Rogue with a Brogue: Scandalous Highlanders Series, #2

This is an endearing novel. Based on the premise of Romeo and Juliet, we have two members of rival clans who meet by a mere twist in fate. Intrigued by each other, they can’t help themselves and conspire ways to meet up and get to know the person behind the mask. I think the best word to describe this plot point is sweet. It wasn’t creepy and I didn’t feel like Arran was stalking her, but rather inexplicably drawn to her. Of course Mary feels the same way, willing to risk discovery in order to be together.The similarities with Romeo and Juliet continue: fighting among clans, bethrothals to others, unpleasant family members (her gross first cousin Charles Calder). Once they are discovered by a betrayal, they are both banished to the Highlands. Through some willing friends help, they are able to get word to each other about what the fall out from discovery was. The rest of the novel is about their adventure north – a rescue attempt, two furious clans chasing them, re-united family members and a quick courtship to see if marriage will be the result.I enjoyed the cunning and ingenuity that Arran and Mary displayed while racing north. The time was well spent as they grew to love each other. My only complaint was that the book had a mild heat. It wasn’t as spicy and steamy as most of Enoch’s books, but since they were hiding in priest hole’s and riding horses, they couldn’t be doing each other all the time. The author describes Arran as sexy, seductive, so I wish I had more of a taste of it.The end comes swiftly and predictably. This is a romance novel, so therefore the ending was perfect. A good read if you like adventure and a sweet story.　Reviewed for Kiltsandswords

This is book two of a series about the interactions between Highland Clans and London Society. In book one, the Laird of Clan MacLawry rushes to London when his 18 year old sister, "Winnie" runs away to have a "season" with the daughter of their deceased mother's friend, meets, is confronted by and falls in love with the elder sister of Winnie's friend and they put clan loyalty aside for personal happiness. If you haven't read "The Devil Wears Kilts", I highly recommend you go to mass market and purchase one and read it first. Unlike some writers, Suzanne Enoch gives some of the background, but doesn't spend pages and pages rewriting what was in the previous book, and its some of the little things make the reading more enjoyable for books 2 and 3. In Book 2, the middle brother of Clan MacLawry finds himself the designated sacrificial lamb in a bid to strength clan power through marriage with the Stewart Clan. The only problem is Arran, meets a stranger at a masquerade, becomes infatuated and eventually falls in love with the daughter of the "enemy clan". Arran figures if his older brother can marry for love, so can he and there is a three way race for Greta Green. Its Romeo and Juliet in Kilts, with wonderful writing, believable characters, older, worldly lovers and a ton of obstacles in the way. Its a fun read that has the obvious ending but the value of the read is in the journey-not the destination.

It's happened again! I was totally enthralled with this book from the very beginning.....it started with an innocent dance by a not so innocent vixen by the name of Mary Campbell. When Arran MacLawry finds out, by accident, whom he danced with, and thought she played him for a fool, well let's just say the merry chase begins! You see the Campbell's and MacLawry's have been in a four hundred year feud, and Arran was not about to be played "the fool"! One thing leads to another and love blooms. When they're caught by Mary's father, the Marquis of Fendarrow, (betrayed by Arran's supposedly betrothed), all hell breaks loose. After all, it was only an innocent kiss, none the less, both of their fiancées beg off and Mary's father decides to marry her off to a cruel cousin. Arran is shipped off to the highlands from London by his brother, the Marquis of Glengask, and Mary is sent away two days later to await her wedding. I'm stopping here because this is where the fun truly begins. It's a page turner, for sure, and will have you laughing one minute and cursing at the the next! Have fun with this story, I know I did. Cheers! 🍻

I might have liked this better if I had read it instead of listening to the audiobook. The narrator struggled with differentiating between the characters voices and since there are A LOT of characters I initially had trouble keeping them straight. The story itself is reminiscent of Romeo/Juliet or Hatfield's and McCoy's with two feuding families from the Scottish Highlands.The book moves forward at a steady pace and I always enjoy a good travel-adventure, which is what this book turns into when Mary and Aaron flee from London to Scotland with both of their families in pursuit. Overall I would recommend this book, but not the audio. The narrator cannot do men's voices and sounds like a Scottish muppet like Grover or Oscar the Grouch. Her pacing and expression is fine, but her sing-songy voice is probably better suited to narrating fairy tales, children's classics or women's inspirational literature.

I think this is my new favorite Suzanne Enoch book - in fact Arran reminds me a little of Rafe (my former favorite hero from Taming Rafe).I like how Mary and Arran were drawn to each other. And how they both supported and stood by each other. They both knew they shouldn't be together - but couldn't seem to help themselves. Their relationship seemed completely believable to me. They didn't just fall into lust, they fell in love. Soulmate, destined to be, I will not live without you love. It was wonderful!Throw in a centuries old clan war, arranged marriages and a one eyed coach driver and you get an awesome story. There is humor, steamy love scenes, a frantic run for the border, long lost relatives, coach accidents, betrayal and finally a happy ending.My only complaint is that the book ended without an epilogue - but since the series is not over, I am willing to let it slide :)Can't wait for the next book with Rowena!

Had me on my toes right till the end!!!! I highly recommend this book I laughed and I may have had a little something in my eye at some point ! So worth it!

very good

One of my favourite authors and she didn't disappoint! This is the second in the series and I enjoyed it more than the first. It's worth the read if you enjoy her books...............I'm avidly waiting the next instalment!

This book started really well as Mary and Arran develop a friendship even though they are from warring clans. They both have obligations to make political marriages that support the power bases of their families. When Mary dances with Arran both families are appalled and angry.I don't want to give the plot away, suffice to say most of the book is about a chase across England to Scotland. It went on and on and on and not even some athletic carriage bonking could get my interest back. I got seriously bored before the halfway mark and just skimmed the last half.Each page on its own was sweet and beautifully written but combined into a book there just wasn't enough of a story to keep me engaged. It was at most a short story that should not have been stretched into a book.

Suzanne Enoch is one of my go to authors. This book is Suzanne at her best. To date my favourite books of Suzanne's are The Rake, England's perfect hero and Stolen kisses. If you loved these books then you will adore this book. What I loved was that the protagonist was multiple people and history. Mary and Arran were never in any doubt they belonged together from early in the book. The development of the relationship and story was a delight to read from the first page to the last page. That is not an easy task when its decided so early that the couple are perfect for each other from about 20% into the story, however Suzanne kept me engaged the entire story. I love it when you love both characters equally! I will return to this book many times over the years ahead…in fact time I read Stolen Kisses again.