Book Review-The Seduction Of Elliot McBride

The Seduction Of Elliot McBride
Highland Plesures (5)
Jennifer Ashley
Berkley Sensation
Mass Market Paperback
Published January 2013
309 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-425-25113-3
Author's Website

Synopsis (Goodreads)
PROPERLY IMPROPER…AND DARING TO LOVE…

Juliana St. John was raised to be very proper. After a long engagement, her wedding day dawns—only for Juliana to find herself jilted at the altar.

Fleeing the mocking crowd, she stumbles upon Elliot McBride, the tall, passionate Scot who was her first love. His teasing manner gives her an idea, and she asks Elliot to save her from an uncertain future—by marrying her…

After escaping brutal imprisonment, Elliot has returned to Scotland a vastly wealthy yet tormented man. Now Juliana has her hands full restoring his half-ruined manor in the Scottish Highlands and trying to repair the broken heart of the man some call irredeemably mad. Though beautiful and spirited, Juliana wonders if that will be enough to win a second chance at love.

My Review

Summary 
Juliana has been engaged for quite some time, even though its not to the man she truly desires. Then on her wedding day, her fiancee jilts her for his piano teacher without even informing her of his plans, with over two hundred people waiting for them in the chapel. So when she seeks a few peaceful moments, she ends up finding Elliot Mcbride, who has recently returned. She surprises even herself, when she proposes to him, and then he actually says "yes". She knows it won't be a easy union, with Elliot having been a prisoner for quite some time. But she has always loved him, and wants to be his wife more than anything. Elliot, is thrilled with Juliana proposes to him, he has always wanted her, but lately has never felt worthy of her. Elliot has demons and nightmares, and feels like he is almost half mad. But he also knows that he could never let her go when she falls right into his lap. What is a Scot to do? As they start their life together, the road is dangerous and full of twists and turns, but a burning passion builds between Elliot and Juliana. One that turns from a fierce desire to a explosive love that could very well save them both.

The Hero (Elliot McBride )
Elliot grew up in Scotland, and his scots blood will always be a part of him. But then he went to India, where he suffered in ways he never could have imagined. He was taken prisoner for quite some time, and was made to do things and had the most despicable things done to him, that he still feels like he is in a nightmare. Elliot knows that there is a part of him that is very dangerous, especially to those that he loves dearly. He recently discovered he has a daughter, and now a wife that he must be very careful with. He can't control the madness, but Juliana calms him, and pushes the darkness away. But when a old enemy threatens everything he loves, he will fight with every breath to protect his family.

The Heroine (Juliana St. John)
When Juliana is first told that her fiancee, a man she has planned on marrying for quite some time, eloped on their wedding day with his piano teacher, she doesn't believe it. He doesn't even tell her, she learns about it through another. She is shocked and upset, she always though he had respected her at the very least. But when she stumbles literally upon Elliot, she knows he is perfect. She understands that he has suffered greatly, but she has always held him close to her heart, and wants more than anything to share a life with him. She knows that he sufferes nightmares and flashbacks, but he is also very caring and passionate with her. She has never felt more desired or loved than being held in his arms. Even though they have a long road, she is determined to make it a successful one.

My Thoughts 
The Seduction of Elliot McBride is the fifth installment in the series. I just fell in love with the previous books...however this one fell a bit short. Don't get me wrong though, it was a fun and easy read, the kind you can relax into, but it didn't fully grasp me, and had me at every page like the previous books in the series had. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. Elliot, has suffered much in the past, including being a prisoner and still barely sane. He is a very passionate man though, he can't stop making love to his wife. And some of the bed scenes were very playful and fun and I know this is bad...but I almost laughed, they could be quite humorous. Juliana, is very supportive of Elliot, and fully accepts his illegitimate daughter into her home. She doesn't believe Elliot is mad, just trying to heal. The side characters were also fun to see with their little quirks of personalities that just added a flair to the story. I also got to see a bit more of the Mackenzie family, which is always a delight.  I enjoyed how vivid the characters emotions were portrayed throughout the story. It almost felt like they were real, and I could feel what they were feeling...it was so intense at times. Of course there is still Ashley's sharp wit and brilliant writing talent, that is ever present...so no worries on that front. The flow for the most part was pretty smooth like touching glass. Overall a very romantic and poignant love story that will just enchant you and sweep you away into a world of seduction, danger, intrigue, and a intense love story. A winner!

First Line 
Juliana St. John's fiance was an our late on his own wedding. 

Favorite Quoite 
"I didn't understand myself what you were to me," he said "until I was in danger of never seeing your face again, or your sweet smile. Then I knew. You were my lass, Juliana. You always have been. 

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
The Madness of Lord  Ian Mackenzie
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron
A Mackenzie Family Christmas
The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie