4.5 stars

I loved Coll & Persephone’s story. It’s witty and funny and I have to say I really liked that Persephone wasn’t the usual female heroine. She certainly gave as good as she got. Grumpy Coll wasn’t sure what hit him! This was my first read from this author and I will definitely be looking for more.

In book one of Suzanne Enoch’s Wild Wicked Highlanders series, readers were introduced to the three MacTaggert brothers, all of whom need to marry in order to maintain their family estate.  It’s been years since their mother, an Englishwoman, separated from their father and left Scotland for London after the birth of their younger sister, but after an absence of seventeen years, she has reinserted herself into their lives and reminded them all that they must marry Englishwomen in order to preserve their finances and landholdings, according to the terms of the agreement she made with their father.

Coll MacTaggert, Viscount Glendarril and eldest of the MacTaggert brothers, is determined to pick his own wife, thank you very much.  Since he’s very big and very brash, that may take a while.

Enter trouser-wearing actress Mrs. Persephone – Persie - Jones, who has as much swagger as Coll does. Bumping into one another between acts behind the curtain of a play where Persie is performing and Coll has run for his life from his mother’s matchmaking once more, Coll is instantly in lust with the flirty but not so ladylike Persephone. She's impressed when Coll saves her from an aristocratic stage door Johnnie with whom Persie has had an affair, and soon Coll learns that Persie isn’t all she  seems.  But when he shows up soon after their first meeting and asks her to marry him, she’s shocked.

Coll, of course, has his own motivations for wanting to be with Persie beyond lust – including tweaking the sensibilities of his society-minded mother, who is already shocked by Coll’s interest in Persie.  The couple decides instead to make a trade of it – Coll will offer Persie physical protection from a mysterious stalker threatening her life, while Persie will try to help Coll read the social cues of the society ladies he courts.  But when the truth comes out about her previous life, will their relationship still stand?

Hit Me With Your Best Scot is delightful, but dotted with problems that keep it from DIK status. It has a fabulous heroine and hero, and an interesting plot, but I didn’t like the effect some of those plot twists had on the story.  The romance and the charm of it all, though, kept me entertained and put me in the mood to recommend it.

Persie has grit and bravery, so a couple of late-act revelations that make her a little timorous and weakly dependent on Coll seem out of character; she recovers from this admirably and in general remains strong and tough-minded.  Her backstory provides many twists and turns, but I was disappointed by a route and requisite turn that made her marriage to Coll palatable to the ton.

Coll is a fabulous hero.  Suffering no fools gladly, and immediately enamored of Persie, he's handsome and blustery but so devoted and loyal.  His relationship with his brothers is pretty delightful too.  I got the impression that he’d continue to support Persie’s acting career no matter what, which is a wonderful thing.

But as Evelyn noted in her review of Scot Under the Covers (book two of the series), there has to be a lot of suspension of disbelief when you read about Enoch’s Highlanders sometimes.  The base plotline of the series is a little faulty; it does not reflect well on Lady Ardiss (the boys’ mother) or their father, who stake their children's' happiness and the livelihoods of hundreds of innocent people upon their sons marrying English women, seemingly just out of pique.  Lady Ardiss does not do much to improve my opinion of her throughout the book as she abhors Persie until she realizes she makes Coll happy.

On the other hand, the theatrical world that Enoch paints is beautifully handled, both giving us the glory and tedium of life as an actor.  I liked the little glimpses we got of the other brothers and Coll’s prospective brother-in-law (whose gambling debts make me wonder if the boys’ sisters will end up back on the market by the time the series is over).

But in the end, Hit Me With Your Best Scot proved to be another win for Enoch, whose charming Scots and unusual heroines are always delightful.

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The worst of this series, which I am not sad came to an end with this book I think. Or maybe it is just that I need a break from regency romance, with or without Highlander in.

Il peggiore di questa serie per quanto mi riguarda, e oltre tutto dovrebbe essere anche l'ultimo, credo. Magari é solo giunto il momento di prendersi una pausa da questi romanzi regency, con o senza highlander.

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

Another great MacTaggert tale. Coll is rough and sweet, and the heir who has a month to marry. Persephone is a magnificent actress, with a secret, who is being stalked. Their story is well written, their adventure daunting. Loved every page!

This is the conclusions of the MacTaggert brothers who are making good on a vow to marry proper English ladies in order to keep their land and home in Scotland. These boys are wild and delightful and Coll is the most burly one but the one brother with a title. His match is the most important since he will inherit the land and viscount title. He drives his mother crazy because he is so angry, so large, and so very off putting to these dainty society ladies he is supposed to be wooing. That wasn’t meant to be, so meeting a young wild actress that needs his brawn and wild ways might just be the one thing that makes the entire MacTaggert family stand together. Loved the conclusion of this tale.

"Hit Me With Your Best Scot" is undoubtedly, for me, the best installment in the Wild Wicked Highlander series. Though I did find the more intimate scenes a bit lackluster, the relationship between Persephone and Coll was well built and warm. The mystery concerning Persephone's true identity was interesting and Coll was everything you want in a romance novel hero. I just wish there'd been an epilogue. 4.5 stars

This was a delightful addition to the Wild Wicked Highlander series. The story of Coll and his interest, Persephone, was a page turner that I could not put down. I found myself laughing (and sometimes snorting!) out loud at the comments. So much fun! Makes me want to visit scotland!

Yes to the YES, I enjoyed this book so much! This is the third book in the Wild Wicked Highlanders series, which I have read with pleasure, but this can be read as a stand-alone with no problem. The author struck the perfect balance between providing enough background for readers new to the series without dragging down the storyline, and appearances by previously introduced characters seem natural; the lead characters in this book remain center stage.

Speaking of center stage, the fact that this book’s leading lady is actually an actress and leading lady on stage is one of my favorite elements of this book. I also particularly liked was the tight knit family, and the wild wicked Highlanders and their adventures in England. This one has action, Shakespeare, a brawny kilt-wearing hero whose intelligence is underestimated, and a heroine who is more than she appears. This one gets a standing ovation from me.

The witty title and beautiful cover drew me to this book. I am new to the author and unfortunately chose to start with a third book in a series. If I had read the previous books I would have been excited for the side characters who have already had their stories told. The gist is the MacTaggert brothers have to marry English brides before their younger sisters wedding or risk their inheritance. The lone holdout is the oldest Coll. Coll meets Persephone Jones, a beautiful and successful actress. Some accidents suggest someone is trying to kill her and Coll offers her protection. She offers to coach him on courting English women in exchange.

For a quick read it should have been more fun. I loved Persie and her independence. She created a successful career for herself and took care of others along the way. Coll was a very stereotypical big and Scottish. They were quick into lust (not very steamy) with some banter, but I didn't feel like I saw a relationship grow. The story got bogged down in the figuring out who was trying to kill Persie. Because the two MC's were committed to each other there seemed to be a lot of filler. I didn't need to know all the costumes the family wore to the masquerade ball. The resolution seemed rushed. And I wished for something more with Persie meeting her parents after several years.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this book. The main characters were great. Our heroine was so unique, from her current societal position/profession, to her personality to her outlook on life. I loved the chemistry between the H & h. I also appreciated that Coll had more depth than just being a surly Scot. The plot had some excitement and the mystery wasn't obvious in whodunit. Overall, a great story. *I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

I was drawn in by this absolutely gorgeous cover and clever title. I have seen Suzanne Enoch’s books on various book lists and as suggested books at my library but this is the first one I have actually read. I really should have sought out the first two books in the series. This is the third in a series and it seemingly picked up right where the previous one left off. For the first chapter or so I was very confused as to who these people all these people were. And because of that it made it bit hard for me to connect with Coll. I wish Coll would have grown more throughout the book. He was the stereotypical Scot in London that has been done so many times with nothing that really made him stand out to me. On the other hand, I absolutely adored Persephone. She was smart and independent, while still flawed.

This book was just okay for me. While a quick read, it seemed a bit slow. Considering the reveal of Persephone actually being a lady is in the description, it took until 56% of the way through for the reveal to actually happen. Looking at the other reviews on Goodreads I am clearly in the minority here. Maybe I’ll read the first two books, reread this one, and see if my opinion changes.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received a courtesy copy of the book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. I admit I started reading this book, mindful of the previous one from this series (which I gave 5 stars). I was anxiously awaiting for Coll's story, who needed to wed in order of not losing his family's land. Unfortunately the story was a bit slow. As a matter of fact it took me quite a while to read it perhaps because Persephone wasn't really the woman I had imagined in my mind for a hot-blooded Scotman like Coll. This is my only personal and subjective opinion but I was expecting something more enthralling. I gave this book a 3 star review because I like the author's way of writing and her capable skills on developing the story but this one in particular just didn't set off nothing inside of me.

I am not a big fan of SE’s highlander series. I find the brothers unappealing, and Coll is the worst. Although he says he isn’t, he comes off exactly as someone describes him “a man who walks with his hands”.

Big and brawny is not my cup of tea. One who thinks all Britts are fops, with nothing to back up the theory just makes my eyes roll. He is the worst highlander in London cliché.

The relationship with the heroine seemed entirely based on lust, there was no charm, I was not smitten. If I wasn’t reading this for NetGalley I would have abandoned the book before I reached midways.

It’s such a shame as I am a fan of SE’s other series.

1.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley for a arc copy. I love Suzanne Enoch's books and this is the perfect ending to the whole series. Loved this book and all the characters in the series.

Coll MacTaggart, Viscount Glendarril, is the eldest sibling. He must marry before his sister’s nuptials, or he will lose funding to his Scottish estate. Coll intends to find his own bride. While escaping his mother’s latest matchmaking, he happens upon Persephone Jones. The actress appears to be the answer to all of Coll’s needs. First, he needs to protect her against a mysterious threat. Can Coll keep Persephone safe? Will he risk everything to marry her? And what other trials must they overcome to be together?
Persephone Jones is a renowned actress. She has another identity; one she strives desperately to keep hidden. When incidents start to happen, Persephone turns to Coll for help. She offers to tutor him in gentleman courtship etiquette in exchange for protection. However, Persephone finds herself falling in love with the temperamental Highlander. Can Persephone trust Coll with all her secrets? Will her true identity be exposed to the public? Or are the accidents due to a curse?
Coll is my favorite MacTaggart. He has a strong sense of duty, especially to those who depend on him for their livelihood. I love Coll’s protective nature. He intentionally uses his height and brawn to frighten unwanted attention from Persephone instead of his title. I adore Coll’s intelligence. Most people assume he’s slow-witted due to his size and nationality. He is not afraid to play that role so others will underestimate him. What I admire the most about Coll is his decision to abstain from alcohol in public. He is well aware of his behavior while intoxicated, so he takes steps to spare his family and staff that side of him.
Persephone is no weak-willed heroine. She is a woman who learned to stand on her own two feet against public scrutiny in a time when women had few prospects. I adore how Persephone never once prejudged Coll based one his appearance or race. She treated him as she would any other. Persephone actually took the time to get to know the man beneath the façade. What I admire the most about Persephone is her bravado to escape an unwanted life. She willingly walked away from a privileged life and found her own path. Plus, Persephone did so on her own talents.
HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SCOT is book three in Suzanne Enoch’s historical romance series, WILD WICKED HIGHLANDERS. The story can standalone; however, to understand the overall situation, it is necessary to read the prior two books. My only nitpick is that there is no clear resolution between the Earl and Countess Aldriss, Coll’s parents. I wish the author would have spent time doing so. Unless, of course, she plans to do just that but, in a novella, or another book.
HIT ME WITH YOU BEST SCOT is an entertaining tale about two people finding what they need. I hope the author considers writing a book about Gavin, MacTaggert’s groom, as well as, Jane, Amy’s cousin, or possibly both.

Coll MacTaggert, Viscount Glendarril, has taken a very aggressive and annoyed stance against his mother, Lady Aldriss, who holds the purse strings to his Highland home where Coll is responsible for the livelihood and well being of many people. If he does not marry an English girl in the next four weeks, Coll’s darling mother will take away all financial support. One should never try to tell a Scotsman, especially a Highlander, what to do. To spite his mother as much as anything, Coll declares he will marry Persephone Jones, an actress on the stage who is the worst possible choice for maintaining a reputation with the Victorian era Ton. Coll is immediately drawn to this enigmatic woman who impresses him so much more that the hot-house flower English debutantes who are in want of a husband. Raised by his Laird father, Coll had not seen his mother for seventeen years until being summoned to London under threat. Coll is less than pleased to have such demands placed on him by a woman he believes heartlessly abandoned the family while absconding with their baby sister never to be heard from again.

Persephone Jones does not need a man to support her as unusual for the times, she is an independent woman although her chosen profession is not considered respectable. Persephone (an assumed name) wears many faces and disguises on and off the stage because she has a secret identity of a wealthy and titled past. Someone is out to do away with Persephone because of what she stands to inherent. Coll declares himself her protector and then fiancé causing much duress and upheaval for his mother and family. Persephone is equally attracted to Coll, but she does not want to be the reason for strife and discord in his family. When the threat to Persephone continues to escalate, Coll vows not only to protect her, but make Persephone his wife in truth.

Coll being the oldest and most obstinate of the three brothers, the bar is raised for his stubborn behavior as well as a bold and brash personality. Fans of the series will enjoy the resolution of the requirement that was set before the brothers by their mother to marry or else lose all financial support with the seemingly harsh condition they must wed only English girls before their young sister is wedding happens. Third of the Wild Wicked Highlanders series, this book has the romance, hi-jinks and humor of the first two stories involving the MacTaggert brothers.

Laird Angus McTaggart and Lady Francesca Aldiss started their life together with a fierce passion. But over time, Lady Aldiss can no longer tolerate the lifestyle of the Highlands and longs for her days in society living in London. After the birth of their daughter, Lady Aldiss tells her husband that he may keep their sons and raise them in the wilds, but she is taking their daughter to be raised amongst the cultured. Laird McTaggart, in great need of his wife’s large coffers, agrees to her terms—their three sons must all wed an English lass before their sister or she will cut off funding Clan Ross.

Fast forward 17 years, and the MacTaggert brothers find themselves at a loss when their father tells them of the agreement made with their mother. Coll, Aden, and Naill MacTaggert are determined no mother that abandoned them will dictate how they will live their lives, and descend upon Lady Aldiss with plans of their own. Alas, their mother will not budge, and after first Naill, then Aden finding love and marriage, Coll is left with the weight of the future of Clan Ross on his shoulders. Time is quickly running out for the heir to find a bride.

Coll is known to speak more with his fists than flowery words the lasses seem to want. With his rather large physique and gruff approach towards finding a bride, is starting to diminish the pool of prospects. Still not wanting his mother to dictate his choices, Coll once again flees the box seats at the theatre, only to meet an enchantress behind the stage. A beautiful, independent and headstrong female that is like none other he’s met since arriving in London. After helping her with a rather pushy admirer, Coll offers her his protection…and on her terms…

