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Highland Holiday #3-4
Must Love Scotland
Love on the LinksAmerican attorney Julie Leonard has come to Scotland on a working vacation, determined to improve her golf game and earn a leg up in the judgeship sweepstakes. Former competitive golfer Niall Cromarty pulled the short straw for the job of being Julie's golf coach, though he has no patience for people plagued by blind ambition. As if that weren't trouble enough, Niall's neighbor-turned-nemesis, Declan MacPherson, has finally found an old Last Will and Testament that could wreck Niall's plans to expand his golf course. Julie thought she wanted to wear that black judicial robe, but when Niall and Declan ask her to resolve their land dispute, she realizes she'd really rather wear Niall's ring. Will she steal Niall's dream, or will he fulfill hers? My Heartthrob's in the HighlandsFlorist Megan Leonard travels to Scotland to design the flowers for her sister's wedding, through its crunch time for Megan's business back home, and the loan that will allow her to expand her business has finally been approved. Best man Declan MacPherson is a Scottish farmer who strikes Megan as married to the land his family has been worked for generations, though he can be tempted to frolic with Megan in the greenhouse. As Megan and Declan fall for each other, they realized one of them will have to give up everything they've worked for if they're to be together. Can true love put down roots in Scotland, or will it wither in the face of practical realities?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2015
49 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
192 books2,914 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 19, 2015
A perfect box of bonbons in two delightful novellas.
Full of dry, sly humor and misdirection, and a wondrous feast of deftly used words. And character revelations through little things like the ping of a glass hitting the floor behind a bar or a dry listing of the contents of a man's sporran. And sumptuous, deeply involving love/sex scenes which aren't explicit at all.
Throughout, Scotland is made tangible through sounds, sights, smells, weather, the quality of light, and the quirky, endearing inhabitants (animals and plants included), and culture. For sure, Grace Burrowes loves Scotland, and if I didn't already, she would have talked me into it!
As a funny aside, Love on the Links was so perfect, and I felt so fulfilled when I finished, I almost didn't read My Heartthrob's in the Highlands (not least because Declan was such a jerk in LotL). If anything, Heartthrob is better. How is that possible?
Full of dry, sly humor and misdirection, and a wondrous feast of deftly used words. And character revelations through little things like the ping of a glass hitting the floor behind a bar or a dry listing of the contents of a man's sporran. And sumptuous, deeply involving love/sex scenes which aren't explicit at all.
Throughout, Scotland is made tangible through sounds, sights, smells, weather, the quality of light, and the quirky, endearing inhabitants (animals and plants included), and culture. For sure, Grace Burrowes loves Scotland, and if I didn't already, she would have talked me into it!
As a funny aside, Love on the Links was so perfect, and I felt so fulfilled when I finished, I almost didn't read My Heartthrob's in the Highlands (not least because Declan was such a jerk in LotL). If anything, Heartthrob is better. How is that possible?
December 26, 2020
Such fun and satisfying reading.
Two wonderful stories of letting go and allowing love to bloom. Makes me want to spend more time in Scotland even though I am deliriously happily married for 4+ decades.
Two wonderful stories of letting go and allowing love to bloom. Makes me want to spend more time in Scotland even though I am deliriously happily married for 4+ decades.
April 11, 2021
Sweet romances with slightly older main characters who are accomplished in their fields. It's nice to read stories with heros/heroines who are more mature than some. I have really enjoyed this series from the grown up characters to the smart dialogue.
June 19, 2018
DNF. Didn’t feel like reading a novella! There were two and they were #3 and 4 in series.
February 14, 2019
Loved both stories. I have been intrigued by most Scottish love stories since Outlander. Modern day settings about lads and lassies works for me.
September 5, 2019
I had forgotten how much I enjoy Grace Burrowes, and this book was a nice reminder. Two sweet stories with likable characters and some hilarious dialogue. A fast read, but a good one.
