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The Enchanted Highlands #7
Wild Scottish Gold
She was forged in heat, and he was the hammer that struck too close to her heart.
Kaia Bissett came to Scotland for a fresh start. No entanglements. No mistakes. No mixing business with pleasure. But one impulsive, scorching night with a stranger shatters that promise—especially when the stranger turns out to be Thane Blackwood. Her new landlord, and apparently, her biggest rival.
Thane built his empire with his own hands. His forge. His rules. He has no room for distractions—especially not Kaia, the fiery metalsmith who refuses to back down. When she lands a commission for the grand iron gates at Common Gin, he steps into the ring, determined to beat her. Sparks fly—on the anvil and off.
But Kaia’s past isn’t done with her. She’s heir to an ancient order, bound to protect Loren Brae from the Kelpies that stalk its waters. Magick stirs in her blood, wild and untamed. And Thane? He won’t let her fight alone.
Steel clashes. Desire burns. But can they forge something stronger, or will the fire consume them both?
Kaia Bissett came to Scotland for a fresh start. No entanglements. No mistakes. No mixing business with pleasure. But one impulsive, scorching night with a stranger shatters that promise—especially when the stranger turns out to be Thane Blackwood. Her new landlord, and apparently, her biggest rival.
Thane built his empire with his own hands. His forge. His rules. He has no room for distractions—especially not Kaia, the fiery metalsmith who refuses to back down. When she lands a commission for the grand iron gates at Common Gin, he steps into the ring, determined to beat her. Sparks fly—on the anvil and off.
But Kaia’s past isn’t done with her. She’s heir to an ancient order, bound to protect Loren Brae from the Kelpies that stalk its waters. Magick stirs in her blood, wild and untamed. And Thane? He won’t let her fight alone.
Steel clashes. Desire burns. But can they forge something stronger, or will the fire consume them both?
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2025
3238 people are currently reading
1085 people want to read
About the author
Tricia O'Malley
74 books2,557 followersAs 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
May 19, 2025
Wild Scottish Gold by Tricia O’Malley
The Enchanted Highlands series #7. Scottish romance with a bit of paranormal thrown in. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series.
Kaia is moving to Scotland and the town of Loren Brae as a blacksmith and jeweler. It will be a new start for and she’s excited to have her own designs created. When she gets to town, she finds all kinds of new factors in her life. The first is that the man she had a passionate one-night stand with before landing in Loren Brea also lives there. That was not the planned professional start she had in mind. The second crazy factor is magick! Who knew she inherited more than just a cottage? Kaia makes friends quickly and can’t seem to stay away from Thane. Her new start in Loren Brea is much more interesting than she anticipated.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook copy narrated by Amy Landon and Will Watt who do all the non-dramatized versions of this series. The pair does a fantastic job with the performances bringing the characters and the Scottish village to life. Even the highland coo. Will’s voice is deep and performed with a very heavily accented Scottish brogue which had me slowing down the playback a bit from my usual of 1.5. I also needed to up the volume to capture the full dialog.
I do love these two narrators together. They have become an intrinsic part of the series.
Entertaining, a bit spicy, and with the addition of the familiar, more witchy than some of the prior books.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
The Enchanted Highlands series #7. Scottish romance with a bit of paranormal thrown in. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series.
Kaia is moving to Scotland and the town of Loren Brae as a blacksmith and jeweler. It will be a new start for and she’s excited to have her own designs created. When she gets to town, she finds all kinds of new factors in her life. The first is that the man she had a passionate one-night stand with before landing in Loren Brea also lives there. That was not the planned professional start she had in mind. The second crazy factor is magick! Who knew she inherited more than just a cottage? Kaia makes friends quickly and can’t seem to stay away from Thane. Her new start in Loren Brea is much more interesting than she anticipated.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook copy narrated by Amy Landon and Will Watt who do all the non-dramatized versions of this series. The pair does a fantastic job with the performances bringing the characters and the Scottish village to life. Even the highland coo. Will’s voice is deep and performed with a very heavily accented Scottish brogue which had me slowing down the playback a bit from my usual of 1.5. I also needed to up the volume to capture the full dialog.
I do love these two narrators together. They have become an intrinsic part of the series.
Entertaining, a bit spicy, and with the addition of the familiar, more witchy than some of the prior books.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
March 28, 2025
This is by far my favorite of the series!! I love Thane so much!! But Kaia?!! She’s amazing!
“Historically, I collected red flags like prizes when it came to the men in my life.”
This was such a fun cozy story full of magic and I love the Clyde made an appearance again because I love that highland cow!!
This is such an amazing book full of
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨One Night Stand
✨Workplace Rivals
✨Bookish Heroine
✨He Falls First
✨Found Family
✨Forced Proximity
✨“Who Did This To You?”
Who doesn’t love a protective MMC, especially when he doesn’t stop her from doing what she needs to do but instead supports her (after a very understandable freak out because he wants to protect her)
It’s amazing every time we go back to Loren Brae, and every time I finish a Tricia O’Malley book it makes me want to pack my bag and go to Scotland
I was beyond lucky to be able to ARC read this and it’s a MUST read for all my cozy fantasy lovers!!
“Historically, I collected red flags like prizes when it came to the men in my life.”
This was such a fun cozy story full of magic and I love the Clyde made an appearance again because I love that highland cow!!
This is such an amazing book full of
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨One Night Stand
✨Workplace Rivals
✨Bookish Heroine
✨He Falls First
✨Found Family
✨Forced Proximity
✨“Who Did This To You?”
Who doesn’t love a protective MMC, especially when he doesn’t stop her from doing what she needs to do but instead supports her (after a very understandable freak out because he wants to protect her)
It’s amazing every time we go back to Loren Brae, and every time I finish a Tricia O’Malley book it makes me want to pack my bag and go to Scotland
I was beyond lucky to be able to ARC read this and it’s a MUST read for all my cozy fantasy lovers!!
October 13, 2025
A work-hardy smith, a new project along the beautiful highlands, a long-lost Order, the handsome owner of the smithy she's renting out who just so happens to have been her one-nighter when she had arrived in Edinburgh, and ever-terrifying kelpies.
Wild Scottish Gold is a fun read that combines drama, romance and comic relief for those who like it sprinkled with such excitement that calls forth a promising adventure. Tricia adds only more jitters to this series by feeding this adventurous side with Scottish mythological creatures and threats, that are become more and more life-endangering by the book. The series follows the comfortable setting where you know what to expect each new book while getting something new every single time. A new creature, a Scottish talking raven this time. A new love story, where acceptance takes its time where Thane gives Kaia all the time and space she needs to give them a chance, letting his sparkly pink nails to do most of the lifting. New trials that test Kaia's character. New powers. A new member to the Order of Caledonia.
