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Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen #1
The Scotsman Who Saved Me
A brutal attack on Emily Stanton's family has left her for dead...until she is found in the woods by a handsome stranger with a thick brogue who vows to protect her. There's only one As a woman with a noble English background, she has no business keeping company with such a man.
For Scotsman Iain MacEnroy, Emily's high-tone accent is a bitter reminder of the oppressive regime he left behind. The last thing he needs is to be burdened by the needs of a beautiful, blue-eyed Englishwoman. But taking care of elegant, educated Emily begins to transform Iain in ways he never imagined. Could it be that the deep divisions from the old world no longer apply in the new - and that Iain and Emily can share a passion as lush and wild as the Scottish highlands themselves?
For Scotsman Iain MacEnroy, Emily's high-tone accent is a bitter reminder of the oppressive regime he left behind. The last thing he needs is to be burdened by the needs of a beautiful, blue-eyed Englishwoman. But taking care of elegant, educated Emily begins to transform Iain in ways he never imagined. Could it be that the deep divisions from the old world no longer apply in the new - and that Iain and Emily can share a passion as lush and wild as the Scottish highlands themselves?
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 26, 2017
471 people are currently reading
1866 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Howell
116 books2,643 followersHannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
January 27, 2018
The Scotsman who saved me, was a cute little read. I thought it was a bit slow at times but it still held my intrest. I liked Iain and all of his sexy scottish brothers. I did feel Iain should have told Emily that he wanted to be with her before he slept with her. Also at times his hot and cold attitude made me want to shake him, but he was still sexy and at times really sweet. Emily I liked too. I felt she should have spoke up more and I don't know... maybe asked Iain what he felt for her. I loved how Emily was with her nephew. I also loved that she never did the "stupid heroine" thing and run away so she could get caught by the bad guys. Instead she stayed where she could have help and protection. Overall I enjoyed this read and I will be checking out the brothers' books.
December 22, 2017
Another great read from Hannah Howell! I have always loved her historical romances...and I am very eager to start the next book that comes out Boxing Day! I’m short on time right now but Review to come when I have more time!!
September 26, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review.
This is only my second time reading this author and finding her writing isn't for me.
A slow and methodical pacing as the story unfolds and characters slowly develop.
The hero Ian and his brothers are returning home when they come upon cabin that is burning and couple that has been murdered. They believe there were others, after burying the couple, they search for them and find the heroine and her nephew. The heroine, Emily was shot and faints.
They take the two into their home and nurse Emily back to health. The brothers try to find out what happened and why. Emily wants to protect her nephew, Neddy, who she believes is in danger. She also fears for Ian and his brothers.
As the story progresses we find Ian comes from Scotland and was thrown off his land (this takes place in Arkansas). We find Emily and Neddy aren't safe and need continued protection. Emily and Ian develop a friendship and feelings deepen. Emily teaches Ian and his brothers to read and write. We learn who's after Neddy. Ian see's a strong and capable woman in Emily and her strength. Ian begins to see a future for them. Emily falls in love with Ian and believes in their HEA.
I have to say the pacing was too slow for me as well as the story line being pretty average/basic. Characters were likable. Just not as engaging a story as I had hoped.
This is only my second time reading this author and finding her writing isn't for me.
A slow and methodical pacing as the story unfolds and characters slowly develop.
The hero Ian and his brothers are returning home when they come upon cabin that is burning and couple that has been murdered. They believe there were others, after burying the couple, they search for them and find the heroine and her nephew. The heroine, Emily was shot and faints.
They take the two into their home and nurse Emily back to health. The brothers try to find out what happened and why. Emily wants to protect her nephew, Neddy, who she believes is in danger. She also fears for Ian and his brothers.
As the story progresses we find Ian comes from Scotland and was thrown off his land (this takes place in Arkansas). We find Emily and Neddy aren't safe and need continued protection. Emily and Ian develop a friendship and feelings deepen. Emily teaches Ian and his brothers to read and write. We learn who's after Neddy. Ian see's a strong and capable woman in Emily and her strength. Ian begins to see a future for them. Emily falls in love with Ian and believes in their HEA.
I have to say the pacing was too slow for me as well as the story line being pretty average/basic. Characters were likable. Just not as engaging a story as I had hoped.
September 26, 2017
'The Scotsman Who Saved Me' by Hannah Howell is the First Book in The Series called "Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen". This is the story of Emily Stanton and Iain MacEnroy.
Emily and her nephew Neddy were left for dead after their family was attacked. Iain and his brother happen upon them and help to save them. Although the brothers feel resentment toward Emily's heritage they feel the need to help her. Iain and Emily end up forming a friendship that leads to a deep love. But Emily and Needy wont be safe with until the people out to hurt them are handled.
Loved their story and can't wait for more books in this series!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Emily and her nephew Neddy were left for dead after their family was attacked. Iain and his brother happen upon them and help to save them. Although the brothers feel resentment toward Emily's heritage they feel the need to help her. Iain and Emily end up forming a friendship that leads to a deep love. But Emily and Needy wont be safe with until the people out to hurt them are handled.
Loved their story and can't wait for more books in this series!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
September 13, 2017
I don't think Hannah Howell's writing is for me. This is the second or third title of hers I've tried and couldn't finish.
Based on the blurb, I expected a novel with a lot of action. Instead I got one that was crawling along with very little happening. I was forcing myself to read because there wasn't really anything bringing me back to the book.
The tone was also a bit weird to me. Emily got sick of Iain's constant kissing her and then being cold and so did I.
Not sure if I'll be trying the next book or not.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Based on the blurb, I expected a novel with a lot of action. Instead I got one that was crawling along with very little happening. I was forcing myself to read because there wasn't really anything bringing me back to the book.
The tone was also a bit weird to me. Emily got sick of Iain's constant kissing her and then being cold and so did I.
Not sure if I'll be trying the next book or not.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2017
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
The Scotsman Who Saved Me is a story I was a bit nervous about, and I have no clue why because it was really great!! Hannah Howell has always written highlander themed romances so I must not have read the blurb enough before reading this book because I shocked to discover that a highlander romance with a passel of western fun was thrown into the mix. Now this series I can tell will be really fun. Its based on seven brothers, who are all Scots and had to leave Scotland when their parents were killed. They settle in Arkansas and man that was really different. The story, however, starts off pretty intense and dramatic and man I was bawling in the first chapter. So basically what happens is that the brothers with our lead hero Iain, discover a cabin that has been attacked. With a man and a woman being tortured and killed, but signs that there was a child that is missing. So they go in search of the child, and find him with an injured young woman who has been shot and very protective of her three-year-old nephew. They take her to their place to protect her and the child. Emily is in a dangerous situation. Her parents were murdered by a cousin and she and her sister with her sister's husband went to America to find refuge and safety knowing that they would be next. Now it's up to her to protect the living heir to a Dukedom, and she refuses to let her three-year-old nephew be murdered because of the greed of one man especially when his parents sacrificed their lives for them.
This was a wonderful and thrilling story and I just couldn't get enough of this book. Now it's not one of those books that will keep you up all night, but I was always going back to this book because I was enthralled by the developments of the plot. We also see the differences in views from a Scots perspective and an English perspective. Both Emily and Iain are on opposite sides of the fence. But we also see how much they have in common. How devoted they are to the ones they love and how hard they are willing to work. For being raised an English Lady, Emily adapts to life in America very well actually. And the relationship between the brothers was simply awesome!! I mean they were a riot and so entertaining. They love to tease each other horrible especially when the lead brother is trying to court his woman...yeah they are pretty horrible in their teasing of him, but I just had a blast seeing their closeness and brotherhood.
"So how do you mean to woo her?" Asked Nigel
"Why do ye need to ken the how of it? " Iain asked.
"One of us could, weel, lend a hand now and then."
"Tell tales of your great bravery or extraordinary resourcefulness," drawled Matthew
Robbie choked on a laugh then struggled to look innocent when Iain looked at him. "I think we could come up with a few things."
"Please, and I mean this most sincerely, dinnae try to help me."
How they don't even think twice about protecting a lone woman a child from danger even at the cost of their own lives. (no worries....no one but villains are killed in this book). The romance that develops between Emily and Iain was very charming. Its a slow built up of course. They do have some powerful chemistry from the beginning. But the emotional side to their relationship builds more slowly which I really liked how Howell handled it and seeing the way Iain goes about courting Emily, and Emily doesn't even realize it most of the time LOL. Which in some ways I didn't fully understand how she couldn't see the depth of feeling Iain had for her especially with how they shared their nights together. But we see how distracted she really is, especially in trying to keep calm when her enemies are trying to kill her. Now the villain of the story is really CRAZY. I mean he is really mentally insane, which makes him pretty dangerous.
Overall The Scotsman Who Saved Me was an exciting beginning to a new series that just gets me so excited and book two comes out in December!! :) A thrilling and sensual tale to curl your toes and crave more love in the hills of Arkansas!! BREATHTAKING
Books N Tunes Reading Challenge Pick: I had this song just humming in my head while reading this book because I just loved the brothers and Emily's relationship with them. Gotta love this movie though.
The Scotsman Who Saved Me is a story I was a bit nervous about, and I have no clue why because it was really great!! Hannah Howell has always written highlander themed romances so I must not have read the blurb enough before reading this book because I shocked to discover that a highlander romance with a passel of western fun was thrown into the mix. Now this series I can tell will be really fun. Its based on seven brothers, who are all Scots and had to leave Scotland when their parents were killed. They settle in Arkansas and man that was really different. The story, however, starts off pretty intense and dramatic and man I was bawling in the first chapter. So basically what happens is that the brothers with our lead hero Iain, discover a cabin that has been attacked. With a man and a woman being tortured and killed, but signs that there was a child that is missing. So they go in search of the child, and find him with an injured young woman who has been shot and very protective of her three-year-old nephew. They take her to their place to protect her and the child. Emily is in a dangerous situation. Her parents were murdered by a cousin and she and her sister with her sister's husband went to America to find refuge and safety knowing that they would be next. Now it's up to her to protect the living heir to a Dukedom, and she refuses to let her three-year-old nephew be murdered because of the greed of one man especially when his parents sacrificed their lives for them.
This was a wonderful and thrilling story and I just couldn't get enough of this book. Now it's not one of those books that will keep you up all night, but I was always going back to this book because I was enthralled by the developments of the plot. We also see the differences in views from a Scots perspective and an English perspective. Both Emily and Iain are on opposite sides of the fence. But we also see how much they have in common. How devoted they are to the ones they love and how hard they are willing to work. For being raised an English Lady, Emily adapts to life in America very well actually. And the relationship between the brothers was simply awesome!! I mean they were a riot and so entertaining. They love to tease each other horrible especially when the lead brother is trying to court his woman...yeah they are pretty horrible in their teasing of him, but I just had a blast seeing their closeness and brotherhood.
"So how do you mean to woo her?" Asked Nigel
"Why do ye need to ken the how of it? " Iain asked.
"One of us could, weel, lend a hand now and then."
"Tell tales of your great bravery or extraordinary resourcefulness," drawled Matthew
Robbie choked on a laugh then struggled to look innocent when Iain looked at him. "I think we could come up with a few things."
"Please, and I mean this most sincerely, dinnae try to help me."
How they don't even think twice about protecting a lone woman a child from danger even at the cost of their own lives. (no worries....no one but villains are killed in this book). The romance that develops between Emily and Iain was very charming. Its a slow built up of course. They do have some powerful chemistry from the beginning. But the emotional side to their relationship builds more slowly which I really liked how Howell handled it and seeing the way Iain goes about courting Emily, and Emily doesn't even realize it most of the time LOL. Which in some ways I didn't fully understand how she couldn't see the depth of feeling Iain had for her especially with how they shared their nights together. But we see how distracted she really is, especially in trying to keep calm when her enemies are trying to kill her. Now the villain of the story is really CRAZY. I mean he is really mentally insane, which makes him pretty dangerous.
Overall The Scotsman Who Saved Me was an exciting beginning to a new series that just gets me so excited and book two comes out in December!! :) A thrilling and sensual tale to curl your toes and crave more love in the hills of Arkansas!! BREATHTAKING
Books N Tunes Reading Challenge Pick: I had this song just humming in my head while reading this book because I just loved the brothers and Emily's relationship with them. Gotta love this movie though.
[foogallery id="45246"]
March 12, 2018
I don't normally read historical romances set in the US for some reason. But this one was delightful.
It has a great supporting cast, as well as the central couple having great chemistry. Another high point is a great suspense story with a truly evil villain.
I really enjoyed this and can't wait to see the other brothers get hooked up.
It has a great supporting cast, as well as the central couple having great chemistry. Another high point is a great suspense story with a truly evil villain.
I really enjoyed this and can't wait to see the other brothers get hooked up.
September 3, 2017
This was a good start to a new series, it has all the elements needed to make it an exciting and interesting read. It has likable characters combined with an unusual setting and a steamy love story - what's not to like?
Iain MacEnroy is the oldest of the seven MacEnroy brothers, they are a family of displaced Scots that moved to America when their Laird's wife threw them off their land. The incident has given the brothers a deep hatred/distrust for the gentry. They fled to America hoping to start a new life, but on the way to Arkansas Territory, their parents where killed and Iain was left to raise the brothers. Through hard work and sheer determination, they have succeeded in building a home and establishing themselves. Iain meets Emily Stanton when he comes upon her burning home and finds the bodies of her sister and brother in law. They bury the dead and realize that there were others in the house and follow the trail of blood to Emily and her young nephew.
Emily Stanton is on the run for her life and the life of her three year old nephew - she is the granddaughter of a Duke and by an unusual condition bestowed by Queen Elizabeth, the dukedom may be passed the son of daughter, making Neddy (the nephew) the heir to the duke. However, a distant cousin is determined to get rid of Emily and her nephew to ensure he inherits - he has already killed her parents and several other family members that tried to protect Emily and her sister, forcing them to flee England. But it seems that Albert has found them. Emily's sister begged her to take Neddy and run when the attack began, the attack that killed them and left Emily grievously wounded. When Iain finds her, she knows that her family is dead and she has no place to go. When she passes out, Iain makes the decision to take them back to his home, even knowing that she is English.
Emily slowly heals and is grateful to the MacEnroy's, she is not sure what will become of her and Neddy, but she feels safe for the first time in years. Iain knows there is more to Emily's story than she is telling and he is torn between his growing attraction and admiration of her with his distain for the English/gentry. As they grow closer, Iain runs hot and cold with her, but when her life is threaten again, he does not hesitate to protect her.
The story is non-stop from the first page to the last, but it is on the violent side (the villain is relentless) and personally I found the final confrontation with the villain a bit underwhelming. I loved all the characters, the love scenes where steamy, the story flowed well and it focused entirely on Iain and Emily (vs. using this book to set up the series). It is an action-packed, emotional read that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next.
I would happily recommend this book and look forward to reading the other brother's stories.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Iain MacEnroy is the oldest of the seven MacEnroy brothers, they are a family of displaced Scots that moved to America when their Laird's wife threw them off their land. The incident has given the brothers a deep hatred/distrust for the gentry. They fled to America hoping to start a new life, but on the way to Arkansas Territory, their parents where killed and Iain was left to raise the brothers. Through hard work and sheer determination, they have succeeded in building a home and establishing themselves. Iain meets Emily Stanton when he comes upon her burning home and finds the bodies of her sister and brother in law. They bury the dead and realize that there were others in the house and follow the trail of blood to Emily and her young nephew.
Emily Stanton is on the run for her life and the life of her three year old nephew - she is the granddaughter of a Duke and by an unusual condition bestowed by Queen Elizabeth, the dukedom may be passed the son of daughter, making Neddy (the nephew) the heir to the duke. However, a distant cousin is determined to get rid of Emily and her nephew to ensure he inherits - he has already killed her parents and several other family members that tried to protect Emily and her sister, forcing them to flee England. But it seems that Albert has found them. Emily's sister begged her to take Neddy and run when the attack began, the attack that killed them and left Emily grievously wounded. When Iain finds her, she knows that her family is dead and she has no place to go. When she passes out, Iain makes the decision to take them back to his home, even knowing that she is English.
Emily slowly heals and is grateful to the MacEnroy's, she is not sure what will become of her and Neddy, but she feels safe for the first time in years. Iain knows there is more to Emily's story than she is telling and he is torn between his growing attraction and admiration of her with his distain for the English/gentry. As they grow closer, Iain runs hot and cold with her, but when her life is threaten again, he does not hesitate to protect her.
The story is non-stop from the first page to the last, but it is on the violent side (the villain is relentless) and personally I found the final confrontation with the villain a bit underwhelming. I loved all the characters, the love scenes where steamy, the story flowed well and it focused entirely on Iain and Emily (vs. using this book to set up the series). It is an action-packed, emotional read that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next.
I would happily recommend this book and look forward to reading the other brother's stories.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
July 6, 2023
This was okay. Read through it in about a day. A Scotsman rescues an English lass, raises her, and falls for her. 3 ⭐
October 9, 2017
I love Hannah Howell's books, and have read and really liked almost all of them. However, The Scotsman Who Saved Me seemed to be a jumbled mess. Pages 124 and 166 are word for word the exact same paragraphs at two different points in the book. The main character Iain decides to take out a loan from the small town bank in order to build a fence for his sheep (which he does, there are several chapters about it,) then in a later chapter AFTER they already started building the fence, there is another scene where he talks about thinking about getting a loan for the fence. He ALREADY started building the darn thing! The other main character Emily offers to teach the MacEnroy brothers to read (which they start to do) then they act as if that never happened and she offers to do it again! It's like the chapters are all out of order, or all the characters have short term memory loss because no one can remember that they already did and talked about this stuff before! And to top it all off there is a huge buildup to a final battle with the villain, with many characters being in danger and hurt then BAM! Everything is calm and peachy then somehow the villain is right there in the kitchen with them, and is delt with almost anticlimactically. And for as much action is in the book it is rather slow with no real interesting chemistry between the main characters. Rather disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2017
I just started reading Historical Romance lately and if I am being honest this is one of my favorite books in that genre...by far!
I loved Hannah Howell's writing and I loved the way she brought the characters to life, especially Iain!!
Can't wait for the rest of Iain's brothers to get their own books!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!!
I loved Hannah Howell's writing and I loved the way she brought the characters to life, especially Iain!!
Can't wait for the rest of Iain's brothers to get their own books!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!!
November 11, 2017
Can we take a minute to appreciate this beautiful cover? It really caught my attention and had me wanting to read about this family of seven strong Scots, the MacEnroy men. I wasn't quite expecting to get a Scottish Western... but our characters have resettled in the American West so make sure you are in that mindset when you embark upon this adventure.
Iain MacEnroy is the eldest of the MacEnroy brothers, and sees himself as caretaker of the family, and most any other unfortunate soul who comes into his orbit. After being burnt out of their home in Scotland, the family is trying to make a new life in Arkansas. Though they are learning that the West is not without its own troubles and dangers, particularly when none of them can read or write, and they have sufficient honor to aid those in need. That's not to say that Iain does not have a chip on his shoulder when it comes to the aristocracy, and his rescue of a beautiful damsel will challenge his prejudice in that regard. I found Iain to be a stoic and somewhat silent hero, and there was nothing overly Scottish about him from what I remember. I was sympathetic to his tragic past, and was glad that Emily provided for something that he could focus on besides his family and fortress home.
Emily Stanton fled to America with her sister, brother-in-law and infant nephew in an attempt to hide from a greedy and grasping uncle who sought a title for himself. When that uncle sends men to kill everyone, Emily and her young nephew (Neddie) barely escape with their lives. Finding herself as Neddie's new guardian, Emily has to make quick decisions about who she can trust, what secrets to reveal, and how much trouble she is willing to bring into their rescuer's life. I liked that Emily was responsible and willing to give up her cushy life in England to take care of her family. She was genuine and friendly to most that she met, and I liked that she trusted the MacEnroy's fairly quickly. I do wish she had revealed some of her secrets earlier as it was clear that the MacEnroy's were willing to help her and didn't give a whit for stealing Neddie's inheritance or any other nefarious deeds.
The romance between Emily and Iain was somewhat of a slow burn. Iain didn't quite know how to woo a woman, so Emily didn't immediately recognize his advances as he intended them. The suspense plot and danger were give almost as much prevalence as the romance, and I enjoyed that aspect. There were several close calls that got my adrenaline going and renewed my interest in the story.
If you are a follower of the blog, you know that I just moved across country and have been tied up packing, moving and unpacking. I was listening to this audiobook as I was unpacking, so I do fear that my attention was not always as engaged as it could have been. However, I do really like this narrator and find that she always does a satisfactory job narrating the story. She is able to differentiate between characters and has no problem with a male affectation.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this audiobook that I received from the publisher, Tantor.
October 5, 2017
Frontier troubles
The story begins in the Arkansas Ozarks in 1860. The MacEnroy brothers come across a burnt cabin, dead bodies and two survivors Lady Emily Stanton and her nephew Ned, hidden in a tunnel in the root cellar. The events go on from here.
There were some amusing parts. Iain's wooing attempts of Emily for one. The 'shagging' discussion was particularly noteable. (I did investigate to see if that word was in use in these times and apparently it was. Check the Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
I liked Iain MacEnroy, I Emily Stanton. There's a batch of interesting secondary characters in this story who stand out. I really liked Mrs. O’Neal and Mabel who was happy to shoot a nasty character if Emily wanted her too.
There's a dastardly cousin Albert hunting down Emily and her nephew Ned. There's a nefarious Bank Manager trying to take the MacEnroy's down, and then the canny lawyer who assists Iain.
The playfulness of the series title referencing Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was truly clever.
I am a huge fan of Hannah Howell's. I adore her Wherlocke and The Murray's series and have read them all.
By comparison, The Scotsman Who Saved Me just doesn't have the same intrigue, suspense and wonderful characters that I expected. Which is sad because I so-o was looking forward to reading this new Howell offering. It could be that I just don't really enjoy historical westerns, even when handsome Scots are part of the scene. This is not my preferred historical genre. Obviously others really enjoyed this novel. So I think I have to put my response down to personal preference.
All in all though, an easy and enjoyable read after my head got around the brogue usage.
A NetGalley ARC
The story begins in the Arkansas Ozarks in 1860. The MacEnroy brothers come across a burnt cabin, dead bodies and two survivors Lady Emily Stanton and her nephew Ned, hidden in a tunnel in the root cellar. The events go on from here.
There were some amusing parts. Iain's wooing attempts of Emily for one. The 'shagging' discussion was particularly noteable. (I did investigate to see if that word was in use in these times and apparently it was. Check the Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
I liked Iain MacEnroy, I Emily Stanton. There's a batch of interesting secondary characters in this story who stand out. I really liked Mrs. O’Neal and Mabel who was happy to shoot a nasty character if Emily wanted her too.
There's a dastardly cousin Albert hunting down Emily and her nephew Ned. There's a nefarious Bank Manager trying to take the MacEnroy's down, and then the canny lawyer who assists Iain.
The playfulness of the series title referencing Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was truly clever.
I am a huge fan of Hannah Howell's. I adore her Wherlocke and The Murray's series and have read them all.
By comparison, The Scotsman Who Saved Me just doesn't have the same intrigue, suspense and wonderful characters that I expected. Which is sad because I so-o was looking forward to reading this new Howell offering. It could be that I just don't really enjoy historical westerns, even when handsome Scots are part of the scene. This is not my preferred historical genre. Obviously others really enjoyed this novel. So I think I have to put my response down to personal preference.
All in all though, an easy and enjoyable read after my head got around the brogue usage.
A NetGalley ARC
September 30, 2017
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September 24, 2017
I love Ms Howells's books and writing, but I just couldn't finish this book. The writing and feeling of the story seemed stilted and cold. I made it to 27% of the book and the heroine's sister and brother-in-law had been killed, they had given their lives so that Emily could get their son away to safety. There were a few tears but nothing more for their sacrifice. She immediately trusted Ian and his whole family with her nephew that she was so protective over knowing someone was out to kill him. Also, Neddy is 3 years old, born and raised on the frontier, yet has perfect English manners that would be found on someone double his age or older. Ian has a hatred for the English gentry because of what was done to his family and knows Emily is from that grouping due to her accent and manners, so immediately hates Emily as well because she belongs to that sect. Then, out of the blue, starts the kissing and the lusting. I have yet to see or feel any passion or feelings between anyone except glimpses of Neddy's feelings for Emily. I've loved all the other books written by this author, but I couldn't finish this one.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
February 6, 2022
The Scotsman Who Saved ME
By: Hannah Howell
(Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen Book 1)
As an avid Hannah Howell enthusiast, this read was average. Having read dozens of Hannah's highland novels this story line kept me interested but not enthralled in the events. Both of the main characters Emily and Iain live with the weight of their past and secrets that neither feels like sharing.
As the story line develops both characters reveal more about their pasts, concerns, and desires. Emily and her young nephew are running for their lives and finding Iain and the safe sanctuary that Iain and his six brothers have to offer is her saving grace. Iain is determined to stop the threat to Emily and her nephew's life and as time goes by he also becomes determined to make Emily his wife. Emily hangs onto the belief that she needs to leave Iain and his home in order to save him and his family from the threat she is sure to bring to their doorstep.
February 3, 2019
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October 8, 2017
Quite the beginning with Iain and his brothers finding a burned cabin and dead bodies inside. And everyone is so calm with the violence cos sadly it could happen. But yes it starts with a bang.
Emily's sister and brother in law are dead. And what is she now to do? Well luckily she was saved by a sexy Scot who is all kind and nice and brings her to his home. Emily was a survivor and determined to succeed. She may have been gentry but those days are over. I liked her, she had a good head on those shoulders.
Iain hates the gentry since he is Scottish and they sadly kicked out a lot of Scots. But American is the land of dreams. At times I did wonder about things, in listening it comes across as weird at times, I wonder if it is like that in print. He never did ask, just always went for it, and then there are her thoughts. I guess I wanted her to be more yay kisses and more. Cos now it seemed...weird. Which it is so not meant to be. They are swept away by lust, aren't they always.
There is something more but I do not want to spoil it all. The danger that is after her. What happened to her sis and brother in law and more...danger.
And then there is getting a glimpse of all his brothers, and they all seem lovely and I hope they all find love.
Scots in America. Scots are needed everywhere.
Narrator Justine Eyre.
I did like her voices, but a woman can never make a Scot sound as sexy as a man can...nope ;) But I still enjoyed her male and female voices. Her voice for Mrs ONeill was perfect, a totally no nonsense matron.
Emily's sister and brother in law are dead. And what is she now to do? Well luckily she was saved by a sexy Scot who is all kind and nice and brings her to his home. Emily was a survivor and determined to succeed. She may have been gentry but those days are over. I liked her, she had a good head on those shoulders.
Iain hates the gentry since he is Scottish and they sadly kicked out a lot of Scots. But American is the land of dreams. At times I did wonder about things, in listening it comes across as weird at times, I wonder if it is like that in print. He never did ask, just always went for it, and then there are her thoughts. I guess I wanted her to be more yay kisses and more. Cos now it seemed...weird. Which it is so not meant to be. They are swept away by lust, aren't they always.
There is something more but I do not want to spoil it all. The danger that is after her. What happened to her sis and brother in law and more...danger.
And then there is getting a glimpse of all his brothers, and they all seem lovely and I hope they all find love.
Scots in America. Scots are needed everywhere.
Narrator Justine Eyre.
I did like her voices, but a woman can never make a Scot sound as sexy as a man can...nope ;) But I still enjoyed her male and female voices. Her voice for Mrs ONeill was perfect, a totally no nonsense matron.
April 20, 2019
DNF @ 75% and skimmed the rest...
The first 25% of this book had me interested and on the edge of my seat. The initial writing from Ms. Howell was thrilling. I enjoyed the initial character development and action. Before any true romantic interaction, I found myself getting quite restless with this book. It became slow and trudged on. I kept trying to get through it as I fell in love with the additional characters, Mrs. O'Neal specifically, and I genuinely was curious about the outcome of the story that was set up. I was excited for Emily to find love. It is also not often that romance is well mixed with mystery but I really had enjoyed that aspect of the story. It just became unbearably slow.
The first romantic encounter between our heroine Emily and our hero, Iain, truly came out of left field. I was thoroughly confused and not at all happy with how it came about. He goes form seething ice-cold hatred of her based on little else than a past bad experience, to suddenly kissing her after having very little backstory sprinkled in about his mild attraction to her, which he'd like to ignore. The kiss as written as well was not at all romantic nor did it leave me wanting to find out much more about them.
I'm now 3/4 through and really struggling to finish this. I'm just not invested. It's sat in my rotation for over a month and while I find myself curious about the outcome, every time I pick it up, I am disappointed with how slow moving it is. Their encounters and romantic development are stale at best. The fleeting interactions are void of passion and quick and seedy in nature. I almost get the feeling Emily is merely being pressured into the situation and that really takes all the joy out of it for me.
Ms. Howell really had me gripped with a rip-roaring beginning and lost me quite quickly after. I couldn't care less what happens to her characters or in reality, I don't have the patience to wait for her to get to the point. This may likely be a situation where I skip to the end or skim the last bit for some modicum of satisfaction in knowing out it turned out. Or more likely, I won't bother finishing this.
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The first 25% of this book had me interested and on the edge of my seat. The initial writing from Ms. Howell was thrilling. I enjoyed the initial character development and action. Before any true romantic interaction, I found myself getting quite restless with this book. It became slow and trudged on. I kept trying to get through it as I fell in love with the additional characters, Mrs. O'Neal specifically, and I genuinely was curious about the outcome of the story that was set up. I was excited for Emily to find love. It is also not often that romance is well mixed with mystery but I really had enjoyed that aspect of the story. It just became unbearably slow.
The first romantic encounter between our heroine Emily and our hero, Iain, truly came out of left field. I was thoroughly confused and not at all happy with how it came about. He goes form seething ice-cold hatred of her based on little else than a past bad experience, to suddenly kissing her after having very little backstory sprinkled in about his mild attraction to her, which he'd like to ignore. The kiss as written as well was not at all romantic nor did it leave me wanting to find out much more about them.
I'm now 3/4 through and really struggling to finish this. I'm just not invested. It's sat in my rotation for over a month and while I find myself curious about the outcome, every time I pick it up, I am disappointed with how slow moving it is. Their encounters and romantic development are stale at best. The fleeting interactions are void of passion and quick and seedy in nature. I almost get the feeling Emily is merely being pressured into the situation and that really takes all the joy out of it for me.
Ms. Howell really had me gripped with a rip-roaring beginning and lost me quite quickly after. I couldn't care less what happens to her characters or in reality, I don't have the patience to wait for her to get to the point. This may likely be a situation where I skip to the end or skim the last bit for some modicum of satisfaction in knowing out it turned out. Or more likely, I won't bother finishing this.
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 6, 2017
I have been reading Hannah Howell’s books for over 20 years and have loved them, but this book was a disappointment. Paragraphs of the book are repeated word for word in different places in the book. Parts of the storyline were so familiar to me that I believe I have read it before or something very similar. It was so familiar that I actually went back to make sure the copyright was 2017 and not an earlier date.
October 22, 2017
I was really looking forward to reading this book. I won't be reading the rest of the series. The storyline sounds great but the actual story plodded along with numerous writing errors. One dialogue between the heroine and housekeeper was repeated word for word in a later chapter. That is a HUGE editing error. The sex between Iain and Emily also bothered me. They had sex together way too soon for this type of story. It just didn't flow properly.
October 22, 2017
Not sure what happened here but I felt like this story was disjointed. I could swear that I read text over again several times and then there were other inconsistencies that just bothered me and I couldn't get over. I may have to read through again just to see if it was just me.