November 29, 2024
Three lovely tales
Tender, sweet, and a tad spicy, these stories are a balm to my heart. As always, with Grace Burrowes’ romances, they are extremely well done. Highly recommended.
Tender, sweet, and a tad spicy, these stories are a balm to my heart. As always, with Grace Burrowes’ romances, they are extremely well done. Highly recommended.
January 18, 2016
Setting: Scotland, contemporary
Genre: romance
These are two novellas connected by characters and place.
Love on the Links is about Julie Leonard, a Prosecutor from Damson Valley who wants to up her golf in order to compete for a judgeship sometime in the future. She is also recently divorced, and gave up a promising future as an artist to go to law school. Niall Cromarty is a former pro golfer who is still mourningthe death of his wife five years previously. He owns a 9-hole golf course he wants to turn into 18. He was assigned by the family to provide the instruction Julie needs, in place of Uncle Donald, whose back was causing him problems (though not enough to go fly fishing). Attraction ensues to the HEA. Or does it? There are problems with their histories, and you'll have to read it to find out.
My Heartthrob's in the Highlands is about Megan Leonard, a flower shop owner and Julie's sister (it seems to be in that order). She has come to Scotland to be Julie's maid-of-honor, and to design the flower arrangements for the wedding. It is also Julie's attempt at regaining the relationship they had in childhood. Declan McPherson is a farmer whose family has farmed the same land for centuries. He picks Julie up from the airport and a sexual relationship develops almost immediately. But, as with all romance stories, the relationship becomes more, but the specter of Julie's departure hangs over them. She is married to her ambition, and he is married to the farm. Something- or someone's - gotta give. This story is about who gives in, or if they both get what they need.
Grace Burrowes is one of my favorite authors. Although she focuses on regency romance, her foray into Victorian era and contemporary are just as good. The problem I have with both stories is the insta-lust/love. Okay, I can see falling in lust with a braw lad in a kilt on sight. But love within 2 weeks? Yeah, it happens for some, but how many end up happy? The knowledge that there was a timeframe - a short one - pulled me out of the stories. Despite the constraints of length, the characters have a little bit of depth, and the plots of both are good
Genre: romance
These are two novellas connected by characters and place.
Love on the Links is about Julie Leonard, a Prosecutor from Damson Valley who wants to up her golf in order to compete for a judgeship sometime in the future. She is also recently divorced, and gave up a promising future as an artist to go to law school. Niall Cromarty is a former pro golfer who is still mourningthe death of his wife five years previously. He owns a 9-hole golf course he wants to turn into 18. He was assigned by the family to provide the instruction Julie needs, in place of Uncle Donald, whose back was causing him problems (though not enough to go fly fishing). Attraction ensues to the HEA. Or does it? There are problems with their histories, and you'll have to read it to find out.
My Heartthrob's in the Highlands is about Megan Leonard, a flower shop owner and Julie's sister (it seems to be in that order). She has come to Scotland to be Julie's maid-of-honor, and to design the flower arrangements for the wedding. It is also Julie's attempt at regaining the relationship they had in childhood. Declan McPherson is a farmer whose family has farmed the same land for centuries. He picks Julie up from the airport and a sexual relationship develops almost immediately. But, as with all romance stories, the relationship becomes more, but the specter of Julie's departure hangs over them. She is married to her ambition, and he is married to the farm. Something- or someone's - gotta give. This story is about who gives in, or if they both get what they need.
Grace Burrowes is one of my favorite authors. Although she focuses on regency romance, her foray into Victorian era and contemporary are just as good. The problem I have with both stories is the insta-lust/love. Okay, I can see falling in lust with a braw lad in a kilt on sight. But love within 2 weeks? Yeah, it happens for some, but how many end up happy? The knowledge that there was a timeframe - a short one - pulled me out of the stories. Despite the constraints of length, the characters have a little bit of depth, and the plots of both are good
February 20, 2017
Scotland. Highlands. Kilts
Oh man do I love Scotland. Never been there, but I can feel it.
