4.5 stars rounded up

Brawny Highlander Coll MacTaggert is accustomed to being useful and making his own decisions. He may be titled Viscount Glendarril but he’ snot interested in the opinions of the ton, even though his English mother’s edict demands he marry into it if he wants to maintain their beloved estate’s funding. Coll is determined to choose his own wife and he may have just stumbled onto his ideal bride, though his mother is sure to disapprove.

Persephone Jones has wealth, intelligence, a good deal of fame, and no interest in giving up her independence for marriage. The fact that Coll sees right through her disguises and seems to understand her better than she does herself is both intriguing and terrifying. But it seems someone is trying to kill her because of the wealth she could still inherit from the life she left behind as the daughter of a marquess. Coll is always up for a fight and he’s not about to let anything come between him and the lady who has captured his heart.

After a slightly slow start, I really got into this book and wound up loving it. Coll was my ideal hero with his protectiveness and genuine goodness. Even his stubbornness and tendency toward temper were charming because he recognized and attempted to improve on his flaws. Temperance was a good match for him because he couldn’t walk all over her, but she was also sensible enough to know when she needed his help and didn’t cling to her independence simply to preserve her pride. I loved that these two didn’t play games but instead were open and honest about their feelings and decided to fight to be together despite the factors set against them. The maturity with which they conducted their relationship was refreshing and made this a delight to read and they were both so sweet to each other that I found myself rereading passages.

I also really enjoyed seeing the MacTaggart family’s loyalty and unity at work and how they rallied around Coll and Temperance when needed. My only complaint is that I would’ve loved to see an epilogue detailing what exactly happened to the villain element here as that’s not mentioned after the catch is made. I also think seeing the wedding of at least Coll and Temperance and maybe Eloise and Matthew as well would’ve made the ending feel a bit more complete, especially as it was the conclusion of the series. I could’ve also done with a bit more apology from and redemption for Francesca and maybe some elaboration on where her relationship with Angus stood. Nevertheless, I still greatly enjoyed this one and it is my favorite of the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced review of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Coll would still fit right in to today as most do not like being told what to do, but this was way back in the day. He is not a jerk and rescues a lady but one that will not fit the mold of ladies of that time period. She even has a name that fits-Persephone. She also is in grave danger with someone wanting her life so that brings out even more of the protector in him. Of course motive that is still one today is money. As things go hearts also become involved so alot is at stake with this being one that keeps the pages turning. As a reader you want to see what direction this ends up at.

With a hero that is brawny and growly and a heroine that is smart and spunky, stole my heart and left me swooning. I really liked these two separately and as a couple. I felt the story was well written and held my attention easily. Add in a bit of mystery, some secrets to discover, a bit of baggage and family drama and you have a cleverly crafted romance that was immensely enjoyable and a perfect way to close out this series.

Hit Me With Your Best Scot is the third book in the Wild Wicked Highlanders series. I was a little worried that Cole MacTaggerts’ book wouldn’t be as enjoyable as the other two brothers, as he seemed twice as stubborn and has had a few instances in the other books where he hasn’t come off well. But those Scottish boys can be charming when they want to be and Cole does know how to woo a lady when the need arises.

Cole is the first born but last to wed out of his brothers. Their mom made a deal with their dad when she left the highlands to return to London. All her boys needed to wed an Englishwoman before their sister weds or they lose all financial support from her. Since it is needed in the lean years for their tenants in Scotland, all the brothers acquiesced to this request, however reluctantly.

Cole is in a time crunch; he only has a few more weeks to find the woman who will be his wife and all the women his mother has brought around so far are either in it just for a title, afraid of him or only know how to talk about the weather. He just met one woman that is fiery, smart and isn’t afraid to verbally spar with him. She is an actress and totally not appropriate but she will get under his mother’s skin while he looks for a real bride.

Persephone is the best actress in London; she also appears to have someone out to kill her. Cole is a beautiful and intriguing man who has just offered to help Persephone figure out if someone is really trying to hurt her or if there were just a few coincidences. She offers to help him out by teaching him how to pick out a good Lady to wed. In the meantime, they can have a little fun together, right?

I again had a great time with the MacTaggerts. They are a family that will fight tooth and nail for one another and even run down the street naked with just a sword after a bad guy if the occasion calls for it. Cole and Persephone are a great fit and for all of his bluster Cole is a very caring man and even enlightened by English standards. I did love the way Cole’s family came around to Persephone and how well she held her own against his mother.

If you like Scottish brogues and men in kilts, this is another fun adventure into the love life of Scots. Like most books in this genre, it can be read as a stand alone.

Coll MacTaggert is a Highlander who must find a new bride before the deadline. A visit to the Theatre has him see Persephone Jones a famous actress of the day. Not your usual actress Persephone offers to help him navigate polite London society. There is mystery in Persephone’s past which will result in attempts on her life and she will turn to the MacTaggert’s who will certainly liven up the society season. These are two strong characters who don’t conform to society. This leads to a fast exciting and funny page turner.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW AND RELEASE WEEK

Book:HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SCOT
By SUZANNE ENOCH

Series: Wild Wicked Highlanders Trilogy, Book #3

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

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Rating: 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 flags 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿=5/5


Col MacTaggert, Viscount Glendarril, is the eldest son, his parents are the Scottish,Angus MacTaggert, Earl Aldriss and his very English wife, Francesca Oswell- MacTaggert. They both made this stupid agreement when he was eleven years old! His parents had been a love match though they are now estranged. The agreement was that all their sons would marry English brides like their mum. This would be before their wee sister Eloise married a man of her choice. The problem for Col is his sister had been engaged for two months now and he only has twenty-seven days to find a bride!

His Countess mother had outsmarted his Da and has control of all of the money and kept the Oswell inheritance in her name to command it at will. Most of the Lassies his mother was shoving in his face were right out of the school room, even the ones a bit more mature were raised with proper English etiquette, including how to run a household, pick the right menu, and might even be good enough with mathematics to help with the accounts. Yet Col’s problem is not one of the Lassie’s his mum was throwing at him ever took a step in bonnie Scotland! They never took in in the breathtaking highland mountains, forests, beautiful loch’s, romping in the heather where his future sons would be picking thistles for their mum and his wee lassies would be making a bouquet from Scottish wildflowers. It was where he wanted to raise his Scottish bairns in the untamed and jagged land where he ken his heart truly did belong.

At first he is a stud in hiding from all the English debutants that only want his title and weatlth. His English mum is annoying him with her demands to have her eldest son in a legal and binding marriage which means he must wed and consummate some wench. If he doesn’t do this nasty deed his family will lose land which only puts more pressure on Col! Plus he really hates being pushed around and told what to do with his life,

Ironically he discovers the woman of his dreams quite by accident as a bonny damsel in distress that he saves. Except there is one big problem, this beauty does not want to marry any man! Persephone (Persie) Jones is near perfection! Well not just in looks, but in her mind too, she is intelligent, smart, rich, witty and her own person! Absolutely perfect for Col except one problem, she does not want to depend on any man, as she definitely doesn’t want to marry any man too. Persie is also not a big sharer and is definitely keeping something from Col besides the fact this woman is also in hiding from someone who wants to murder her! It all has to do with her wealth and what she will inherit. So what will Col do to convince this bonnie lass to marry him and share her secrets so he can protect the woman who owns his heart? They both are falling in love but will Col be able to convince Persie that they are each other’s destiny? Read and find out the conclusion of this phenomenal trilogy!

I have been reading Suzanne Enoch for a couple decades and she never disappoints. As I always get swept away in her stories, which I never want to put down. Another great thing is you can read any of her stories as a stand alone book too. Plus it is always a fast paced, action packed, page turner filled with a riveting romantic adventure, suspense, mystery, treachery, mayhem, villains, trust, joy, faith and love.

I am always a little sad reading the last book in her series, however I hope she is mapping out her next book and Scottish historical series. As the book the setting was exhalation, dialogue was amazing, the multidimensional characters were extraordinary. The plotting just took my breath away and had me gasping for air never knowing what was going to happen next. I definitely recommend this author as she is a big favorite of mine which is always pure enjoyment.

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader’s copy from St. Martin’s Press I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through Netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

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Hit Me With Your Best Scot is book #3 in the Wild Wicked Highlanders series, but it can be read as a stand-alone story. However, the previous stories are as good as #3.
Coll MacTaggert, Viscount Glendarril, and a fierce Highlander has to find a bride and marry in a month in order to fulfil his mother's demand: if he doesnt't do it, his mother will stop send money to the MacTaggerts in Scotland.
After rescuing actress Persephone Jones from an insistent admirer, Coll decides that Persephone would be his ideal match. However, the beautiful actress doesn't want any commitment - how could Coll change her mind?
As the previous books, there are hilarious moments and witty banter. A must read to relax and enjoy.

Review originally published at Romancing Romances.

I received an eARC at no cost from the author/publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.

This is the last book of the Wild Wicked Highlanders series, and it brings us the story of the oldest MacTaggert brother, Coll.

Coll is a bit, like his sister Eloise likes to call him, an angry mountain. But, as most romance heroes, he has a soft heart, and is a very unselfish person.

Persephone Jones is an actress, but also more than that, and when her life is in jeopardy, Coll jumps in at the chance to help her, spend time with her, and also upset his very English mother.

What somewhat started as a pursuit of spite, turns into a lovely affair of the heart, with Coll falling in love and declaring himself to Persephone, despite his concerns regarding having here the mistress of his house, because, as he so pointedly says, “I love ye. I ken it doesn’t change a thing, you’re still an actress and I’m the oldest son of an earl (…). I have a duty, and ye have a life you’ve made for yourself. But I’ve looked for nine –weeks and longer than that in the Highlands – to find a woman with whom I’d care to spend my life, and I damned well know when I’ve found one. It’s someaught I’m willing to fight for. But not if dunnae feel the same about me.” (From Hit Me With Your Best Scot. Copyright © 2021 by Suzanne Enoch). I love this quote because it says yes, Colls loves Persephone, but he’s also giving her the opportunity to share her own feelings, no matter what they are. Because it’s only worth fighting against the world if you’re together.

We have several attempts to harm Persephone throughout the book, and I have to say, I did not see it coming until almost the end, when we found out who the person trying to harm our heroine was. Very well done plot wise.

I really enjoyed this book, it was fun to spend some time with the brothers again, and to see Lady Aldriss and Angus together for once. Maybe will get a book, or a novella about their reunion?

I also really liked that Coll admitted that Persephone absolutely loved the theatre and acting, and therefore never questioned removing her from that world after marrying her, which most of the times happens, so it was refreshing to find a hero who admitted this right away, and always said any change in profession would only be Persie’s choice.

In the end, it was an entertaining book, with a hero learning what falling in love meant for him, and what he was willing to abdicate in the name of love – because compromise, my friends, is the key to a loving, happy relationship.

Hit Me With Your Best Scot is an engaging historical romance with strong characters and an interesting plot. Coll and Persephone had a great love story, and I enjoyed their witty banter. They also had an insta-lust relationship from the start that was filled with a ton of angst-filled chemistry. They are very different people, yet they complement each other well.

Coll is handsome, brash, and a bit curt. He is stubborn, and he struggles with feelings of abandonment, which is why he’s erected walls. Persephone has secrets that she is reluctant to reveal and lead to some mysterious and dangerous situations. Though I enjoyed their story, the characters did fall a bit short for me, and I found it difficult to become invested in their romance.

Though each story in this series can be read as a standalone, I was a bit confused at the beginning of the book. It does reference events that happened in previous books, and I think I would have benefitted from reading the first two books in the series to fully appreciate the context and to enjoy this story more. That being said, it wasn’t extremely difficult to pick up what had happened with Coll and his family in the previous books.

