I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. When You Love a Scotsman is the second book in Howell's Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen series. It can be read as a stand alone as I haven't read the first book.
Matthew MacEnroy is a Union soldier looking for shelter for him and his group of soldiers to hide from as they are being chased by deserters of the Confederate army. The year is 1864and the second sentence reads, "Fall was here and winter would come with all its misery for a soldier." He comes across Abigail Jenson and her parents cabin. Abigail is taking care of her parents as they were recently attacked that left her dad dying and mom giving up. In the opening shot out, both of her parents die but we never really see her mourn their loss. There was no time and mourning would happen later seems to be the reason.
The book takes them through the end of the Civil War but to me, the timing was off. It was Fall, then Winter kicked in, and Spring was all the sudden upon them. But General Lee surrendered in April 1865, the beginning of Spring.
The characters were two dimensional to me. There was no depth or development in them. For Abigail being so independent, she gave in very quickly. Also, there seemed to be a naiveté that should have been lost after her family was attacked. And for someone who was supposed to be a gentleman in 1864, Matthew sure didn't act it.
It took me a long time to read this book; and for me reading Hannah Howell, it's a HUGE surprise. I usually enjoy her work but struggled this time. There were multiple mistakes, the timing felt off, and the characters two dimensional. As I know this isn't normal for her writing, I did continue and the story and characters grew on me. #WhenYouLoveaScotsman #NetGalley

I loved it!! Abigail and Matthew worked so well together as a couple. I cannot wait for the rest of the brothers! I was a little sad that we didn't get much interaction this time with the rest of the family though. That being said, I still enjoyed it very much.

Abigail and her family are just trying to survive on their farm during the Civil War. Her brother was taken and forced to join with the confederates and her father and her mother were brutalized. When more soldiers show up she tries to protect her family but her parent are both shot and the cabin set fire. Luckily Matthew MacEnroy is there to take her to safety. As they are able to spend time together, sparks fly, can they keep each alive to have a future together? This is a fast-paced action paced read with lots of suspense, drama and emotion. I was hooked from beginning to end. Looking forward to more in the series.

Hannah Howell's second book in her new Seven Brides/ Seven Scotsman. Abigail Jenson’s small Missouri farm has become a battle ground. He brother was kidnapped to fight for the Rebels, her father was wounded and her mother has not been the same after the attack. Matthew MacEnroy and his band of Union soldiers ride to take cover at Abigail‘s family farm where the ruthless marauders set her cabin ablaze. Matthew the seductive Highlander offers to escort her to the nearest town, but the instant attraction and sizzling passion leads them to head to Matthew’s home in MacEnroy valley. I loved these two together Matthew gets himself caught in the crossfires and finds love with Abigail who has a big heart and cares for everyone. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

I have read the first book in the Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen series and I very much enjoyed it so ofcourse I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book.

I admit I was a little disappointed in this book. It just didn't hook me and I actually had a hard time continuing on reading this book..

I am not sure if i will be reading the next book in the series.

When I see Hannah Howell beneath a book title, I immediately know it will be a well written, page turning story. Such was the case with When you Love a Scotsman. With a different twist of the Scotsman being in America, during the Civil War, Matthew MacEnroy and his six brothers had landed in a time of turmoil. FIghting in Missouri, Matt and his men come upon a cabin and he finds Abigail Jenson trying to save her parents. When there is no hope for them she goes with Matt to town, where she stays to help with a house of orphans and aid in the care of the wounded. Matt and Abbie's relationship begins to develop but with many twist and turns which include an adorable orphan and a baby that Abbie is left to care for after her friend dies. Matt is released to go home and he takes her with him. The interaction of his family and all the characters that come into play bring the story along. With a few surprises and descriptions that make you feel you are part of the story, this will leave you waiting for the next installment in this series. This can be read as a standalone book although as the brothers are introduced. you will be glad you read the book before!! Well done!

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I have enjoyed many of Hannah Howell's highlander books and was intrigued about this new series set in American during the civil war. I did not read the first book and after hearing some of Emily and Iain's story, I would like to read that book, and this book was great at being a standalone in case you have not read the first book.

I loved Abbie and how she was such a strong woman and so caring even after losing her family. It was great that she made a great difference in the household when Matthew brought her to stay with the stranded women. She showed such great care for the children that most of the women ignored.

The only probably I had with Abbie was she seemed so quick to end up sleeping with Matthew when she saw what happened with Julia! You would think that seeing the results of this unplanned pregnancy would be a good reminder!

Matthew was hard to like when all he seemed to care about was getting Abbie to the point where she was ready for sex with him. He didn't seem to care that she was a virgin or she might get pregnant and only seemed to care if she stayed his lover. He kept "overthinking" if she might matter more to him than a lover and was so glad that other men kept calling him on this!!

There were some pretty heavy parts to this book when so many people were killed and families lost. War is not a fun subject to read about and this book had enough to make me feel like there was a war but not too much to really overwhelm the senses. While there were many injuries and some deaths, there were happy times when someone returns alive, and when families unite.

It will be fun to read about the other brothers and where they find their brides!

book two in the seven brides for seven scotsman series, when you love a scotsman, takes place in the closing months of the civil war. matthew mcenroy is at the end of his time in the union army, and he's sick of war. he wants to go back to his family and their compound. but his commitment is for another two months.

when a skirmish erupts on abigail jensen's family's property she's not sure how she feels about the help she receives from matthew and his fellow soldiers. but when her mother and father are killed and the cabin is burned down by the marauders she has no choice but to leave with them. they know of a home for women and children who have lost everything in the war.

abigail settles in nicely, offering up her medical knowledge and helping care for the children in the home. matthew can't help himself from waalking out with her. he finds her attractive, even if he's not entirely sure how far he wants their relationship to go.

for some reason abigail puts up with his uncertainty way longer than she needs to, but given the fact that she's kind of a package deal, having essentially acquired guardianship of two orphans while living in the women's home you understand his wanting to be sure.

anyway, even though it takes him a while to admit what he really wants, which is pretty obvious to everyone else, even abigail. the story is sweet and romantic even as it doesn't shy away from the terrible realities of war and the challenges facing the survivors during that time.

**when you love a scotsman will publish on december 26, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/kensington books (zebra) in exchange for my honest review.

When You Love A Scotsman was a good solid read for me. Matthew MacEnroy was yummy, protective and at times playful. Abigail was brave, smart, and had a big loving heart. I thought Matt and Abbie were very cute together. The steam factor was high too. I only had two problems with this book that made it a 4 star read instead of a 5. I will try to relay those issues without giving away a ton of spoilers if possible.

Problem #1 the attitude towards sex in this book and also in book 1 was a little too modern. Let me explain. Women for the most part in the civil war times still had very strict ideas about sex before marriage. As in you don't have sex before you are married. Yes I know it did happen and of course more so if your beau was going off to war. But it wasn't the norm, and it was normally with some courting, a declaration of marriage or love or something. That didn't happen in this book. Matt just takes Abbie for a walk, on what I would count as the equivalent of a second date at best, and just has sex with her. No real build up. No I want to be with you forever Abbie. No I love you. Not even I want to court you. Nothing! He just showed up randomly(every couple of weeks)ask her to go walking, not really talking about much. He did feed her so that was nice, and then he would jump her lol. Now the 2nd or 3rd time he took her "walking" he was kissing her and just without even getting fully undressed had sex with her. Abbie doesn't say a word in protest. No what of my honor? Are you gonna make an honest woman of me? Are we together? Nothing. She just gave her virginity away. Which back then would have been a huge deal, as it would have lower her chance at marriage. Also if she would have gotten pregnant would have had her child labeled a bastard. She just gave it away without a word. I just didn't buy it. Now don't get me wrong I hate the way women were treated back then, but history is what it is and it just didn't feel right when I read it. Still I could overlook it and enjoy the read.
Now for the second problem I had with this book which kinda ties into the 1st one. Problem #2 Matt's attitude towards sex and Abbie. This was the biggest problem for me. It was what bothered me the most. See Matt sat there and slept with Abbie over and over, never giving her words of love, or commitment. He knew he took her virginity, but he just didn't seem to care much. It was like he was just having fun and if he would have walked away she would have been ruined. I needed him to really want to be with her. I wanted him to have deep I'm keeping her feelings, not just having sex with her knowing what was at stake for her. It felt kinda selfish and not a honorable thing to do. It bugged me. It bugged me more that people kept asking Matt if he was "gonna marry the girl" and he just kept saying he didn't know and he was thinking about it. It made me just want to shake some sense into him.
Now even with those two problems the book was still a great read. I loved the civil war setting. It was heartbreaking, as well as beautiful. I think Hannah Howell did an amazing job at showing the truth of the brutishness, cruelty, ugliness born in war times. She didn't paint over the pain and loss war leaves behind. I loved Abbie's courage through the whole book. Every time something knocked her down she would just pick herself up. On top of that she helped everyone. She didn't cry and whine she just jumped in and helped. My favorite type of heroine is the brave, strong ones, and that was Abbie for sure. I loved her so much. I also really loved little Noah (4 year old orphan boy that claims Abbie as his) he was just so precocious and cute. I loved getting to catch up with the whole MacEnroy clan including Mrs O'Neal her children and the Jones brothers. I really loved the epilogue. It gave a nice deep look into the future. I can't wait for the other sexy Scottish MacEnroy brothers to get their books.

When You Love a Scotsman by Hannah Howell is Book number Two in the "Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen". This is the story of Abigail Jenson and Matthew MacEnroy.
This was an emotional drama filled romance that will have you connecting with the secondary characters. Although Abbie and Matt have a slow start to leading into love I thought they did have a fast attraction to each other. Overall I enjoyed their story.

When You Love A Scotsman by Hannah Howell
Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen #2

This series in which Scottish men who have immigrated to America will each have the story of how they find their brides told. In book one of the series each brother is met and a bit is told about him and it then tells the story of the eldest, Iain McEnroy, and the woman he finds to settle down with. In this, the second book, Matthew’s romance with Abigail is shared.

Having read and enjoyed one of this author’s historical romances set in Scotland I was eager to begin at the beginning of this new series. I wrote in my review of that first book that it was okay and predictable but that it had great characters. This book was less enjoyable than the previous one and I am not sure if it is the issue of the American Civil War and the way it is portrayed or if it was my inability to really relate to or care about many of the characters other than very young orphaned Noah. I was unable to see what Matthew and Abigail saw in one another and wondered why Matthew was so gun-shy…at least when it came to marriage. I couldn’t understand how the two fell into a physical relationship so easily and without seeming to really love one another. I felt there needed to be more of something. Perhaps since it is a war story it needed more military action or since it is a romance a bit more actual wooing and emotion or since the McEnroys are from Scotland a bit more of the culture from there as it was incorporated into their life in America. So, I was left feeling ho-hum and so-so about this book and wondering whether or not I want to continue with the series. I think it will depend on who is next up for their story to be told and what the plotline is going to be. I did note that there were a lot of new characters added at the end of this book that could star in books of their own so this series could be just as lengthy in number of books as Howell’s Murray Family series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.

2-3 Stars

Abigail Jenson works tirelessly to protect her small Missouri farm. She doesn’t require saving but a handsome officer appears on horseback just as ruthless marauders set her cabin ablaze. With nowhere else to turn, Abigail allows the soldier with the seductive Highlander’s gaze to escort her to shelter in a nearby town. Matthew MacEnroy a Scot living in America was reluctant to join the American Civil War until an enemy attack wounded two of his brothers. When Matthew himself is caught in the crossfire, Abigail leads their long journey home to MacEnroy valley and her caring touch sparks the promise of a bold future together.
This is the second book in the series but could well be read as a stand alone book. A very enjoyable book & if you like the author’s books you won’t be disappointed. As ever the characters are very well developed & have plenty of depth. The pace of the story is very good & kept me turning the pages. I look forward to reading more in the series.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A great story from a a classic and awesome writer who never losses her spark!

Publisher's Description:

New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell sweeps readers away with the passion-filled adventures of the MacEnroy brothers, seven daring Scotsmen who take on America in her most turbulent days—and capture the hearts of the ladies each is destined to wed . . .

With danger closing in from all sides, Abigail Jenson works tirelessly to protect her small Missouri farm. She doesn’t require saving—but a handsome officer appears on horseback just as ruthless marauders set her cabin ablaze. With nowhere else to turn, Abigail allows the soldier with the seductive Highlander’s gaze to escort her to shelter in a nearby town.

Matthew MacEnroy was reluctant to join his adopted nation’s conflict—until an enemy attack wounded two of his brothers. Bravely doing battle has its price when a proud, independent beauty comes under his watch—no military man can risk the powerful emotions their attraction has unleashed. But when Matthew himself is caught in the crossfire, Abigail leads their long journey home to MacEnroy valley . . . and her caring touch sparks the promise of a bold future together.

My Thoughts:
This is book #2 of the Seven Brides/Seven Scotsmen series. Book #1, The Scotsman Who Saved Me was released September 26, 2017.
I have read many Hannah Howell books in the past, so having not read book #1 of this series, I was surprised how much it has to do with the Civil War.
I used to read a great deal of historical romance situated during that trying time in our history, but had drifted away from American Civil War Romance as it had lost it's appeal to me.
Despite the time frame I still enjoyed this read.
Hannah Howell writes Scottish based Historical Romance like no one else. Her writing style is unique and even though I would not usually read anything from this era in our history, this book is entrancing and well written.
It has both heartbreaking and joyful moments and very precocious children left orphaned by the war.
Abigail, our heroine is a strong and independent character and Matthew, our hero is reluctantly fighting a war in his adopted country. We have both wholesome and unscrupulous characters. There are passionate moments and Innuendo about physical relationships other than those between our hero and heroine.
I recommend the read. Even if you have not read the first book in this series, this one reads well as a standalone title.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.5 of 5.0 flames. The author writes sexual encounters like no other. They can be steamy at times but you don't feel like you're read a pornographic scenario.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions provided are my own.

Hannah Howell has done it again! I loved this book with it's excellent storyline and characters. Hannah's writing style works for me with every book I read. This is a "don't miss it" story that I highly recommend.

3.5 stars, rounded up. I liked this book, but I didn't love it and I probably wouldn't read it again.

The story opens with Matthew MacEnroy and his men staking shelter from Rebel forces at a farmhouse. The house is the home of Abigail Jenson and her parents. When the Rebels arrive, Abbie races inside to warn her mother and father.

Weeks earlier her family was attacked, her brother was "pressed" into service, her father beaten and her mother violated, Abbie was spared because she had hidden. Her father is near death and her mother is mentally unstable. When she enters the house, Matt and his men are there, but she soon realizes that they are going to help her. Abbie tries to warn her mother, but the woman will not listen. Abbie is a crack shot and impresses Matt with her ability. When one of his men is wounded, she cares for him, but is not able to save her parents. The Rebels set the house afire and there is nothing Abbie can do to save them or her home.

Matt offers to take her to the town where his company is stationed and will no other options, Abbie agrees. When they arrive at the town, Abbie is taken to the "Benton House" which houses various war widows and orphans. Abbie settles in and even begins to assist the doctor. She and Matt do not have a lot of interaction at this point in the book - but they are both attracted to the other. This part of the book focuses more on Abbie's relationship with the women and children in the house, especially her roommate Julia. Julia is in love with Robert, one of the soldiers stationed at the camp and they plan to marry. When it becomes obvious that Julia is expecting a child, Abbie tells her she must marry now. Robert and Julia marry and then tragedy strikes.

Matt and Abbie have been spending time together, Matt knows he is interested in her, but is not sure if he is ready to marry or if what he feels for her is more than lust. When they are alone, the passion between them is undeniable, and they become intimate but they are constantly interrupted. When they slip away together a few days after the wedding, they spot a band of men sneaking up the river. They rush back to town to warn the others and then a battle ensues, in which Robert is mortally wounded. Julia is brought to his side and is inconsolable when he dies. Her grief is consuming and causes her to go into labor. When her son is born, Abbie hopes it will be enough to drag her out of her grief - but it isn't and when the town is attacked again, Abbie finds Julia near death on her husband's grave. She takes Julia home and goes for the doctor. At the medical tent, she asks the doctor to check on Julia and then learns that Matt has been wounded. She tends Matt while the doctor takes care of Julia. Sadly, Julia is dying and she begs Abbie to take care of her son. Abbie agrees and when Julia passes, she has her buried next to her beloved Robert.

Soon after, the company of soldiers is commanded to move south, Matt is told to go home, his commission is almost up and Abbie is recruited to take him home. There is a heart wrenching moment when Abbie must say goodbye to Noah, one of the orphaned children. She promises she will come back for him, but with no home or husband and a newborn baby, she is not able to take him at this moment. Noah is upset and refuses to see her off.

They journey back to Matt's family and he again wonders what his intentions towards Abbie are and she wonders as well. They are attacked by marauders but manage to reach his home unscathed.

Matt's family welcomes Abbie with open arms and they too question Matt's intentions. Matt and Abbie are perfect for one another, but Matt can't seem to decide what he feels for her.

The book was good, but it was a little boring and repetitious. There is no real conflict and nothing keeping Abbie and Matt apart, except Matt's inability to decide what he wants to do with her. I honestly was not very happy with him, he took her virginity and took no precautions to keep her from getting pregnant, but didn't plan to marry her - it seemed dishonorable to me. The story drags a bit due to the lack of conflict and Matt's indecision becomes a little tiresome. But the secondary characters were good and the love scenes were steamy, there are a couple of heart breaking moments and a few surprises as well as a lovely reunion scene for Abbie. All in all not a bad book, but I had hoped for more.

This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title.

I can't say this is my favorite Hannah book but it was definitely different. Beautiful and hearty wrenching.

Hannah Howell's second book in her new Seven Brides/ Seven Scotsman series is here and will not disappoint anyone who enjoys an easy read with a happy ending. Unlike the majority of Hannah's novels which are placed in the rugged highlands of Scotland this series takes you to the wilds of Missouri in the midst of the Civil War. If you have not read the first book in this series (The Scotsman Who Saved Me) do not be alarmed this novel can be enjoyed as a stand alone read or a build in the series. I typically am not drawn to Westerns in general but started this series as Hannah Howell is a legend in the historical romance world. I will be reading each book as it is released and highly recommend this read to any new or existing historical romance enthusiast!



Hannah infuses the first paragraphs with instant page flipping action, as an easily bored reader i could not help but read the opening pages as quickly as possible to see what was going to happen to our new characters that had yet to even be introduced. Hannah is able to teach the reader about the hero and heroine without describing the characters with adjectives, but instead with their actions. The start of this novel throws the main characters into each others presence quickly unlike many novels which make the reader wait a long period of time for the true story line to begin. In the midst of an shoot out i unknowingly started to learn whom Abigail Jenson our heroine and Matthew MacEnroy our hero truly were.


"Abigail felt her stomach turn as she pulled the trigger and his eyes widened in shock and horror when the bullet hit him square in the chest. She swallowed a sudden rush of bile in her mouth as she watched the body fall."

From the start of the novel it is clear that both main characters have endured much in their lives and managed to prevail. I was most impressed with Abigail and her inner strength from the very beginning. Abigail is a steadfast young woman whom somehow keeps an almost unnatural composer despite the devastation and loss she faces. Abigail's entire life and everything she has ever known changes at the same time Matthew MacEnroy enters her life.

Much of the plot places Abigail and Matthew in an almost mundane normal routine which adds to the sense of peculiarity i felt at how Abigail coped with her situation. I felt the suspense of waiting for something bad to happen each time normal activities took place without err. My feeling of impending doom seemed to be exemplified having read dozens of Hannah's books in the past, this book just did not fit the mold to her normal writing style. I still remained hooked to the story and was not deterred from finishing the read.

As i watched the relationship between Matthew and Abigail grow Hannah managed to infuse humor multiple times as both characters seemed to be thwarted by some series of events each time they tried to get any alone time together. When anticipated attacks did come to take place during this novel i felt as though there was a lack of severity i have felt in the past when reading Hannah's novels. This book overall was a great and fairly quick read for me. I appreciated the happy ending and the struggles that the characters overcame together. I would recommend this book to others and will be awaiting the release of the next five books in this series. The only small change i would hope for is that there was more of a climax as the story progressed, events in the first pages of the book seemed to overshadow those that happened later.



Hannah Howell is one of my ALL TIME favorite authors-- Please give her a try if you have never read any of her novels before! She will not disappoint!

So good and cute! A good read with heart, drama, war, and romance!

I truly enjoyed this story it had everything you expect in a Hannah Howell book, passion, adventure witty dialogue a sexy Highlander a strong heroine and bad guys. Although I wanted to shake Matthew more than once his indecision with his feelings towards Abigail he loves her he’s not sure. I wasn’t to sure what his intentions were but all comes to a satisfying end he realizes that he can’t go on with out Abigail and his feelings are truly real and he loves her. A great read.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.