Wilde schottische Liebe (Zauberhafte Highlands 2)

The Enchanted Highlands #2

by Tricia O'Malley, Daniel Friedrich (Translator)

Schlagfertiger Witz, Küchenhexen und heiße Männer in Schottenröcken machen dieses moderne schottische Märchen, bei dem Freunde zu Liebhabern werden, zu einem ausgelassenen Vergnügen.

Wenn man Grashüpfer zum Abendessen servieren soll, ist bei mir eine Grenze erreicht.

Der Zufall wollte es, dass ich am selben Tag, an dem ich meinen Job als Chefköchin im Suzette's, einem gehobenen Restaurant in Boston, kündigte, das Angebot erhielt, ein Restaurant in einem Schloss in Schottland zu eröffnen.

Aber jetzt, wo ich hier in Loren Brae bin, bin ich mir nicht sicher, ob dieses Stadtmädchen das hinbekommt. Die Nächte sind zu ruhig – ohne hupende Autos oder wütendes Geschrei – und jeder kennt mich und weiß, was ich tue.

Und am ersten Tag in meinem neuen Leben? Da treffe ich den schärfsten Mann, den ich je gesehen habe.

Munroe Curaigh. Besitzer von Common Gin, ein engagierter Nerd, von Natur aus schüchtern, mit der größten Golden-Retriever-Energie aller Männer, die ich je getroffen habe. Er ernennt sich sofort zu meinem Beschützer, und ich wäre verärgert darüber, wenn seine Küsse nicht so verrucht heiß wären. Stille Wasser sind tief, und so weiter.

Apropos stille Wasser... es scheint, dass Loch Mirren von mörderischen Kelpies heimgesucht wird und die Bewohner von Loren Brae meine Hilfe brauchen.

Ja, genau. Es stellt sich nämlich heraus, dass ich von einer langen Linie von Küchenhexen abstamme und die Bewohner von Loren Brae brauchen mich, Lia, eine Köchin aus Boston, um sie vor einem uralten Fluch zu retten.

Was soll ich also tun? Es ist an der Zeit, mein Küchenmesser zu schärfen, mein Rezeptbuch mit den Zaubersprüchen herauszuholen und mich an die Arbeit zu machen – ansonsten ist dieses kleine Dorf in Schottland, das mir so schnell ans Herz gewachsen ist, in ernsthafter Gefahr.

Das heißt, wenn ich nach Munroes dekadenten Küssen wieder zu Atem komme.

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

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 28, 2023

About the author

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

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

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

Reviews

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read one of these books, it feels like home. That's the best way I can explain it! They're the sweetest romance books you could find that make you feel cozy and warm.

This love-at-first-sight romance was fast-paced with a feisty, curvy FMC. Lia was super badass, and I loved how she stepped into her powers. The MMC, Monroe, was a swoon worthy lover, and I'm dying to try out the champagne scene - for research purposes, of course 😏 iykyk.

And the magical broonie had to have been my favorite part to this story, lol. I really hope we get to see more magical companions like this in future books!

And please, I will get on my knees and beg to have a book on Graham. This loveable side character made me laugh out loud and giddy - I NEED a dedicated book for him, haha.

[abooklovingsoul. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It felt like a hallmark movie mixed with witchy fantasy. It was such a cozy love story, and I am so happy I got my hands on this book.

And it’s okay if you haven’t read the first book, you can still start with this book and be okay!

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

Tricia just thank you. I was fortunate enough to read the first book Wild Scottish Knight as an arc as well, but YALL! Wild Scottish Love was amazing! I loved seeing Sophie and Lachlan again. However… Lia and Munroe are so stinking cute! We love an independent woman and a man that just wants her to have everything she’s wanted. The story of the order is so intriguing and the new mythical creature that Tricia brings us makes me so excited to see what other ones we may see as the story continues! I can’t wait for the next book to take me back to Loren Brae!

[Jessica - How Jessica Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cutesy, but I felt like the characters were a little less developed than book 1. Although that could be my never-ending irritation with the “I’m an independent women! I can’t accept a gift from you!” thing.

Really? Really if someone who was incredibly wealthy randomly gave you a BICYCLE, you would try to pay them for it?? You wouldn’t just realize it was a pittance to them?

This trope really really annoys me. Can you tell? 🤪

Maybe it’s because I grew up the kind of poor that didn’t have silly pride, and was happy to accept gifts. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[cyd⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHH THIS BOOK WAS SO FUN!!!
all of the creatures and witches.. and all of the scottish men.. 🤤😔.

although.. tricia used the words:"into oblivion" way too many times 😭😭😭

AND ALL OF LEAH'S FOOD SOUNDED SO GOOD, I SWEAR MY STOMACH STARTED RUMBLING 😟😢

it was so cute guys 🥺, the romance, the banter and all the characters 🙁.