I really liked the family dynamics between Coll and his family. They are a rowdy and loyal family and definitely one of the highlights of the book. The brothers have a strong bond, and even when they don’t agree, they always have each others backs.

This book was an okay read for me. I enjoyed the romance and the intrigue, but some parts felt a bit slow, and I had trouble getting invested in the characters and story. However, it’s a fun and light read, and I think it will appeal to fans of the series and to readers who enjoy historical romance with secrets, mystery, and a few unexpected twists and turns. Thanks so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read more books from the author in the future. I enjoy a good highlander romance and the author didn't disappoint.

4.5 Stars ⭐️ Top Pick

“As for the woman herself, she intrigued him and aggravated him in equal parts. Subterfuge, lies, complications- those were all things he avoided. He preferred straight answers, honesty, and troubles he could solve with his fists. She was none of those things. At the same time, he enjoyed the time he spent in her company, and he damned well enjoyed her enthusiasm during sex. He liked chatting with her, and he liked never knowing what she might say next. An exceedingly intelligent and opiniated woman was quite possibly the last person he ever expected to find so…. compelling, but there it was. There she was.”

Coll MacTaggert, Viscount Glendarril, and his two brothers have to marry proper English lasses before their sister Eloise marries or they forfeit their mother’s fortune which is used to run their lands and take care of their clan in Scotland. Coll is tired of his mother parading young eligible English ladies in front of him every chance she gets. He finally has enough and storms out of the theatre box where he encounters an entrance backstage to meet the actors and actresses.

His chance meeting with Persephone Jones, the reigning queen of the Saint Genesius Theatre, has left him desiring her company, her attentions, and her time. Persephone has secrets from her past that can threaten her career, her relationship with Coll, and even her life. Coll begins to notice frequent accidents in Persephone’s life that begin to resemble nefarious attempts to get rid of the famous actress. Coll undertakes the task of protecting her, and in doing so he provides her with the strength she needs to reveal the secrets that have been haunting her for the last eight years and the love which she has always yearned for.

First off, this cover is absolutely stunning, and it would be remiss to not point how out blindingly beautiful it is, but even more than that it houses a bewitching and captivating story that includes an imperfect heroine, a burly Scotsman, countless swoony moments with a cast full of fun and interesting characters. Each character gave this story so much life, and it truly felt like being around an enormous family who might argue and fight, but who always have each other’s backs through thick and thin.

Persephone was a delightful character who had a mind of her own, a spine of steel, and quick wit full of Shakespearian quotes at her disposal. She matched Coll in every way, and never cowered in the face of his Scottish nature that can sometimes be overbearing. He is a protector, a warrior for those he loves, and an absolute sweetheart. There are moments in the story where he is so tender and so loving towards Persephone that he charms the reader immediately. The moments that he whispers Gaelic love words in her ears will have the reader ready to go find their own Scotsman. The plot had so many unexpected twists and turns. It has the reader continuously guessing as to what is going to happen next.

Suzanne Enoch is an unbelievable writer. Fans of Eva Leigh’s imperfect career driven women, and historical mysteries like those of Candace Camp should pick up this book that keeps the reader guessing from beginning to end.

~ Michelle

Hit Me With Your Best Scot is the third book in the Wild Wicked Highlanders series by Suzanne Enoch. It can be read as a standalone but I think you will enjoy it even more if you have read the other books in the series first.

Coll MacTaggert, Viscount Glendarril is one of three brothers who have been forced from Scotland to London in order to find English brides. Their parents have lived apart for many years. Their father stayed in Scotland with the boys, their mother took their sister to London. The only stipulation that their mother made to their father was that their sons had to marry English women before their youngest sister marries. There would be financial repercussions for them if they didn't comply.

The first two books in this series are Coll's brothers' stories, how they found their English brides. This is Coll's story. He is the angriest of the three of them about having to even be in London, let alone having to find a bride within four weeks which is when their sister is to wed. He doesn't want to marry, but if and when he does he fully expects to marry a Scottish woman, one used to living the Highland way. Not a fussy English woman.