I can smell the heather in the highlands. I can see the Scots in the kilts and I can taste the whisky
All by the magic of words
All by none other than Grace Burrowes
My word, how she can weave a spell with just words
I enjoyed these stories, three in total
They made me homesick for a place I have never been
But would dearly love to go
Oh man do I love Scotland. Never been there, but I can feel it.
I can smell the heather in the highlands. I can see the Scots in the kilts and I can taste the whisky
All by the magic of words
All by none other than Grace Burrowes
My word, how she can weave a spell with just words
I enjoyed these stories, three in total
They made me homesick for a place I have never been
But would dearly love to go
May 28, 2015
I wanted a little quickie reading - especially in the contemporary romance department and I've been a fan of Grace Burrowes. I haven't read any of her contemporaries and a bit intimidated by the sheer number of connected books so I thought I'll read this duo!
In the first novella, Julie wants to get on the fast track of becoming a judge. So she decides to leave Maryland for two weeks to network with the women on the golf course and learn some skills. She's picked up from the airport not by the elderly man she was expecting, but from a young former professional golfer. They are quickly attracted to one another. But Niall realizes she's a little too professional - very schedule based, likes lists and he likes throwing her off. She's quickly interrogated as to her motives for flying out all the way to Scotland just for golf, but when he learns she wants to escape (from her failed marriage), he's a bit more sympathetic.
I sorta of didn't understand or see how the relationship blossomed so soon. There's a clear attraction sure, but they're talking about golf and Niall's wanting to build a course then it's "I'm going to kiss you", then sexy times. It's like they're both having revelations about themselves and what they want, but are lucky enough to have a warm body beside themselves. They quickly declare feelings and the end. There was no investment in the characters and I really didn't want to read the second in the duo. Too bad.
In the first novella, Julie wants to get on the fast track of becoming a judge. So she decides to leave Maryland for two weeks to network with the women on the golf course and learn some skills. She's picked up from the airport not by the elderly man she was expecting, but from a young former professional golfer. They are quickly attracted to one another. But Niall realizes she's a little too professional - very schedule based, likes lists and he likes throwing her off. She's quickly interrogated as to her motives for flying out all the way to Scotland just for golf, but when he learns she wants to escape (from her failed marriage), he's a bit more sympathetic.
I sorta of didn't understand or see how the relationship blossomed so soon. There's a clear attraction sure, but they're talking about golf and Niall's wanting to build a course then it's "I'm going to kiss you", then sexy times. It's like they're both having revelations about themselves and what they want, but are lucky enough to have a warm body beside themselves. They quickly declare feelings and the end. There was no investment in the characters and I really didn't want to read the second in the duo. Too bad.
May 5, 2015
Two books in one. Niall Cromarty was assigned to get American Julie Leonard from the airport when Uncle Donald's back went out. Julie was an excellent trial lawyer who hoped to someday be a Judge. However before that time came she needed to improve her golf game. Julie was on a schedule. She lived by lists, had a cramped agenda for the two weeks in Scotland, and had no intentions of wasting a minute on rest and relaxation. Niall was a well known golf professional who had made his money and fame and was now back in his homeland to relax and enjoy his life. After meeting Niall, I do not remember Julie ever making it to the golf course. It rained a lot and other things kept coming up.
Book two. Declan MacPherson was a farmer who still farmed the land that his family had farmed for generations. He was the last and he still lived with the grief of losing his younger sister. When Niall asked him to be best man at his wedding, Declan met Megan, Julie's older sister. Megan was a bridesmaid and was doing the wedding flowers. Megan had worked hard to finally have a flower shop of her own that somehow when her younger sister went off to college to be a lawyer they just never had time for one another. Because Declan missed his sister, he noticed that Megan missed her sister. Because he knew the pain, Declan wanted to help Megan find her lost sister before she went home to America.
Book two. Declan MacPherson was a farmer who still farmed the land that his family had farmed for generations. He was the last and he still lived with the grief of losing his younger sister. When Niall asked him to be best man at his wedding, Declan met Megan, Julie's older sister. Megan was a bridesmaid and was doing the wedding flowers. Megan had worked hard to finally have a flower shop of her own that somehow when her younger sister went off to college to be a lawyer they just never had time for one another. Because Declan missed his sister, he noticed that Megan missed her sister. Because he knew the pain, Declan wanted to help Megan find her lost sister before she went home to America.
September 1, 2015
Was anyone else introduced to romances via The People's Friend? Short stories generally had Scottish blond heroes who wore golf sweaters; in longer serials, the blond men were generally the faux-love-interest, and the real hero was dark (and often a bit frowny, in a Scottish sort of way), but both wore golf sweaters and showed to advantage in a kilt. The knitting pattern for the sweaters would appear on the facing page.
I only ask because Grace Burrowes has clearly been channelling some retro-People's Friend stuff in a big way. These stories are - and I write this reluctantly - self-indulgent candyflosserie. There is no plot to speak of, no character development, little real sense of place (although I grant that she has included some genuine Scottish rain, which happens a lot here), and above all too many kilts and golf sweaters. I am a huge Grace Burrowes fan, but the writing style that does "charming" so well in a historical context comes across as merely "maudlin" in a contemporary one. This avoids one star only because there is a good scene involving fish and chips that made me feel hungry.
I only ask because Grace Burrowes has clearly been channelling some retro-People's Friend stuff in a big way. These stories are - and I write this reluctantly - self-indulgent candyflosserie. There is no plot to speak of, no character development, little real sense of place (although I grant that she has included some genuine Scottish rain, which happens a lot here), and above all too many kilts and golf sweaters. I am a huge Grace Burrowes fan, but the writing style that does "charming" so well in a historical context comes across as merely "maudlin" in a contemporary one. This avoids one star only because there is a good scene involving fish and chips that made me feel hungry.
October 8, 2015
It's a nice little two-fer....Two novellas, "Love on the Links" and "My Heartthrob's in the Highlands."
"Love on the Links:" Julie Leonard, trying to decide on the next steps in her life, decides to take a golf vacation in Scotland. Niall Cromarty, standing in for his uncle Donald as her golf instructor, decides he likes the smart, sensible, and attractive Julie. Julie's rather swept away by Niall and his quick wit, sense of the absurd, and his eccentric family.
"My Heartthrob's in the Highlands:" Julie's sister Megan comes to Scotland to be her sister's maid of honor, and to help her prepare for the wedding. However, Megan's not at all prepared for Niall's best man, Declan, a farmer who challenges Megan's ideas about what she's always wanted.
Like most of Burrowes' work, they're a wonderful easy read -- likeable characters, lively dialogue, and with enough of a plot to keep everything interesting.
"Love on the Links:" Julie Leonard, trying to decide on the next steps in her life, decides to take a golf vacation in Scotland. Niall Cromarty, standing in for his uncle Donald as her golf instructor, decides he likes the smart, sensible, and attractive Julie. Julie's rather swept away by Niall and his quick wit, sense of the absurd, and his eccentric family.
"My Heartthrob's in the Highlands:" Julie's sister Megan comes to Scotland to be her sister's maid of honor, and to help her prepare for the wedding. However, Megan's not at all prepared for Niall's best man, Declan, a farmer who challenges Megan's ideas about what she's always wanted.
Like most of Burrowes' work, they're a wonderful easy read -- likeable characters, lively dialogue, and with enough of a plot to keep everything interesting.
July 8, 2015
I am sure there is a story of how this book containing two novellas came into being. I think that story might fill in some of the blanks left by these these two shorts.
The concept is great. The stories feel incomplete. I was charmed by all things Scotland, but I was never seduced. The American women were a mystery to me. Their willingness to have sex with two hot guys they met hours before seemed to be the key to how they so completely captured Declan and Niall's interest, hearts and souls. Sex scenes were viewed through a gauzy sheer at best: sketchy, incomplete, yet still observed. This was not Grace Burrowes' best work. I have been charmed by she and her characters before. This all left me a bit disappointed.
The concept is great. The stories feel incomplete. I was charmed by all things Scotland, but I was never seduced. The American women were a mystery to me. Their willingness to have sex with two hot guys they met hours before seemed to be the key to how they so completely captured Declan and Niall's interest, hearts and souls. Sex scenes were viewed through a gauzy sheer at best: sketchy, incomplete, yet still observed. This was not Grace Burrowes' best work. I have been charmed by she and her characters before. This all left me a bit disappointed.
June 15, 2015
This is a cute, quirky book containing two stories. First is Julie's story. She travels to Scotland to improve her golf game to assist her in becoming a judge. She meets Niall, who is the golf pro. Niall shows Julie how to slow down and realize what is really important in life. They fall in love and plan to marry, which is where story #2 starts. Megan travels to Scotland to arrange the flowers for her sister's wedding. Declan is the bestman and the two spend a lot of time together prior to the wedding. Megan has to decide if owning a second floral shop is more important than love and Declan has to decide if running his family farm is more important than Megan.
August 26, 2015
Reading this book was a pleasant enough way to spend an evening. I am not entirely sure that Julie ever got a round of golf in but she managed to play nicely with Niall. Quite soon after arriving too. Which is the problem with novellas, isn't it? You either accept the lust on first (or maybe second) sight and go with the flow, or you spend the next 90 pages trying to catch up with the hormones of the H/h. I bought it more with Megan and Declan, but I don't hold novellas to the same standards as longer novels...
June 13, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And, I honestly loved the books. I am a fan of Grace Burrowes; I like her measured prose, her details about the scent of the characters and the tea they drink. These are novellas, and contemporary stories, so there is less about tea drinking but the measured prose is still there, and they are complete stories, with great characters, great plots and wonderful flair. A terrific beach read!
May 10, 2015
These are definitely part of her larger Kiss series, and I absolutely enjoyed them. I hope she continues with the series, and that more full novels for the series come about. I like a good short story (especially when combined into volumes) but there has been some good storyline set up, and my hopes are up.
July 12, 2015
Ms. Burrowes out did herself in this contemporary romance. I loved the characters, and the descriptions of their surroundings. The characters had depth and their emotions were explained by insights into their lives. I hope this will be a long running series. If I believed I could find a man like Niall or Declan, I would gladly swim to Scotland.
May 9, 2015
Great stories..
These stories are always a good read. Both of these stories are about people looking for something to make their lives a little better and someone special to share it with. Naill and Julie are just what they both needed to be happy. Declan and Megan were not looking for someone special but they found it together. Love these happy ending...
These stories are always a good read. Both of these stories are about people looking for something to make their lives a little better and someone special to share it with. Naill and Julie are just what they both needed to be happy. Declan and Megan were not looking for someone special but they found it together. Love these happy ending...
May 4, 2015
Scotland sounds wonderful.
Must Love Scotland is a very happy read. It was fun to read with the smooth prose and humor. If I could just get over to Scotland and find my own Cromarty man all would be well.
Must Love Scotland is a very happy read. It was fun to read with the smooth prose and humor. If I could just get over to Scotland and find my own Cromarty man all would be well.
August 23, 2015
This was really good. Two related novellas in one, both about sisters who find love in the Scottish Highlands with best friends and neighbors who need a shove from the sisters to patch their friendship and put their lives back on track.
May 10, 2015
Review to follow!
Loved it!
Loved it!
May 2, 2015
good heartfelt romances. make me want to take a trip to Scotland and get my own hunk :)
May 3, 2015
Two great reads in one book. Either of those gentlemen can be my new book boyfriend. I got sucked in right from the start. Quite enjoyed both stories.
Read
February 20, 2016DNF-bored.
August 27, 2023
Light and fun. The second one was a little short, though. I wanted more.
February 27, 2016
Nice to read.
December 24, 2016
Please see individual stories for review.
July 19, 2018
Two wonderful short books in one package!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews