Back cover .......

When Lady Elizabet Harding’s family is targeted by the notorious Highland Highwayman, she finds herself wounded and an unwelcome guest of the charming outlaw who’d ruined her reputation earlier that day. Elizabet only wants to get even for her family’s downfall, but the more time she spends with the scoundrel, the more complicated her feelings become.

By day, Laird John MacGregor graces the court of Charles II. By night, he exacts revenge on his enemies – one of whom is betrothed to the fiery heiress who has, quite literally, fallen into his arms. The daughter of one enemy and promised to another, Elizabet should be the last person John wants. Yet even as she exasperates him, she is all he has ever desired for himself. When her life is put in danger, he will do anything necessary to protect the women he never expected to love…even if it means they cannot be together.

Review .....

Yes, usual book, girl meets boy, boy is a blaggard and a highwayman .......
But I enjoyed it😊
It was beautifully written, characters were well thought out and I could easily lose myself in the highlands with the descriptions that the author used.

Elizabet is betrothed to someone that’s she’s really not keen on. But after running into a highwayman all she wants is revenge ..... he’s shamed and ruined her, and her families reputation is now in tatters.
Hate eventually into something else, but tragedy is only a moment away.

John maybe a dandy and a regular at the kings court, but he’s on a mission .... to ruin the two men he holds accountable for the death of his dear brother. And one of those men is betrothed to the other mans daughter. So after she literally falls into his arms, he hatched a plan to ruin reputations, but plans start to unravel ...... he starts to fall for the feisty heiress, she seems to good to be true.

How will Elizabet react when she finds out who her “masked” highway man is ? How will she react when she realises she was only a way to get to her family and fiancé ?
And will John come to his senses before he loses possibly the best thing he has ever had ?

I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Julie 🦋

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

What a fun historical romance! Who doesn't love a masked highwayman who rescues the lady and sweeps her off her feet!

Jack and Elizabet are so great together but they sure have a rough path to their HEA with her father and fiance responsible for crimes that include the death of Jack's brother.

There is lots of drama, emotional upheaveals, and romance. I did not read the first book with Malcolm and Sorcha and that sounds like a good read, also!

Glad at the end there is a good HEA that resolves all their issues!

Received in exchange for a honest review.

This was very entertaining. Fell in love with John instantly. Elizabet had some spunk as well. I loved how she was with John. I hated to see the outcome it had on John but it also got Elizabet to see that he was a good honest and honorable man.

John at the end warred with himself and did what his heart felt was right even though it hurt him and that was wonderful but sad to see for he sacrificed alot for Elizabet.

The writing is fast paced and has lots of twists in it. YOu know from the start who John is but not why. So this keeps you wondering what his motive is. Than you see Elizabet’s situation and you see her independence and strength and wonder how she will get out of it. Suddenly the two meet and we have sparks. They don’t meet in a normal way but in a meet cute way. when they part ways you think this is it but fate or her father unwittingly brings them back together only things don’t go as planned and now John is risking alot for her. During the time he is taking care of her, he falls in love with her as she does him but she is in a tricky situation and he is set on justice.

Fate once again plays a card and we get sparks and watch him lose it all for her and love. But that loss is due to her situation. Her dad and that Fergus are a piece of work and deserve all they get..Don’t know if they get what is coming to them though..that is up in the air....

The romance is intimate and sweet. We see John fall head over heels but war with himself over it..Eilzabet does as well. We see them struggle with the idea of justice and society and what it does to them...We see them struggle with their feelings as well. Elizabet is in a precarious position because of her station in life. Her dad doesn’t help with that either. He like fergus is a snake in the mud...

The ending has you wondering about Alice and Phillip but also if John and Elizabet are to be left alone with their love and happiness and if justice is going to be served or not..A well written, enchanting story with a robin hood hero in John, a strong stubborn heroine and love that warms the heart.

It's quite an interesting historical romance, and I absolutely loved it. It's packed with action, adventure, and romance; a perfect mix. I loved both Elizabet and John, they are very well-written characters. Story is intriguing and kept me interested from the very beginning until the end. It's well paced novel. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend to all historical fiction fans.