The best ride you can ask for, while asking for little investment in return, The Enchanted Highlands over-achieve in melting my heart time and time again. And I can hardly wait for the next one!
Wild Scottish Gold is a fun read that combines drama, romance and comic relief for those who like it sprinkled with such excitement that calls forth a promising adventure. Tricia adds only more jitters to this series by feeding this adventurous side with Scottish mythological creatures and threats, that are become more and more life-endangering by the book. The series follows the comfortable setting where you know what to expect each new book while getting something new every single time. A new creature, a Scottish talking raven this time. A new love story, where acceptance takes its time where Thane gives Kaia all the time and space she needs to give them a chance, letting his sparkly pink nails to do most of the lifting. New trials that test Kaia's character. New powers. A new member to the Order of Caledonia.
The best ride you can ask for, while asking for little investment in return, The Enchanted Highlands over-achieve in melting my heart time and time again. And I can hardly wait for the next one!
May 15, 2025
This series gets more fun with each book! This book hits the right note of fun, spice and seriousness while keeping things light with the paranormal activities of the ladies and their familiars! This book wraps second chances, independence, love, support, friendship, fear, humor, spice and more in an engaging and entertaining storyline that is full of hot Scots and great banter. I personally have this series on my must listen list of books as the narrators (a male and a female) do an outstanding job of bringing the characters, events, emotions and spice to life. These books really bring my desire to travel to and through Scotland to life each time I listen to them. Although, I doubt I'll ever see a ghost coo, but how cool would that be!?! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book and I'll be anxiously awaiting the chance to listen to it soon!
March 31, 2025
"There's nothing I love more than taking down an overly confident man."
✨ Cozy Magickal Romance
✨ Small Scottish Town
✨ Rivals to Lovers
✨ One Night Stand
✨ Blacksmith MCs
✨ New to Town
This is the 7th book in The Enchanted Highlands series and follows Kaia and Thane. Kaia moves to Scotland after inheriting a cottage and quickly finds out that she is the next recruit in the magickal Order of Caledonia. While she is coming to terms that magick is real and passing her trials to become the Order's forge witch, she is also trying hard to stay away from Thane, her one night stand turned rival.
I love coming back to the world of Loren Brae! This is my ultimate cozy fantasy series and the found family is one of my faves! Kaia and Thane are the newest additions to the series and they fit in so well! I absolutely love that Kaia is a blacksmith and is fierce and unapologetic in her work. Thane is gruff and terse but quickly becomes infatuated with Kaia. She's the sweet and softness he needs and he's the support and possessiveness that she needs. They are perfect together! I also can't forget about Murdoch, Kaia's new raven familiar. He quickly endeared himself to me and needed a shoutout as well.
Thank you so much to Tricia for the advanced copy! 🖤✨
✨ Cozy Magickal Romance
✨ Small Scottish Town
✨ Rivals to Lovers
✨ One Night Stand
✨ Blacksmith MCs
✨ New to Town
This is the 7th book in The Enchanted Highlands series and follows Kaia and Thane. Kaia moves to Scotland after inheriting a cottage and quickly finds out that she is the next recruit in the magickal Order of Caledonia. While she is coming to terms that magick is real and passing her trials to become the Order's forge witch, she is also trying hard to stay away from Thane, her one night stand turned rival.
I love coming back to the world of Loren Brae! This is my ultimate cozy fantasy series and the found family is one of my faves! Kaia and Thane are the newest additions to the series and they fit in so well! I absolutely love that Kaia is a blacksmith and is fierce and unapologetic in her work. Thane is gruff and terse but quickly becomes infatuated with Kaia. She's the sweet and softness he needs and he's the support and possessiveness that she needs. They are perfect together! I also can't forget about Murdoch, Kaia's new raven familiar. He quickly endeared himself to me and needed a shoutout as well.
Thank you so much to Tricia for the advanced copy! 🖤✨
May 16, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 4/5
Thank you to Dreamscape Select, Lovewrite Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC of the Wild Scottish Gold audiobook, set for release on 5/20.
I’ve read most of Tricia O’Malley’s books and she somehow always manages to create cozy, magical, romantic tales that never feel formulaic despite their relative predictability of a HEA.
Have been loving the Enchanted Highlands series.
Thank you to Dreamscape Select, Lovewrite Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC of the Wild Scottish Gold audiobook, set for release on 5/20.
I’ve read most of Tricia O’Malley’s books and she somehow always manages to create cozy, magical, romantic tales that never feel formulaic despite their relative predictability of a HEA.
Have been loving the Enchanted Highlands series.
March 20, 2025
Tricia has done it again! Another glimpse into life in Loren Brae making me once again wish I too lived in their magical town. All of the gang is back with some new additions. These MCs have the spiciest story to date and it’s FANTASTIC! The picnic table scene was perfection. Plus plenty of heartstring moments to make your heart feel full. I can’t wait to see what next adventure Tricia comes up with for this sleepy little town I’m so in love with. Thank you for always making my heart smile Tricia. These are some of my favorite comfort reads.
May 20, 2025
4.75⭐️
'Ladies and Gentlemen, we have struck gold! Wild Scottish Gold. Tricia O'Malley is back sprinkling her latest dusting of Loren Brae magick into every word on every page. Hammers, anvils and sparks, oh my! - The British Bibliophile
Thank you to Tricia O'Malley for sending me an ebook Advanced Reader Copy for me to read and leave an honest review.
Special thank you to Tricia as well for approving me of a PR package for the release of this book! It's a genuine honour and privilege to showcase both you as a person, as well as you the author, alongside your works with my fellow readers. I hope that my posts bring you even more readers that you deserve to have soak up your words, holding dear the stories that they tell while falling evermore enchanted with Loren Brae and its equally as enchanting inhabitants.
NOTE - - This review will be spoiler-free as standard, but it will contain references to contents within the book's blurb. If you wish to go into this book as a blind read without knowing a single thing about it, please exit my review now.
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⠀⠀⠀📖 A R C ⠀ R E V I E W 📖
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
Wild Scottish Gold is the seventh book in Tricia O'Malley's series, The Enchanted Highlands, and is the fourth book within the self-same series that I have had the pleasure of reading. Since I joined along for the journey midway in this series with Wild Scottish Rose , I made sure that I went back to where it all started with Wild Scottish Knight. Since doing so, I've been able to catch up on the books released prior to Wild Scottish Rose, which proudly includes the dramatised audiobook counterparts up until the latest audiobook release for the book of the same.