MUNROE WAS SO HOT UGH, it's the accent guys 😔😔

AND THE CASTLE BEING RELIGIOUSLY PROTECTED BY "mystical women" ANHSKSKS. yes. so hot?
it's just the fact that in books,movies and tv shows.. it's always men.
Kings and princes,very rarely focused on Queens and Princesses.(NOW I know that such books exist.. I'm just making a point)



in the previous book (SPOILER WARNING)
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
we find out that Sophie (the FMC) was actually the knight.. (yes😈, a role usually for men) so I was SO excited to read this book and figure out what 'powers' Leah had! and honestly Tricia doesn't disappoint.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨

(5/5)⭐️🦗



pre read: i absolutely loved the first book in the series, so im so excited to start reading this oneee!
but omg the ending for the first one.. 😐 kinda "go girl give us nothing" esque, so im hoping that this book gives me some insider info on what was going on💀💀

[Katyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.5***

I didn't like Lia much, honestly. She was the most annoying kind of personality, the shrill type that is immediately offended at someone doing something nice for her or offering to help. I frankly don't know why anyone even tries with people like that.

Munroe was great, and sweet. And the magic was fun, with the broonie being a nice addition. But Lia was exhausting. I rounded up to 4 stars, because I like the overall story, but I'd happily push her out a window.

[Ula'ndi Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: 4.5
Book Cover: 3

All heil the power of a good audiobook...and Scottish accents.

[Carola · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the first book in this series so this was quite a disappointment..

[Liz Scriven · Rating 3 out of 5]

The phrase “Lady parts” is not allowed in any of the rest of these books, ok!!!! Will I keep reading this cozy crap? Yep!

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

OK y'all, Wild Scottish Love was SO cute and SO fun to read in Scotland! Excellent banter, fun side characters, a whirlwind romance, and a little bit of paranormal magic. The perfect Scottish palate cleanser, I liked this one even more than Wild Scottish Knight!

Professional chef Lia is having a career crisis when she is given a golden opportunity - move to Scotland to head a new restaurant in an old castle. Determined to turn her life around, she moves across the country. Shortly after she arrives in the small village of Loren Brae, she meets Munroe - a shy Scottish businessman who spent summers in the town as a boy. While he's ostensibly in town to look for a new location for a gin distillery, Munoe falls for Lia immediately. They move slowly thanks to his shyness and Lia's initial reluctance, but their chemistry is undeniable. When Lia finds out that her presence in Loren Brae is more than just a coincidence thanks to some magical interference, she starts to realize that falling for Munroe might be inevitable too.

OMG, the banter in this one! I loved it it Wild Scottish Knight, but it's even better in this one. Munroe is a little awkward initially, but when he turns on the charm it's *chef's kiss*. He falls first is always a favorite trope for me, and Munroe is so sweet trying to figure out ways to get Lia to pay attention to him.

As in Wild Scottish Knight, the paranormal aspects of this story are kind of a side plot. I won't go into the details to avoid spoilers, but I didn't mind that it didn't detract from the love story and small town vibes. I did, however, LOVE the paranormal side characters! Ghost "coo" Clyde makes another appearance, broonie Brice is adorably cheeky, and THERE'S EVEN A UNICORN.

Definitely check this book out if you need a light romcom pick me up. I'll warn you though - it'll REALLY make you want to visit Scotland, so keep that in mind! Bravo Tricia O'Malley for writing this cute series!

[Courtney ✩ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cheese, cheese and more cheese. And this is saying a lot from the girl who loves a cheesy romance. While fun to get back to this magical Scottish world, it didn't have the same whimsical draw the first in the series had. Conversations didn't feel natural, there was never any real conflict, and the magic was very lackluster. If I remember correctly, in the first book one of my pain points was that you couldn't tell the Scottish characters were Scottish from the way their spoken words were written, which made it feel like they could have been any nationality. It was the same in this book unfortunately! A fluffy read, but not sure I'll want to continue the rest of the series.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧

I liked this book more than the book one. My only real complaint was we get it you were poor, and you can't accept gifts. Because you feel like you need to repay that kindness. Gifts don't have to equal money to be meaningful, is my thought. So, it annoyed me a little too much.

I like the characters more in this one as well.

Loved the narration.

[Kait Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much! It's absolutely delightful!

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to visit Loren Brae so much. Never mind the kelpies. Love listening to these stories on graphic audio! Hearing the kelpies’ screams and magical creatures in the background adds a richness to the already delightful stories.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite book from the series so far. I loved everything that Tricia created. The idea for a kitchen witch was 🤌🏻🤌🏻 good tension and banter.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my new comfort series. It's hard to read this book and the first one in the series without smiling like a loon for most of the story. Ghost cows, hot men in kilts, different paranormal creatures throughout and did I mention the hot men in kilts? Munroe is my current book boyfriend and I will fight anyone else for him. Or we could share I suppose.

I love a book that whisks me away somewhere far away from home, has fun characters, excellent banter and is just fun to read. This book checks all those boxes for me and I expect the rest of the series to be no different.

Both books 1 and 2 are in KU and if you need a smile, this is a great place to start.

[Laura Smolik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lia was incredibly annoying

[Taralyn Knox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute but ugh....

So, I think I mentioned in my review of the last book that Clyde absolutely wins as the best character. But I now have a new favorite! Without spoiling anything, he sure is a wee little fellow!
That being said, the angst that began so quickly between the two characters almost made me stop reading the book. It was annoying as all heck! And quite repetitive!
I get being attracted to someone; however, it seemed almost borderline ridiculous! I hope if I ever meet a sexy man like Munroe, he can think about more than my breasts and my body!
Anyways. Still cute. I enjoyed it for the most part.
I read a passage about Clyde to my daughter and she giggled so hard! She now wants a ghost coo named Clyde!
I'm eager to read book three. Who will be the next member of the order?

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series is heating up even more and we are cooking with fire now! Lia has come over from the states to start a restaurant in the castle, what she doesn't know is that they also hope to recruit her as the next member of The Order as well. Of course, there is a hot Scotsman in play as well along with a few mythical creatures to warm your paranormal and whimsical loving hearts! Once again the characters are well developed, the plot is wonderfully thought out and the witty banter is on point as is the heat level as the spice is once again so very deliciously hot! The dual narration of the audio books absolutely brings the story fully to life and I can't wait to get started on the next book in the series!!!

[Mystic Forest Crafts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pros:

I love that these books are a simple and pure joy to slip into. You have a lovely mix of magic with real life, banter with heartfelt moments and comedy with a few truly sad things to make the happy matter more.

Thank goodness we aren’t dealing with a third act break up! I love that while falling wasn’t necessarily easy it wasn’t complicated with another person or a break up everyone had to deal with.

Cons:

I understand focusing on the main characters, but in a series which is building a group I would like to see more on the page talks and bonding between the members of the order.

[Jamey Rock · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a cozy, romantic, fantasy vibe (with some hunky Scotish men and some SPICE) ... look no further, i have found the book for you.

This book follows Leah, a Boston Chef who finds herself building someone elses dream. One day, enough is enough and she up and quits. Little does she know the opportunity of a life time is just an email away! This book is filled with Scottish lore, hunky men, witty banter, a strong FMC and a... Kitchen Goblin?!!

[Meghan 🍄 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look. I love Scotland. I love magic. I also really love reimagined King Arthur’s court style stories. This book has it all, plus spice and romance to boot.

Lia was such a fun FMC, and Munroe made me a little sad that I don’t know him in real life.

Loved this book just as much as the first in the series, and I cannot wait for the next to find out what happens with the Order of Caledonia!

[romancevibeswithbritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this audio, the magical vibes, the accents and the humour. It was all amazing. I love all the kids characters, there is a real found family vibe to this series!

I can’t wait for the next one!

💛Cinnamon roll MMC
💛Chef FMC
💛Magic
💛Scottish accents 😍

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved watching more unfold in this tale of the “Stone of Knowledge” and how the band of characters navigate their new roles. Such a feel good book that had me laughing out loud while also being heartwarming.

[Colorado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining continuation of the Enchanted Highlands series. In book 2, Lia, a chef and kitchen witch, joins the order, along with a brownie or kitchen elf. Munroe is the all-time sweetest teddy bear hero.

[Janice Mahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable

I love this series. Cute, magic and ghost cow. Cranky Chihuahua and love. The imagery is spectacular and I look forward to the next book

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

No third act break up! No miscommunication trope! Hot guys in kilts!

[Nicole Coscolluela · Rating 4 out of 5]

*sigh* Makes me want to return to Scotland. As soon as I landed in Scotland, it felt magical. This book encapsulates those feelings.

[Karaline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire series is honestly so cute. I recommend for sure for some quick reads!

[Marisa BG · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are ridiculously cute and fun!