Category: Novella

His Scottish Bride by Shelly Thacker

On By TracyIn Christmas, Medieval (1066-1540), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Novella, Scottish/Highlander, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

His Scottish Bride (Stolen Brides, #5)His Scottish Bride by Shelly Thacker

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Stolen Brides, #5

Release Date: December 11, 2020

Widow Lady Aileen MacLennan MacFarland first met Sir Henri d’Ambosie years ago at the wedding of her cousin Darach of Glenshiel to Henri’s sister Laurien. The two shared a flirtation in which she dubbed him Sir Wicked, but Henri was leaving for war and no promises were made. Aileen was smitten with Henri, who treated her with kindness and made her feel beautiful despite the port-wine stain on her face, but she had no expectations, Henri was something of a flirt and Aileen was not the only lass he spent time with, but that didn’t stop her from wanting more. She wrote to him and though he barely replied, she continued to write for years before finally giving up and hasn’t heard from him since. So, she was understandably shocked to see him at Glenshiel, looking even more handsome than she remembered.

Henri is finally done with war and has been awarded at title and lands for his service, now all he needs is a wife and his heart is set on Aileen. He fell in love with her all those years ago, but knowing he was going to war and may not survive, he didn’t want to make promises he couldn’t keep. But he treasured her letters and the memory of their kisses and now he can’t wait to make her his bride. But things couldn’t be that simple; Aileen is betrothed to Lord Alsh and is set to marry in four days! Any chance of a HEA seems impossible, but Henri refuses to give up hope! Will this be the season of miracles?

This was such a great novella! It was well written and paced perfectly, it never felt rushed or improbable even though it is relatively short. Henri and Aileen are wonderful characters with an obvious chemistry and I loved his devotion to her. The book has a lot of emotion, cameos from Darach and Laurien (His Stolen Bride), steamy love scenes, a wonderful twist and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue! This book is part of a series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title. I really enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it to anyone!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher.*

The Highlander’s Christmas Countess by Anna Campbell

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

The Highlander's Christmas Countess (The Lairds Most Likely, #8)The Highlander’s Christmas Countess by Anna Campbell

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Lairds Most Likely, #8

Release Date: November 17, 2020

Quentin MacNab has been living with his uncle Hamish Douglas, Laird of Glen Lyon, acting as his assistant for the last six months. But recently he has noticed the new stable boy, Kit. He is sure something is not right about the boy and takes the opportunity to get him alone while gathering greenery for the upcoming Christmas celebrations. His suspicions are confirmed when they are caught in a blizzard and forced to take shelter – Kit is actually Christabel Urquhart, the Countess of Appin!

To escape her step-brother, Neil Maxwell’s plan to force her to marry his friend and steal a good portion of her inheritance, Christabel flees Appin and takes refuge with her father’s former head groom at Glen Lyon. She only has to keep hidden until her birthday on Christmas Day when she will reach her majority and will no long be subject to Neil. But her truth is revealed when she and Quentin have to spend the night in a woodsmen’s hut.

The next day they are rescued, but Emily, Hamish’s wife points out that while posing as a stable boy would cause some damage to her reputation, spending the night alone with Quentin will be a scandal she will not be able to withstand. She suggests that Kit be revealed to everyone as the Countess and that they marry ASAP. A solid, sensible plan – but will marriage be enough to save her from Neil? And will a forced marriage bring them the HEA they each long for?

I thought this was a well written, quick, uncomplicated read. The book has a bit of action, warm love scenes, cameos with other “Lairds” and their families and of course a HEA. I did feel like the conflict with Neil was resolved a bit to quickly which made the ending a smidge anti-climactic, but overall, I enjoyed the story and would happily recommend it. This is the eighth book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone title.