Enchanted from the instant I started reading Tricia's work, I knew from that moment onwards I would be a firm reader of hers for the foreseeable and as of this book and its review, I am proud to say that is still true.
What started as one book with Wild Scottish Knight, venting into the unknown and undiscovered that lies within Loren Brae has now grown, bright and bold, into seven bewitchingly brilliant books. Now, more than ever, I find myself going beyond the realms of being heavily invested into the lives, stories and the future outcome that lies at the end of the series. When calm has been restored by the Order of Caledonia.
I feel at this point, that I am more than just a simple reader. I feel like I have become part of the magick that has been put into the stories that has woven its way around the characters, off the page and into my fingertips. Impossible in reality, I know, but that is the level of connection I feel to both the books and the author who has born them.
Wild Scottish Gold might be a surprise to some, though not to all. For those who have read the previous book in the series, Wild Scottish Fortune, will have seen what we were going to be in for with a sneak peek after the epilogue rounded things off for Fin and Orla. This is where we were officially introduced to for the first time, the lass who would be our Fmale Main Character for Wild Scottish Gold. Welcome to the world of the Enchanted Highlands, Kaia Bissett.
As I've mentioned in past reviews, I am one of those readers who doesn't usually read the sneak peaks of the next book in the series. I like to go in fully surprised. However, for the last two books in this series, I've found myself going against my own 'rule', just so that I could read that little bit more of Tricia O'Malley before I absolutely had to turn the final page. I'm firmly under Tricia's spell, at this point.
Luckily for me--and my fellow readers--we had a book to wet our O'Malley whistle and to break up the eight month gap between books six and seven with a holiday romance set in the Scottish Highlands. Namely, the Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop, which features the self-same 'Book Bitches' mentioned within this series. If you're into reading a cute, christmassy cozy, romantic as hell story no matter the time of year (which might or might not feature puffins), I highly recommend you deviate to that read before any more in this one come your way.
In fact, I might do just that when I have the time to. I'm missing Kingsbarns something fierce. For now, it's back to Loren Brae!
'She was forged in heat, and he was the hammer that struck too close to her heart.'
For a fresh start, there is no where better to go than bonnie Scotland and its enchanting Highlands. Which is exactly what Kaia Bissett does under the mindset of not getting entangled with anyone, making no mistakes and most importantly, no mixing business with pleasure. All of which go immediacy out of the window when she shares one hot, scorching but perfect night with a complete stranger. Little did she know that the man, the stranger, that she shared the pleasurable night with would turn out to be none other than Thane Blackwood, the new landlord where she has set up shop, and a man who immediately becomes her biggest rival.
If there's one thing that Thane Blackwood is proud of more than anything else, it's building his own business empire with his own two hands. At his forge, he makes the rules. One of the rules he has for himself? No distractions. Not even for the brand new, fiery blacksmith who so happened to be the receiver of his pleasure during their one night together who now works under his roof. Easier said than done when she lands the deal of a lifetime which will do wonders for her business, and he's determined to step in and beat her at her own game by proving he's better than her.
With a hammer like Thane's, it's no wonder sparks are flying both on and off his anvil.
Soon Kaia finds that coming to Scotland to escape her past and to start fresh, is proving difficult when her past isn't done with her. Discovering that she's the latest member of the Order of Caledonia, heir to the ancient order, she is now bound to protect the town of Loren Brae against the Kelpies that threaten it and its inhabitants. Unawakened magick within her very blood comes alive, untamed and wild, and she's learning to navigate it and the fact that Thane won't let her brave her upcoming fights on her own.
As the fire grows hotter and hotter between the two of them, will they forger something steadfast and strong that will stand the test of time time? Or will they both be consumed by the flames?
Wild Scottish Gold steers back around to the overall series feel from where it veered off slightly with Wild Scottish Fortune. The latter did so not in a dramatic fashion, and it didn't take away from the overall magick of the series, but it did walk to the beat of its own drum. Wild Scottish Gold re-takes the wheel and sets us back on course with the Order of Caledonia who with the addition of Kaia, are now one person closer to being ready for the final battle that lies ahead for them. The climax is in sight.
Kaia fits into the Order perfectly, having being written just as so by Tricia who delivers us a FMC with boss-lady energy and persona without falling into the forced nature of said fictional character as I have seen others fall into the trap of. We all love a no-nonsense, badass FMC, but not forced in any way. Additionally, Thane compliments Kaia's character, rather than dominating it or taking precedence over her. This is what we need to see more of in our romance novels. Main characters actually being equals rather than being written as so to check a box to placate readers.
Much like their chosen careers, Thane and Kaia are a powerhouse of a couple who balance out the other couple dynamics in and associated with the Order of Caledonia. Seeing more of them in the next book(s) will be much welcomed and greatly looked forward to.
The radiant magic of The Enchanted Highlands series and of Loren Brae hasn't dwindled with each book that has come along, I'm very pleased to say. If anything, it has only grown in magnitude. This is an incredible feat for a series that has surpassed the conventional numbers of books within it, which clearly shows--as is reflected in the ratings and reviews--that we, Tricia's loyal readers, still are firmly on board to see what happens next.
My guess, is that we will have ten books overall. As it was mentioned in an earlier book that there has to be ten members of the Order, which leads me to my book number hypothesis. I may be wrong and Tricia could surprise us all by doing one less, more or even someday, a second generation series--which would be extremely welcomed should she ever chose to do so--, but we will have to see what the fates decide.
Until next time, Loren Brae. Sparkle on!
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 G E N R E S 📚
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Scottish Highland Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Magical Realism
⠀⠀⠀↳ Contemporary Romance
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R O P E S
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Grumpy/Sunshine
⠀⠀⠀↳ Cozy Fantasy
⠀⠀⠀↳ One Night Stand
⠀⠀⠀↳ Workplace Rivals
⠀⠀⠀↳ Bookish Heroine
⠀⠀⠀↳ New-in-Town
⠀⠀⠀↳ Scottish MMC
⠀⠀⠀↳ He Falls First
⠀⠀⠀↳ Found Family
⠀⠀⠀↳ "Aye, lass
⠀⠀⠀↳ Forced Proximity
⠀⠀⠀↳ "Get It Out Of Our Systems"
⠀⠀⠀↳ "Wo Did This To You?"
