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MacDonell Brides #2
My Devilish Scotsman
From acclaimed author Jen Holling comes the second novel in a sensual new trilogy full of passion and intrigue about a trio of sisters with the remarkable gift of witchcraft. Gillian MacDonell has always felt lacking because, unlike her sisters, she did not inherit any mystical powers. But when her father arranges a match with notorious Nicholas Lyon, Earl of Kincreag -- a Scotsman rumored to have murdered his wife -- strange visions plague her like never before. From Gillian's first moment inside Kincreag Castle, she is filled with foreboding and when attempts are made on her life, she fears the rumors may be true. But their passion burns bright and Nicholas's cold heart starts to melt. Will his desire for her turn to wrath when he learns that she's really a witch after all?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
11 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Jen Holling
15 books73 followersJen Holling lives in Oklahoma with her two children, boyfriend, and pets. She spent six years in the Air Force and holds degrees in electronics and behavioral studies. Her interests include reading, exercise, hiking, movies, music, and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 16, 2020
Liked this a little less then the last one but I really enjoyed it anyway. The series is one of the few historical romances I enjoy a lot, always found my self not enjoying them as much as I hoped but this series is something else. Don't find it too dramatic or extreme
dnf
June 7, 2023Putting this on hold because I am not about to read a book with a shitty male love interest during PRIDEEE
July 27, 2015
This book is a rather unusual read. I usually stay away from novels with paranormal elements. But occasionally I can read a witchy or fairy book. The entire series is about how 3 witches found love. I was curious so downloaded one of them.
I like the writing a lot. It is not a chore to follow through. That helped me with the paranormal sections.
Nicholas was the unfortunate jilted groom from the heroine of the first book. Now he is to be paired with the 2nd sister, Gillian. Their encounter was rather uneventful. Looking back, I don't think there was anything remarkable about it. What I liked the best about the book was Nicholas. He was supposed to be dark and evil and he was. But his interactions with Gillian made it all up.
Because it was a rather pleasant read I gave 4 stars. In terms of content I think this is a 3 stars book. It could have been a great book. I really enjoyed it and did not want to stop reading it. A few things to add:
1. Love potion: they are witches mind you. What is a witch without a love potion? I was exasperated reading about Gillian giving Nicholas a love potion. I would so hate her if I were Nicholas. Nicholas being the suspicous man that he was did not drink it but made Gillian think that he did. That saved this idiotic plot for me. But come on! A love potion was really testing my paranormal-averse boundaries.
2. All the paranormal elements: I knew what I was getting into so I was prepared for it. But I skim-read when they went on and on about witchcraft and ghosts. I think I am with Nicholas on this.
3. Nicholas: I like him. haha. (secret smiles)
4. Gillian: kind of blah but at least she was calm and was not angry a lot.
I like the writing a lot. It is not a chore to follow through. That helped me with the paranormal sections.
Nicholas was the unfortunate jilted groom from the heroine of the first book. Now he is to be paired with the 2nd sister, Gillian. Their encounter was rather uneventful. Looking back, I don't think there was anything remarkable about it. What I liked the best about the book was Nicholas. He was supposed to be dark and evil and he was. But his interactions with Gillian made it all up.
Because it was a rather pleasant read I gave 4 stars. In terms of content I think this is a 3 stars book. It could have been a great book. I really enjoyed it and did not want to stop reading it. A few things to add:
1. Love potion: they are witches mind you. What is a witch without a love potion? I was exasperated reading about Gillian giving Nicholas a love potion. I would so hate her if I were Nicholas. Nicholas being the suspicous man that he was did not drink it but made Gillian think that he did. That saved this idiotic plot for me. But come on! A love potion was really testing my paranormal-averse boundaries.
2. All the paranormal elements: I knew what I was getting into so I was prepared for it. But I skim-read when they went on and on about witchcraft and ghosts. I think I am with Nicholas on this.
3. Nicholas: I like him. haha. (secret smiles)
4. Gillian: kind of blah but at least she was calm and was not angry a lot.
January 30, 2013
This one was not quite as enjoyable as the last. I kept trying to like the guy, but he was just so lacking I found it quite difficult. I adored the girl, found her to be clever, charming, adoring, loyal, quite believable. I just couldn't feel much for the guy, other than distaste and disappointment and despair until the very end. I did enjoy their romance though. Especially when he finally confronted her about her ridiculous 'deception' from the beginning, of course that was immediately followed with a deception of his own. Adding the growing list of things I did not like about him.
In this volume the girl discovers a HUGE clue to the evil that is making her father sick, but for some unknown reason, doesn't connect the dots. And then she loses the clue, most likely so that the sister who is a seer doesn't ever touch it and discover the plot that seems to drag on forever.
The sex was more than the previous book, still mostly good and actually in believable spots. After reading sex where it's not inserted inappropriately just to get it into the book, I may never return to Gena Showalter books. The story had a nice pace, I enjoyed it overall. The only real negative is the illness that supposedly concerns everyone, yet no one is discussing, no one is looking for explanations and no one is putting the overly obvious clues together or even in context. So aggravating! Especially since all three sisters are supposed to be clever.
In this volume the girl discovers a HUGE clue to the evil that is making her father sick, but for some unknown reason, doesn't connect the dots. And then she loses the clue, most likely so that the sister who is a seer doesn't ever touch it and discover the plot that seems to drag on forever.
The sex was more than the previous book, still mostly good and actually in believable spots. After reading sex where it's not inserted inappropriately just to get it into the book, I may never return to Gena Showalter books. The story had a nice pace, I enjoyed it overall. The only real negative is the illness that supposedly concerns everyone, yet no one is discussing, no one is looking for explanations and no one is putting the overly obvious clues together or even in context. So aggravating! Especially since all three sisters are supposed to be clever.
May 27, 2011
Great book! One of the best books i've read in a while. It drew me and didn't let go, I didn't want to put it down. I would definately recommend this book. I enjoyed the storyline. It had suspense, drama, and comedy. I also enjoyed the paranormal part of it, the witchcraft, the ghosts. Very interesting book.
March 24, 2025
Honestly very entertaining— thought Gillian was a bit doe-eyed and Nicholas was a lot too dark and brooding for my tastes. Plus, Scottish books are always a plus because I can practice my (terrible) accent! Thank you jordan I love you
October 27, 2020
Jen Holling has written some of my favorite books, this triology is my all time favorite. Great heroines, heros, and story that keeps you wanting to read more!
February 3, 2022
Really enjoyed these characters!
August 23, 2023
good LORD I LOVED THIS BOOK LMAO it was so fun, so funky, so fresh.
September 10, 2015
From Amazon:
In Holling's superb trilogy, it's 1597, and Scotland is no place for witches. After Alan MacDonell's wife was burned at the stake, he sent his three daughters away. Now he is dying and sends three escorts to bring them back to marry men he believes will protect them from the witch hysteria.Gillian is now to marry Nicholas Lyon, the powerful Earl of Kincreag. In their story, My Devilish Scotsman, Gillian is drawn to Nicholas and anxious to be a good countess since she has no discernable powers. Nicholas promised his best friend, Alan, he would marry one of his daughters, and that's all there is to it, but Gillian sneaks through his defenses. Then, just as he lets down his guard, Gillian discovers that she has powers as a necromancer, one who can speak with the dead.
Medieval Scotland comes to life in Holling's tantalizing trilogy, and each book is moving and engrossing, as each tormented hero is saved, not by the powers of the MacDonell sisters but by their love. Through her alluring characters, Holling celebrates the triumph of good over evil, especially in dangerous times, and no one should miss these fine romances.
Lately, I've taken to reading a lot of Scottish Highland romances, and I had read the first book in this series, My Wicked Highlander/i> *rolls eyes at the titles* and judged it okay. It was one of the first Scottish romances I had read, so I didn't have much to compare it to. Since then I've read many, and again, my reaction to this book is "It's okay." As far as Medieval Scotland comes to life, no it did not. In fact, I didn't even realize it took place in the 16th century, until I read the blurb of it from Amazon (Booklist). This book could have taken place in the 12th century or 17th century for all I knew.
This story is about the middle daughter, Gillian, a brown haired beauty (of course) who marries Nicholas, who has a reputation for being cruel and unforgiving and rumor has it, he murdered his first wife by pushing her off a cliff. But, he's dashingly good looking in a Darcy-esque kind of way and she falls in love with him and he with her in no time. I did find their courtship amusing, in particular concerning a love potion she tries to give him and inadvertently winds up inside the pet dog who spends the rest of the time in the book chasing after her, licking, jumping up on her, and ultimately saving her life at one point. But, despite a few amusing episodes, the book was somewhat lackluster and a trifle dull.
Gillian is just not all that interesting a heroine, and Nicholas (who is really the son of a pirate that raped his mother) reminds me a little of Darcy. Always brooding, doesn't smile or talk much, feels he's above it all (he's an Earl), so I kind of like him, despite his bad temper - but what does he see in Gillian, apart from her lovely swaying hips and heaving breasts? Gillian, compared to her two sisters is the weakest of them all. Nicholas is naturally wary because his first wife cuckolded him and then tried to poison him, he doesn't want that to happen again in his second wife! But, I feel like he fell for her much too easily and quickly and couldn't understand why - she's so drippy! Even the sex is a bit ho-hum.
Overall, if you like witchy romances, you'd probably like this book (I'm not into witches). I found the outcome predictable and guessed who was behind the mysterious deaths and poisonings and I'm pretty positive I know what is the mysterious illness that is killing their father. But, despite my feeling for this book, I'll read the 3rd in the trilogy about her younger sister, Rose, who is definitely more interesting and based on her looks, could be Jamie Fraser's (Outlander) little sister!
In Holling's superb trilogy, it's 1597, and Scotland is no place for witches. After Alan MacDonell's wife was burned at the stake, he sent his three daughters away. Now he is dying and sends three escorts to bring them back to marry men he believes will protect them from the witch hysteria.Gillian is now to marry Nicholas Lyon, the powerful Earl of Kincreag. In their story, My Devilish Scotsman, Gillian is drawn to Nicholas and anxious to be a good countess since she has no discernable powers. Nicholas promised his best friend, Alan, he would marry one of his daughters, and that's all there is to it, but Gillian sneaks through his defenses. Then, just as he lets down his guard, Gillian discovers that she has powers as a necromancer, one who can speak with the dead.
Medieval Scotland comes to life in Holling's tantalizing trilogy, and each book is moving and engrossing, as each tormented hero is saved, not by the powers of the MacDonell sisters but by their love. Through her alluring characters, Holling celebrates the triumph of good over evil, especially in dangerous times, and no one should miss these fine romances.
Lately, I've taken to reading a lot of Scottish Highland romances, and I had read the first book in this series, My Wicked Highlander/i> *rolls eyes at the titles* and judged it okay. It was one of the first Scottish romances I had read, so I didn't have much to compare it to. Since then I've read many, and again, my reaction to this book is "It's okay." As far as Medieval Scotland comes to life, no it did not. In fact, I didn't even realize it took place in the 16th century, until I read the blurb of it from Amazon (Booklist). This book could have taken place in the 12th century or 17th century for all I knew.
This story is about the middle daughter, Gillian, a brown haired beauty (of course) who marries Nicholas, who has a reputation for being cruel and unforgiving and rumor has it, he murdered his first wife by pushing her off a cliff. But, he's dashingly good looking in a Darcy-esque kind of way and she falls in love with him and he with her in no time. I did find their courtship amusing, in particular concerning a love potion she tries to give him and inadvertently winds up inside the pet dog who spends the rest of the time in the book chasing after her, licking, jumping up on her, and ultimately saving her life at one point. But, despite a few amusing episodes, the book was somewhat lackluster and a trifle dull.
Gillian is just not all that interesting a heroine, and Nicholas (who is really the son of a pirate that raped his mother) reminds me a little of Darcy. Always brooding, doesn't smile or talk much, feels he's above it all (he's an Earl), so I kind of like him, despite his bad temper - but what does he see in Gillian, apart from her lovely swaying hips and heaving breasts? Gillian, compared to her two sisters is the weakest of them all. Nicholas is naturally wary because his first wife cuckolded him and then tried to poison him, he doesn't want that to happen again in his second wife! But, I feel like he fell for her much too easily and quickly and couldn't understand why - she's so drippy! Even the sex is a bit ho-hum.
Overall, if you like witchy romances, you'd probably like this book (I'm not into witches). I found the outcome predictable and guessed who was behind the mysterious deaths and poisonings and I'm pretty positive I know what is the mysterious illness that is killing their father. But, despite my feeling for this book, I'll read the 3rd in the trilogy about her younger sister, Rose, who is definitely more interesting and based on her looks, could be Jamie Fraser's (Outlander) little sister!
August 15, 2025
The last thing the hero wants is to be saddled to another wife-even one as beautiful at the heroine. But when his dying friend calls in a favor for the hero to marry his youngest daughter, he can't refuse. Betrayed by his first wife and grieving his dead son, the hero is at first cold and standoffish. His deep distrust of women is justified but he's having a hard time disliking his new betrothed. The heroine really wants to marry the Earl for 3 reasons. First off, it's her dying fathers wish and she would do anything to please him. Secondly, she really wants to be a countess. And lastly, it's either the Earl or the Frenchman and there's no way she'll move to France. She's enraptured by her new husband. He's handsome and strong but cold and distrusting of everything she does. But when they travel to her new home, she begins to see a new side of him. He's soft and tender and begins to treat her with love. So, when it becomes apparently that someone is trying to kill her, he must do what he can to protect her. Despite the fact that rumors still swirl around that he killed his first wife and that her family still think he trying to hill her, the heroine is never in doubt about his feelings for her. He doesn't believe in magic or ghosts-doesn't believe that his new wife is a witch- but what will he do if the supernatural is the only way to save her life?
I thought this is be a great book. The heroine was horribly naïve and ignorant of the world around her. Her mother was burned at the stake for witchcraft but she insists on practicing her newly discovered magic at her peril. I found it frustrating that she would do such a thing-especially in a new place where people aren't so forgiving of witches. I could understand that hero's irritation at her insistence to blame everything on the supernatural when there are very real dangers in living people. But in the scheme of things he was tolerant of his wife's quirks because he loved her, only wanting what's best for her and getting angry when she puts her life in danger. I thought this was a good story albeit slow at times. The ending kicked it up but until that point I found the plot and the overall slow pace of your typical historical romance to be lacking in excitement and conflict. The hero sort of faded off for me during the middle, losing, I felt, a bit of his charisma. The major lack luster factor about this book was that there was very little tension between the characters after the married and slept together. Over all, I enjoyed this book but thinking back to My Shadow Warrior (Rose's story) and remembering the passion and the excitement of that story and how much I loved it, sort of put a damper on this story. I don't feel it measured up to the next book in the series. But, this was still a lovely book. Just less grand.
I thought this is be a great book. The heroine was horribly naïve and ignorant of the world around her. Her mother was burned at the stake for witchcraft but she insists on practicing her newly discovered magic at her peril. I found it frustrating that she would do such a thing-especially in a new place where people aren't so forgiving of witches. I could understand that hero's irritation at her insistence to blame everything on the supernatural when there are very real dangers in living people. But in the scheme of things he was tolerant of his wife's quirks because he loved her, only wanting what's best for her and getting angry when she puts her life in danger. I thought this was a good story albeit slow at times. The ending kicked it up but until that point I found the plot and the overall slow pace of your typical historical romance to be lacking in excitement and conflict. The hero sort of faded off for me during the middle, losing, I felt, a bit of his charisma. The major lack luster factor about this book was that there was very little tension between the characters after the married and slept together. Over all, I enjoyed this book but thinking back to My Shadow Warrior (Rose's story) and remembering the passion and the excitement of that story and how much I loved it, sort of put a damper on this story. I don't feel it measured up to the next book in the series. But, this was still a lovely book. Just less grand.
January 10, 2010
My Devilish Scotsman is Jen Holling's second book in her Brides of the Bloodstone trilogy. (The first is My Wicked Highlander.)
The trilogy follows the story of three sisters (each one with their own book). Two of the sisters are witches, but, the middle one, Gillian, is without any powers. It's a scary time to live in Scotland. Witch burnings are happening everywhere, and anyone can be a witch, even the neighbor's dog!
The girl's father had sent them away, to each live seperatly, where it would less dangerous after their own mother had been burned at the stake. Now, their father is deathly ill and he calls them all home. The girls haven't seen each other in years, and soon they will be leaving each other's company again. Their father has called them home so he could get them wed off. Once wed, they will have a husband to protect them, and he can die knowing his girls are safe.
In My Devilish Scotsman, the eldest sister, Isobel, has already been wed off. She has married a knight she fell in love with, instead of the man her father picked out. Now, the man once scorn by Isobel, is to wed her younger sister, Gillian. Gillian isn't nervous to wed Lord Nicholas Lyon, twelfth earl of Kincreag. The man is said to have murdered his previous wife, but Gillian knows it can't be so. Why would he be her father's best friend if it were such?
Gillian finds her earl to be a beautiful man. He might be a bit rough around the edges, but Gillian is sure she can polish him up. But, what happens when Gillian finds out she is a witch, one that can see and speak to the dead? And, what will happen when Nicholas's first wife shows up from beyond the grave?
I was so excited to finally get this book! It was wonderful and I'm making my mother read it right now. :) The characters were great, the plot was well thought out, and Jen Holling had me laughing like a fool! If you like Historicals and Highlanders, then you will love this book!
The trilogy follows the story of three sisters (each one with their own book). Two of the sisters are witches, but, the middle one, Gillian, is without any powers. It's a scary time to live in Scotland. Witch burnings are happening everywhere, and anyone can be a witch, even the neighbor's dog!
The girl's father had sent them away, to each live seperatly, where it would less dangerous after their own mother had been burned at the stake. Now, their father is deathly ill and he calls them all home. The girls haven't seen each other in years, and soon they will be leaving each other's company again. Their father has called them home so he could get them wed off. Once wed, they will have a husband to protect them, and he can die knowing his girls are safe.
