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Midnight in Scotland #4
The Wickedness of a Highlander
An angel in freefall
A year ago, Sabella Lockhart lived in sheltered gentility as the sister of a Scottish lord. Then her brother’s shocking crimes came to light, leaving her with nothing but horrifying memories, unpayable debts, and a blackened name. Before she leaves Scotland for good, she must face the family he harmed the MacPhersons. But when a Highland robbery takes everything but the gown on her back, she’s forced to accept help from the MacPherson who despises her more than any other. The one man she can’t forget.
A devil who burns for revenge
Alexander MacPherson hasn’t forgotten Sabella Lockhart for a single bloody moment. She’s the reason he was shot, the reason he endured a hellish recovery, the reason he hasn’t slept soundly in a year. So, when she turns up stranded and penniless in the village tavern, he offers her a position—as his maid. Let her dirty those pristine hands scrubbing floors. Let her earn those silk gowns one shilling at a time. Nothing could be more satisfying than having her sleeping under his roof and following his commands. Ruthless? Absolutely. But that’s the catch in a deal with the devil. He always takes more than his due.
A collision between heaven and hell
When Sabella rises to his challenge, her fire brings Alexander to his knees. But she doesn’t know how ruthlessly he’ll fight to keep an angel by his side. Or how dangerous a devil can be when the woman he wants more than air and whisky is threatened by a past that won’t stay buried.
A year ago, Sabella Lockhart lived in sheltered gentility as the sister of a Scottish lord. Then her brother’s shocking crimes came to light, leaving her with nothing but horrifying memories, unpayable debts, and a blackened name. Before she leaves Scotland for good, she must face the family he harmed the MacPhersons. But when a Highland robbery takes everything but the gown on her back, she’s forced to accept help from the MacPherson who despises her more than any other. The one man she can’t forget.
A devil who burns for revenge
Alexander MacPherson hasn’t forgotten Sabella Lockhart for a single bloody moment. She’s the reason he was shot, the reason he endured a hellish recovery, the reason he hasn’t slept soundly in a year. So, when she turns up stranded and penniless in the village tavern, he offers her a position—as his maid. Let her dirty those pristine hands scrubbing floors. Let her earn those silk gowns one shilling at a time. Nothing could be more satisfying than having her sleeping under his roof and following his commands. Ruthless? Absolutely. But that’s the catch in a deal with the devil. He always takes more than his due.
A collision between heaven and hell
When Sabella rises to his challenge, her fire brings Alexander to his knees. But she doesn’t know how ruthlessly he’ll fight to keep an angel by his side. Or how dangerous a devil can be when the woman he wants more than air and whisky is threatened by a past that won’t stay buried.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2024
159 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
About the author
Elisa Braden
25 books1,745 followersReading romance novels came easily to Elisa Braden. Writing them? That took a little longer. After graduating with degrees in creative writing and history, Elisa spent too many years in “real” jobs writing T-shirt copy ... and other people’s resumes ... and articles about giftware displays. But that was before she woke up and started dreaming about the very unreal job of being a romance novelist. Better late than never.
Elisa lives in the Pacific Northwest, where you're constitutionally required to like the colors green and gray. Good thing she does. Other items on the "like" list include cute dogs, strong coffee, and epic movies. Of course, her favorite thing of all is hearing from readers who love her characters as much as she does.
If you're one of those, get in touch on Facebook (@authorelisabraden), visit her website (www.elisabraden.com), and - most importantly - be the first to hear about new releases, price specials, and awesome free bonuses by signing up for her email newsletter (bit.ly/ElisaNewsletter). It's easy, quick, and FREE.
Elisa lives in the Pacific Northwest, where you're constitutionally required to like the colors green and gray. Good thing she does. Other items on the "like" list include cute dogs, strong coffee, and epic movies. Of course, her favorite thing of all is hearing from readers who love her characters as much as she does.
If you're one of those, get in touch on Facebook (@authorelisabraden), visit her website (www.elisabraden.com), and - most importantly - be the first to hear about new releases, price specials, and awesome free bonuses by signing up for her email newsletter (bit.ly/ElisaNewsletter). It's easy, quick, and FREE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
October 11, 2025
3.75 stars
I just adore this series so much. So much to sink your teeth into. Adventure, family, humor, lowkey magic, suspense, sexual tension, passion and yearning in spades. No one does yearning anymore like Elisa Braden does. While this wasn't my favorite installment, I still had trouble putting it down. Alexander MacPherson and Sabella Lockhart made quite the pair. I loved the whole forbidden/sworn enemy dynamic here with a bitter hollowed-out jaded angry hero pining over the sister of his family's sworn enemy. Kenneth Lockhart terrorized, tortured, falsely imprisoned and nearly killed Alexander's brother Broderick a year ago and nearly killed Alexander too. So the grudge is deep and for good reason. While the already established "I've wanted you for so long" feelings didn't work for me in Campbell's book it worked well here because we actually got to see it play out in real time in Book 2 when Alexander and Sabella meet and the fallout of him nearly getting killed. So that underlying tension has been simmering in the background for two books so it held weight. You feel that anticipation going into this book already. Was there insta-lust and tripping over things quickly to get to a marriage of convenience? Yes. But the sexual tension, pining and chemistry saved it for me. And yes there was a quite lot of tup, tup, tupping. These two are so insatiable and smitten with each other and while I wish some beats played out differently and paced out better, a fun time was had nonetheless. I just loved how obsessed Alexander was with her. He hates that he's wanted her and couldn't have her and thought he lost her to someone else. His desperation in wanting to keep her and fear of losing her was so great to see. There's just something about lovesick obsessed "I'll do anything to keep her" heroes even if they have to play a little dirty to do it. He starts off mean to her because of a misunderstanding but even underneath that bitterness you see how much he worships her. All bark and no bite is the best kind of brooding hero. I mean the switch mode from broodacious rawr! to losing his shit over her getting hurt? Ugh. INJECT IT INTO MY VEINS RIIIIGHT NOW.