March 11, 2018
this read like a sixteen your old had written it. I honestly read for the story and not the romance. what a terrible book. I'm considering reading the next one just because I like the brothers, but wow this writing was bad.
also who's ever heard of a Scotsman in Arkansas? I miss Scotland.
also who's ever heard of a Scotsman in Arkansas? I miss Scotland.
July 25, 2021
“Evil begins when you begin to treat people [like] things.” –Terry Pratchett, I Shall Wear Midnight
Rating: MA: Mature reader suggested due to graphic sex scenes, violence, murder[s], descriptions of death[s], violence toward a woman, trigger warning due to descriptions of an assault, although we didn’t see it, it was described. This evil was raw, insane actions, madness, greed, betrayal, and mayhem. Our characters were constantly in survival mode. That MA should not be ignored. There were discussions and descriptions that were hard to read and not for a young reader. The MacEnroy clan/family were settlers in Pre-Civil War Arkansas. It wasn’t the wild west but it was pretty wild and lawless. Angst Level: medium-to-high: due to characters constantly being in protection mode as they defended their home and family. 21-chapters. 4-stars
SPOILER ALERT: *** This review may contain spoilers ***
Normally, I prefer reading about Scotsmen in the Highlands; however, our characters were forced to leave their home and were now settled in the Ozarks of Arkansas. The year was 1860, a rough time for America. Iain MacEnroy and several of his brothers were returning to their stockade with supplies when they encountered a burned-out cabin. The grizzly scene that met them was a horror even to these hardened men. They did the decent thing and buried the poor couple and were about to head home when they discovered a blood trail and tracks leading away from the house.
“People speak sometimes about the [bestial] cruelty of man, but that is terribly unjust and offensive to beasts, no animal could ever be so cruel as a man, so artfully, so artistically cruel.” –Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Emily Stanton, wounded and bleeding, was hidden away with her three-year-old nephew, Neddy. She knew her sister Annabel and husband David were probably dead as their screams had ceased some time before. She drew her knife when she heard footsteps approaching. However, their accent sounded Scottish and not the American sounds she heard before. Could she trust them with her life and that of her nephew? Could she maintain the secret of who they were and what forced them from England? And what depraved animal wanted them dead?
What I liked: Hello, seven Scotsmen, what’s not to like? I adored these guys and Mrs. O’Neal.
What I didn’t like: I felt the sex was an unnecessary addition. There just wasn’t enough of a reason to simply jump into the sack. I didn’t like that. However, this was the author’s universe so what she created has to stand. I loved the family unity, the companionship of the group, and the story made me want to go and live there.
Seven Brides/Seven Scotsmen Series [there are only 3 in the series at this time]
Book 1: The Scotsman Who Saved Me: [Emily Stanton and Lian MacEnroy]
Book 2: When You Love a Scotsman
Book 3: The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away
Rating: MA: Mature reader suggested due to graphic sex scenes, violence, murder[s], descriptions of death[s], violence toward a woman, trigger warning due to descriptions of an assault, although we didn’t see it, it was described. This evil was raw, insane actions, madness, greed, betrayal, and mayhem. Our characters were constantly in survival mode. That MA should not be ignored. There were discussions and descriptions that were hard to read and not for a young reader. The MacEnroy clan/family were settlers in Pre-Civil War Arkansas. It wasn’t the wild west but it was pretty wild and lawless. Angst Level: medium-to-high: due to characters constantly being in protection mode as they defended their home and family. 21-chapters. 4-stars
SPOILER ALERT: *** This review may contain spoilers ***
Normally, I prefer reading about Scotsmen in the Highlands; however, our characters were forced to leave their home and were now settled in the Ozarks of Arkansas. The year was 1860, a rough time for America. Iain MacEnroy and several of his brothers were returning to their stockade with supplies when they encountered a burned-out cabin. The grizzly scene that met them was a horror even to these hardened men. They did the decent thing and buried the poor couple and were about to head home when they discovered a blood trail and tracks leading away from the house.
“People speak sometimes about the [bestial] cruelty of man, but that is terribly unjust and offensive to beasts, no animal could ever be so cruel as a man, so artfully, so artistically cruel.” –Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Emily Stanton, wounded and bleeding, was hidden away with her three-year-old nephew, Neddy. She knew her sister Annabel and husband David were probably dead as their screams had ceased some time before. She drew her knife when she heard footsteps approaching. However, their accent sounded Scottish and not the American sounds she heard before. Could she trust them with her life and that of her nephew? Could she maintain the secret of who they were and what forced them from England? And what depraved animal wanted them dead?
What I liked: Hello, seven Scotsmen, what’s not to like? I adored these guys and Mrs. O’Neal.
What I didn’t like: I felt the sex was an unnecessary addition. There just wasn’t enough of a reason to simply jump into the sack. I didn’t like that. However, this was the author’s universe so what she created has to stand. I loved the family unity, the companionship of the group, and the story made me want to go and live there.
Seven Brides/Seven Scotsmen Series [there are only 3 in the series at this time]
Book 1: The Scotsman Who Saved Me: [Emily Stanton and Lian MacEnroy]
Book 2: When You Love a Scotsman
Book 3: The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away
September 21, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much. Iain MacEnroy and his family left Scotland for a new life in America. While some of his brothers and he are out, they come across a burned cabin and 2 tortured bodies. They realize this was not a robbery as their jewelry and household items were not taken. After burying the bodies, they start to gather the food and supplies and discover a tunnel. Following the tunnel, they discover an injured woman, Emily, and her young nephew Ned. Iain knows she needs medical care and takes them to his home where his housekeeper/cook can care for Emily.