⠀⠀⠀↳ Angsty
⠀⠀⠀↳ "I Almost Lost You"
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀ ⠀ 🌶️ S T E A M Y/S P I C Y? 🌶️
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ So-so. Mid-level spice
⠀⠀⠀↳ Down To Personal Interpretation of Spice
⠀⠀⠀↳ The Forge Isn't The Only Thing That Gets Hot!
⠀⠀⠀↳ 3/5 on the Spice-o-Meter
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R I G G E R S?
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ None!
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀M U S T ⠀ R E A D?
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ AYE!!!
⠀⠀⠀↳ Book yourself a trip to Loren Brae right away! (grab the books)
⠀⠀⠀↳ Enjoyable in all of its available formats. Ebook, paperback, audiobook & dramatised autiobook
⠀⠀⠀↳ CANNOT WAIT FOR THE DRAMATISED AUDIOBOOK OF THIS!!
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ARC P R O V I D E R:
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Tricia O'Malley
'Ladies and Gentlemen, we have struck gold! Wild Scottish Gold. Tricia O'Malley is back sprinkling her latest dusting of Loren Brae magick into every word on every page. Hammers, anvils and sparks, oh my! - The British Bibliophile
Thank you to Tricia O'Malley for sending me an ebook Advanced Reader Copy for me to read and leave an honest review.
Special thank you to Tricia as well for approving me of a PR package for the release of this book! It's a genuine honour and privilege to showcase both you as a person, as well as you the author, alongside your works with my fellow readers. I hope that my posts bring you even more readers that you deserve to have soak up your words, holding dear the stories that they tell while falling evermore enchanted with Loren Brae and its equally as enchanting inhabitants.
NOTE - - This review will be spoiler-free as standard, but it will contain references to contents within the book's blurb. If you wish to go into this book as a blind read without knowing a single thing about it, please exit my review now.
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀📖 A R C ⠀ R E V I E W 📖
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
Wild Scottish Gold is the seventh book in Tricia O'Malley's series, The Enchanted Highlands, and is the fourth book within the self-same series that I have had the pleasure of reading. Since I joined along for the journey midway in this series with Wild Scottish Rose , I made sure that I went back to where it all started with Wild Scottish Knight. Since doing so, I've been able to catch up on the books released prior to Wild Scottish Rose, which proudly includes the dramatised audiobook counterparts up until the latest audiobook release for the book of the same.
Enchanted from the instant I started reading Tricia's work, I knew from that moment onwards I would be a firm reader of hers for the foreseeable and as of this book and its review, I am proud to say that is still true.
What started as one book with Wild Scottish Knight, venting into the unknown and undiscovered that lies within Loren Brae has now grown, bright and bold, into seven bewitchingly brilliant books. Now, more than ever, I find myself going beyond the realms of being heavily invested into the lives, stories and the future outcome that lies at the end of the series. When calm has been restored by the Order of Caledonia.
I feel at this point, that I am more than just a simple reader. I feel like I have become part of the magick that has been put into the stories that has woven its way around the characters, off the page and into my fingertips. Impossible in reality, I know, but that is the level of connection I feel to both the books and the author who has born them.
Wild Scottish Gold might be a surprise to some, though not to all. For those who have read the previous book in the series, Wild Scottish Fortune, will have seen what we were going to be in for with a sneak peek after the epilogue rounded things off for Fin and Orla. This is where we were officially introduced to for the first time, the lass who would be our Fmale Main Character for Wild Scottish Gold. Welcome to the world of the Enchanted Highlands, Kaia Bissett.
As I've mentioned in past reviews, I am one of those readers who doesn't usually read the sneak peaks of the next book in the series. I like to go in fully surprised. However, for the last two books in this series, I've found myself going against my own 'rule', just so that I could read that little bit more of Tricia O'Malley before I absolutely had to turn the final page. I'm firmly under Tricia's spell, at this point.
Luckily for me--and my fellow readers--we had a book to wet our O'Malley whistle and to break up the eight month gap between books six and seven with a holiday romance set in the Scottish Highlands. Namely, the Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop, which features the self-same 'Book Bitches' mentioned within this series. If you're into reading a cute, christmassy cozy, romantic as hell story no matter the time of year (which might or might not feature puffins), I highly recommend you deviate to that read before any more in this one come your way.
In fact, I might do just that when I have the time to. I'm missing Kingsbarns something fierce. For now, it's back to Loren Brae!
'She was forged in heat, and he was the hammer that struck too close to her heart.'
For a fresh start, there is no where better to go than bonnie Scotland and its enchanting Highlands. Which is exactly what Kaia Bissett does under the mindset of not getting entangled with anyone, making no mistakes and most importantly, no mixing business with pleasure. All of which go immediacy out of the window when she shares one hot, scorching but perfect night with a complete stranger. Little did she know that the man, the stranger, that she shared the pleasurable night with would turn out to be none other than Thane Blackwood, the new landlord where she has set up shop, and a man who immediately becomes her biggest rival.
If there's one thing that Thane Blackwood is proud of more than anything else, it's building his own business empire with his own two hands. At his forge, he makes the rules. One of the rules he has for himself? No distractions. Not even for the brand new, fiery blacksmith who so happened to be the receiver of his pleasure during their one night together who now works under his roof. Easier said than done when she lands the deal of a lifetime which will do wonders for her business, and he's determined to step in and beat her at her own game by proving he's better than her.
With a hammer like Thane's, it's no wonder sparks are flying both on and off his anvil.
Soon Kaia finds that coming to Scotland to escape her past and to start fresh, is proving difficult when her past isn't done with her. Discovering that she's the latest member of the Order of Caledonia, heir to the ancient order, she is now bound to protect the town of Loren Brae against the Kelpies that threaten it and its inhabitants. Unawakened magick within her very blood comes alive, untamed and wild, and she's learning to navigate it and the fact that Thane won't let her brave her upcoming fights on her own.
As the fire grows hotter and hotter between the two of them, will they forger something steadfast and strong that will stand the test of time time? Or will they both be consumed by the flames?
Wild Scottish Gold steers back around to the overall series feel from where it veered off slightly with Wild Scottish Fortune. The latter did so not in a dramatic fashion, and it didn't take away from the overall magick of the series, but it did walk to the beat of its own drum. Wild Scottish Gold re-takes the wheel and sets us back on course with the Order of Caledonia who with the addition of Kaia, are now one person closer to being ready for the final battle that lies ahead for them. The climax is in sight.