The weakest points for me were two things. Their first time having sex I didn't really love. I mean it was hot but felt kind of anticlimactic; I didn't love the whole fucking her against a tree for their first time (after all that build up) and to continue to just go at it after finding out she's a virgin without pause was little WTF for me. Considering he thought she was mistress to a man he loathed for 1 whole year, yeah I wanted the coming together to be little more explosive or meaningful or at least freak the fuck out realizing how wrong he was. That moment just lost something for me and fell a little short. And second, the whole random villain conflict and resolution with the bad guy Cromartie in the end with her brother's mistress wasn't great. Considering Cecilia's role in my baby Broderick's downfall in Book 2 I really didn't care for a revisit of this character. I don't care what a sad tragic life she's had, she got my man mutilated and nearly killed for it. Screw her. 🤷🏻♀️ I said what I said. That and the heroine suddenly being so gleefully bloodthirsty over wanting to see the villain tortured to death was a little weird. No actually it was VERY weird. So weird that it made me uncomfortable. Like..where did that even come from? Sabella was so persistent about it and even visibly pouting when Alexander kept telling her no she can't watch. Felt like a record scratch moment for me. lol This is supposed to be a traumatized cloistered woman with years of mental and physical abuse and PTSD at the mere sight of blood so her repeatedly begging the hero to let her watch him kill a man was so bizarre. It felt extremely out of character and cartoonish. There's growing into your confidence and expressing your feelings and there's just coming off unhinged. But other than that, I enjoyed this. Not my absolute favorite but still a solid read with plenty of great swoon-worthy memorable moments. Looking forward to Rannoch and Magdaline's book.
He stroked her hair and her back, kissed her temple and her cheek. "When you're gone, half of me is gone. Why do ye suppose the first thing I do is find ye?"
I just adore this series so much. So much to sink your teeth into. Adventure, family, humor, lowkey magic, suspense, sexual tension, passion and yearning in spades. No one does yearning anymore like Elisa Braden does. While this wasn't my favorite installment, I still had trouble putting it down. Alexander MacPherson and Sabella Lockhart made quite the pair. I loved the whole forbidden/sworn enemy dynamic here with a bitter hollowed-out jaded angry hero pining over the sister of his family's sworn enemy. Kenneth Lockhart terrorized, tortured, falsely imprisoned and nearly killed Alexander's brother Broderick a year ago and nearly killed Alexander too. So the grudge is deep and for good reason. While the already established "I've wanted you for so long" feelings didn't work for me in Campbell's book it worked well here because we actually got to see it play out in real time in Book 2 when Alexander and Sabella meet and the fallout of him nearly getting killed. So that underlying tension has been simmering in the background for two books so it held weight. You feel that anticipation going into this book already. Was there insta-lust and tripping over things quickly to get to a marriage of convenience? Yes. But the sexual tension, pining and chemistry saved it for me. And yes there was a quite lot of tup, tup, tupping. These two are so insatiable and smitten with each other and while I wish some beats played out differently and paced out better, a fun time was had nonetheless. I just loved how obsessed Alexander was with her. He hates that he's wanted her and couldn't have her and thought he lost her to someone else. His desperation in wanting to keep her and fear of losing her was so great to see. There's just something about lovesick obsessed "I'll do anything to keep her" heroes even if they have to play a little dirty to do it. He starts off mean to her because of a misunderstanding but even underneath that bitterness you see how much he worships her. All bark and no bite is the best kind of brooding hero. I mean the switch mode from broodacious rawr! to losing his shit over her getting hurt? Ugh. INJECT IT INTO MY VEINS RIIIIGHT NOW.
“But first, I want to know why ye call me Duchess. Early on, I assumed ye intended to mock me, but I no longer think that’s true.”
“Ye should be a duchess,” he answered. “But as ye’re mine, and I cannae offer lofty titles, I call ye what ye are to me—my wife, the mother of my bairns. A woman too fine for aught that’s ordinary.” He shrugged. “Ye’re my Duchess. That simple.”
The weakest points for me were two things. Their first time having sex I didn't really love. I mean it was hot but felt kind of anticlimactic; I didn't love the whole fucking her against a tree for their first time (after all that build up) and to continue to just go at it after finding out she's a virgin without pause was little WTF for me. Considering he thought she was mistress to a man he loathed for 1 whole year, yeah I wanted the coming together to be little more explosive or meaningful or at least freak the fuck out realizing how wrong he was. That moment just lost something for me and fell a little short. And second, the whole random villain conflict and resolution with the bad guy Cromartie in the end with her brother's mistress wasn't great. Considering Cecilia's role in my baby Broderick's downfall in Book 2 I really didn't care for a revisit of this character. I don't care what a sad tragic life she's had, she got my man mutilated and nearly killed for it. Screw her. 🤷🏻♀️ I said what I said. That and the heroine suddenly being so gleefully bloodthirsty over wanting to see the villain tortured to death was a little weird. No actually it was VERY weird. So weird that it made me uncomfortable. Like..where did that even come from? Sabella was so persistent about it and even visibly pouting when Alexander kept telling her no she can't watch. Felt like a record scratch moment for me. lol This is supposed to be a traumatized cloistered woman with years of mental and physical abuse and PTSD at the mere sight of blood so her repeatedly begging the hero to let her watch him kill a man was so bizarre. It felt extremely out of character and cartoonish. There's growing into your confidence and expressing your feelings and there's just coming off unhinged. But other than that, I enjoyed this. Not my absolute favorite but still a solid read with plenty of great swoon-worthy memorable moments. Looking forward to Rannoch and Magdaline's book.
“I want all the pieces of me back,” she whispered. “But I also want ye to keep them so I can demand a part of ye in return.”
“Ye have all of me,” he said, his voice reduced to gravel. “Every part is yers, love.”
"My purpose on this earth is to protect ye from all harm. What good am I if I cannae do that?"
March 11, 2025
Another book with a big, angry, horny hero and a naive, simpering and equally horny heroine. This series has lost the plot.
The hero in this is so angry, he shouts at her the entire book. I don’t know if that has to do with the narrator making him shout every line of dialogue but this heroine was badly abused by her brother, he knows that, but he rails at her at every opportunity.
She’s nothing but naive and sweet too. This is hard to read.
The first book in this series was a strong heroine and a charming hero, the rest are all wide eyed heroines and super grouchy, angry and horny heroes, this one is the worst of them. I am not into assholes with bad tempers, especially when this book had virtually no plot and focussed solely on their frequent sex capades, like they did it ten times a day (it was mentioned) and when they weren’t doing it they were thinking about doing it. No time for plot when you’re busy boning each other.
The last 20% of the book attempted to have a villain arc but it was too little too late. I should have abandoned this series after the last book but I wanted to see how Sabella’s story went after being the sister of the big bad from the rest of the series. It’s basically a carbon copy of books two and three. Yawn.
This is only good if you are looking for cringey historical smut because that’s all this was.
The hero in this is so angry, he shouts at her the entire book. I don’t know if that has to do with the narrator making him shout every line of dialogue but this heroine was badly abused by her brother, he knows that, but he rails at her at every opportunity.
She’s nothing but naive and sweet too. This is hard to read.
The first book in this series was a strong heroine and a charming hero, the rest are all wide eyed heroines and super grouchy, angry and horny heroes, this one is the worst of them. I am not into assholes with bad tempers, especially when this book had virtually no plot and focussed solely on their frequent sex capades, like they did it ten times a day (it was mentioned) and when they weren’t doing it they were thinking about doing it. No time for plot when you’re busy boning each other.
The last 20% of the book attempted to have a villain arc but it was too little too late. I should have abandoned this series after the last book but I wanted to see how Sabella’s story went after being the sister of the big bad from the rest of the series. It’s basically a carbon copy of books two and three. Yawn.
This is only good if you are looking for cringey historical smut because that’s all this was.
April 23, 2024
4.5 fantastic stars! But I’ll round it up to 5.
Thank you, Lori :), for loaning me your copy! I enjoyed reading this book so much! The steamy scenes are so hot (sometimes) that I wish Elisa Braden would write a few historical erotica or even contemporary erotica.
I think it would be a more enjoyable read if you read this series in order.
Thank you, Lori :), for loaning me your copy! I enjoyed reading this book so much! The steamy scenes are so hot (sometimes) that I wish Elisa Braden would write a few historical erotica or even contemporary erotica.
I think it would be a more enjoyable read if you read this series in order.
March 2, 2025
4.5 stars
This one went by in the blink of an eye, proving the old adage that time flies when you’re having fun.
Sabella, an evil madman’s victimized sister, has wrapped up her brother’s estate, packed up all she has left in the world in three trunks, buried recently deceased father-figure Constable Munro, and is on her way to the MacPhersons to proffer a final apology for her brother’s trail of destruction when those three trunks are stolen by thieves. She arrives in the village with no money and the clothes on her back. Desperate for housing, food, and funds, she accepts the position of maid-of-all-work in the home of the fearsome Alexander MacPherson, who is looking for revenge.
Sabella’s ineptitude as a maid is pretty funny, the chemistry between Sabella and Alexander is explosive, and the marriage negotiations between the two are the highlight of the book. The marriage sizzles, and the emotional attachment feels authentic.
The element of danger injected in the last quarter of the book was sadly lacking in actual danger, but I appreciated how Sabella tapped into her inner bloodthirsty barbarian.
Six more kids? Done.
This one went by in the blink of an eye, proving the old adage that time flies when you’re having fun.
Sabella, an evil madman’s victimized sister, has wrapped up her brother’s estate, packed up all she has left in the world in three trunks, buried recently deceased father-figure Constable Munro, and is on her way to the MacPhersons to proffer a final apology for her brother’s trail of destruction when those three trunks are stolen by thieves. She arrives in the village with no money and the clothes on her back. Desperate for housing, food, and funds, she accepts the position of maid-of-all-work in the home of the fearsome Alexander MacPherson, who is looking for revenge.
Sabella’s ineptitude as a maid is pretty funny, the chemistry between Sabella and Alexander is explosive, and the marriage negotiations between the two are the highlight of the book. The marriage sizzles, and the emotional attachment feels authentic.
The element of danger injected in the last quarter of the book was sadly lacking in actual danger, but I appreciated how Sabella tapped into her inner bloodthirsty barbarian.
Six more kids? Done.
March 11, 2024
I never have a lot of coherent thoughts after reading an Elisa Braden book, this wasn’t an exception either.
I absolutely loved the premise of the book, we got introduced to Sabella and Alexander in previous books, and I was eagerly anticipating their story. Elisa managed to grace us with delicious forced proximity when the heroine comes to Scotland to ask forgiveness of those her brother hurt. Turns out that only Alexander is around town: the MacPherson that despises her….ir does he?
She arrives to Scotland after being robbed of all her possessions and the only employment available is as a maid…for the monosyllabic Alexander.
This book is heartbreakingly good, it has the laugh out loud funny Mrs McBean and the intrigue we can expect from her books.
I’d recommend to read the rest of the series first, even though the book stands alone, you’ll get SO MUCH MORE out of it by reading the other books. Plus they’re all perfect, so I’m doing you a favour by sending you to the beginning 🥹
Thank you Elisa for bringing these characters to us. I cannot wait for Rannoch and Magdalene’s book🤩 we got amazing snippets of them and I’m ready for it.
Grab your iced beverages before reading this book too! It’s hot 🥵
I absolutely loved the premise of the book, we got introduced to Sabella and Alexander in previous books, and I was eagerly anticipating their story. Elisa managed to grace us with delicious forced proximity when the heroine comes to Scotland to ask forgiveness of those her brother hurt. Turns out that only Alexander is around town: the MacPherson that despises her….ir does he?
She arrives to Scotland after being robbed of all her possessions and the only employment available is as a maid…for the monosyllabic Alexander.
This book is heartbreakingly good, it has the laugh out loud funny Mrs McBean and the intrigue we can expect from her books.
I’d recommend to read the rest of the series first, even though the book stands alone, you’ll get SO MUCH MORE out of it by reading the other books. Plus they’re all perfect, so I’m doing you a favour by sending you to the beginning 🥹
Thank you Elisa for bringing these characters to us. I cannot wait for Rannoch and Magdalene’s book🤩 we got amazing snippets of them and I’m ready for it.
Grab your iced beverages before reading this book too! It’s hot 🥵
March 13, 2024
Loved these two!! I missed this family so much!!
5 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
5 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
April 14, 2025
I received an ARC from the author but this review is my own opinion.
Sabella and Alexander’s story is another great installment of this series. A definite 5 stars. I still have Broderick and Kate as my favorite book in this series but this one was so great.
Flawed H and h. Tropes are enemies to lovers, revenge.
Sabella is taken in early by swindlers and has to figure out how to proceed. She does that by helping Alexander who by all rights has a beef with her family. He’s a bit hard headed imo to blame her but we learn why as the story proceeds that he interpreted things without all knowledge. We also learn more about her brother’s damage to Sabella and to the MacPherson family.
The growth of Sabella’s confidence and independence is wonderfully written. Alexander’s sourly demeanor slowly changes or there’s the slipping through of him not being as callous as he seems.
He does recover something you wish he told her about but it makes a good plot device later about him not being perfect, and desperate. There’s even some humor included with him eating terrible food and the negotiating scene between the H and h is very funny. He’s a bit hard headed at times but his growth is pretty wonderful. He’s a bit brute in character for some of you maybe but I think his personality fit the plot of the story well. Not every hero can be cookie cutter perfect and while I thought his thoughts were a bit trying at times, I appreciated how he seemed a bit more real than a lot of authors’ heroes. Braden is really great about that.
They get married pretty early on and I thought ok well why is there so much left ? Braden fills this to tie up some loose end in the series and then we get resolution for Sabella’s brother’s crimes.
There’s some angst at the end but there’s of course an HEA and things will be fine.
Overall 5 stars. Set up for Rannoch’s story. Mrs MacBean is here again and a great character as always. Loose ends are covered. This is related to book 1 a little and Broderick’s story a bit more. But she does provide backstory so you can get caught up.
Sabella and Alexander’s story is another great installment of this series. A definite 5 stars. I still have Broderick and Kate as my favorite book in this series but this one was so great.
Flawed H and h. Tropes are enemies to lovers, revenge.
Sabella is taken in early by swindlers and has to figure out how to proceed. She does that by helping Alexander who by all rights has a beef with her family. He’s a bit hard headed imo to blame her but we learn why as the story proceeds that he interpreted things without all knowledge. We also learn more about her brother’s damage to Sabella and to the MacPherson family.
The growth of Sabella’s confidence and independence is wonderfully written. Alexander’s sourly demeanor slowly changes or there’s the slipping through of him not being as callous as he seems.
He does recover something you wish he told her about but it makes a good plot device later about him not being perfect, and desperate. There’s even some humor included with him eating terrible food and the negotiating scene between the H and h is very funny. He’s a bit hard headed at times but his growth is pretty wonderful. He’s a bit brute in character for some of you maybe but I think his personality fit the plot of the story well. Not every hero can be cookie cutter perfect and while I thought his thoughts were a bit trying at times, I appreciated how he seemed a bit more real than a lot of authors’ heroes. Braden is really great about that.
They get married pretty early on and I thought ok well why is there so much left ? Braden fills this to tie up some loose end in the series and then we get resolution for Sabella’s brother’s crimes.
There’s some angst at the end but there’s of course an HEA and things will be fine.
Overall 5 stars. Set up for Rannoch’s story. Mrs MacBean is here again and a great character as always. Loose ends are covered. This is related to book 1 a little and Broderick’s story a bit more. But she does provide backstory so you can get caught up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2024
Alexander and Sabella have been circling each other for a couple of books and all that delicious bottled-up tension finally exploded in their book. Sabella is enemy number one to Alexander McPherson. Her psycho brother shot him and tried to kill his brother (books one, two, and three) and he almost kicked the bucket. But he has a bad case of the hornies for her and of course, he blames her for the state of affairs in his kilt. So when she appears in his village, looking bedraggled and desperate without a cent of her name, what's a vengeful Highlander to do?
Och lass! If you didn't guess he decided to be an abominable monosyllabic beast by hiring her as his maid and taking his frustrations with his wayward heart out on her, then I'm going to question your romance reader credentials. The Beauty and the Beast elements in this one are strong. Alexander stomps and growls and bellows while being protective and caring and so very sweet. At the same time, Sabella, free from her brother's abuse blooms into a sassy back-talking woman who is not letting him get away with his scowls and growls and gives as good as she gets.
This book was different from the last three. It's a lot hornier with both of them going at it like rabbits. I liked that Sabella was just as into banging him as he was into banging her. It was also mostly character-driven and the big external suspenseful plots from the last three books were missing. There was some external conflict in the last third. It was built up so much and then was resolved almost immediately. It was all very anticlimactic. And the MacPherson clan is largely MIA and I missed them although we do get Papa Angus and Nora please can we beg for a novella for those two? And the little glimpses at Rannoch's story have me making grabby hands for that book. For fans of the series, this book was worth the wait. For those new to the series, I don't recommend starting here because I don't think it stands alone. The good news is that the first three books are just as good.
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Forced proximity
Grumpy/sunshine
Only One Horse
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
TW: some mentions of suicidal ideation
Och lass! If you didn't guess he decided to be an abominable monosyllabic beast by hiring her as his maid and taking his frustrations with his wayward heart out on her, then I'm going to question your romance reader credentials. The Beauty and the Beast elements in this one are strong. Alexander stomps and growls and bellows while being protective and caring and so very sweet. At the same time, Sabella, free from her brother's abuse blooms into a sassy back-talking woman who is not letting him get away with his scowls and growls and gives as good as she gets.
This book was different from the last three. It's a lot hornier with both of them going at it like rabbits. I liked that Sabella was just as into banging him as he was into banging her. It was also mostly character-driven and the big external suspenseful plots from the last three books were missing. There was some external conflict in the last third. It was built up so much and then was resolved almost immediately. It was all very anticlimactic. And the MacPherson clan is largely MIA and I missed them although we do get Papa Angus and Nora please can we beg for a novella for those two? And the little glimpses at Rannoch's story have me making grabby hands for that book. For fans of the series, this book was worth the wait. For those new to the series, I don't recommend starting here because I don't think it stands alone. The good news is that the first three books are just as good.
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Forced proximity
Grumpy/sunshine
Only One Horse
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
TW: some mentions of suicidal ideation
March 23, 2024
This is where my journey with Elisa Braden ends. This book is fine, really. But I cannot cannot CANNOT stand the secret psycho murderer aspect EB puts into her books. It’s super annoying and just not my cup of tea. This one has it thrown in at the end and had me PIPING HOT MAD. Why, Elisa, why! It didn’t make sense, it seemed like she added it because that’s what she does!
No more. Stop the madness. I’m out.
No more. Stop the madness. I’m out.