Fun read. Fun characters. Loved this book and the wanting to make a difference in people's lives.

Lady Elizabet Harding is rescued during a thunder storm by the notorious Highland Highway and later she realizes he’s targeted her family. Laird John MacGregor graces the court of Charles II by day and by night he’s the Highland Highwayman out to rob the rich and seek revenge for his brother’s death. Poor Elizabet just wants to get out of her betrothal to Fergus Ramsey, a disgusting man her father has agreed to be her husband. The Highwayman keeps coming to the fiery heiress’s rescue, she quite literally, falls into his arms. John is attracted to Elizabet the daughter of one enemy and promised to another enemy. Their story is filled with passion, adventure, plots of intrigue and sizzling romance.
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.

Make no mistake, my Scottish romance book loving friends, I like this author’s writing style verra, verra much. She keeps me fully engaged and the words flow seamlessly across the pages. As a lover of relationship angst, I also never get tired of her back and forth banter and a knucklehead at times hero who eventually sees the light and does whatever it takes to keep his lady love. This book had all that but surprised me by taking a few turns I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about.

Elizabet, the heroine, has spent most of her life knowing she would eventually be used as a marital pawn to further her selfish father’s agenda and fatten his coffers. I truly saw nothing redeemable about that man, folks. I despised him and wasn’t fond of Elizabeth’s talks tough about honor and duty but weak kneed mama, as well. If that is parental love, Elizabet likely would have been better off as an orphan and raised instead by a caring, distant relative. Sure, she grew up in a luxurious home surrounded by servants, but she was lacking in parents who actually cared about her long term happiness.

The best part of this storyline for me was John (aka Jack), the rich Robin Hood type hero, and Elizabet’s connection and attraction. They just seemed to click. That is what kept me reading. Unfortunately, John’s determination to settle a score with people like Elizabeth’s dad and her villainous, unwanted, soon to be fiance seemed to keep him focused on why they could never be. Even when Elizabet took the initiative and came up with a clever plan, which had me wondering why John didn’t think of it first, he seemed too quick not to muster up hope for their HEA. Not to say he couldn’t act impulsively, and whip out some unexpected iron will and determination when the need arose. I just felt he was late bringing that into the game, so to speak. When push came to shove, his heart finally started calling all the shots, and his fists were more than willing to send a message no one was going to take her from him ever again. But it was not an easy fight, especially since they were usually outnumbered.

Elizabet had her own faults, as well. I’m still puzzled why she was so protective of a father who was forcing her into an unwanted marriage where it was a given she was going to be physically and emotionally abused. This future fiance made it quite clear in front of her father he was going to beat her into submission.

So, yeah, I have a few mixed feelings on this one, folks. It was a little hard to root for this main couple at first, because they weren’t rooting for themselves. Elizabet was first at betting on their future, but she even wavered and almost gave up a time or two. There were a couple of life-threatening situations I didn’t see coming involving injury and blood loss that shook things up and added an element of surprise. Obviously, things unfolded in their favor by the end. I think I’m just disappointed John didn’t fight with everything he had from the get go.

Well, here’s to hoping my review has been insightful enough for you to decide if this one will ensnare your time and attention. I’m hoping there will be more books in the series, but no one person is currently standing out as a main character contender.

Romance Safety Gang: <spoiler> Hero at first fights his attraction because he doesn’t want to be held back in seeking revenge against her father. He’s slow to realize how he can’t live without her. Even lets her completely go at one point. So in my book wasn’t fighting for his love. No OM drama, no cheating, no love triangle. Mean sub-character from Book 1 wants to marry her and threatens to beat her into submission once they are married. Celibate during separation. </spoiler>

Title: How to Ensnare a Highlander, Series: The MacGregor Lairds (Book 2), Author: Michelle McLean, Pages: 227, stand-alone but part of a series, some steamy scenes, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW drama, unwanted OM trying to marrying her, some violence, virgin heroine.

Book 1 - How to Lose a Highlander
Book 2 - How to Ensnare a Highlander

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

Entertaining from Beginning to End, this story includes a chivalrous Highway man, who really is not what he appears and a damsel in distress! Laird John MacGregor is focused on revenging the death of his brother. But he also is disguising himself as a highwayman and robbing the rich to give to those who have been hurt by those same people. Wait, does this sound familiar? But the good part is he is considered the gentleman bandit and he never harms those he robs. Having been pretty successful, his world turns a little unpredictable when he saves by chance the spirited Lady Elizabet Harding. She is unintentionally wounded by one of his group and he takes her home and tends her, of course always wearing his mask. He finds out she is the daughter of one enemy and betrothed to another who he is certain had something to do with the death of his brother. Elizabet has grown up always being taught to do her duty which included marrying a man she had begun to abhor. As John keeps her safe and they spend more time together, she begins to trust him and learn of her father and betrothed's nefarious deeds. Many twist and turns and intrigue bring this story full circle and you will fall in love with the characters. Looking forward to the rest in this series.

How to Ensnare a Highlander
by Michelle McLean
The MacGregor Lairds Book two

This was such an enjoyable highly entertaining read, loved the dialogue between Elizabet and John, he was everything a honorable hero can be and so sexy in a kilt! Never liked the evil Fergus Campbell/Ramsey the secondary characters are well written and believable, lots of twists and turns drama, suspense and as always I love when the hero comes to the maidens rescue! I highly recommend this you will not be disappointed!!!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was a very engaging story. The two main characters were very likeable. Lady Elizabeth was a strong, spirited lady and John MacGregor was handsome, brave and fearless with a strong sense of justice but was equally protective of those he loved. This is a fast paced story with elements of danger and romance. There are some issues that have not been resolved by the end of the book and it is left in something of a cliffhanger. I received and advanced copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book.

I really enjoyed the conflict that was set up between the heroine, Elizabet, and the hero, John. I loved how they both were willing to sacrifice and protect each other. The book had a good pace and it kept me reading to find out what would happen next.

The book can be read as a standalone even though it is part of a series. This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of her books.

How to Ensnare a Highlander by Michelle McLean is book Two in "The MacGregor Lairds" Series. This is the story of Lady Elizabet Harding and Laird John MacGregor. I have read the previous book 'How to Lose a Highlander' but feel this is easily a standalone book.
John is trying to get revenge on his brother's death by holding the men he feels is responsible for it, Fergus Campbell and Lord Dawsey. Doing so has put him on the path to being the 'Highland Highwayman'. Lord Dawsey is Elizabet father who has now informed her that he has arraigned a marriage for her with Fergus Campbell. Elizabet is very upset by this and when she goes to get her thoughts together ends up running into John John is not letting on who he really is with Elizabet because he doesn't know if she can be trusted. But they are both very attracted to each other. John tries to fight his growing feelings but it is something he can't seem to do.
Really enjoyed this book!

This is one very sweet , exciting read. I loved how this book draws you right into the drama on the very first page. I was completely hooked with John and Elisabets romance. There was so many swoon worthy moments. Not to mention the laugh out loud parts. This was a strong romance that held my attention. There is nothing smooth about how these two find their love. There is drama, danger, suspense and of course love. John will be sure to make you feel all warm inside. Elizabet was a very strong female character who was easy to like.
Fast paced romance. Predictable plot line. Not much drama. Strong character. Perfect sweet candy romance. Love this author and can’t wait to read about Phillip and ALice.

How to Ensnare a Highlander is a real page turner. From the moment Elizabet is shot accidentally this book is action packed. John works hard to try to make sure Elizabet does not know who he is as he takes care of her. They have an instant connection that both try to deny at first.

John is a highwayman who has a Robin Hood type of thieving while he is trying to prove Elizabet’s almost betrothed, Fergus Ramsey, is responsible for his brother’s death. He believes Ramsey and her father are responsible for numerous other crimes against his people and is gathering proof to bring them to justice.

Although Elizabet believes what he says, she does not want to see her family suffer with his accusations against her father. She said several times that her mother is not responsible for what her father has done. Ramsey, she would like gone from her life. He just will not go away. Marrying Elizabet will give him what he wants and she is his way of getting to continue with his crimes.

What I found special about Elizabet and John is the strong love you felt between them. Neither give up on the other even when the odds are so against them. They develop a level of trust that reaches out and envelopes you in their trust and love for each other. They both have life-changing decisions to make about the other and what is truly important. This book is definitely not predictable with surprises through to the end. The ending, although nicely wrapped up, leaves the possibility that there is more to come and I look forward to it. I have not read the first book in the series, but definitely will. This book could be read as a stand alone, too.

How to Ensnare a Highlander by Michelle McLean
The MacGregor Lairds #2

Robin Hood is a highlander in this book with Laird John MacGregor, sometimes highwayman, playing Robin’s part. His Maid Marian, Lady Elizabet Harding, is a woman he first encounters when he stops her runaway horse.

There are despicable villains that do not get their just desserts, good men trying to right wrongs, a woman trying to avoid a marriage, romance aplenty and eventually an ending that made me smile…but also wonder what will happen in the next book of the series.

For a short book this packed a punch. The dynamics between H/h were fun to read and made me hope they would be able to end up with a HEA together. The heroine was not a shrinking violet and the hero was oh so charming. The dialogue was witty and entertaining and the story fun to read. One scene had me worried (toward the end) and I wondered just how the author planned to make things work out for everyone in the end but that, to me, was great since so often I seem to KNOW how things are going to happen before the characters do ;) There is a hook for the next book in the series and since there is no real closure on the evildoers I am eager to find out when and how they will get their comeuppances.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

When Lady Elizabet Harding’s family is targeted by the notorious Highland Highwayman, she finds herself wounded and an unwelcome guest of the charming outlaw who’d ruined her reputation earlier that day. Elizabet only wants to get even for her family’s downfall, but the more time she spends with the scoundrel, the more complicated her feelings become. By day, Laird John MacGregor graces the court of Charles II. By night, he exacts revenge on his enemies – one of whom Fergus Ramsey is betrothed to Elizabet who has, quite literally, fallen into his arms. The daughter of one enemy and promised to another, Elizabet should be the last person John wants.
A page turning well written engrossing novel. The characters are well fleshed, John / Jack is very likeable & more a Restoration Robin Hood as he gives most of the spoils back to the tenants who have been hardest hit. Elizabet is a strong wilful young woman who fights being part of her father’s plan to basically sell her to Fergus. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and for the most part a five star read. However the ending left me wanting to immediately read the next in the series as there were so many unanswered questions that I wanted answered. Now waiting impatiently for the next book

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I loved this book right up until the last few chapters and then I couldn't believe how it ended.

Lady Elizabet Harding is distraught, she had just learned that her father has betrothed her to a man that she cannot stand, Fergus Ramsay. In an effort to collect her thoughts, she goes out for a ride, but when a storm blows up and her horse is spooked, she is sure she is going to die, but she is plucked from the runaway horse by a masked man. At first she is scared, but he is kind and sees that she is sheltered from the storm. She knows who he is, the infamous Highland Highwayman. They talk and just as it seems he will kiss her, Fergus arrives.

John MacGregor hates Fergus Campbell or Ramsay as he is calling himself these days. John has one purpose and that is to destroy the men responsible for his brother's death. He knows Fergus and Lord Dawsey (Elizabet's father) are responsible and just as soon as he has enough evidence, he will see them pay for their crimes. He cannot imagine someone as lovely as Elizabet with Fergus, but he can't be detracted from his goal.

Later that night, Elizabet's parents return to London, they want to stop any gossip regarding her "escapade" so Fergus will not call off the marriage. On the way their coach is held up by John, who didn't expect to see Elizabet. He robs her father and easily disarms her when she pulls a dagger on him. He asks for a kiss and doesn't take it, instead he returns one bag of coins and kisses her hand before leaving. As he is riding away, she goes to pick up her dagger and one of John's men shoots her. The horses are spooked and take off, leaving her laying in the road bleeding. John rushes back to her side. He takes her to his hideout and then to his home in Scotland. In all the time they are together, he is careful to disguise his voice and wear his mask. He nurses her back to health and falls a little more in love with her each day, but he knows that he has to return her to her family. They return to England and stop for the night in his hideout. He tells her he has a meeting and to stay in the cottage. She of course doesn't, and ends up in danger, after observing her "betrothed" digging in the ruins of her dowry property. When she confronts John (whom she knows as Jack), he tells her that he is trying to stop him, but soldiers arrive and they are all in danger. She races back to the cottage and John follows her. He hides in the tub while she tries to get rid of the soldiers - but when one gets a little too friendly, she shoots at him, which brings more soldiers. When the soldiers finally leave, she learns the true reason John hate Fergus and her father. She doesn't want to leave him, but she cannot help him destroy her father.

She returns home and it seems like the wedding will take place. She misses Jack and when she sees John at a ball - unmasked, she asks her friend Alice who he is, she puts two and two together and decides to try her hand at blackmail. She threatens to expose him as the highwayman if he doesn't marry her. He agrees, but the King refuses to break her betrothal. He returns to his rooms and finds Elizabet waiting for him. He tells her of the King's decision and kisses her. She knows it is hopeless, unless she is willing to turn on her father, there is no way they can be together. She asks him to make love to her, so she will at least have a happy memory. He can't say no to her, when she is getting ready to leave, he asks her again if she would bear witness to her father's crimes and she refuses. At that moment, her father bangs on John's door and when he tries to slip her out through the courtyard, Fergus is there. From this moment on everything goes to hell. John is named as the highwayman and while trying to flee is shot.

Elizabet is inconsolable, until she learns he did not die. But John will have to make decisions that will change his life, a life he can't ask Elizabeth to share.

I loved this book until the final chapters and then I was shocked at the twists and turns. I didn't hate it, but I was not happy with the ending. The book is well written, flows nicely, has lots of action, angst and wonderful characters. There is one love scene, but it is not graphic and is barely lukewarm, the villain(s) are especially vile and the ending leaves a lot to be desired (IMO), but the epilogue was sweet and hinted that this story is not necessarily over, so I will definitely be reading the next book with high hopes for a more satisfactory outcome!

4 - "No one but you…" Stars!

We return to Michelle McLean’s highly entertaining The MacGregor Lairds series, for book two; How to Ensnare a Highlander.

"I willne kiss ye until ye ask me to."

I can’t lie, I have been eagerly stalking the authors Goodreads page for a while now, waiting for this title to appear. I loved the first book so much I couldn’t wait to get back to the scene and locales that the author so beautifully set up. We have a lady falling for a Highwayman in this story, and I devoured Elizabet and John/Jack’s story.

Being scared out of her wits had never been so invigorating. She could almost hope to do it again…

Plenty of action and adventure occurs in this tale, but around that the gruff Scottsman, and the feisty Lady’s romance blossoms, even though he does spend most of their time together wearing a mask. Can’t lie I find it kind of hot myself, especially when paired with a kilt, and a growly Scottish burr.

He’d lost too many women he loved to ever allow himself to love another.

How to Ensnare a Highlander, was such an enjoyable read, the dialogue between the H/h was great, the secondary characters helped keep the story moving, and as always it was good to see good triumphing over evil, although that is the main reason for my 1 star drop from the previous book, because although the villains in part did get their just desserts, it wasn’t really in a way that left this reader feeling satisfied that justice had been done.

"You can’t always protect me…"

"That sounds like a challenge."

Still a really great read though, I just hope that we get Philip and Alice’s book sooner rather than later, so keep the momentum of the series going.

This is a new to me author and I will definitely check out her other books. I enjoyed this story. It was low on the heat scale but that was ok. I didn’t like the cliffhanger at the end but I would still recommend this book.

How to Ensnare a Highlander is your typical highland romance between an English Lady, a Highlander, and the feuding families. While there isn't anything new or refreshing in this story, the story itself, as well as the characters, are well written. The hero, John, is a romantic alpha; quite the charmer. Elizabet, the heroine, is dutiful; brainwashed by her family and society, but comes into her own throughout the book. We pretty much have insta-love here (though not verbally expressed so quickly), however, the sex is glossed over. I did appreciate the lack of sex scenes for once, as in many books, they can be over done.

Overall, this is a pleasant read; suspenseful, though not edge of your seat. For my personal preferences, I wish it had that something special to make it a bit more memorable.

My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC, for the pleasure of reading and reviewing How to Ensnare a Highlander by Michelle McLean.