Category: Medieval (1066-1540)

The Laird’s Kiss by Eliza Knight

On By TracyIn Book Publicity, Medieval (1066-1540), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Part of a Series, Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Laird's Kiss (Highland Lairds #2)The Laird’s Kiss by Eliza Knight

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Highland Lairds, #2

Release Date: January 30, 2024

Lady Rhiannon Darce’s parents died when she was just a little girl and she was sent to live with her cousin Douglass at Appleby Castle, her uncle’s holding. But when Douglass went to Scotland to marry, Rhiannon’s brother Adam showed up at Appleby Castle while her uncle was away and took her back to her home, Darce Castle, and promptly demanded that she marry a man of his acquaintance, a merchant to whom Adam owed a great deal of money. When Rhiannon refuses to comply, he locks her up and refuses to out of her room until she agrees. Unbeknownst to Adam, Rhiannon manages to send three letters to Douglass begging for help, but when no help arrives, she figures she will just have to save herself. She manages to trick Adam into letting her out of her room for a walk, where she intends to get the lay of the land to plan her escape. Once outside the castle walls, she tests the guard with her by wandering deeper into the forest looking for her cat, it is there that she comes face to face with a handsome giant of a man, who has her cat and introduces himself as Ian Sinclair, brother-in-law of her cousin Douglass, and tells her he is there to take her to Douglass. Rhiannon isn’t sure she can trust him, but what choice does she have? And so starts an adventure unlike anything she ever imagined, one that could lead to either seeing her returning to her brother or finding the love of a lifetime.

Ian Sinclair is the second-born triplet of the Sinclair clan, a warrior, Laird of Balla Dorcha on Orkney Isles, and a confirmed bachelor because, unlike his brothers, Ian has no desire to set down roots and is always looking for his next adventure. This is exactly why he agreed to rescue Douglass’ cousin, but he had no idea the effect Rhiannon would have on him. As they race from England to the highlands while trying to stay ahead of her brother, the more he falls for her and begins to wonder if he could settle down for her. But before he can examine his feelings, he needs to get her to his brother’s holding, and with her brother nipping at their heels, and war with England brewing, it will be a miracle if they survive the journey.

This was a well-written, action-packed story with wonderful characters and lots of fun banter between Rhiannon and Ian. The story picks up where the previous book ends and is a non-stop adventure filled with sword fights, a treacherous ride, stolen kisses, danger at every turn, battles, confrontations with rival clans, steamy love scenes, a mischievous cat, and a HEA that didn’t seem possible. I loved Rhiannon and Ian and their journey to HEA was a fast, fun read. This is the second book in the series but it could easily be read as a standalone title with no problem. I would be happy to recommend this title to my fellow medieval Highlander readers and I’m looking forward to Alistair’s story.

*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.*

To Charm a Highlander by Callie Hutton

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Medieval (1066-1540), Part of a Series, Scottish/HighlanderLeave a comment

To Charm a Highlander (The Sutherlands of Dornoch Castle Book 5)

Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: The Sutherlands of Dornoch Castle #5
Publication Date: 11/30/23
Period: Medieval Scotland
Number of Pages: 184

This was another delightfully entertaining story of the Sutherlands of Dornoch. I have enjoyed all of the books in the series, but this one was particularly sweet and poignant.

Lady Donella Sutherland is the slow-witted sister to the Laird of the Sutherlands, Haydon Sutherland. Haydon dotes on Donella but has low expectations of her. That was not always the case. Once upon a time, Donella was vivacious, happy, curious, and interested in everything around her. Then, around her fourteenth year, something happened to her and she became vague, sad, and disinterested in everything around her. Haydon doesn’t know what to do or how to help her, so he just loves her and lets her be. That is how it goes until she trips and hits her head, which brings her back to being the way she was. She was, however, very lucky to have someone catch her.

Callum Gunn has been turned out by his clan because his vicious brother has spread lies about him. Fraser, his brother and newly minted Laird, claims that Callum caused their father’s death. He didn’t, but Fraser won’t listen. So, Callum leaves his clan and wanders around a bit looking for a new home. He likes the Sutherland clan because they are honest and trustworthy in their dealings, so he petitions the Laird to become a member of the Sutherland clan. Haydon is just declining the request when Donella trips on the stone stairs and Callum dashes to catch and save her. After that, Callum becomes a member of the Sutherlands – but Haydon is still wary of him.

I love Callum and Donella together – he is so sweet and gentle with her as she remembers and has to deal with what happened to her in the past. He never rushes her and always allows her the space she needs – but he’s always close enough to support her should she need it. I also love that Donella respects Callum for who he is and doesn’t buy into those silly rumors for even a second.

I thoroughly enjoyed the short, entertaining story and I hope you will as well.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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