Coll's mother despairs of him choosing a bride himself and is constantly putting women in his path. She convinces him to accompany her to the theatre but he is fuming when he discovers two eligible young ladies have also joined them in their theatre box. Not one to bother with what people think, least of all his mother, he storms from the box and takes refuge backstage. It is there that he first encounters Persephone Jones.

Unknown to Coll, Persephone is the lead actress of the play. During their first interaction, there is an immediate attraction between them. She is used to men being backstage trying to pay her attention with the hopes of perhaps bedding her. She is stunned when she realises that Coll doesn't even know who she is. Despite wanting to get to know him better she tries to put him off so that he has a chance to find his future wife, a person that she could never be. Coll being Coll though quickly assures her that he can spend time with her and she can help socialise him so that he can better attract women who currently think he is an obtuse giant. Of course, he doesn't need that help, he just wants to spend time with her.

When attempts are made on her life, it is Coll that becomes her protector and hero. They need to figure out who is trying to kill her and why. More importantly, they need to stop that person before they succeed. When it is revealed that Persephone is actually an English Lady in hiding it opens new possibilities for her and Coll's relationship. First, though they need to find her would-be killer and remove that danger.

You know the problem for me when I read a book that I really enjoy? I can't help but write and write when it comes to reviewing it. I could say so much more about this story but don't want to give spoilers. What I can say though is that I couldn't read this book quickly enough. It ticked all the boxes for me, it was exciting, suspenseful, funny, romantic and passionate. It was fast-paced and I loved all of the characters, even Coll's mother who to start with seemed a bit selfish. She was far from it though, but you can find that out for yourself when you read the book.

I definitely recommend this book and the whole series.

I think there was a lot to like about this book. Coll is a great Scottish hero, very alpha with a heart of gold. And Persephone is a strong woman who won't let any man ruin her plans. This definitely got zany at times, a lot of antics thrown into the plot that didn't leave much room for subtlety. And the romance felt a bit rushed and just not very believable IMO. Enoch's writing style is a little odd for me personally. I'm not a huge fan of writing a Scottish brogue phonetically for the entire course of the book.

This was a fun read, but not without its flaws. If you're looking for a fast paced, Scottish romance with a strong heroine and some zany plot points this might be the book for you, but it was kind of a miss for me.

**Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review**

27 days...

Coll MacTaggert, Viscount Glendarril, has 27 days to find an English lassie to wed....and the clock is ticking. He's sidetracked by an actress, Mrs. Persephone Jones. Persephone Jones is a chameleon, on and off the stage, a lady in hiding, she's got secrets and smarts. She's quick witted, sassy, an actress and hiding in plain sight.

Coll is a rather large, brash, Scot (who thinks going eight weeks is a long tine celibate).
Persephone does not want to marry Coll, but with the clock ticking for Coll and a threat to her person, what will she do?

I liked this best so far in this series and thought Persephone was the most interesting of the heroines.

4.5

Coll MacTaggert, Viscount Glendarril, has shown himself to be a Wild Wicked Highlander since he arrived in London. He is handsome, grumpy, and stubborn. He is also intelligent, protective, and responsible. When he escapes one more of his mother’s attempts to help him find a wife, he meets Persephone Jones, the famous actress. She is independent, beautiful, intelligent, talented, and caring. Coll, fed up with his mother’s meddling, tells her that he has chosen a bride, Mrs. Persephone Jones. This news was not well received.

This easy read has a bit of everything, drama (on and off the stage), secrets (Persephone has a pretty big one), danger, and an attempt or two to murder the heroine. There is also a large dose of humor and a terrific love story. Coll and Persie are just right for each other. All the MacTaggerts are here, including Angus, adding to fun. This is an entertaining series, and with this one Hit Me with Your Best Scot.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Coll MacTaggert and his brothers have been told by their mother, in no uncertain terms, if they want her to continue funding their ancestral home they must marry before their younger sister does. Her one stipulation – they must marry English women. Coll’s brothers have managed to do so, but with Eloise’s marriage approaching quickly, he is under the gun to follow suit. Thus far he has refused to marry every woman his mother chose for him. When fleeing from two more of his mother’s “chosen ones” Coll runs into Persephone Jones.