Iain realizes Emily is not a commoner and is unsure about her. Emily tells him some of her history, but not all. She feels Ned is safe as Iain’s home is really a stockade. While protecting them, Iain falls in love and marries Emily. There is a welcome surprise guest at their wedding. I don’t like to ruin a very good story, so I hope this is enough to entice you to read this wonderful book.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Release date is September 26th.
Iain realizes Emily is not a commoner and is unsure about her. Emily tells him some of her history, but not all. She feels Ned is safe as Iain’s home is really a stockade. While protecting them, Iain falls in love and marries Emily. There is a welcome surprise guest at their wedding. I don’t like to ruin a very good story, so I hope this is enough to entice you to read this wonderful book.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Release date is September 26th.
September 15, 2017
In the early 80s, I watch a program “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” which was made in 1954. The movie was a musical but that was okay, for I loved that movie.
In 1850, backwoodsman Adam Pontipee comes into a town in the Oregon Territory to search for a bride. Met with ridicule by some locals, he comes upon the local tavern where he meets Milly. Convinced of her worth by the quality of her cooking and her insistence on finishing her chores before she would leave with him, he proposes and she accepts despite knowing each other for only a few hours.
Well, welcome to Hannah Howel take on the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. But in Emily Stanton’s story, her life was anything but cheerful and she certainly didn’t have anything to sing about. On the run with her orphan nephew when her older sister and husband was slaughtered. It was up to her to keep them alive. Until Ian MacEnroy along with his brother come along, to take them under their wings.
Iain MacEnroy has a long standing of protecting those who need it. When his family was run out of Scotland by an Englishwoman, and his mother and father died along the way. It was up to Iain to keep his younger brother safe.
The Scotsman who Saved Me was an excellent book. For a historical romance, you can’t get anything better than intrigue and mayhem. You will fall in love with all the brothers, and just like the movie, this one is classic.
In 1850, backwoodsman Adam Pontipee comes into a town in the Oregon Territory to search for a bride. Met with ridicule by some locals, he comes upon the local tavern where he meets Milly. Convinced of her worth by the quality of her cooking and her insistence on finishing her chores before she would leave with him, he proposes and she accepts despite knowing each other for only a few hours.
Well, welcome to Hannah Howel take on the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. But in Emily Stanton’s story, her life was anything but cheerful and she certainly didn’t have anything to sing about. On the run with her orphan nephew when her older sister and husband was slaughtered. It was up to her to keep them alive. Until Ian MacEnroy along with his brother come along, to take them under their wings.
Iain MacEnroy has a long standing of protecting those who need it. When his family was run out of Scotland by an Englishwoman, and his mother and father died along the way. It was up to Iain to keep his younger brother safe.
The Scotsman who Saved Me was an excellent book. For a historical romance, you can’t get anything better than intrigue and mayhem. You will fall in love with all the brothers, and just like the movie, this one is classic.
February 6, 2020
I'm very confused as how to rate this book. First off I listened to the audio. My friend Tosha and I picked it up since it is narrated by my favorite narrator: Justine Eyre. (Seriously Justine is the best!) I noticed that while listening to the audio lots of scenes and sentences were repetitive. I don't know if it was a recording error or a manuscript error. Out of curiosity I picked up a physical book and noticed that the repeat sentences were only in the audio. That being said I became hyper aware of the repetitive nature of the story. I liked the premise of this book, the characters and their backstory but it felt very anticlimactic when it wrapped up. I hate leaving 3 star reviews but feel the need to be honest. I will definitely read Hannah Howell in the future because I think that it was just this story. It just didn't click with me.... but see the potential.
October 1, 2017
I have been reading Hannah Howell's books for years and have ALL of her books in both e-book and paperback versions. For it was this author that first introduced me to the world of Highlanders! As a result, they, and Ms. Howell, have always been favorites of mine. In "The Scotsman Who Saved Me," Ms. Howell still has a Highlander as her hero, but she has moved the location of the story to pre-Civil War Arkansas, a rather isolated and lawless land.
I thought this was a fun read and, with six other brothers to work with, a good start to a new series. Looking forward to the next book.
3.5
I thought this was a fun read and, with six other brothers to work with, a good start to a new series. Looking forward to the next book.
3.5
October 3, 2017
Love Hannah Howell stories. Somehow Emily Stanton lives after a brutal attack on her family. To be found by Iain MacEnroy and family. Who have no love for upper class regime to forced his family off of their land in Scotland. Coming to the America transforms them both in ways they never imagined. Danger is seeking Emily out and Iain will do everything he can to protect the woman he has come to love.
November 11, 2018
1.5 stars
This story line had so much potential and I so desperately wanted to like it. However, the constant redundancy/reiteration of the basic premise, the lack of any meaningful connection between the main characters and the completely un-moving nature of the "first time" made me throw my hands up in despair. There was no real depth or emotions coming from any of the characters. Especially the hero, Ian, oh my, he felt so underdeveloped both emotionally and plot-wise. This book was just really painful to get through.
This story line had so much potential and I so desperately wanted to like it. However, the constant redundancy/reiteration of the basic premise, the lack of any meaningful connection between the main characters and the completely un-moving nature of the "first time" made me throw my hands up in despair. There was no real depth or emotions coming from any of the characters. Especially the hero, Ian, oh my, he felt so underdeveloped both emotionally and plot-wise. This book was just really painful to get through.
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