Kaia fits into the Order perfectly, having being written just as so by Tricia who delivers us a FMC with boss-lady energy and persona without falling into the forced nature of said fictional character as I have seen others fall into the trap of. We all love a no-nonsense, badass FMC, but not forced in any way. Additionally, Thane compliments Kaia's character, rather than dominating it or taking precedence over her. This is what we need to see more of in our romance novels. Main characters actually being equals rather than being written as so to check a box to placate readers.
Much like their chosen careers, Thane and Kaia are a powerhouse of a couple who balance out the other couple dynamics in and associated with the Order of Caledonia. Seeing more of them in the next book(s) will be much welcomed and greatly looked forward to.
The radiant magic of The Enchanted Highlands series and of Loren Brae hasn't dwindled with each book that has come along, I'm very pleased to say. If anything, it has only grown in magnitude. This is an incredible feat for a series that has surpassed the conventional numbers of books within it, which clearly shows--as is reflected in the ratings and reviews--that we, Tricia's loyal readers, still are firmly on board to see what happens next.
My guess, is that we will have ten books overall. As it was mentioned in an earlier book that there has to be ten members of the Order, which leads me to my book number hypothesis. I may be wrong and Tricia could surprise us all by doing one less, more or even someday, a second generation series--which would be extremely welcomed should she ever chose to do so--, but we will have to see what the fates decide.
Until next time, Loren Brae. Sparkle on!
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 G E N R E S 📚
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Scottish Highland Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Magical Realism
⠀⠀⠀↳ Contemporary Romance
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R O P E S
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Grumpy/Sunshine
⠀⠀⠀↳ Cozy Fantasy
⠀⠀⠀↳ One Night Stand
⠀⠀⠀↳ Workplace Rivals
⠀⠀⠀↳ Bookish Heroine
⠀⠀⠀↳ New-in-Town
⠀⠀⠀↳ Scottish MMC
⠀⠀⠀↳ He Falls First
⠀⠀⠀↳ Found Family
⠀⠀⠀↳ "Aye, lass
⠀⠀⠀↳ Forced Proximity
⠀⠀⠀↳ "Get It Out Of Our Systems"
⠀⠀⠀↳ "Wo Did This To You?"
⠀⠀⠀↳ Angsty
⠀⠀⠀↳ "I Almost Lost You"
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀ ⠀ 🌶️ S T E A M Y/S P I C Y? 🌶️
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ So-so. Mid-level spice
⠀⠀⠀↳ Down To Personal Interpretation of Spice
⠀⠀⠀↳ The Forge Isn't The Only Thing That Gets Hot!
⠀⠀⠀↳ 3/5 on the Spice-o-Meter
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R I G G E R S?
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ None!
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀M U S T ⠀ R E A D?
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ AYE!!!
⠀⠀⠀↳ Book yourself a trip to Loren Brae right away! (grab the books)
⠀⠀⠀↳ Enjoyable in all of its available formats. Ebook, paperback, audiobook & dramatised autiobook
⠀⠀⠀↳ CANNOT WAIT FOR THE DRAMATISED AUDIOBOOK OF THIS!!
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ARC P R O V I D E R:
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Tricia O'Malley
May 25, 2025
I really tried to like this, but the narration was so distracting. It felt like the FMC narrator did not do a pre-read of the book. She kept putting emphasis on the wrong words of the sentences. I actually thought I was listening to an AI narration. I will say both narrators did a great job switching between Scottish and American accents. It was just so hard to pay attention when the narrator sounded like a robot. There was no emotion or connection behind the narration, which is what I really need in order to escape into the book. I know the narration is what ruined this for me, because graphic audio is adapting the books in this series and I listened to a sample. The writing sounded much smoother coming from the graphic audio narrators. I haven’t read the other books in this series, but if I do I’m going to listen to the graphic audio versions.
The plot itself was a cute, magical realism, Scottish romance that reminded me of a hallmark movie. This is book 7 in a series but it can be read as a standalone. It’s exactly the kind of book I would pick up to have a cozy, little bedtime read.
Tropes:
💛one night stand turns out to be her landlord
💛workplace rivals to lovers
💛Scottish MMC, American FMC
💛grumpy X sunshine
💛“Who did this to you”
💛secret magical powers
💛found family
💛he falls first, she’s in denial
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
The plot itself was a cute, magical realism, Scottish romance that reminded me of a hallmark movie. This is book 7 in a series but it can be read as a standalone. It’s exactly the kind of book I would pick up to have a cozy, little bedtime read.
Tropes:
💛one night stand turns out to be her landlord
💛workplace rivals to lovers
💛Scottish MMC, American FMC
💛grumpy X sunshine
💛“Who did this to you”
💛secret magical powers
💛found family
💛he falls first, she’s in denial
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
April 4, 2025
✨ Absolutely Enchanting! ✨
“Because being strong and independent doesn't mean pushing everyone away-it means knowing who to let in."
I am so happy to be back in Loren Brae with the Order of Caledonia!! The Enchanted Highlands series absolutely has my heart!!! I have loved every single book in this series and Wild Scottish Gold is no exception!! Magickal and swoon worthy, Tricia O’Malley has weaved another truly fantastical tale!! Kaia & Thane’s story is one for the ages!!
✨ Scottish Highlands
✨ Starting Over
✨ 7th in the Series
✨ Sweet & Spicy
✨ Adorable Ghost Coo
✨ Magical Realism
✨ Cozy Fantasy
✨ Mythical Creatures
✨ Rivals to Lovers
✨ Swoon-Worthy Romance
One million percent recommended picking up this entire cozy fantasy romance series!! Counting down the days until Wild Scottish Charm is released!
Thank you so much Tricia O’Malley for sending a copy of Wild Scottish Gold my way!
“Because being strong and independent doesn't mean pushing everyone away-it means knowing who to let in."
I am so happy to be back in Loren Brae with the Order of Caledonia!! The Enchanted Highlands series absolutely has my heart!!! I have loved every single book in this series and Wild Scottish Gold is no exception!! Magickal and swoon worthy, Tricia O’Malley has weaved another truly fantastical tale!! Kaia & Thane’s story is one for the ages!!
✨ Scottish Highlands
✨ Starting Over
✨ 7th in the Series
✨ Sweet & Spicy
✨ Adorable Ghost Coo
✨ Magical Realism
✨ Cozy Fantasy
✨ Mythical Creatures
✨ Rivals to Lovers
✨ Swoon-Worthy Romance
One million percent recommended picking up this entire cozy fantasy romance series!! Counting down the days until Wild Scottish Charm is released!
Thank you so much Tricia O’Malley for sending a copy of Wild Scottish Gold my way!
