Title: The Seduction of Elliot McBride
Series: Highland Pleasures, Book 5
Author: Jennifer Ashley
Genre: Historical Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy from publisher via NetGalley
Published: December 31, 2012 by Berkley Sensation
PROPERLY IMPROPER…AND DARING TO LOVE…Juliana St. John was raised to be very proper. After a long engagement, her wedding day dawns—only for Juliana to find herself jilted at the altar.
Fleeing the mocking crowd, she stumbles upon Elliot McBride, the tall, passionate Scot who was her first love. His teasing manner gives her an idea, and she asks Elliot to save her from an uncertain future—by marrying her…
After escaping brutal imprisonment, Elliot has returned to Scotland a vastly wealthy yet tormented man. Now Juliana has her hands full restoring his half-ruined manor in the Scottish Highlands and trying to repair the broken heart of the man some call irredeemably mad. Though beautiful and spirited, Juliana wonders if that will be enough to win a second chance at love.
Reviewed By: J9
In a Nutshell: Lovely historical romance with great leads, good plot and outstanding secondary characters.
The Set Up: Juliana is left at the wedding alter and while consoling herself runs into her childhood crush, Elliot. Elliot is a ruined man after his capture and torture in India but he’s always loved Juliana. Juliana proposes marriage before she even thinks and Elliot jumps at the opportunity. Now they live in a ruined castle with Elliot’s Indian friends, a cantankerous old man and a ghost from Elliot’s past.
Why I Read this Book: I love the Highland Pleasures series and was eagerly awaiting this one.
What I Liked: I love the gentle but steamy romance between Juliana and Elliot. They never hurt each other or say mean things for the sake of tension. They support and love each other and create an unbreakable bond that sustains them both, especially the troubled Elliot. However, this is balanced by their sexual chemistry and woo-wee is it steamy! What these two do with whiskey makes me want to take up drinking! I really loved how Juliana was an active participant in their sex life and was sexually self-determined. These are two very likable characters and it was lovely to read their well-balanced, heartfelt romance.
What I Also Liked: As good as Juliana and Elliot were, it’s the secondary characters who steal the show. Elliot buys a ruined castle from a distant uncle, McGregor, and he was so charming! I had to tweet the author at one point he was so funny. I don’t want to ruin the humor but he’s a crazy nut who says and does funny things but all from a heart of gold. Elliot brings an Indian family to Scotland with him and they’re also great characters who never cross the line into racist noble savages. Elliot’s Scottish family, friends and neighbors add great heart and atmosphere. All the characters are just wonderful here.
The plot flowed very well and didn’t quite turn out the way I initially thought, which was a pleasant surprise. I won’t ruin it but the plot had nice resolution and fit within the characters and relationships.
What I Didn’t Like: Nothing. I greatly enjoyed this entire novel and finished it in one sitting.
IMO: You don’t need to be a series fan to enjoy this emotional romance with outstanding characters and even some humor thrown in.
J9’s Rating:
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