Author: Tracy

Avid reader (and reviewer) of historical romance, historical mystery, fantasy, romantasy and paranormal mystery

The Highlander’s Kilted Bride by Vanessa Kelly

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Highlander's Kilted Bride (Clan Kendrick #6)The Highlander’s Kilted Bride by Vanessa Kelly

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Clan Kendrick, #6

Release Date: August 22, 2023

Charlotte Stewart was never a typical girl, at eleven she could out-ride, out-shoot, and out-hunt most boys, she wore a kilt and was called Charlie by most people. She never really cared about being a “proper girl” or thought about boys as anything more than playmates, until she met thirteen-year-old Kade Kendrick. It was a meeting that is forever etched in her memory and the day she fell in love with Kade and the violin. Now years later they meet again and to her complete mortification, he doesn’t even remember who she is. But that is about to change and if she is willing to risk her heart and can get rid of the suitor her parents are set on, Charlie’s life will never be the same.

Kade Kendrick was a sickly child and found solace in music, as he grew stronger, he outgrew his childhood ailments and became a world-renowned musician. But eventually, the shine wore off his fame and he dabbled in spying for the crown, but that did not work out and almost cost him his life. So he is back home to recuperate and finds himself roped into attending a wedding, where apparently his sister-in-law Ainsely has promised he will perform! He is intrigued by Charlie from the start and can’t believe he didn’t remember their first meeting right away. But when a family heirloom goes missing, he will have his chance to renew his friendship with her and maybe even convince her that when a Kendrick finds his true love, it is forever.

This was a fun read with a mystery woven into the romance. Kade and Charlie are very well-matched and have a wonderful chemistry. Charlie did suffer from a bit of insecurity and Kade seemed to fall in love a bit too fast, but I did love them together and enjoyed their banter. The story has a lot of secondary characters, a decent mystery, unwanted suitors, Angus being Angus, curses, accidents, phantom fiddlers, stolen heirlooms, stolen kisses, insecurities, and finally a HEA including an epilogue. I enjoyed this story and thought it was a nice ending to the series, but I was hoping for a glimpse into everyone’s HEAs in the epilogue and didn’t really get that, but overall this was a very good read and I would happily recommend it. I think it could be read as a standalone title, but I would suggest reading the series in order for the best reader experience.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

A Scot’s Pride by Eliza Knight

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A Scot's Pride (Distinguished Scots Book 1)A Scot’s Pride by Eliza Knight

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Distinguished Scots, #1

Release Date: August 15, 2023

At his grandfather’s urging, Bryson Mackenzie Fraser, Baron Lovat goes to London to find an English wife. He relies on his aunt, Lady Daven for help, suggesting that while he will marry an Englishwoman to appease his grandfather, he would like a bride with some Scottish blood. His aunt agrees to help and supplies him with a list of eligible brides, but then she confuses him when she introduces him to Miss Freya Grysham, a lovely woman who is completely wrong for him and not on the list. Bryson who usually has no problem charming ladies, finds himself immediately at odds with Freya. He is happy to be done with her, but when he learns her sister is the love of his best friend’s life, he will try to get along with her to help his friend. Too bad she doesn’t seem willing to play nice.

Freya Grysham is the second daughter of Baron Grysham, she and her elder sister Riley are partaking in the London season with hopes of finding husbands. Riley is madly in love with Hugh Gray, the Earl of Ashbury, but they are both painfully shy and the courtship is not progressing. To make matters worse, their father makes it clear that they need to marry well or risk being left penniless when their father dies and their cousin inherits. There is also the suggestion that Riley marry him, but Freya knows her sister is in love and will do whatever is necessary to help her attain her HEA – even spend time with the earl’s obnoxious best friend, Lord Lovat. But the more time she spends with him, the more she finds herself drawn to him but is sure nothing will come of it, especially when her family abruptly leaves London. Leaving her to wonder if anyone will be getting a HEA!

What a great start to a new series! Featuring an enemies-to-lovers trope, the book is filled with likable characters, more than one romance, an elopement, a bit of drama, a nod to previous heroes in other series, highwaymen, lots of sisters, witty banter, some tears, a bit of steam and finally a HEA. This is the first book in a new series, but I didn’t really feel a lot of setup for the series, but I am assuming that her friends will be finding their HEAs in upcoming installments. Overall, I enjoyed this story and will certainly be looking forward to the next book.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*