In My Devilish Scotsman, the eldest sister, Isobel, has already been wed off. She has married a knight she fell in love with, instead of the man her father picked out. Now, the man once scorn by Isobel, is to wed her younger sister, Gillian. Gillian isn't nervous to wed Lord Nicholas Lyon, twelfth earl of Kincreag. The man is said to have murdered his previous wife, but Gillian knows it can't be so. Why would he be her father's best friend if it were such?
Gillian finds her earl to be a beautiful man. He might be a bit rough around the edges, but Gillian is sure she can polish him up. But, what happens when Gillian finds out she is a witch, one that can see and speak to the dead? And, what will happen when Nicholas's first wife shows up from beyond the grave?
I was so excited to finally get this book! It was wonderful and I'm making my mother read it right now. :) The characters were great, the plot was well thought out, and Jen Holling had me laughing like a fool! If you like Historicals and Highlanders, then you will love this book!
May 23, 2011
Finished the second book in the MacDonell Brides Trilogy and loved it as much as the third. Due to the availability of the books at my library I've had to read the trilogy backwards. While they would have been better read the correct way I didn't find myself confused or lost. I loved these two characters as much as I did the two in the third book. They were not perfect but that is what I loved most about them. Can't wait to read the first book and the others by an author who has quickly become one of my favorites.
March 2, 2012
I just loved Nicholas! He was dark and mysterious at first. With rumors surrounding him and it just made him so sexy! Then when he took Gillian to see the wolves I was taken with him, so sweet. Then the way he held her at her mother's grave, it made him appear so human. But what got me was when he came outta the fog and rescued her, I was totally lost in him from then on. Even once he turned all soft, I still just loved him. Great character. Gillian was also a great character also. Wasn't really bitchy or anything. All around great book, can't wait to read book 3.
October 8, 2007
09/11/05 #159
TITLE/AUTHOR: MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN by Jen Holling
RATING: 4.5/B+
GENRE/PUB DATE/# OF PGS: Romance, 2005, 356 pgs
COMMENTS: Historical/Paranormal romance -- 2nd in a trilogy. 3 sisters who are witches, different powers. Gillian has the ability to see ghosts and communicate w/ them. Fun story and a nice romance.
December 16, 2009
First let me say that this is the second book in a trilogy so be warned if you did not know.
I really did like this book I read it all in one day and was just sucked into the story. Gillie and her sisters are amazing women and fun to read about. I DID find Nicholas's change of hard a little sudden but overall I liked the story.
I really did like this book I read it all in one day and was just sucked into the story. Gillie and her sisters are amazing women and fun to read about. I DID find Nicholas's change of hard a little sudden but overall I liked the story.
February 21, 2014
Like the first "MacDonnell Brides" book, this paranormal Scottish romance novel satisfies in pretty much all ways except one: the foreshadowing is way too heavy-handed so that the reader is watching the characters fumble around in the dark, just waiting for them to catch up. That said, I still couldn't put it down and am eager to read the third installment!
September 16, 2016
Another Scottish love story/mystery/witchcraft effort. Pretty good, and the second in a trilogy about 3 sisters who all have "powers". Because I love historical romances set in Scotland, I loved it. Others may find it quite unbelievable........
December 19, 2010
The second book in the MacDonell Brides trilogy was hard to put down. Not as sensual as the first but the storyline was better. Looking forward to the last book.
Plot = A
Romance = B
Sensuality = B
BOOK = B+
Plot = A
Romance = B
Sensuality = B
BOOK = B+
Read
July 27, 2011Gillian is to marry Nicholas, a man believed to have killed his first wife. She does not belive that. She loves him. Little did they know, but someone was not dead.
A very good story.
A very good story.
July 29, 2011
It was amazing, I love the first book because of the romance, I loved this book because of the plot, I hope I love the next book just as much
March 2, 2012
Gillian has inherited no magic until she discovers she can speak to the dead, Marries Nicholas with a haunted castle.
September 17, 2014
This was my favorite of the series. A must read. Gillian and Nicholas.
September 20, 2013
love love love!
September 26, 2015
Loved it! i was so excited to read in the previous book that Nicholas will make another appearance and this time as the H. Really loved Gillian getting her powers back. Cant wait to read about Rose
April 8, 2016
Magic and love - what could be better?
May 4, 2008
Book 2 in series. Good.
May 15, 2009
More fun fluff from Jen Holling....more saucy than the first one!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews