How To Wed A Warrior by Christy English TBR 2/2/2016 5 Kilts

London, 1820

Christy English does it again in her second book from her home exceptional Broadswords and Ballrooms series. This time it centers on elder brother Robert Waters.  He comes to help get her sister a husband and save his spitfire sister's reputation who had just pulled out a Claymore in the middle of Hyde Park! Since brother Alex recently married from book one, "How to Seduce a Scot", the duty now falls on Robert. Whom I also met from book one.  Robert is not very happy being in a country full of the bloody English, as he is a braw and fierce highlander through and through He knows his reckless sister  Mary Elizabeth needs some lessons on how to behave like a lady  in or her reputation will be in shreds! Plus  with no decent prospects  for a husband either and that is the only reason they are in this bloody country and that is when he meets widow Prudence Whittaker. The perfect solution as far as Robert can see, the proper widow can teach his sister how to be a proper lady 0r so he thinks....ahem!

Prudence Whittaker is actually an imposter named Prudence Farthington,  daughter of the ruined Earl of Lynwood. Prudence who has never been married and hides behind  large spectacles and plain unattractive gowns not to draw attention. As life has not been easy or fair for her. She lost her brother at sea and then loses everything including her home and fiancé . Since her brother was the only male heir and when he dies as everything they possessed reverted back to the crown. So Prudence does what she has has to to survive so when Robert offers her a respectable position to help rein in his wayward sister and teach her how to behave like a lady. It is the perfect position to Prudence even though she has no experience. Will she be able to carry off the betrayal and fraud.

You can feel the chemistry and attraction between Robert and Prudence no matter how much she tries to ignore and fight it. Prudence is living under deception and lies to survive, yet sooner or later the truth will come out, especially since Prudence's past is about to catch up with her. How will Robert handle this deception and ultimate betrayal from the woman who has his heart?  As most Highlander's  rely on honor and pride. Will Robert forgive and forget or give Prudence her walking papers feeling the ultimate betrayal?  Will Prudence find herself once again in dire straits but with a broken heart? You will have to read this wonderful romantic adventure to find out.

Can read as a stand alone book or in series order. I recommend reading in series order as it is just more fun to connect the dot per say and get to know all The Waters sibling is in my opinion .  This wonderful book will be released 2/2/2016.


***I received this ARC  from the publisher in exchange for an honest review through netgalley.com***


Broadswords and Ballrooms Series by Christy English
1.Seduce a Scot
2.How to Wed a Warrior TBR 2/2/2016
3.How to Train Your Highlander TBA


celticbarb.blogspot.com

Tartan Book Reviews on Facebook

Highland Spitfire (Highland Weddings) by Mary Wine TBR 2/2/2016 5 Kilts

Again Mary Wine writes another quick paced page turner in this exciting, riveting adventure in times when Scotland was run by the King's Regents  since Mary Stuart's son James is only seven years old and too young to rule. They want these Clan feuds to end and Scotland to have a united front,  especially since most of the feuds are from so long ago by Clan ancestors who have been dead and buried for hundreds of years! They don't even remember the reasons of why they became enemies! Plus with that Protestant, English, Sassenach, Queen on their tales and possibly invading their lands at any time, the Scottish people need to be at peace and all the  Clan's with each other 

This is why Earl of Morton the current King's Regent has demanded an alliance and marriage between  Ailis Robertson and Bhalic MacPherson or all will be executed! Both daughter and son of Laird's whose Clans have been at war for generations and know only how to hate and fight and kill another. Of course they soon realize they have no choice in the matter as the Earl of Morton,  has set a bloodbath in motion if all the Highlander's don't agree as noose's are set plus he has a guns pointed on them all. Plus all their The King's Regent men are crack shot assassin's ,who wont miss their target! Of course both Ailis and Bhalic know they have no choice, but to marry, which horrifies both Laird's as well as their offspring. This is to keep the peace between the Clans. Ailis and Bhalic think they can outsmart everyone by not consummating the marriage, by tricking the Earl with some trickles of blood, and figure they will all be forgotten in a year and can get an annulment. Ahem....things do not always go according to plans or do they?"

The young couple start to feel for each other which scares them both and then some good old jealousy on May Day puts Bhalic back into the game wanting to claim his bride. He then finally brings her home to MacPherson Castle, but not all are happy to see a hated Robertson under their roof. What Ailis has to deal with you can't help but feel for the young bride. Bhalic still has not consummated their marriage as he wants to do it on his terms as feelings develop and he wants to woo his wife on his terms. Although not all are happy about it especially Bhalic's brother, Marcos who feels she can spy and run back to Robertson lands and reveal all their secrets. Bhalic defends Ailis's honor and possibly her life as there is another who would like Ailis to wife even if it means making her a widow first!

Spectacular read and so much fun to read about how Ailis and Bhalic finally learn to let go of their Clan hatred and open their hearts and trust each other . Yet will this villain ruin all the peace between clans not to mention murder the one man who Ailis cares for? I also love when true historical facts are blended in the author's fictional story. Truly a magnificent tale that has all the elements readers love in a Scottish historical romance that will capture every readers heart! I can't wait for the next book in this spectacular new  series with captivating  characters that come to life on the pages in a beautiful Scottish setting that will take your breath away!

I have been reading Mary Wine books since her debut and she always writes such vibrant superbly written beautiful stories with  powerful twisting plots, passionate characters, villains that make your blood boil, in a perfect setting  that will leave readers not only satisfied but wanting more!

I can't recommend  this spectacular book "Highland Spitfire" ( Highland Weddings) by Mary Wine enough! I was  totally absorbed in the story I read it in a day, I could not put this exceptional book down! Pre-orders are available now and will be released on February 2, 2016.

***I was given this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review through netgalley.com***

The Chieftain's Daughter by Frances Housden 5 Kilts

Wow!Wow! Wow! This story just swept me away and definitely touched my heart! This is the fifth book in Frances Housden wonderful acclaimed Chieftain series. Frances does it again another powerful  heartfelt read! I love when true history is blended in with the authors fictional romance, to me a history junkie that's my favorite combination in my reads! Truly a beautiful tale that reader won't forget.

Scotland, 1106

This is a story about love at second sight....

Sometime if you side with the wrong King you loose everything even though a relative  as was the case with our heroe Dhugal Robertson Skene. He starts off as a broken man watching over his precious home, the Skene keep, setting traps for interlopers and scaring away potential new owners. This is how he first meets our heroine Maggie MacAuthor, The Chieftain's daughter. This lass never took up feminine ways for her status learning embroidery, sewing, dinner menus or one day becoming mistress of a castle. She can wield a sword better then most men and her father the laird taught her how to protect and take care of herself, she also doesn't wear beautiful gowns but leather trews and a short short jacket with her long beautiful hair tucked in a bonnet. This is how Dhugal first met Maggie thinking she was a lad and due to a misstep he stumbles and she actually draws first blood. When her beautiful long hair falls out of the bonnet realizing she is a lass not a lad!  He only wanted to scare her away from Skene lands. He is horrified he has been fighting with a lass and more then embarrassed she bested him due to his stumble once he realized she was a lass.

Maggie find herself immediately attracted to Dhugal and feels guilty for wounding him and delays her stay until he is healed. The attraction and feeling turns to love very quickly and as she is about to return to her clan shortly bit Dhugal realized Maggie's life is in danger by someone who actually works for her father the Laird MacAuthor and will do anything to protect the woman he loves even leaving Skene lands something he would never have though he would ever do. He tells this threat they are handfasted.

Maggie had been men paraded before her as potential husbands all she refused she couldn't imagine falling in love and giving up her virginity until she meets Dhugal a good honest man who has lost everything but he also feels he is not good enough for Maggie not even having a home of his own. His family is spread all over Scotland to make sure they all had food in their bellies and a roof over there head.  Maggie's does not care, but Dhugal will not lose his pride and be taken care or winning Skene back by Maggie's family and having the present Kings's ear and their high status.

In the beginning Dhugal's ancestor the first Laird of Skene won the land by protecting the then King from a wolf attack  with a sgian-dubh ( small knife), but he knows nothing that dramatic in an act of heroism is about to present itself to him. Will he leave Maggie after a year and a day as long as no issues come out of their time together? Dhugal feels he is not good enough for Maggie even though he loves her more then anything in the world. Will he leave and break her heart? Will Maggie's family and her elevated status as a Chieftain's daughter even allow such an uneven match between the two lovers? You will have to read this riveting book in a beautiful Scottish historic setting, full of adventure, action, mystery, suspense, drama, passion, love and surprises and more to find out!  

I loved seeing previous characters from previous books in this story too. If you are a new reader to Ms. Housden books no worries you can read as a stand alone book too. I just find it more fun and kind of like a family reunion seeing other beloved characters from her previous books in this magnificent Chieftain series. I love, love, loved this book and I can't wait and look forward to reading Chieftain's Rebel which will be released in March 2016. Also there is an excerpt in this book to get a sneak preview.

I highly recommend  this wonderful book "The Chieftain's Daughter" by Frances Housden another novel for the keeper shelf as far as I am concerned. Happy Reading! BM

1.The Chieftain's Curse
2. The Chieftain by Command
3. The Cheiftain's
4. Chieftain in the Making
5. The Chieftain's Daughter
6. Chieftain's Rebel **TBR in March 2016**

LOKI BY KEIRA MONTCLAIR REVIEW 5 KILTS! THIS IS THE FIRST IN HER BRAND NEW SERIES THE HIGHLAND CLAN

Keira Montclair does it again with another spinoff from her beloved "The Clan Grant" series this is the start of another spectacular series in her new "The Highland Clan" series! What wonderful start in my opinion as I absolutely loved it! I honestly couldn't put it down and read in one sitting!


Scotland, 1280

This is from the beloved orphan Loki reader of book #3 Love Letters from Largs, Brodie and Celestina story and how readers first fell in love with the orphan who had lived in a crate. This is when Loki first touched our hearts. I think readers have been waiting for Loki's story and believe me you won't be disappointed it is a riveting adventure , but a family reunion too for fans of The Clan Grant series too, which is always fun to watch. If new to this series not to worry you can read this as a stand alone book, but I think it would make you curious and want to check out the entire Clan Grant series as it is always fun to connect the dots from the various characters too.

This story revolved around Loki Grant adoptive son of Brodie and Celestina Grant and his wish to marry Arabella who he has loved ever since he was a lad. Arabella who most call Bella has loved Loki since she was a lass and kissed him on the cheek as a lass but promising she will marry him when she gets big. Yet even though this couple have loved each other forever it isn't that easy as her father objects to a match between these two due to prejudice and narrow mindedness. As he objects since Loki is of adopted birth and wants his daughter to marry with true Nobel bloodlines. So Loki goes on quest to find his biological parents at first with no success and Bella's father has suggested to send her away and find another to marry and also forbids Bella to see Loki. You really feel for this couple whose love seems to be doomed. This also seems to stir up insecurities and self esteem issues in Loki feeling he is not good enough for anyone.

During a mission for missing royal jewels he meets some people from his past that are not what they seem which causes danger and havoc on both his and Bella's safety and only wants to blackmail all the Nobel Highland families Loki is close to. Will Loki be able to resolve his past and move forward? Will Loki and Bella ever get their happily ever after? Or will they have to go on with their lives separate and broken hearted?  You will have to read this magnificent book and find out! Again Keira Montclair weaves another riveting adventure,  full of mystery, suspense, theft, kidnapping, guilty, fighting, betrayal, passion and love with such a wonderful plots that always have you guessing what will happen next. The Scottish setting is perfect and the characters just seems to jump right off the pages and into your heart! Lots of twists and turns, so hold onto your seats and enjoy the ride! I know I did as I have in all of Keira Montclair's books and I am just thrilled she is doing another exceptional series that already me dazzled.  Keira is extremely talented and writes one of those rare books that will stay with you long after you have read it.

I highly recommend Loki by Keira Montclair as I can't praise it enough! Loved it! I can't wait for the next one in this wonderful series that left me gasping for breath! What a fantastic book!!!

Enchantment of a Highlander by Madeline Martin release date 1/19/2016 5 Kilts

Madeline Martin does it again with another marvelous unique storyline about Celia, a shy healer  with a tragic past and new Laird Alec MacLean , who is replacing his cruel father who had the reputation of brutality and cruelty. What a pair and also an awesome fox named Ruadh! 

Isle of Mull, 1608

Laird Alec MacLean returns to a place he had abandoned for many years.  He has has come back but fears he might have the darkness inside him just like his Da why he does not take part in drinking spirit. As he saw first hand how it turned his Da the former Laird, into  an evil, selfish and violent man. A man that let his lands and castle go to ruin and his people starve. Alec wanted to make it up to his people ,but first he had to get rid of these outlaws wrecking havoc on his people and his lands, which is when he meets the beautiful healer Celia. His adoptive son, Duncan, an orphan he had been caring since childhood gets deathly ill, which puts his beautiful healer under his roof for a period. This opens Celia's heart and to feel what she has missed her entire life having the love of a family. Many parts of this book really pulled on my heartstrings so have some kleenex nearby.

Celia is a loner due to her tragic past yet there are some who call her a witch which is the worse thing one can call  a healer. Also the reason Celia won't let anyone close to her to love or be loved. As Celia saw first hand that long her can cost some their very lives as she has been hunted by on mad man for years who want wants her burned at a stake and dead. The problem is the closer she gets to Alec the closer the realty  her worse nightmare from coming true. How can Alec even protect her? He doesn't even have an army of men to back him up? Plus Celia saw once before when she opened her heart to love how one she loved died protecting her. Yet sooner or later as hard as she tries her heart opens once again and not just to only Alec by Duncan the orphaned adolescent that Alec has been caring for and even his hugging cook. 

You can see the love between Alec and Celia no matter how much she tries to deny it and put Alec at arms length and the passion between them just sizzles off the pages . Then there is the madman's mean and spoiled daughter who has been obsessed with Alec since childhood and thinks a love potion will make Alec love her? It is a fast moving adventure with many twists and turns that will have readers at the edge of the their seats wondering what will happen next. I being an animal lover loved her other protector Ruadh the fox! 

As Madeline's other books her debut Deception of a Highlander and Possession of a Highlander, I loved Enchantment of a Highlander just as much and highly recommend. I know Ms. Martin is planning a new series next but I hope sometime in the future she might think of writing a book about Duncan all grown up. I think it would be an interesting and fun read. 

This book will be released on January 19th 2016 and pre-order is available now.