Wild Scottish Rose

The Enchanted Highlands #4

by Tricia O'Malley

Is a rose without its thorns any less beautiful?

Shona Scott would much rather putter in her garden than deal with brides that get hysterical over floral arrangements. Fed up, she quits the wedding business and renovates a small cottage on her property for holiday rentals. Without the weddings crowding her calendar, Shona will finally get some time to explore a newfound talent. An unexplainable one, at that.

Owen Williams lands in Scotland for a family wedding, only to prolong his trip after his best friend has a terrifying accident on the waters of Loch Mirren. A documentary filmmaker, Owen’s quest for the truth drives him to Loren Brae, determined to uncover the secrets of what lies in the loch. When Owen books Shona’s cottage, he’s thrust into an unexpected attraction for the beautiful gardener who is determined to keep him at arm’s length.

As Shona’s magic unfolds, she must do everything in her power to hide the secrets of Loren Brae from Owen, even if it means ignoring her own heart.

Can love bloom if the seed is planted with doubt?

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Audiobook, Magic, Paranormal, Scotland, Fiction

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2024

About the author

As an award winning NY Times, USA Today, and WSJ bestselling author, Tricia O’Malley’s infectious joy in writing romance with an added dash of the magical has touched hearts around the world. With over three million books read, O’Malley’s stories have been translated into several languages and enjoy a devoted following. Tricia O’Malley is a native of Wisconsin, and departed the wintry tundra for warmer locales five years ago. She now lives in the Caribbean with her handsome Scotsman.

An avid scuba diver, Tricia spends much of her time underwater dreaming up new stories while photographing the beautiful sea life. Tricia loves fun vacation reads, believes in mermaids, and has a serious travel addiction. She discovers her inspiration on the go – and you’ll find her books set in beautiful settings with characters who deserve a happily-ever-after.

To see some of her underwater or island life photos visit her on Facebook, Instagram, or join her mailing list at www.triciaomalley.com

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Scottish Rose by Tricia O’Malley
The Enchanted Highlands series #4. Magical Scottish romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. World building flows through all the books as do a few of the characters.
Shona Scott has had enough of supplying flowers for weddings and decides to renovate a cottage on her property to earn money. Her first rental is to Owen Williams who is investigating his friend’s story of water horses that dragged him under the loch. Owen is a filmmaker and determined to catch anything unusual in Loren Brae.
When a garden gnome starts talking to Shona, her life takes a turn to the magical. And while she can’t control what magical beings show themselves to Owen, she does know those creatures cannot be shared with the world.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this story, narrated by Amy Landon and Will Watt who do the full series. Both narrators bring an enthusiasm to the story that draws the reader in to the Scotland Highlands with “coo” other magical creatures. The performance includes characters with a Scottish accent as well as from the States. I did have to slow down a bit from my preferred speed to understand some of the Scottish dialog. It was a wonderful and entertaining performance with clear emphasis on emotions and the magical.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an enjoyable read. There are numerous laughs and plenty of fun to be had if ya just want a delectable read. Watch out for hedgehogs though.

[Meghan 🍄 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Tricia O’Malley and the publisher for an ARC of this bad boy!

Look, I will always give this series a 5⭐️/5⭐️. HOWEVER, I’m upset that there was hardly any Clyde in this book 😭 Seriously, the ghost coo is my favorite character in this entire series, though now tied for second place right next to Sir Buster is Gnorman.

Anyway, all in all, I’m still just as obsessed with Loren Brae as I was before reading 💕

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tricia really knows how to create a whimsical and romantic world. I love everything about Loren Brea; between the myths and fantastical creatures it is amazing. She does such a great job with her characters. They're all so loveable. I was buying over the gnomes! I can not wait for the next one!

[Bookishandbrewsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shona is a garden witch. Although she isn’t quite sure about that, and isn’t about to admit it to anyone.

Owen is an American filmmaker, enchanted by Loren Brae’s beauties and mysteries.. One particular beautiful mystery to be exact.

If you’ve never read any of the enchanted highlands books then I have to wonder what in FERNS sake are you doing? Not only is it about Scotland, but it has Magick, strong powerful women, ghost cows (coos), kitchen elves, kelpies, gnomes and adorable little hedgies.

This story follows Shona as she tries to discover and embrace her magic all while trying not to fall for Owen and keep the magic from him so he doesn’t expose Loch Brae.

Aside from the adorable romance Gnorman the gnome and Eugene really steal the show. I eat everything that Tricia writes up and this was no exception.

[B (ReadLikeB) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC but all thoughts are my own.

Every book for this series has been a winner so far, but this one might take the cake! I mean, a familiar who's a garden gnome named Gnorman and a freaking hedgehog army?! Shona is the star this time around and discovers she's a garden witch! Owen, her MMC, is a documentary film maker who wants to get to the bottom of this Kelpie business.

I really enjoyed this story. Gnorman was such a grumpy delight and I loved how Shona had no issues being a grump right back at him when needed. And Eugene the hedgehog?! What an adorable little critter. Eugene shows that hero's can come in all shapes, sizes, and species! Plus of course we had Clyde show up again, scaring the dickens out of people. I liked how complicated Owen was as a character and that he had no issues showing Shona how much he liked her or was attracted to her. Shona was amazing as well, putting herself in harms way to try and protect someone she cared about, and watching her come into her powers was great. It makes me want to go home and start talking to my plants to see if I have any magic of my own!

As always, the romance and spice fit well with the story. Seeing the characters from the previous stories is always a treat, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant] · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ Oh, to be a Scottish Garden Fairy!

This audiobook was so cute. I did read book #3 of The Enchanted Highlands Series as well, so it's not like I'm absolutely out of the loop... but the fact that real magical things are going on in this world is such a shock every time!

I just never expected it. I don't think they give enough importance in the blurb of the book to the fact that this is a fantasy book, even if it's set in Scotland and it's about a Wedding Florist / Gardener who falls in love with the big-shot Hollywood director who comes to stay in her holiday rental.

It sounds like your run-of-the-mill small-town rom-com! And then it's so shocking to see the ghosty coo or the FMC just bibbidi-bobbidi in her greenhouse. Don't get me wrong, I did genuinely like this book, probably even more than the last book I read in the series. I love audiobooks where the narrators do all the appropriate accents. It heightens the overall experience immensely.

🌶🌶.5 / 5 - Not super intense, but definitely some good stuff! There was so much chemistry between the MCs. I loved them!

[Sierra | FictionalWanderluster · Rating 4 out of 5]

”We all learn differently.”

🌹 Rom-Com
🌹 Myths and Magic
🌹 Small Scottish Town
🌹 Cottage Core
🌹 Opposites Attract
🌹 Airbnb Tenant x Owner
🌹 He Falls First
🌹 Close Proximity
🌹 Burly Garden Gnome and adorable Hedgie
🌹 Banter and Garden Puns

This is the 4th book in the Enchanted Highlands series and follows Shona Scott and Owen Williams. Shona learns she is a garden witch and the next one to be inducted into the fabled and secretive Order of Caledonia. As she comes into her powers, she interacts with her first Airbnb tenant, Owen, whom she met previously at a wedding she was hired for. Owen is in Loren Brae to uncover the mysterious Kelpies after his friend was attacked in Loch Mirren. He has to battle his quest for knowledge and his blossoming feelings for Shona while she is trying to save Loren Brae from being exposed and exploited.

Och this series keeps getting better! I’m addicted to the village of Loren Brae and all of its people and magickal creatures! Shona is such a delight in this book and I enjoyed reading about her coming into her magical abilities, her clumsy mishaps, and her use of gardening puns! Shona’s altruism and protectiveness towards her town as she completes her challenges is truly heartwarming. The chemistry between her and Owen feels so natural and fun that you can’t help but root for them! (Pun intended).

Owen is in Loren Brae purely on a journalistic expedition and finds himself hitting roadblocks from the town. But as he warms his way into the hearts of the people and starts to become one of the “lads”, he also starts falling for Shona and her desire to keep the town safe. Owen does have deep seated relationship issues that he has to work out before both sides can learn to trust each other.

One of my fave things about this series is that all of the characters are multidimensional and have great depth. They all have some personal issue they need to confront, which makes them that much more relatable.

This book also had me cackling over Shona’s gnome familiar, the cantankerous and burly Gnorman (“the G is silent”), and the army of hedgehogs. Shoutout to my fave hedgie, Eugene! I love G’s use of flower themed words that took the place of a certain f curse word. “For fern’s sake” is a fave! Tricia, can we please get a bonus scene of Gnorman and Eugene hijinks?! I love them 🥹

Thank you so much to Tricia for the advanced copy in return for my honest review! ❤️

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️.5 🎧

This is book 4 in this series, and it's my favourite! I loved each book for different reasons, but this one really just got me in the feels. It was also witty and whimsical, with that hint of vulnerability.

Shona is coming into her power, and she is learning along the way. She gets a little help from her garden Gnome, but Norman the G is silent. I am giggling as I type that.
Norman, aka G, gets the hedgehogs involved, and they create a hedgehog army to keep the critters away. It's all very magical, whimsy, and a little silly, but in the best of ways.

Own is in Scotland for a wedding and happens to be there when his best friend has a terrible water accident. His friend asks him to look into the myths surrounding the Loch.

The met cute was adorable and fun. Their connection sparks from the pages. They are learning about one another but also about themselves. Their love story just blooms so sweetly.

I adored the narration. Amy and Will do an incredible job giving this book that extra touch of magic. I highly recommend it.

[Jaynelle Dessirae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes/Themes:

Forced Proximity
He falls first
Found Family
Banter
Small Town in Scotland
Magic
Secret Society
Clyde the Coo
Gnomes

Thoughts:

This is the fourth book in this world that I have read- and they just make me so happy. I love the community that Tricia has created in Loren Brae- I wish it was a real place.
Owen and Shona’s relationship was adorable. I loved how Owen paid attention to what Shona liked and then gave her little presents all the time. I love gift givving so this resonated with me.
The GNOMES - I am obsessed with gnomes and I loved them in this book. Also the hedgies made me just so happy.
I liked the component of Owen’s relationship with his mom and how that morphed throughout the book.
I am patiently waiting for a book about Agnes and Graham.
I think Shona's hesitancy to tell Owen about all the magical aspects of her life was valid. I mean they didn't know each other very long but then I do understand him being upset about her not telling him about her abilities.
I like how the other characters welcomed Owen once they realized that he was there and genuinely cared about Shona.

[RexyReads22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️ 0.5🌶
.
.
.
"For Fern sake!" I think im in my Fantasy Romcom Era! ✨️📚💕♥️
And @triciaomalleyauthor is the center of it! I LOVED this story! Shona and Owen are so adorable, and their adventure in this book made me giggle, smile, and swoon! GNORMAN AND Eugene are also the best little side characters ever! I literally just received the first two books in the series in the mail, and I can't wait to gobble them up!

[Claire Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and magickal

Another cute, cheesy, easy read from the 4th in the series. This focuses on Shona and Owen. I really loved the comedy aspect, especially Gnorman the Gnome and the hedgehog army. Owen and Shona were complicated characters, and I liked how they didn't just sleep with each other right away. Shonas magic was also cool . So the downside is that it's so predictable. There is a definite formula that Tricia o Malley follows, and it works, but it can be a little repetitive.

[Brianna Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Shona’s secret powers and also secretly wish I had special floral and growing abilities. Owen proves himself as completely trustworthy though and she still doesn’t trust him. He’s so great and it takes her almost losing him to realize that.

[Katyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly loved this one. For the first book since book 1, I really liked both the FMC and MMC (Owen was a little rough very early on, but that quickly shook off), and I had so much sympathy for the circumstances they were stuck in.

They were both fabulous, the overall story remains great, and we got a fun secondary cast of magical beings in this one. Really sweet, light, fun read.

[Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y'all, if you love cozy fantasy/paranormal, @triciaomalleyauthor's Enchanted Highlands series is just THE BEST. I've enjoyed every book in the series so far, and Wild Scottish Rose is no different. If you want to be immersed in the Scottish Highlands with a cute, low angst romance between a garden witch and an American filmmaker (featuring a cheeky gnome and an adorable hedgehog 🦔), you are going to want to pick this book up IMMEDIATELY!

I'm always a fan of he falls first, and Owen is into Shona from the first time he sees her. While he can be a flirt, I love that he makes it crystal clear that he wants Shona despite her (self-perceived) flaws. He's also incredibly helpful and thoughtful - literally the perfect book boyfriend, despite his uncertainties about love from his past. Shona is also a breath of fresh air. She's a bit of a klutz and seems insecure, but she's also confident about what she likes - her beautiful garden, fancy lingerie 😏, and Owen. Though this story does have some instalove/instalust, Shona and Owen’s actual relationship develops pretty organically, something I appreciate. There's tons of tension as they work through their feelings, and when the spice finally hits, it's just so perfect.

I think Shona's garden witch powers might be my favorite of the series so far. And Gnorman the gnome is SO MUCH FUN. His snarky little comments had me laughing more than once. And y'all, Eugene the hedgehog might actually be my favorite little critter in the entire series - sorry Clyde the ghost coo!

Friends, this is the perfect read when you need a break from intense, angsty reads. Everything about it is heartwarming and sweet, it will make you want to go on an adventure to a Scottish small town. Wild Scottish Rose is out now, you don't want to miss out on this one!

[BookishMya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical romance complete with giggles! You just can’t help the giggles and grins throughout this story. Owen & Shonna are a wonderful delight with some bumps along the way, but what else should you expect when you factor in the magic of romance. Like most magic, it doesn't make itself known until a person is ready to accept it. Shonna battle the decisions of what to reveal as her new relationship grows. I especially loved the banter and sass throughout, whether between Shonna & Owen or the ever charming G’nome, G’Norman! Then add in a delicious amount of laughter from never-ending garden puns and I was lost in giggles. The Enchanted Highlands is full of such charismatic, charming characters that create a world you just want to dive into. With each new magical introduction you cant help but wonder what could possibly be next, and then your giggling at an adorable new character. From kitchen helping Brownies and ghost coo’s to the fantastic gnomes and hedgehog armies, you never know what will appear next. I can’t wait for more stories in this magical, mystical Scotland of my dreams. If you’re in a reading slump, don't throw in the trowel, pick this one up. You won’t regret it!
I listened to the audiobook and the performance of Amy Landon with her lovely Scottish lilt and the ever smooth voice of Will M. Watt made this such a soothing listen. They really draw you in to the story and do a wonderful job with the mish-mash of side voices as well.

[Mystic Forest Crafts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pros:

I love that the characters don’t bash each other for their faults, use them against each other or see it as their job to fix the other. It is through self reflection and growth they see what has gone wrong and why, then they can actively work on themselves. It is a lot healthier than thinking it is all on one or the other to fix everything.

For anyone struggling with a narcissistic or the effects of breaking away from one I really think this book could be beneficial for showing how to make and enforce boundaries.

The banter and the side characters are always a delight in Tricia’s books but she really took it a step further with Gnorman and Eugene!

Cons:

I would really like to see more of the order working together. They made appearances here but I don’t feel like their connection is coming off as song which will be necessary if they are to banish the kelpies.

[Ali Alley EscapeThroughABook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cute! I absolutely loved it! It’s a great feel good romance!! I wish I had known of this author, and this series sooner!!! This book was so easy to get lost in!

This Fantasy Romance is a endearing, and enchanting read.
The book had a few spicy scenes, but focuses heavily on the plot.
The slow burn romance is written with a light, and heartfelt feeling.
This book will have you laughing often with the adorable banter between the characters.
The mythical creatures are an exciting, and great way to play on the magic of Scottish lore.

[K. Iwancio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start, but wow what a fun magical ride! All I have to say is CHAPTER 19. I-I just…I laughed I screamed I just…I felt seen 🤣 Also who wouldn’t love a random video call from him? *swoon* It was interesting to switch my usual pairing to a Scottish lass and an American man. But slap a kilt on Owen and I’m sold. Especially since he can randomly FaceTime my favorite actor of all time!!! 😮‍💨😂🥵🫠

[Mindy Kenyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually found this next installment of the enchanted highland series to be the best one yet. The book stuck pretty close to the same formula the other books had, but I found that I liked the main character more than the others and I liked her magic progression more than the rest. I'm still intrigued in how the author will pull off getting all these characters together by the end of the series.

[Melodylovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how with each book in this series I am transported back to Loren Brae. It makes me want to visit Scotland even more each time!

With each book in this series, we get to meet a new member of the Order of Caledonia, a magickal group of women who protect Loren Brae from Kelpies. Shona is a Scottish woman with a green thumb who turns out to be a garden witch. Her love interest is an American filmmaker looking for a new story and finds his way to Loren Brae.

If you like:
🌱Strong FMC
🌱Slow Burn
🌱Magic
🌱Pet Hedgehogs
🌱Magical Beings
🌱Scottish vibes
You should check out this book and series! I would suggest reading them in order!

[Alyssa (bookish_and_baking) · Rating 5 out of 5]

TRICIA!!!!! If you haven’t hopped on this series DO IT! Scottish myths and lore? Yes Magick? Yes Romance? YES! These books just keep getting better and better. Loren Brae has my heart forever.

[Janice Mahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable

Continuation of the series. Each book is thoughtful and cute. I love how the magic is woven in and all the Hedgies! The characters are well developed and fun. A good read.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

Probably my favourite so far!!! Absolutely loved it! Sweet, a little spicy, charming, and funny. Plus Scotland! What’s not to love?

[Angelica Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved revisiting the town of Loren Brae. And I thought I’d heard of all the types of witch familiars, but this one takes the cake. I won’t spoil it, you just have to read it. Another 5 star from Tricia O’Malley.

[Dawn Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book be Tricia O’Malley and I can honestly say I will be on a binge of her backlog. This was such a fun listen. The characters were very likable. Gnorman (the G is silent) gnome was a hoot. The KitKat scene was my favorite. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. The characters and story remind of Molly Harper’s Mystic Bayou series, which is my absolute favorite. I think this series will be another favorite.

I received an ARC of the audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All options expressed are my own.

[April ♥"LOS" ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those troublesome kelpies! What does a woman do when she discovers she’s a garden witch whose powers are needed to protect a sacred artifact? Well she befriends a gnome general with a hedgehog army and gets to work.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing love story with all the elements you want in a good romance. Tension, good characters, and a little magic thrown in. This author has definitely improved with her sex scenes whereby she holds off to build the tension, and make it perfect when they finally come together. Highly recommend.

[Rachel Halen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun light hearted series about a small Scottish town.

[Karley Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series...this book has become one of the most favorite books iv ever read though🧡🧡🧡🧡