how the hell I am going to wait for the next one to release?

[Jultri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5. I absolutely adored the first book, quite enjoyed the second one, but although this one held my attention, it is the weakest of the series so far. I'm not a fan of insta-love, or is it insta-lust? Either way, the heroine's preoccupation with the enormous everything of the hero got a bit repetitive after a while. Thing is, her personality is not that interesting, even throwing in her odd self-taught ballet hobby. Neither is his personality. Big, brawny, brooding Scots are a dime a dozen. Braden managed to draw a smile here and there from me, but overall everything is less than its predecessors. I do like Braden's writing and there are some fun secondary characters, so rounded up.

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. I liked how the MCs were true to the saying "opposites attracts"! LOL

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trigger warning for the death of an animal at the very beginning of the book. I can’t say the book plot was worth reading that. The rest of the book was mostly boring.

[♥ℳelody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as strong or as memorable as The Taming of a Highlander unfortunately. This just felt very helter skelter in plot, pacing and romance overall. I honestly struggled to feel any chemistry between the heroine Clarissa Meadows and hero Campbell MacPherson which is shocking for an Elisa Braden book. It just fell so flat and rushed for me. That intrinsic emotional connection that this author is usually so good at was missing here. It lacked depth and that special quality that lures you in.

I'm so bummed because I was really eager and looking forward to reading the eldest MacPherson brother's story. Broderick's book was such an enjoyable all-consuming read (it was my top 5 star read of last year) so yes expectations were running very high when I went into this one. For a "giant" Campbell wasn't very memorable and felt a little underdeveloped. I felt like I didn't really know him for a good chunk of this story and his POV felt secondary and weirdly treated sort of like an afterthought? His closed off personality certainly didn't help. He's a sweetheart to be sure but he didn't grab my heart. I think what worked against it here for me was having the heroine already be in love and mooning over the hero and his "big hands" not even 30% into the story. Strong feelings are already established from the heroine's side when the story opens up and she pretty much fell in love at first sight when she saw him at his brother's house in the last book. Moments we never saw, never got interaction between these two beforehand. It happened off the page. This was too similar to When a Girl Loves an Earl in that regard where the catching feelings already happened off the page/on the sidelines and that doesn't really work for me. And even if feelings are already there, build up from that and it sort of...wasn't here? Clarissa is panting and all a quiver! for the big Scot to the point she's reduced to a rambling incoherent mess who makes awkward innuendos whenever she tries talking to him. It was cute the first two times but when it keeps happening in place of real conversations it started to wear thin. I want to see the hero and heroine fall in love in real time. I'm not saying that feelings weren't earned or not believable but there was no relationship development shown in this for me to *feel* it. We just kept being told things. It also bugged me that the hero is aware of her feelings for him and uses it to push her into marrying him. He seems to already be quite aware of her feelings for him for majority of the story and doesn't show much agency/reaction over it, which made things fall so flat. For me, I prefer it when there's that bit of uncertainty from both sides, it just heightens the tension and yearning more. It very much felt like you are being told everything and not really shown when it comes to feelings and connection. And that's a big no-no for me.

Campbell is asked to guard Clarissa from her psychotic stalker who has followed her all the way to Scotland so she ends up living in his house for a month. That's the perfect forced proximity situation but instead we got a lot of page time of Clarissa bored puttering around the house redecorating Campbell's home and spending time with his staff while he's out working. I didn't understand the point of this? We only get one scene of him showing her how to fire a gun and that's it, the rest of the "bonding" moments happen off the page and we are given quick recaps. Like I said, a lot of telling rather than showing which didn't feel right. They don't really spend any time together or share any meaningful dialogue before having to get married because the hero can't stand anyone else "protecting what's his" when the threats by her stalker escalate. The words are nice in theory but I didn't really feel it because nothing was shown as far as Campbell's feelings at this point. We are just told it after they get married how he's wanted her from the start. Which gave me serious whiplash cause we are given zero inclination of it. He's very much the strong silent brooding type but we aren't given very much beyond that until a good half way into the book. These two seemed to oddly connect more through shared(?) erotic dreams about each other than in real life and I know that was supposed to portray their mutual pining/longing but it didn’t really translate well since it felt one sided for the most part and the hero is not really great with using his words. Suddenly admitting he wants her “more than air and whisky” felt like it came out of nowhere.

This book covers months but it felt like a few weeks at most cause everything is rushed through. A lot of things just seemed to be skipped over for the sake of the plot. A plot with a crazy deranged villain that loves to kill and mutilate animals for sport and to terrify the heroine. Which was stomach turning to say the least. Which honestly...what was with all the gory violence against animals in this book?? Realllllly didn't like that. Was all of that really necessary? Even mentioning it felt too much after the first time. I'm sorry but I don't need a visual of how a poor animal was slowly tortured to death and bled out. Jesus hell. Her poor cat, a few cows, a deer, a rabbit. I mean come on. That scene in the beginning of how she finds her cat was blood curdling to say the least. I nearly pitched a fit when he nearly killed the dog Fergus too. This series overall is definitely darker in tone but here it was way too much and extreme. This whole book felt off for me.

Clarissa for a heroine I found kind of weak and not very memorable. She was too much of a sensitive Mary Sue for my tastes. The helpless wilting lily persona got tiring. Falling apart and sobbing after being apart from her grandmother for a mere 10 days…my goodness. She's 28 but at times she came off much younger and a bit like a lost little girl with how she would react and process things. She lost her parents at a young age and in a horrific way so it's understandable. But yeah...very much the helpless damsel. I've read Barden heroines made of sterner stuff even with the sensitive nature. I generally love Braden's heroines for their inherent goodness, sweetness and their open heart and sensitivity but here it felt overboard. Also, why make your heroine a dancer if nothing is done with it? Clarissa is into ballet to the point it helped her "slim" down because she loves dancing so much. I really wanted to see her dance with Campbell or it becomes their thing. They dance for a few seconds in once scene which was cute but I wanted more. Her couples are known to have their own special thing here we don't get that either.

I felt Braden made a lot of odd choices here that didn't really work. She's a very intentional deliberate writer, everything she does serves a purpose which I love so much. It's part of what makes her writing so fun. It heightens the sense of adventure, suspense and urgency in trying to figure out how it will all play out. And yet this story felt hamfisted, convoluted and rushed. All those clues and hints that were foreboding warnings/foreshadowing of what's to come didn't really play out to fruition or make much sense. Those nightmares Campbell had of Clarissa near water and drowning? Nothing played out like that. The weird goat/dear charm necklace Ms. McBain gave her to wear to help her? Uh it sort of worked but in the most nonsensical way imaginable. A charm necklace stopping a freaking knife from penetrating skin. How???? And I still want to know why Clarissa's wedding ring kept getting hot on her finger? That was mentioned soooo many times I thought for sure it would help her in the end in some way or mean something but it didn't. 😐 No seriously, why was her ring getting hot all the time?? I wanted answers. In Broderick's book all the little clues and easter eggs end up having a special significance or helping the hero and heroine when the villain catches them in the end. That didn't really happen here or it's explained away in the most convoluted way.

So yeah, I'm sad to say this wasn't a favorite of mine by this author. I'm a little nervous now for Alexander's story. And can we please stop emphasizing Magdaline Cubbert's "very long nose" and big teeth? Braden is near calling this poor woman ugly in the most polite way possible and I hate it. Since she's set to be Rannoch's heroine it's irking me.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Midnight In Scotland #3
Publication Date: 12/28/21
Period: Regency – Highlands of Scotland
Number of Pages: 341

OH! My goodness! This book has something for everyone – heinous villains, a plethora of braw Highlanders, a Lady in peril, and a bit of paranormal (it is the Highlands after all). There are cameo appearances by Mad Annie Tulloch and John Huxley from the first book and featured appearances by Kate Huxley and Broderick MacPherson from the second book. While the appearances of these characters are wonderful, you do not need to have read those first two books to enjoy this one. If you are ever looking for an author who consistently releases outstanding books – time-after-time – you absolutely cannot go wrong with this author.

Clarissa Meadows endured several dismal seasons with no suitors, then, her friend Kate introduced her to the joys of ballet dancing and she lost a good bit of weight. Suddenly, there were suitors. She enjoyed the attention – until – one of the suitors turned out to be an obsessed stalker. After she spurns his attentions, she begins receiving letters which she tries to ignore. Then, those letters become more ominous – and her beautiful pet, Dash (It All), is heinously killed and left for her to find. She and her grandmother know it is time to go into hiding – and the Scottish Highlands seems the perfect place.