Read
June 5, 2025🎧 Audio Review 🎧
The town of Loren Brae is a special one, and Kaia finds out just how special. Between the cottage she inherited and the magic, this book kept me wanting more from this town and these friends.
Before moving, Kaia had a passionate night with Thane. They went in separate ways, only fate or what have you has other plans. What do you do when the man you can’t stop thinking about turns out to be the owner of the forge you're working in? Can they keep things professional?
It’s a fun tale of love, fear, independence and spice.
Our beloved side characters show their faces as well. We can’t forget about Clyde now, can we?
The audio is always a delight. Will and Amy bring these stories to their voices, and it’s incredible to get lost in this world of magic and friendship.
The town of Loren Brae is a special one, and Kaia finds out just how special. Between the cottage she inherited and the magic, this book kept me wanting more from this town and these friends.
Before moving, Kaia had a passionate night with Thane. They went in separate ways, only fate or what have you has other plans. What do you do when the man you can’t stop thinking about turns out to be the owner of the forge you're working in? Can they keep things professional?
It’s a fun tale of love, fear, independence and spice.
Our beloved side characters show their faces as well. We can’t forget about Clyde now, can we?
The audio is always a delight. Will and Amy bring these stories to their voices, and it’s incredible to get lost in this world of magic and friendship.
March 29, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. The hot dynamic between Thane and Kaia was delicious! The pacing and storyline was exciting and addictive. Having not read the rest of the series, if they're as good as this book, then I'm in store for a real treat! The spice was on 🔥 and I want more! I loved all the side characters and I'm thinking they are the couples from the previous books. I also loved the group dynamic, and it made me wish for a bundle of friends like this! I highly recommend this book and series!
April 1, 2025
NO SPOILERS!
Wild Scottish Gold was phenomenal in every way, and I absolutely loved Thane and Kaia’s story with all of my heart!
It was sexy, funny, emotional, and entertaining, and I loved the ending, especially the bonus scene. Absolutely chef’s kiss all around and a MUST READ standalone in the Enchanted Highlands series!
Proofread for author.
Wild Scottish Gold was phenomenal in every way, and I absolutely loved Thane and Kaia’s story with all of my heart!
It was sexy, funny, emotional, and entertaining, and I loved the ending, especially the bonus scene. Absolutely chef’s kiss all around and a MUST READ standalone in the Enchanted Highlands series!
Proofread for author.
May 23, 2025
All admit, this was the first book I’ve read by Tricia O’Malley. Contemporary romance isn’t a genre I spend a lot of time in but this story was very enjoyable. The magical realism/folklore elements and magic woven into the story was lovely and fit very well. The romance was fun, the tension was there, and the ending felt complete.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC of this story.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC of this story.
March 30, 2025
If you’re like me and love small town romances (I’ve been binging them all this spring 🤭), and are looking for a romance set in a different location, look no further than Loren Brae, Scotland, and Tricia O’Malley‘s Enchanted Highlands series. ✨🏴
Part of a totally addicting, bingable series, Wild Scottish Gold releases today and was a delight to read! 🌟Steamy right from the get-go 🤤🔥 the romance between Thane and Kaia burned hot the entire book.
Filled with lots of Scottish lore 🦄 and culture🍻, Wild Scottish Gold is charming, hilarious, heartwarming, and unique. 🤗 🗡️ Other ARC readers have said that this is their favorite in the series, and I’d have to agree! One of my top reads in this series- I couldn’t put it down! 📖🔥
Part of a totally addicting, bingable series, Wild Scottish Gold releases today and was a delight to read! 🌟Steamy right from the get-go 🤤🔥 the romance between Thane and Kaia burned hot the entire book.
Filled with lots of Scottish lore 🦄 and culture🍻, Wild Scottish Gold is charming, hilarious, heartwarming, and unique. 🤗 🗡️ Other ARC readers have said that this is their favorite in the series, and I’d have to agree! One of my top reads in this series- I couldn’t put it down! 📖🔥
April 5, 2025
4.75 stars!
God i love this world. I would do anything to be in Loren Brae. Only not 5 stars bc Thane mentioned his parents a few times and while we got a glimpse of his relationship with his sister, i would’ve liked to see him introducing Kaia to the rest of his family.
God i love this world. I would do anything to be in Loren Brae. Only not 5 stars bc Thane mentioned his parents a few times and while we got a glimpse of his relationship with his sister, i would’ve liked to see him introducing Kaia to the rest of his family.
April 4, 2025
Another 5 star from O’Malley
I love this series. And this one is no exception. Humor, mystery, love, and hot Scots. Whats not to love ?
I love this series. And this one is no exception. Humor, mystery, love, and hot Scots. Whats not to love ?
April 13, 2025
Tricia O’Malley has done it again!! 🫶🏻🏴🦔🐦⬛
March 16, 2025
Wild Scottish Gold by Tricia O’Malley is such a satisfying read with a hot meet cute, a new member of the Order to fight the kelpies, and Murdock, an endearing familiar helping his forge witch discover her magickal powers. The pull me push me romance doesn’t disappoint either. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. Most highly recommend.
May 20, 2025
What a lovely story! I've enjoyed all of Tricia O'Malley's The Enchanted Highlands books, but Wild Scottish Gold is my favorite so far! I just really clicked with these wonderful characters, and I love how O'Malley weaves the magic into the story.
The audio version of Wild Scottish Gold is beautifully performed by AmyLandon and Will Watt. They do an marvelous job with this one!
an audibook copy of Wild Scottish Gold was provided by Dreamscape Select | Lovewrite Publishing, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
The audio version of Wild Scottish Gold is beautifully performed by AmyLandon and Will Watt. They do an marvelous job with this one!
an audibook copy of Wild Scottish Gold was provided by Dreamscape Select | Lovewrite Publishing, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
March 23, 2025
Received and eARC - thank you to the author!
I’m so happy that the hedgies appeared in this book. Absolutely love them and the new familiar Murdoch. He’s the best.
The love story is sweet in this one but I do have to say that I had a hard time getting into this one. Thane has grumpy protector vibes. After the first couple chapters though I was fully invested. I liked that Kaia had a clear way she could help the town as well as the Order.
We also got a couple hints on who is next to join the Order.
Definitely recommend and will be continuing the series 😁
I’m so happy that the hedgies appeared in this book. Absolutely love them and the new familiar Murdoch. He’s the best.
The love story is sweet in this one but I do have to say that I had a hard time getting into this one. Thane has grumpy protector vibes. After the first couple chapters though I was fully invested. I liked that Kaia had a clear way she could help the town as well as the Order.
We also got a couple hints on who is next to join the Order.
Definitely recommend and will be continuing the series 😁
July 20, 2025
on to the next one always
April 9, 2025
Always sweet, love the characters, magic and beauty. (Too much sex for me though). I’m not a prude but I find it tiring.
December 6, 2025
this book is fucking awful don’t read it!!!!
April 13, 2025
Not compelling
I love a lot of this author’s books and have read the rest of this series. I feel like this was lazy writing. There wasn’t humor or believable tension and it felt like it was a paint by numbers book. I know the romance formula, but the fun of it is the slow build towards the will they, won’t they. This felt a bit messy and I found myself struggling to move ahead. I’ll keep reading the series since I’m waiting for one specific couple to get together and see how the Order does its thing when it is complete, but “meh.”
I love a lot of this author’s books and have read the rest of this series. I feel like this was lazy writing. There wasn’t humor or believable tension and it felt like it was a paint by numbers book. I know the romance formula, but the fun of it is the slow build towards the will they, won’t they. This felt a bit messy and I found myself struggling to move ahead. I’ll keep reading the series since I’m waiting for one specific couple to get together and see how the Order does its thing when it is complete, but “meh.”
May 23, 2025
4.5⭐️ Rounded Up!
I love this series more and more with every installment! This book started off with a bang (literally) and the spice was top notch throughout the story. Very “I can’t quit you” vibes. I loved Kaia! She’s ridiculously relatable and she’s been through some shtuff. Thane is absolutely adorable! I love his relationship with his niece and the fact the he will go out with his manicures still on. He’s a protector and he’s downright swoony. I really enjoyed seeing them mix in with the rest of the characters from the series and, while I am VERY excited for the next book, I am dying for Agnes and Graham to have their moment in the spotlight 😆❤️🔥
As with the rest of the series, Amy Landon and Will Watt are amazing with their narrations. They make it easy to plan on listening to this entire series at least once more in the future. In fact, this series has turned me into a big fan of both of them and has convinced me to look up other books they have narrated.
I love this series more and more with every installment! This book started off with a bang (literally) and the spice was top notch throughout the story. Very “I can’t quit you” vibes. I loved Kaia! She’s ridiculously relatable and she’s been through some shtuff. Thane is absolutely adorable! I love his relationship with his niece and the fact the he will go out with his manicures still on. He’s a protector and he’s downright swoony. I really enjoyed seeing them mix in with the rest of the characters from the series and, while I am VERY excited for the next book, I am dying for Agnes and Graham to have their moment in the spotlight 😆❤️🔥
As with the rest of the series, Amy Landon and Will Watt are amazing with their narrations. They make it easy to plan on listening to this entire series at least once more in the future. In fact, this series has turned me into a big fan of both of them and has convinced me to look up other books they have narrated.
August 7, 2025
YES. Everything I wanted, and things I wished happened for the others but didn’t. CHEFS KISS.
May 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
obsessed with this author and the world she has created. i can’t help but love all her characters but these two were some of my favs!
obsessed with this author and the world she has created. i can’t help but love all her characters but these two were some of my favs!
April 9, 2025
Well, this is probably where the series and I part ways.
There was a lot wrong with this.
Firstly, the way everyone jerked Kaia around in the beginning didn't sit well with me. She submitted a bid to the Common Gin project, and was awarded the project by Orla, an FMC from a previous book in the series. A woman working her ass off to prove she's capable in a male-dominated field, JUST LIKE the FMC of this book, Kaia. But then the MMC, pissy about not winning the project, goes to talk to her and talks her into putting him on the project too. Forcing them to be partners. Firstly, it is a bad look for Orla - she picked the contractor she thought had the best proposal, awarded her the project, and then broke her word. Gross. Even worse, she then forces Kaia into a working partnership with the asswipe who just undercut her with the project. Because that's a good idea, amirite? No. It's a recipe for a nightmare project from hell, working with a fuckhead who undercuts you to steal your work. You likely have different creative visions (one has to assume, because you had different proposals on the project) and this bitch client expects you to just somehow magically find a way to work with a bastard that you've never worked with before. That's bullshit, it makes Orla a complete bitch, and the project a nightmare from hell that I'd drop like trash (I also do contract work). I daresay Orla herself - the Orla from her own book, who fought for this Common Gin project and was constantly underestimated - would also not work under those conditions, but fuck all that, I guess, right?
But Kaia, a wobbly dishrag of an FMC, goes along with it. Does not speak up for herself in any way, even though Orla tells her that she's AGAIN competing with Thane - even though she already DID that - because Orla will review her designs and his, again, and decide which to do. And then they're both going to do whatever design Orla picks - i.e., if she now picks Thane's designs because she's a inconsistent asshole, it means Kaia will have to spend her time building Thane's stuff - because apparently Orla is queen of the universe and says so.
And Kaia never changes. At 85% I wanted to DNF, but was so close to the end I figured what-the-fuck-ever and powered through. She's a wobbly, pathetic dumbass. She wants Thane. She doesn't. She does. Then she asks for space. Then she wants to try. Then she says she doesn't know what she wants. Look, I know I can be hyperbolic, but that is LITERALLY the story.
And that's it. I was completely and utterly over this bitch. Look, I didn't like Thane much in the buginning, and undercutting me with a client would have completely erased any attraction I have. Body betrayal is bullshit - I have never been unstoppably attracted to someone who treated me like garbage. That said, her wobbly bullshit was so neverending and stupid that I thought even Thane - this dude I didn't particularly like - deserved way better than her.
No thanks.
There was a lot wrong with this.
Firstly, the way everyone jerked Kaia around in the beginning didn't sit well with me. She submitted a bid to the Common Gin project, and was awarded the project by Orla, an FMC from a previous book in the series. A woman working her ass off to prove she's capable in a male-dominated field, JUST LIKE the FMC of this book, Kaia. But then the MMC, pissy about not winning the project, goes to talk to her and talks her into putting him on the project too. Forcing them to be partners. Firstly, it is a bad look for Orla - she picked the contractor she thought had the best proposal, awarded her the project, and then broke her word. Gross. Even worse, she then forces Kaia into a working partnership with the asswipe who just undercut her with the project. Because that's a good idea, amirite? No. It's a recipe for a nightmare project from hell, working with a fuckhead who undercuts you to steal your work. You likely have different creative visions (one has to assume, because you had different proposals on the project) and this bitch client expects you to just somehow magically find a way to work with a bastard that you've never worked with before. That's bullshit, it makes Orla a complete bitch, and the project a nightmare from hell that I'd drop like trash (I also do contract work). I daresay Orla herself - the Orla from her own book, who fought for this Common Gin project and was constantly underestimated - would also not work under those conditions, but fuck all that, I guess, right?
But Kaia, a wobbly dishrag of an FMC, goes along with it. Does not speak up for herself in any way, even though Orla tells her that she's AGAIN competing with Thane - even though she already DID that - because Orla will review her designs and his, again, and decide which to do. And then they're both going to do whatever design Orla picks - i.e., if she now picks Thane's designs because she's a inconsistent asshole, it means Kaia will have to spend her time building Thane's stuff - because apparently Orla is queen of the universe and says so.
And Kaia never changes. At 85% I wanted to DNF, but was so close to the end I figured what-the-fuck-ever and powered through. She's a wobbly, pathetic dumbass. She wants Thane. She doesn't. She does. Then she asks for space. Then she wants to try. Then she says she doesn't know what she wants. Look, I know I can be hyperbolic, but that is LITERALLY the story.
And that's it. I was completely and utterly over this bitch. Look, I didn't like Thane much in the buginning, and undercutting me with a client would have completely erased any attraction I have. Body betrayal is bullshit - I have never been unstoppably attracted to someone who treated me like garbage. That said, her wobbly bullshit was so neverending and stupid that I thought even Thane - this dude I didn't particularly like - deserved way better than her.
No thanks.
April 27, 2025
This is a review of the series to date. I fully anticipate the author will stretch this out to twelve books, possibly more but I'm bailing at this point.
I picked up the first volume in this series because I was a) bored and b) it was free on KU.
It quickly became apparent that it was cozy-ish wish-fulfilment for Americans. Plus-size girl inherits a Scottish castle, falls for the rugged, laconic Scotsman and discovers she’s the heir to a magickal inheritance.
I picked up the second volume in the series and was mildly appalled to discover that plot-wise it was virtually a carbon copy of the first. The FMC doesn’t get to inherit a castle, but the basic pattern is established. Flee some situation, come to the shortbread tin version of Scotland, marvel at all the amazing scenery and the history, meet hunky (but laconic) kilt-wearing Scotsman, be lifted up by his strong arms so that you can wrap your legs around his waist while he pins you to the wall for a scorching soul-searching kiss that makes you go gooey inside, discover your magick, gain a familiar etc etc.
The prose is uncomplicated and at 250 pages I reckoned I could breeze through a book in a day, and so I set out to read all seven books. Which I did, sometimes two in a day, and I cannot stress how arduous it was to read the same tropes over and over and over again. Each volume brings a new Witch in to add to the group, so they now have a knight, a kitchen witch, a garden witch, a seer, a builder, a smith, healer next, I think. Once or twice some roles and nationalities are reversed but it’s the Americans coming to rescue the hapless (but rugged and laconic) Scots from their peril.
And it’s so lazy!
Then there’s the whimsy. The problem with whimsy for any writer but especially those engaged with any sort of fantasy is that they have to go through ever greater contortions to explain the existence and/or need for it. For example, JK Rowling’s increasingly bizarre methods of transport, broomsticks, floo powder, magical toilets…
In this series (amongst other things) it’s the fae-touched creatures. The ghost ‘coo’, for instance. Ghosts manifest where they died. A ghost cow would haunt a barn, a field, a favoured scratching post perhaps, but gallivant around inside a castle? What’s a cow doing inside a castle? Moving on. The broonie (hearth-sprite) I could just about tolerate but he should have been much more capricious, even malevolent on occasion. The gnomes, however (Gnorman and Gnora – silent ‘g’ of course) became very old, very, very quickly. And the unicorn? Turning up at the instant when each couple experiences true love? Spare me.
And the inconsistencies keep piling up. Why are all these eligible men unattached? Why are all the witches American? Is there no interest from Scottish witchcraft? Lastly, the kelpies. Given that they manifest relatively frequently, it is simply not credible in the era of the mobile phone and Tik-Tok that some teenager wouldn’t have plastered that all over the internet.
I picked up the first volume in this series because I was a) bored and b) it was free on KU.
It quickly became apparent that it was cozy-ish wish-fulfilment for Americans. Plus-size girl inherits a Scottish castle, falls for the rugged, laconic Scotsman and discovers she’s the heir to a magickal inheritance.
I picked up the second volume in the series and was mildly appalled to discover that plot-wise it was virtually a carbon copy of the first. The FMC doesn’t get to inherit a castle, but the basic pattern is established. Flee some situation, come to the shortbread tin version of Scotland, marvel at all the amazing scenery and the history, meet hunky (but laconic) kilt-wearing Scotsman, be lifted up by his strong arms so that you can wrap your legs around his waist while he pins you to the wall for a scorching soul-searching kiss that makes you go gooey inside, discover your magick, gain a familiar etc etc.
The prose is uncomplicated and at 250 pages I reckoned I could breeze through a book in a day, and so I set out to read all seven books. Which I did, sometimes two in a day, and I cannot stress how arduous it was to read the same tropes over and over and over again. Each volume brings a new Witch in to add to the group, so they now have a knight, a kitchen witch, a garden witch, a seer, a builder, a smith, healer next, I think. Once or twice some roles and nationalities are reversed but it’s the Americans coming to rescue the hapless (but rugged and laconic) Scots from their peril.
And it’s so lazy!
Then there’s the whimsy. The problem with whimsy for any writer but especially those engaged with any sort of fantasy is that they have to go through ever greater contortions to explain the existence and/or need for it. For example, JK Rowling’s increasingly bizarre methods of transport, broomsticks, floo powder, magical toilets…
In this series (amongst other things) it’s the fae-touched creatures. The ghost ‘coo’, for instance. Ghosts manifest where they died. A ghost cow would haunt a barn, a field, a favoured scratching post perhaps, but gallivant around inside a castle? What’s a cow doing inside a castle? Moving on. The broonie (hearth-sprite) I could just about tolerate but he should have been much more capricious, even malevolent on occasion. The gnomes, however (Gnorman and Gnora – silent ‘g’ of course) became very old, very, very quickly. And the unicorn? Turning up at the instant when each couple experiences true love? Spare me.
And the inconsistencies keep piling up. Why are all these eligible men unattached? Why are all the witches American? Is there no interest from Scottish witchcraft? Lastly, the kelpies. Given that they manifest relatively frequently, it is simply not credible in the era of the mobile phone and Tik-Tok that some teenager wouldn’t have plastered that all over the internet.
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