Well loved and famed actress Persephone Jones is startled by the sheer size of the Highlander behind stage. Even more so when he gives a too handsy admirer the boot…literally! So, when he offers to escort her home, she’s reluctant, but each time they meet, she grows more and more fond of the burly Highlander. So much so that she offers a trade—he can be her protector and she will assist him in finding a bride. When Persephone begins rehearsing “the Scottish play”, there are more and more accidents that put her life in jeopardy…accidents that has Coll insisting someone is out to kill her. But the one thing the would-be-killer did not take into account is the fierceness of a Highlander’s love for his lady…

Suzanne Enoch’s Hit Me with your Best Scot is a fun fast paced romance that I enjoyed and would recommend to lovers of this genre. I’ve so enjoyed the Wild Wicked Highlanders series! Each story may be read standalone, but trust me when I say you will be hooked no matter which you pick up first!


**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

While I really enjoyed Coll and his personality, Persephone fell a little flat for me. I liked her but it wasn't enough for me to enjoy her story. Story was a bit slower paced than what I typically enjoy. I got a bit tired of the constant mentioning of Coll's reasons and search for a bride. Wish it would have revolved around the "mystery" part of the story more.

“...and you are on my stage. Get off. Now.” Hit Me with Your Best Scot by Suzanne Enoch

3 stars. Had to get my other old old historical romance pocketbooks out for this post. 😂 Felt right. Though really what’s with the titles of historical romance books playing with the titles of popular songs? I like the play with the words, I do. But they’re being done by so many authors now. Meh.

Anyway, I know I read the 2nd book of this trilogy, which ends with this book.

And it’s ok. Fun, light, nothing to get worked up about, a little danger, a little drama, a modern woman (for the setting) and a hardheaded lord.

Love Persephone’s name. A name she chose herself. Interesting character. She’s a nice twist to the formula and kept me reading the book. I’ve started on a couple of books of the same genre this year, only to give up after a few chapters. Persephone kept me curious about her and her relationship with the Earl.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press (St. Martin’s Paoerbacks) for the advance copy of this book.

I love highlanders in kilts speaking with a brogue so I was excited to receive this ARC. I had never read anything by this author before and I realized this was book 3 in this trilogy. Since I wanted to be able to evaluate the story to the best of my abilities, I did read books 1 & 2 prior to reading this one. I enjoyed book 1 and loved book 2.

This story was a bit different from the first two books, which was good. Although the premise remained the same, that all three brothers had to marry English ladies as a result of an agreement between their parents, Coll's story went along a different path to find his HEA with Persie.

Coll was a favorite character in the first books so I looked forward to reading his story. The giant mountain of a Scotsman needed a bride who was not afraid of him or afraid to stand up to him. He also was still full of resentment against his parents, particularly his mother, for putting him in the position to have to marry with little say in the matter.

Persie was a successful, self-made woman who ran away from her past. She is intelligent and independent, not to mention a famous actress. They did become intimate a little quick for my taste in a romance, but neither was looking for forever at that time in the story and it did help to move the plot along. When its discovered that Persie may be in danger, Coll became the protective highlander us fans dream of, but he never strong armed her or made decisions for her, and still respected her independence. I did foresee Percie's true society standing early in the book as the only way the could end up together, and I was fine with that. I thought her "coming out" near the end was spectacular.

The villain was a little lackluster, and it took almost to the very end of the book to find out who it was. And then, no one really knew much about the person. So we never really got an explanation of why this person acted so horribly. Money can make people do horrible things, but a better explanation would've been welcome. I also wish there was a bit more between Coll's parents at the end. Some things were resolved, and they both admitted they made mistakes. But it was also very obvious they still cared about each other. After seeing each other for the first time in 17 years I wanted to see a little more from them. All three books led the reader to believe that the brothers would be spending time in both London and the Highlands in the future, which was exactly what their mother wanted and something her husband would not give her.

This was a great finish to this trilogy full of sexy Highlanders, strong women, kilts, true love, suspense, humor, and a stuffed deer, and one I highly recommend to any historical romance fan.