Campbell MacPherson is the eldest of the four MacPherson brothers – Campbell, Broderick (book 2), Alexander, and Rannoch. All of them are huge, braw, honorable, and handsome, but Campbell is the biggest of the lot – more the size of a mountain than a man. He is dark, brooding, grumpy, and filled with secrets. He certainly has no intention of seeking a wife or falling in love, but when a lovely young woman seeks asylum from his brother and sister-in-law, he will do what he can to protect her. He doesn’t mind spending more time at his brother’s house to lend his support, nor does he mind extra patrols, etc. around the property. However, when her tormentor makes it plain that he is there and has her in his sites, his brothers and sister-in-law make a most unreasonable request. They want Campbell to take Clarissa to his home to keep her safe. NO WAY! Of course, he really has no choice unless he wants to see her harmed. Clarissa’s view of Campbell – “… he was pure MacPherson – tough as steel, big as the Highlands, generous as the sky.”

Each of them is attracted to the other, but they also each have very valid reasons for rejecting that attraction. Seeing them come to terms with that attraction, overcoming their rejection of each other, finding love and their HEA was a true delight. “Beauty surrounded her. A Highland sky sheltered her. And her magnificent husband loved her with every scrap of his wonderous heart.” I loved every word on every page and I hope you will as well.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jen swoons... · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc from the author. My opinions are my own.

This was the best book so far of this series for me! Braden continues to surpass my expectations. This book is Clarissa and Campbell’s book. Campbell is the eldest MacPherson brother. Clarissa is a friend of Kate who needs to stay with her to escape a pretty horrible situation.

I love this heroine. Whereas Kate was sunshine in book 2, Clarissa is all of us who get flustered at times and say exactly the wrong thing. She gets terribly nervous and the things that come out do her mouth are hilarious in her interactions as she is nervous around Campbell. They both fall pretty hard and get married quickly due to needing to save her from a situation (I’m not including spoilers). Campbell is very open about his feelings, past, and everything after his brother has a one on one with him before he proposes. He’s a solid, dependable, and would do anything for you type of H.

What I love about this book is the writing. Midnight In Scotland series has a dichotomy of having bright and fun humor and wit in especially the dialogues, and then it goes very dark with the issues the H or h faces in these books. It’s such a skill to combine the two. Ohh the scenes between the H and h are hot! Braden as usual writes so beautifully to develop the emotional connection between the two and then not quite like Kleypas but very similar that in the intimate scenes you feel like you’re head hopping very skillfully. But it’s not quite head hopping but you feel like it is.

Unlike the last two, this one can probably be read stand alone. I think you’d miss some character references and I’d still recommend reading the series in order. CW for stalking and animal deaths in this one.

A solid 5 stars. I can’t wait for Rannoch and Alexander’s books!

[Juliana Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 stars 4 stars on 2nd reading

Clarissa's tongue and brain get away from her sometimes when she's talking to Campbell, because she's so distracted by and infatuated with him, that there are some literally laugh out loud moments to what she says and how inappropriate it is. Yup, that's my review. Lol, my 4.75 stars says enough I think. (I will say the madman who is pursuing her is indeed crazy and totally off his rocker; no exaggeration on that score.)

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Temptation of a Highlander is fun to listen during rainy day. Miss Braden certainly knows how to combine sassy jokes with a tender/ vulnerable moments. This is grumpy/ sunshine trope.

I am relatively new to historical romance. Still trying here and there to find that go to author. Now I certainly will be looking forward for Miss Braden next book.

Overall a delightful strory.

4 stars

[Emilia Redington · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Oh, my heart...
This series can do no wrong ❤🔥😏🥰

[Jewels Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING read at your own risk *spoiler alert* and this review is super long. So skip it if you do not want to see what happens or if you're not fond of long reviews.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Trope: Love at first sight, friends to lover, marriage of convenience, ugly duckling turned swan.

This is the 3rd installment to Elisa Braden's Midnight in Scotland series. Characters from previous books are mentioned, and some are more heavily involved in this story. But this book can still be read as a standalone.

This book is AMAZING. FYI I lay claim to Cam as my book husband so you'll need to find your own 🤣. Anyways the MCs are Campbell and Clarissa. Their story is so good! This is by far my favorite book compared to the other two in the series, and I cannot wait until the 4th book comes out. This book was a little different. It contained bits of paranormal stuff which I found very unique & refreshing. Its not something you often get to read in HR unless you seek out that certain genre. Cam has the gift to see into the future through dreams, and the ability to visit-speak with loved ones who had passed on. He also possesses the ability to communicate with the living through dreams. For example he was seducing clarissa in her dreams. At first he didn't know it but started to suspect it when she kept mentioning certain words/events which confirmed his suspicion. What was really sexy was once he found out he didn't stop. Which made it really easy for him to see through her. He knew she was into him and the attraction was very mutual.

This book has 3 full sex scenes with smaller sex events being mentioned. Let me tell you now..the sex is off the hook HOT, deep, raw, sensual, and very emotional. My favorite was scene #2. It was angry sex. Which made it even more hotter and interesting. She is fuming mad. She says some stuff and he misinterprets for something completely off. He's now overcome with jealousy and rage. They both go at with sex. They're both being possessive and he's talking dirty the whole entire time. It was so intense! The author paints a wicked and vivid picture for each love scene, and I loved them all. They all seemed so real because she mentions normal human stuff like silvery stretch marks during sex. Evidence of her bigger days and how she felt, and how she overcame them. She writes how much he loves her body and he doesn't even see it. Lots of thought process..lots of love and emotions. Off the subject There was one scene that was mentioned but not written out in full details. He had her pinned to a tree, got onto his knees, got under her skirts, hooked one her leg over his shoulder, and had a feast fit for a king. Now that's the one scene I wished would've been a full one.

Anyways Clarissa is a orphan who was raised by her grandmother. Cam is the oldest of the Macpherson brothers. Clarissa was a chubby heroine and never gotten any attention. Then she lost all the weight through ballet dancing, and now suitors seek her attention. One of them is Stephen, and he turns out to be a complete lunatic psychopath. He goes as far as spying on her, sending her threatening letters, stalking her, and the last straw was killing her beloved cat. No one wants to help her because stephen has high connections throughout the ton. So with all that being said, she and her grandmother fleds to Scotland to stay with kate. She hopes he doesn't find her but he eventually the bastard follows her to Scotland. Now she's even more afraid for her life. She tells kate about her problems. Kate and her husband suggest that she stay with Cam under his roof. They explain he is fully capable of protecting her. Cam also has his own property and Stephen wouldn't suspect her being there. Everyone is secretly pinning for the MCs to get together...she agrees and immediately she goes to live with Cam. Slowly they both fall in love. She fights it but not as hard as Cam. He had lost his first love 16 years ago and he still til this day he blames himself. So he fights the feelings and Clarissa senses it so she avoids him like the plague. But soon her stalker finds her and she must marry. He wants to marry her so bad he goes a little mad. He wants to but he knows she wants children and he is cursed with not being able to have kids. But he can't stand the thought of another man touching her. Just to think of it sends in him into a frenzy rage... So he risks it, tells her she is to marry him, she says no, and he seduces her into saying yes. But he keeps his secrets of being barren.

She lived in constant fear of her stalker even after marriage. She was afraid that he would kill Cam. She didn't want any blood on her hands and get innocent people involved. He thinks he can't have kids so he feels quilty because he seduces her into marriage without a explanation. Together they fight so hard to be together. Their love was not easily won because of that their happily ever after was well deserved.

I highly recommend this book. It's such a great book. Its beautifully written with a good strong plot. Emotions run high and low in this book. This is a review and there are so many little touching events that I didn't include but they were all so great and well worth the read. If you like a good laugh, some banter, action, and some angst this book is for you. Trust me you'll be so happy you started it and so sad when it ends.

[Aou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waiting for the next one!

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Temptation of a Highlander is book 3 in Elisa Braden’s Midnight in Scotland series and definitely my favorite in the series!

Clarissa is 28 and has been on the marriage mart for the past 8 years, all of her seasons were unsuccessful until the most recent one when she ended up attracting the attention of a suitor who turned out to be a psychopath stalker. Since she’s just been living with her grandmother in somewhat poverty, Clarissa and her grandmother take off to Scotland to visit and stay with her friend Kate (the heroine of book 2, The Taming of a Highlander). Once there, Clarissa ends up meeting Campbell, one of the MacPherson brothers who gets asked to protect and guard her.

If you love a grumpy, stoic, Scottish hero who becomes a bit of a bodyguard and offers up a marriage of convenience, read this book! I loved the heat between Clarissa and Campbell…they’re definitely my fav couple in this series so far! And the danger and threats in here were such high stakes! I really enjoyed how this story went!

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former wallflower Clarissa Meadows has attracted attention from a deranged and disturbing suitor. She flees to a friend’s home in the Scottish Highlands, but the danger follows. Campbell MacPherson offers his protection...and hand in marriage. Clarissa wants him badly, but fears putting him in the crosshairs of a madman.

This is the third book in the Midnight in Scotland series. It stands alone fairly well, but it seems like Clarissa's "ugly duckling" transformation may have begun in the previous story as she and Campbell already have an attraction to each other when this story begins. The previous book's couple also plays a role in this one.

This is my first read from Elisa Braden and she masterfully built the tension here. There was a successful, multifaceted storyline and a villain's terror that managed to loom like a storm cloud without overtaking the romance. I found Clarissa so charming! She was a great balance of sweet and awkward but also fiercely protective of those she loves and cares for. Campbell has a lot of baggage but laid it all on the line for Clarissa.

There were some magic elements (gifts of sight, talking to ghosts), that took me out of the story a bit...but that's just a personal preference.

Tropes: Wallflower/Ugly Duckling (previously established), Protector, Secret Crush

Steam: 4 (one was a dream sequence)

* I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.

[Runningwater · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This is the third book in EB’s Scotland series and the standard of character writing is sadly slipping. The Bodyguard concept with a big protective alpha, psychopathic stalker villain, gore/gothic elements, verbose heroine… mashed with magical realism, mystical spiritual elements. Insta-lust and excessive, unfunny double entendres (in my opinion). Inconsistent writing. Clunky and haphazard during characterisation, weak grasp on romantic tension, but a strong hand at the gothic thriller elements. I both liked and abhorred reading this. I didn’t find a romance. Instead, I found a promising horror story being poorly stitched with a frenzied sexy-time impregnation storyline and a desperate attempt to inject humour.

Clarissa Meadows is an impoverished, beautiful but previously-not-too-beautiful blond lady of noble birth. She is being pursued by a spurned, murderous, psychopathic, stalker madman Lord Northfield, who slaughters her pet and leaves her to find it. He is genuinely terrifying. Clarissa starts off as a sane nickel-and-diming young woman who flees to Scotland for refuge, and upon meeting Campbell, the *mountainous* Scottish hurly-burly of 6 foot 9 inches, she becomes a total wreck. She gets the hots for him. She can’t stop propositioning him in long run-off sentences like a … cat in heat, with no subtlety or comedic value. She wants to climb into bed with this monosyllabic *mountainous* stranger and can’t stop talking about it. Did I mention mountainous? Mountainous. Luckily for her, it’s the 1820s, because we’d call it sexual harassment today. There were entire pages lost to indulging the utter tripe. So insta-attraction without buildup or explanation - it all seemed terribly shallow.

Ms Braden really tried to engineer a unique situation for Clarissa to get shacked up under Campbell’s protection. After fleeing to Scotland, Clarissa’s prospective husband Francis (the gay bff) is on standby in the wings, but returns to England because they “didn’t have time” to get married. This is with the full knowledge they should have tied the knot to discourage Northfield at any rate. Oopsie daisy! How lucky for Clarissa and Campbell. Later, when Francis returns to Scotland, the drama of convenience lasts for all of five seconds before Campbell and Clarissa are wed for her convenient protection.

Now Campbell is this sour, domineering alpha going about his business of protecting. Clarissa is an argumentative and verbose ward, or alternatively, a traumatised damsel-in-distress. I enjoyed reading more about her fear reactions because those actually struck true. Campbell and Clarissa’s premarital courtship is as you’d expect with a Bodyguard theme, but alsoa set of dream sequences where they encounter each other in dreams and lose all inhibition, because Campbell can go places in his dreams and have his wicked way on complete strangers. After the wedding, they also have no inhibitions since, well, they’ve already had the glorious initiation. Story-wise for the romance, that’s a cop-out to payload. In other words, the romance has already occurred without us reading about it, just the aftermath. All she sees is his physique and all he sees is her lumps and humps, they’re cheerfully indulging in mutual objectification. They have a few blink-and-you’ll-miss-it jealousy angst about each other’s exes, but quickly resume sexing each other. Northfield seems to be off-duty while they are bonking non-stop, but his vicious intrusions into their bliss were utter highlights.

It seems like sometimes a writer can be her own worst enemy. Because the best-written parts of the book and plot twists were entirely about the insane Northfield and Mrs. MacBean (a loopy prophetess reminiscent of witches from Macbeth - who recurs in the series), the romance just seemed inconsequential. On top of that, the lazy writing made this couple look ridiculous. Some scenes seemed chosen purely for the writer’s penchant for innuendoes. The writing suffered from telling without showing, hasty summaries, repetitive words and info-dumping, especially for the Successful Previous Couples catwalk. The word count felt wasted on Clarissa and Campbell when the real story was clearly Northfield. The writer’s relief at ending the book was telling in the joyful indifference toward Northfield‘s death - including their participation in his murder and coordinated disposal of his corpse. How tidy and also …unsettling.

- - -

The following excerpt is one single scene of virginal Clarissa talking Campbell’s ears off. Campbell doesn’t say anything so his response is omitted. Funny or a tediously transparent attempt at being quotable? Marketable? Sigh.

“With so many responsibilities, both here and at the distillery, I’m surprised you find time to visit Rowan House with such frequency. Of course, the food there is lovely. I never considered that putting something Scottish in my mouth could be so pleasurable.”

“But pleasure it is,” she continued. “Hearty, substantial fare. Quite filling. Too much so, in all honesty. Having one’s body stuffed beyond its capacity may seem pleasurable in the frenzy of the moment, but it’s rarely worth the discomfort afterward.”

“Forgive me, but Scottish weather is dreadful. I mean no insult, of course. English weather is also quite dreary. At Ellery Hall, I’ve been known to plead a headache when I wish to avoid a soaking ride.”

She cleared her throat. “Perhaps your rides offer an exhilarating diversion. Today, I would have welcomed a pounding gallop, I daresay.”

He stared at her strangely, his gaze flickering over her bodice. Had she said something peculiar?

[GigiReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Temptation of a Highlander is the third book in Elisa Braden's Midnight in Scotland series. Looking for a big broody monosyllabic protector hero in a kilt? Look no further! Campbell is minding his own grumpy business with his boisterous family, their distillery and his coos 🐄 When a little ray of sunshine with a penchant for naughty word vomits interrupts his brooding, he's befuddled. When he finds out she's in danger from a stalking lunatic, he's determined to guard her with his life and his substantial body 🎉

This was another solid entry to a great series. There was heat, humor and the last half was deliciously angsty. The pacing was off for the first half. It was very slow for me. And there was so much going on plot wise that I felt the romance suffered a bit. I wish for more character development for the MC's and more showing and less telling. But forget what I think, let Campbell tell you why you should read this book:

💦 "Perhaps I'm a thief for claiming ye when I've no earthly right, but what's a man to do when he's handed a miracle? Keep it, that's what. Guard it with his life. Cherish it with everything he has."

I've said before, if Lisa Kleypas and Julia Quinn had an author baby it would be Elisa Braden. She writes consistently excellent HR with the big possessive Alpha heroes of LK and snappy dialogue with the humor of JQ. Also, she will set your hair on fire with the sexual tension and love scenes. Temptation of a Highlander is out today.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
🍆🍆🍆🍆/5

Read if you love:
💒 Marriage of Convenience
💒 Forced Proximity
💒 Grumpy/Sunshine
💒 Protector trope

Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Nazmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Temptation of a Highlander is the long awaited third book in Elisa Braden’s Midnight in Scotland series. This has definitely been my most anticipated book of the year bar none. And it does not disappoint. Each instalment has been perfection and I read this in one sitting. I just could not put it down.
Clarissa Meadows has spent years as a plump hopeless wallflower. She finally blossoms into herself with the help of her friends and has one wonderful season – but unfortunately catches the eye of an obsessive suitor who will not take no for an answer. When his obsession becomes dangerous for those around her, Clarissa needs to find a refuge where he will never find her. Her dearest friend’s house in the Scottish Highlands seems the ideal place. Until she realises that he has found her and she has nowhere left to turn.
Campbell MacPherson is reluctantly enchanted by his sister-in-law’s beautiful friend. But she is not for him and he knows it. When he finds out what she is running from though, he must protect her with his last breath. He just needs to make sure he doesn’t succumb to temptation.
Clarissa is delighted when Campbell offers his protection. But she knows this places his life in danger too. Can Clarissa protect her love from the villain she has brought to his door?
I loved Clarissa and Campbell. Their story is passionate, dramatic and emotional. Clarissa is lovely. She is sweet, kind, resilient and has a wonderful caring relationship with her grandmother and all those around her. She is immediately infatuated when she meets Campbell and can’t understand why he keeps such a distance. When she realises Campbell’s reasons she is determined to overcome his objections and stand up for their love. Having had to make do with her circumstances all her life – she finds her strength and fights for those she loves.
Campbell looks to have a fairly straightforward life. He has grown up surrounded by a loving family and is a strong, confident, powerful Highlander. He has scars from his past which he has largely kept hidden. He is torn between his craving for Clarissa and his reasons for keeping her at arm’s length. But when he decides to choose a life with Clarissa, he will not let anything get in the way of their happiness. He is fierce, protective and will do anything to keep her safe.
Elisa’s books have all been absolute little gems. Her writing is well researched and the worlds she creates an absolute joy to settle into. Her characters are all well fleshed out and manage to clutch at your heartstrings. The secondary characters are just as well fleshed out. Aside from the villain all are memorable with their own quirks. Clarissa’s grandmama is delightful and it was lovely to see more of her. Mrs MacBean as usual [from previous books] is a true eccentric delight. She brings a touch of whimsy and huge dollops of humour to the story. Campbell’s abilities were also a surprise. I’m rooting for Angus and Mrs Baird, Francis and George. We get to revisit Annie and John, Kate and Broderick [who still holds my heart] and can see the developing relationship between Rannoch and Magdalene who I’m hoping the next story will be about. Not to mention Alexander. You can tell his story will be heartrending.
Special mention has to go to the gorgeous cover. Beautiful. Elisa is one of my very favourite authors and she is a brilliant writer. I absolutely raced through this book but now am going back to savour it. I know it will definitely not be the only time I go back to re-read it. I received an ARC of this book but will definitely be getting my own copy for my collection. Highly recommended!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa Meadows spent many seasons as a lonely wallflower, only to enjoy being the belle of her last season and snag the attention of a madman intent on making her his. Forced to flee their home, Clarissa and her grandmother visit a friend in the Scottish Highlands, thinking the man surely won’t follow them there. Only, he does follow, and Clarissa is left with nowhere else to go.

Campbell MacPherson has no business entertaining thoughts of the beautiful English lass with the naughty mouth and strangely specific interest in his large hands. But when he learns she’s in danger and has been living in fear, Campbell is determined to protect her, even if that means giving up his solitary existence in favor of marriage.

Campbell is the best guard Clarissa could’ve imagined, but she’s loath to put him in danger as well, leaving her to decide to stay with the man she’s come to love or flee once more to draw away the threat she has brought down on him.

I adored this book. I tend to love Highlanders anyway, but Campbell is just the right combination of gruff alpha protector and sweet, gentle lover. Clarissa had enough backbone to stand up to him without ever coming off as demanding or irritatingly shrewish. These two were the best thing that ever happened to one another with Clarissa bringing Campbell back into the light and out of his self-imposed solitude and Campbell providing Clarissa a secure place to belong, accepted for herself. I also loved that each was aware of what the other meant to them, even if it sometimes took a while for this to be admitted. The suspense was also kept at just the right level throughout the whole book, allowing for times of romance and security for the couple, along with suspense that kept me invested in the story and not wanting to put it down. This was just the kind of engrossing read I needed right now, as I’m struggling to get into any of the books I’ve picked up or tried to listen to lately. I loved this one and I already can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[Tan✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

OH THIS WAS SO CUTE AWWW

[Dagmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another magnificent book in the Midnight in Scotland series. A beautiful story crafted with care; Elisa Braden can do no wrong. Forced proximity/bodyguard trope done to sweet perfection. Hilarious at times and full of heart...as always. The plot was magical and captivating and the chemistry between feisty Clarissa and larger than life Campbell was literally OFF the charts🥵
Another Huge serving of Highlander Hero Hotness 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 =
☑☑☑ yes please🤤

I absolutely loved💗 this one and will be re-reading it again soon.

...Highly recommend!!!

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I understand why everyone loves Broderick, but Campbell is my babe.

[Lady Whitbrooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re read.
I love this series. Excellent book. I enjoyed the H and h. Plot 7.5(1-10) steaminess 8.5(1-10)
I cannot wait ride the next book.