As an actress she is unacceptable in society’s eyes, but Coll finds her bright, attractive, and witty. What’s more . . . she needs rescuing from her previous protector. Coll is happy to provide his assistance, especially when it appears someone is actually trying to murder Persephone. The question is why, and can Coll find the answers in Persephone’s secret past before it is too late?

This was the third book in Suzanne Enoch’s Wild Wicked Highlanders series and was as fun and entertaining a read as the previous two. Coll and Persephone are both strong and stubborn and have their own reasons for being reluctant to marry. It was fun watching the sparks fly and the passion build as they became friends and worked together to find the man behind the attempts on Persephone’s life.

I loved this fast-paced, well-written, steamy story! The characters were well developed, even the secondary ones. Unfortunately, this is the last book in the series but I feel there is more to hear of this family. I would love to see another book telling Eloise’s story, and possibly a book telling the reunion of the parents. Now, that would be a story to hear.

Thank you to Suzanne Enoch, Netgalley, and St. Martin’s Publishing for an advanced copy. I gladly leave my unbiased opinion.

Highlander Coll needs to find an English wife in four weeks, or he'll lose the inheritance he needs in order to maintain his estate. The trouble is, the only woman who's caught his interest is actress Persephone Jones. He doesn't care that she's not respectable, but his family does. His new sisters-in-law would be ostracized by society if Coll married Persie. But when Persie discovers her life is in danger, Coll refuses to leave her unattended. Can they fight the attraction developing between them?

I loved this book. LOVED it. Coll is strong, irreverent, and hilarious. Persie is smart, witty, and charming. The plot is a perfect balance of romance and intrigue. The pace never lagged. Coll and Persie respected and trusted each other enough to communicate openly, instead of holding on to secrets just to create suspense. This is one of those rare books where the author got everything right. It's a fun and emotional story with a little steam and a lot of heart.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.

This was an entertaining, well-written historical romance. The heroine, Hero and side characters were very engaging and I didn't want to put the book down. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Hit Me With Your Best Scot is the third book in the series. It was another great read with wonderful characters. I love this book and this series.

Lady Aldriss left the Highlands and her husband seventeen years ago. She left her sons and took her daughter, but there were stipulations attached when she left. Their sons would marry English women before their daughter weds. The problem here is the men involved have never been to England and with their sister Eloise engaged they are on a time limit. Nigel and Aden have found their brides and fortunately love as well. That leaves Coll to find a bride and now he's only got four weeks to do it.

In the last book Eloise's fiance and Aden's bride's brother Matthew Harris made a huge mistake, and Coll's about to give him a reminder of what he promised. His mother has once again ambushed him at the theatre with two more eligible woman, and he's leaving, again.

Coll is determined to find his own wife, but hasn't found anyone with whom he could see himself spending the rest of his life. That is until he pays to be backstage at the performance of 'As You Like It'.

The leading lady Mrs. Persephone Jones, is a very talented and beautiful woman. Her admirers are of all types but they don't see her they see the character she happens to portray. Coll is different, and she's glad to have encouraged him when her current 'protector' decides he wants her to pay up, or rather put out.

This is just the first time Coll protects her by booting the man out then escorting her to her carriage. There is a definite attraction between them and it's more than perfect. Coll can now taunt his mother with having found a woman to marry, knowing she will not approve the match. Persephone is an actress and a commoner, certainly not suitable for Viscount Glendarril.

As Coll pursues Persephone, a string of 'accidents' begin. All of which could have caused her death. These two start heating up rapidly as Coll becomes her lover as well as her protector. The problem is he really does want her for his wife.

A fun tale with intrigue, mystery, betrayal, surprises and a sizzling romance.

I really have to go back and read the first book in this series.