Read
August 12, 2024I always think of Elisa Braden as one of the biggest culprits of things I hate in Scottish historicals, namely, comedically large Highlanders and overdone phonetic spelling to convey the accent.
She did do that here, but it's not my largest complaint actually. The conflict is kicked off when the rich heroine is robbed by an elderly couple, and is forced to have to work for the hero in order to save up enough money to get to London and Paris, where she will try to find a rich husband. The hero finds the thieves and then brags to the heroine that he had them sent to a prison hulk for fourteen years, "a fate worse than death."
I'm sorry... I'm supposed to care more about a heroine losing her dresses and emeralds than I am about an elderly couple that the hero sets up an excruciating, outsized punishment for? Fuck him, fuck this book.
She did do that here, but it's not my largest complaint actually. The conflict is kicked off when the rich heroine is robbed by an elderly couple, and is forced to have to work for the hero in order to save up enough money to get to London and Paris, where she will try to find a rich husband. The hero finds the thieves and then brags to the heroine that he had them sent to a prison hulk for fourteen years, "a fate worse than death."
I'm sorry... I'm supposed to care more about a heroine losing her dresses and emeralds than I am about an elderly couple that the hero sets up an excruciating, outsized punishment for? Fuck him, fuck this book.
April 4, 2024
3.25/5, The weakest in the series. The attraction is obvious but I'm not convinced about the insta-love. Ultimately, too much tupping and not enough loving.
April 18, 2024
This might be 3.5 stars rounded up. While I like this series by this author, there are some good ones and some not so good ones. I had high hopes for this, bc Alexander promised to be the stereotypical BIG, QUIET, ROUGH, DEEP FEELING MAN. The type that is my very favorite of all types. The heroine Sabella (had to look her up can’t recall like 5 min after I finish reading) I didn’t have any hopes for, had an open mind.
Turns out I like Sabella better than Alexander, and that’s almost UNHEARD OF. I read romance for the MAN, not the woman. The woman has to be likable, not a detractor, not annoying, but the man has to be spectacular.
Well, Sabella was a sweetheart. With apparently the patience of a saint, the innocence of an angel and the fiery wantonness of a succubus (this part was a bit jarring, which I will explain later).
Meanwhile, Alexander is an idiot. As it relates to women and relationships. He’s literally a Neanderthal, maybe a bit worse. His logic is just so faulty, I assume he has some sort of mental disorder (he’s an inventor/ designer of sorts and brilliant in that way). So here’s why I didn’t like him much:
They fall in lust upon first sight of each other. Sabella doesn’t really dwell on it, but she does everything in her power to protect him (in one situation) and make him happy (when she was his maid). But Alexander… does he do the same? Well, yes and no. He decides - based on his own securities - that she was trying to protect her crazy, murderous brother at his expense because he’s not elite class. Then he holds a grudge against her like the pretty cheerleader who’s dating the QB and he’s the bad boy being jealous of it. Except, she’s not actually dating anyone. He just assumes she’s handing out favors Willy nilly.
Which leads to him assuming she’s a harlot. And makes him resent her more. Also gets to a tipping point where they finally get together to get it on and he rams his well-endowed tool into her virgin lady parts and realize oops, she’s in agony, and what does he do?
He keeps going! Thrust thrust thrust… can’t stop himself. His caveman instincts are triggered and he can’t help it. She’s crying at this point, in pain. And he’s ramming on…
Well, that completely lost me there. Then, unbelievably, he brings her to orgasm! It clearly writes that he’s a tight fit even with well lubricated well-used cunts, and at the moment, he was “thicker” than ever before AND she’s tighter than he’s ever had… sooo…. Do the math.
He also did something to purposely make her stay with him, which is an overused plot line so I thought nothing of it.
THEN, once she was had, she became a regular harlot just for him! They go at it 8 times a day! Not an exaggeration! And the sex description is brief, but it gets described a lot. I don’t particularly feel hot reading it. It’s not necessarily romantic or intense or emotional, none of that. Not even passionate, so much as 2 rabbits going at it.
And the climax with an external threat ended with the snap of a finger. If you flipped the page by mistake, you missed it. The ending was rushed.
Well, I guess I need to round this down. Which is a shame.
Turns out I like Sabella better than Alexander, and that’s almost UNHEARD OF. I read romance for the MAN, not the woman. The woman has to be likable, not a detractor, not annoying, but the man has to be spectacular.
Well, Sabella was a sweetheart. With apparently the patience of a saint, the innocence of an angel and the fiery wantonness of a succubus (this part was a bit jarring, which I will explain later).
Meanwhile, Alexander is an idiot. As it relates to women and relationships. He’s literally a Neanderthal, maybe a bit worse. His logic is just so faulty, I assume he has some sort of mental disorder (he’s an inventor/ designer of sorts and brilliant in that way). So here’s why I didn’t like him much:
They fall in lust upon first sight of each other. Sabella doesn’t really dwell on it, but she does everything in her power to protect him (in one situation) and make him happy (when she was his maid). But Alexander… does he do the same? Well, yes and no. He decides - based on his own securities - that she was trying to protect her crazy, murderous brother at his expense because he’s not elite class. Then he holds a grudge against her like the pretty cheerleader who’s dating the QB and he’s the bad boy being jealous of it. Except, she’s not actually dating anyone. He just assumes she’s handing out favors Willy nilly.
Which leads to him assuming she’s a harlot. And makes him resent her more. Also gets to a tipping point where they finally get together to get it on and he rams his well-endowed tool into her virgin lady parts and realize oops, she’s in agony, and what does he do?
He keeps going! Thrust thrust thrust… can’t stop himself. His caveman instincts are triggered and he can’t help it. She’s crying at this point, in pain. And he’s ramming on…
Well, that completely lost me there. Then, unbelievably, he brings her to orgasm! It clearly writes that he’s a tight fit even with well lubricated well-used cunts, and at the moment, he was “thicker” than ever before AND she’s tighter than he’s ever had… sooo…. Do the math.
He also did something to purposely make her stay with him, which is an overused plot line so I thought nothing of it.
THEN, once she was had, she became a regular harlot just for him! They go at it 8 times a day! Not an exaggeration! And the sex description is brief, but it gets described a lot. I don’t particularly feel hot reading it. It’s not necessarily romantic or intense or emotional, none of that. Not even passionate, so much as 2 rabbits going at it.
And the climax with an external threat ended with the snap of a finger. If you flipped the page by mistake, you missed it. The ending was rushed.
Well, I guess I need to round this down. Which is a shame.
April 29, 2024
The only pounding, pounding, pounding force I want to read about in a historical romance is on a door, not against it.
I never thought I’d be giving a book in this series such a rating, yet here we are. This had everything I hate in romance: insta-lust, one-dimensional characters, trauma soon brushed aside for straight-out-of-horny-jail dynamics, important plot points are introduced late and happen behind the scenes, oh and more harlotry instead of healing. I mean to each their own!
This book was completely unnecessary or something the author had to do to get to her next hero.
I never thought I’d be giving a book in this series such a rating, yet here we are. This had everything I hate in romance: insta-lust, one-dimensional characters, trauma soon brushed aside for straight-out-of-horny-jail dynamics, important plot points are introduced late and happen behind the scenes, oh and more harlotry instead of healing. I mean to each their own!
This book was completely unnecessary or something the author had to do to get to her next hero.
March 10, 2024
Magnificent!! There simply doesn't seem to be an appropriate word, to describe the magic that Elisa Braden creates when she writes, her stories pull you in, and refuse to let you go! Her Hero's are strong alpha males, who will fight to the end for the Lass they love, what I wouldn't give to be loved by Alexander Macpherson..sigh..Sabella is such a lucky Lass...and I need to ask is "harlotry" a word??..well it is now!...this book will have you ugly cring one minute, laughing the next..then panting for breath, at the steamy scenes, it got everything you need for a great story!
March 12, 2024
WOW, I started reading right at 12:01 and couldn't stop until I was done. I don't know about anyone else, but I got a Bonnie Clyde vibe from these two 🙂 Now I have two questions 1. Who is Duncan MacAllister and when do we get Rannoch and Magdalene's story. I know Rannoch has some serious maturing to do, but dang I cant wait, all of those little teases through the other books is killing me 🙂
March 31, 2024
I love EB’s books and this one is not an exception. Waiting for the next one impatiently.
May 11, 2024
Everything she writes is magic.
March 11, 2024
The Wickedness of a Highlander was worth the wait. If you have been following this series (and this is one I would recommend reading in order) then you have probably been anxiously awaiting Sabella and Alexander’s story. It did not disappoint. It may have been one of Elisa Braden’s hottest books to date. This story did not have as much plot driven action as some of the previous novels (although there still is a bad guy) but this allowed for what I like to think of as more character driven take. Sabella’s character really developed as the pages were turned. Although it was always hinted that there was more to her than a pretty face and angelic demeanor, the reader truly got to see this in the story. She was fierce and bold and not afraid to state what and WHO she wanted ;). How could Alexander NOT fall for her?! This is a must read! Thank you to Elisa Braden for my free ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review!
March 11, 2024
This past weekend I had the opportunity to read 'The Wickedness of a Highlander' the fourth book in the 'Midnight in Scotland' series by Elisa Braden that comes out 3/11 (tomorrow!) and dare I say it's her hottest book yet f
I have been so anxious for Sabella and Alexander's story since we've seen them circling each other the last few books and it did not disappoint! These two are SO gone for one another and the attraction and tension between them is its own character in this story. Seriously make sure you have a cold drink and a fan ready cause these two are
But what I love about this book (and this series as a whole) is just how emotionally charged these two are.
I adore Sebella and how you see her journey to fight the demons her brother left her with. I love how she refuses to give up and puts her whole heart into busting out the gilded cage she was forced into.
And Alexander is such a man but l love how hard he loves
Sebella.
The only thing that could have made this even better was more of the family. I know they aren't the main focus but I have just become so attached to Annie and all the brothers and their wives that I could easily read more chapters just to see the dynamics between all of them.
This was a solid 4-4.5 star book for me and I'm on pins and needles for Rannoch & Magdalene's book f
I have been so anxious for Sabella and Alexander's story since we've seen them circling each other the last few books and it did not disappoint! These two are SO gone for one another and the attraction and tension between them is its own character in this story. Seriously make sure you have a cold drink and a fan ready cause these two are
But what I love about this book (and this series as a whole) is just how emotionally charged these two are.
I adore Sebella and how you see her journey to fight the demons her brother left her with. I love how she refuses to give up and puts her whole heart into busting out the gilded cage she was forced into.
And Alexander is such a man but l love how hard he loves
Sebella.
The only thing that could have made this even better was more of the family. I know they aren't the main focus but I have just become so attached to Annie and all the brothers and their wives that I could easily read more chapters just to see the dynamics between all of them.
This was a solid 4-4.5 star book for me and I'm on pins and needles for Rannoch & Magdalene's book f
March 12, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up…
I definitely felt this was another great book in this series and was worth waiting for. I haven’t read the earlier ones in the series in awhile now, but it felt like her steamiest book to date. I could be wrong though.
I had a hard time liking Alexander at first. Even in the earlier books, I hadn’t made up my mind about him yet. But I grew to like him quickly, and only a few minor things bothered me about him in the beginning. I would have liked to have him sincerely apologize for that to Sabella.
Sabella was a wonderful character who was trying her best after what her brother put her through (in earlier books) and after what happened to her in the beginning of this book. I loved how strong she was and how her character grew in leaps and bounds.
The addition of the family in this book made me love it all the more. Crazy ol’ Mrs. MacBean and her prophecies, the other brothers and their wives, Annie and her husband, the crows, etc…
I love Ms. Braden’s books because they’re always part adventure, mystery, suspense, but above all, romance. Alexander and Sabella’s chemistry and connection was off the charts!!
I definitely felt this was another great book in this series and was worth waiting for. I haven’t read the earlier ones in the series in awhile now, but it felt like her steamiest book to date. I could be wrong though.
I had a hard time liking Alexander at first. Even in the earlier books, I hadn’t made up my mind about him yet. But I grew to like him quickly, and only a few minor things bothered me about him in the beginning. I would have liked to have him sincerely apologize for that to Sabella.
Sabella was a wonderful character who was trying her best after what her brother put her through (in earlier books) and after what happened to her in the beginning of this book. I loved how strong she was and how her character grew in leaps and bounds.
The addition of the family in this book made me love it all the more. Crazy ol’ Mrs. MacBean and her prophecies, the other brothers and their wives, Annie and her husband, the crows, etc…
I love Ms. Braden’s books because they’re always part adventure, mystery, suspense, but above all, romance. Alexander and Sabella’s chemistry and connection was off the charts!!
March 11, 2024
A stand-alone story but a worthy addition to Elisa’s books about a new series set in the Scottish highlands. Trying to apologize for the wrongs of her brother Sabella travels to Scotland, where things do not go at all as she planned. Destitute, she ends up dependent on the one man who has the most reason to hate her as totally out of her element, she realizes her feelings for him are definitely not hate. Twists and turns and a stalker add to the story.
March 31, 2024
Due to health problems, it was a long wait for Sabella and Alexander but to me, it was well worth the wait.
💖 "When you're gone, half of me is gone. Why do ye suppose the first thing I do is find you?"
SWOON. That is probably one the best quotes in the book. I mean just KMN. Like he could barely tolerate being away from her. I love him so much!
When reading this book, you think that all Alexander wants is revenge when all along, he just wants her. He knew, from the moment they met, she would mean something to him and it was hard for him to think she wanted nothing to do with him and in fact had no care that he was hurt.
I mean this man would do anything for Sabella.
Loved how for both of them there was always a connection between them. The way she cradled his head when he was shot. Her name was the first thing he said when he was awake and they barely knew each other then. He always wanted to protect her and severely punish anyone that he could, except of course her deceased brother. Lawd, and the way he hurt himself after learning the truth of Sabellas brother. My heart!
This man would fall to his knees if she ever asked. Alexander was so mad for her! SWOON!
Quotes and Faves:
💙 “I want all the pieces of me back,” she whispered. “But I also want ye to keep them so I can demand a part of ye in return.”
💙 “Ye have all of me,” he said, his voice reduced to gravel. “Every part is yers, love.”
He sat up and wrapped his arms around her, cradling her close. She plastered herself against him, stroking his nape and his hair, nuzzling his neck and his jaw. “I’m going to miss ye like I’d miss breathin’ if I was deprived of it,” he rasped in her ear. “This is how we’re meant to be. Locked together, every part of me touchin’ every part of you.”
💖 "When you're gone, half of me is gone. Why do ye suppose the first thing I do is find you?"
SWOON. That is probably one the best quotes in the book. I mean just KMN. Like he could barely tolerate being away from her. I love him so much!
When reading this book, you think that all Alexander wants is revenge when all along, he just wants her. He knew, from the moment they met, she would mean something to him and it was hard for him to think she wanted nothing to do with him and in fact had no care that he was hurt.
I mean this man would do anything for Sabella.
Loved how for both of them there was always a connection between them. The way she cradled his head when he was shot. Her name was the first thing he said when he was awake and they barely knew each other then. He always wanted to protect her and severely punish anyone that he could, except of course her deceased brother. Lawd, and the way he hurt himself after learning the truth of Sabellas brother. My heart!
This man would fall to his knees if she ever asked. Alexander was so mad for her! SWOON!
Quotes and Faves:
💙 “I want all the pieces of me back,” she whispered. “But I also want ye to keep them so I can demand a part of ye in return.”
💙 “Ye have all of me,” he said, his voice reduced to gravel. “Every part is yers, love.”
He sat up and wrapped his arms around her, cradling her close. She plastered herself against him, stroking his nape and his hair, nuzzling his neck and his jaw. “I’m going to miss ye like I’d miss breathin’ if I was deprived of it,” he rasped in her ear. “This is how we’re meant to be. Locked together, every part of me touchin’ every part of you.”
February 19, 2025
I loved this one!!
October 17, 2024
The Wickedness of a Highlander is a highly anticipated book for me! I love this author’s indie historical romances and this book had multiple release date pushbacks so I’m so excited it finally is here! This is a highlander historical, with forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, only one horse, and banter!
We’ve met both the characters of this book in previous books and I was so ready for their story! This series is honestly best read in order as you will find out all the history between their families. Sabella has lived in sheltered gentility as the sister of a lord, but she heads to Scotland to ask forgiveness from those her brother hurt. Sabella ends up robbed on her way and the only MacPherson around is Alexander…the one who hates her…or hates the way she makes him feel. 👀 The only job available to her is working as Alexander’s maid and this begins the book!
This one was so much fun! A quick read with less external plot than the previous books in the series have had, but I was here for the characters. It gives beauty and the beast vibes with him grumpy, monosyllabic, growly, and stompy. I loved their banter and the I-hate-you-but-also-want-to-bang-you vibes. He calls her ‘duchess’ and I loved how she’s equally as possessive and into him, once they’re married and she starts to realize how much “he’s hers” was so good. Their chemistry be sizzling in this one and they’re veryyyyyy hot for one another, a lot.
We’ve met both the characters of this book in previous books and I was so ready for their story! This series is honestly best read in order as you will find out all the history between their families. Sabella has lived in sheltered gentility as the sister of a lord, but she heads to Scotland to ask forgiveness from those her brother hurt. Sabella ends up robbed on her way and the only MacPherson around is Alexander…the one who hates her…or hates the way she makes him feel. 👀 The only job available to her is working as Alexander’s maid and this begins the book!
This one was so much fun! A quick read with less external plot than the previous books in the series have had, but I was here for the characters. It gives beauty and the beast vibes with him grumpy, monosyllabic, growly, and stompy. I loved their banter and the I-hate-you-but-also-want-to-bang-you vibes. He calls her ‘duchess’ and I loved how she’s equally as possessive and into him, once they’re married and she starts to realize how much “he’s hers” was so good. Their chemistry be sizzling in this one and they’re veryyyyyy hot for one another, a lot.
March 16, 2024
Elisa Braden is one of my favorite authors…I don’t think there’s one story of hers that I haven’t been captivated by. The Wickedness of a Highlander is no exception. This book! The build up of the longing, the tension, the freaking connection between these characters. It was all just so palpable - what a feat. It’s such a special book that draws you completely in like that.
I loooooved Sabella LOVED her! She’s vulnerable, she’s strong, she’s learning who the heck she is! She seriously is the perfect match for the cold, grump that is Alexander. Ok, lowkey, Alexander kinda scared me and I loved it! Lol he really does seem like a man you don’t want to eff with. But boy…those strong men sure do fall the hardest 🥹😍 you love to see it!
I really love this series and highly recommend it. This book is the perfect addition to it. It’s probably the spiciest book of the series as well if you weren’t already convinced to get it 😉 It’s going to be the easiest 5⭐️ from me!
Thank you so much to Elisa Braden for the ARC ❤️❤️❤️
I loooooved Sabella LOVED her! She’s vulnerable, she’s strong, she’s learning who the heck she is! She seriously is the perfect match for the cold, grump that is Alexander. Ok, lowkey, Alexander kinda scared me and I loved it! Lol he really does seem like a man you don’t want to eff with. But boy…those strong men sure do fall the hardest 🥹😍 you love to see it!
I really love this series and highly recommend it. This book is the perfect addition to it. It’s probably the spiciest book of the series as well if you weren’t already convinced to get it 😉 It’s going to be the easiest 5⭐️ from me!
Thank you so much to Elisa Braden for the ARC ❤️❤️❤️
December 31, 2025
Oh god! I need a 10-star rating! Detailed review coming…but, Chapter 11, definitely Chapter 11!
After many, many, many re-reads and 50 highlights, I will definitely say that Alexander is the sexiest of the McPhearson brothers. He is loving, eats her horrible cooking, negotiates well and just loves her so much!
Sabella is a darling woman. She is sweet, resilient, possessive, enthusiastic, caring, tender, strong, and loving!
BUT, because there is always a but, the way he initially treated Sabella (calling her "loose" was not well done of him). And the last bit of mystery felt contrived.
After many, many, many re-reads and 50 highlights, I will definitely say that Alexander is the sexiest of the McPhearson brothers. He is loving, eats her horrible cooking, negotiates well and just loves her so much!
Sabella is a darling woman. She is sweet, resilient, possessive, enthusiastic, caring, tender, strong, and loving!
BUT, because there is always a but, the way he initially treated Sabella (calling her "loose" was not well done of him). And the last bit of mystery felt contrived.
December 21, 2024
This was a heart-warming story. It has been some time since I read the book with the events that carry over into this story, but I still understood what happened and how it impacted Sabella and Alexander.
This book has a fated mates vibe and I was here for the longing. I also enjoyed how much of the focus was on their relationship rather than an exterior plot (which only takes up a few chapters towards the latter portion of the novel).
This story definitely gave me a taste of the books to come and my regret is that they have not been published yet. I cannot wait for Rannoch’s story!
This book has a fated mates vibe and I was here for the longing. I also enjoyed how much of the focus was on their relationship rather than an exterior plot (which only takes up a few chapters towards the latter portion of the novel).
This story definitely gave me a taste of the books to come and my regret is that they have not been published yet. I cannot wait for Rannoch’s story!
March 13, 2024
This latest offering from Elisa was entirely too much fun! The story begins as a misguided revenge trope but soon morphes into a 19th century Scottish battle of the sexes!
Sabella starts off as the classic, demure, society lady but soon realizes that's not gonna cut it in the Highlands. It was great to see her escape her stifling cage and embrace the potty mouthed harpy we all carry inside.
Alexander was my favorite kind of Highlander: a big, uncivilized, lout with brains and a heart of gold.
It cracked me up how they both went around in a near constant state of rut! Sabella caught Alexander off guard with her tupping comments so often that he didn't know what to do with himself! Blasphemies abound! Too funny! 🤣
And just for the record, Mrs. MacBean is my 19th century best friend. No contest. She had me laughing out loud every time she made an appearance. So many great supporting characters, as usual. Everyone was firmly on Team No Filter and Team Overshare and it was hilarious!
A villain was introduced in the latter part of the story but, honestly, the story would have stood up perfectly fine without him. The add did create some hilarious bloodthirsty conversations towards the end so I'm not mad at it. 😉
This one definitely tickled my funny bone and I'm already looking forward to a re-read! Elisa doesn't disappoint and I already know that Magdalene and Rannoch are going to kill me! Can't wait! ❤️🤣
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Sabella starts off as the classic, demure, society lady but soon realizes that's not gonna cut it in the Highlands. It was great to see her escape her stifling cage and embrace the potty mouthed harpy we all carry inside.
Alexander was my favorite kind of Highlander: a big, uncivilized, lout with brains and a heart of gold.
It cracked me up how they both went around in a near constant state of rut! Sabella caught Alexander off guard with her tupping comments so often that he didn't know what to do with himself! Blasphemies abound! Too funny! 🤣
And just for the record, Mrs. MacBean is my 19th century best friend. No contest. She had me laughing out loud every time she made an appearance. So many great supporting characters, as usual. Everyone was firmly on Team No Filter and Team Overshare and it was hilarious!
A villain was introduced in the latter part of the story but, honestly, the story would have stood up perfectly fine without him. The add did create some hilarious bloodthirsty conversations towards the end so I'm not mad at it. 😉
This one definitely tickled my funny bone and I'm already looking forward to a re-read! Elisa doesn't disappoint and I already know that Magdalene and Rannoch are going to kill me! Can't wait! ❤️🤣
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
July 14, 2024
This book was a rollercoaster, man. The plot was nuts. I mean, Heiress-turned-maid? Genius. The two leads had more chemistry than a science lab explosion. And the Hero? This giant of a Highlander - grump on the outside, marshmallow on the inside. Loved it.
The angst was top-notch, too. I was practically eating popcorn, waiting for the drama. I especially loved the part of the heroine being abused by her psycho of a brother. But the ending? Meh. Felt like a wet noodle compared to the rest of the story. Also, the bad guy? Basically a ghost. Where'd they go?
Overall, a fun read. Just don’t expect a mind-blowing conclusion.
The angst was top-notch, too. I was practically eating popcorn, waiting for the drama. I especially loved the part of the heroine being abused by her psycho of a brother. But the ending? Meh. Felt like a wet noodle compared to the rest of the story. Also, the bad guy? Basically a ghost. Where'd they go?
Overall, a fun read. Just don’t expect a mind-blowing conclusion.
August 28, 2024
Alexander and Sabella might be the horniest couple in this series 🥵
Mrs. McBean continues to make me cackle 🤣
I love the audiobooks SO MUCH.
Mrs. McBean continues to make me cackle 🤣
I love the audiobooks SO MUCH.
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