The Princess and The Laird by C. A. Szaerek. Series: Prequel to A Highland Secrets series. Five Stars! Celtic Barb loved this book!

Book- The Princess and the Laird
By C.A. Szarek

Series: Highland Secrets prequel

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
Tartan Book Reviews
Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Rating:🔥

Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the prequel to the time-travel, paranormal, fantasy,romance, trilogy, Highland Secrets.

The hero is Alex MacLeod who is pushed into the responsibility of being his clans Laird before he is prepared. Even though he always knew this was his future. His mother is very ill and his father just wants to spend his time as her caretaker. Alex doesn’t understand love therefore he doesn’t agree with his fathers choice putting a woman before his clan and people. Alex tend to be a bit self involved not putting others before himself. Of course when he get a whiff of the thing called love hopefully he will evolve for the better.,.

The heroine of this story is fae Princess Alana. She goes through the faerie stones to hide in the Forbidden human realm. There she meets the and falls for the Laird. He is like forbidden fruit something she might taste but can never keep.

Alex and Alana are both running from futures they both refuse. Yet they will pay the price coming from two very different and forbidden worlds? What will be their sacrifices or risks be? Will love be discovered and hearts be broken?

You will have to read this exhilarating book to find out. I can’t wait to read the Highland Secrets books as this prequel is fantastic!

Fast paced page turner, magical settings, spellbinding dialogue, plotting paced perfectly and captivating characters I so enjoyed.

I was totally mesmerized by this enchanting tale from beginning to end. My first by this author and so looking forward to reading more. I can’t wait to read the first book in Highland Secrets. C


I received this book from the publisher that I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog through netgalley. All words, ideas, thoughts and opinions are my own.

https://www.amazon.com/Princess-Laird-Highland-Secrets-Prequel/dp/1941151132/ref=nodl_

Free Ebook Giveaway - The Highlander Who Loved Me By Tara Kingston

The Highlander Who Loved Me by Tara Kingston - Giveaway

Just comment on blog post and your are automatically entered in free giveaway ebook contest. Winner will be chosen randomly by Nicole Massabrook on December 6th at 11:59. Contest will be open until then.

This Giveaway is open to everyone! ♥ If you have any problems entering on site just message Celtic Barb on Facebook at Tartan Book Reviews group or Barb Batlan-Massabrook on Facebook. As you do not have to have a blog or Google account to enter free giveaway.

Good Luck! ♥♥♥

The Highlander Who Loved Me, Book # 1 of Highland Hearts series.

Meet the Author

Tara Kingston’s Social Media:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTaraKingston
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TaraKingston115
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tarakingston115/
The Highlander Who Loved Me by Tara Kingston - Giveaway

The Highlander Who Loved Me, Highland Hearts series, book #1 by Tara Kingston - Giveaway

BLURB:

He may be her fiercest ally…or a scoundrel waiting to betray her.

Johanna Templeton is on a life-and-death quest. Swept into an intrigue that rivals the tales she pens, she joins forces with a Highland rogue to find the treasure that will save her kidnapped niece—a prize the Scot seeks for reasons that have nothing to do with ransom. Engaging the Highlander in a sizzling battle of the sexes, Johanna shields her heart.

Connor MacMasters, spy for Queen Victoria, is a man on a mission—keep a legendary gemstone from an evil man. Trailing an American novelist who holds the key to the treasure should’ve been simple, but Johanna awakens feelings he’d long thought dead. Torn between duty and desire, he wants her in his bed, but loving her would be a fool’s game. Blasted shame his heart doesn’t agree.

The Highlander Who Loved Me is the first book of her Highland Hearts series. The second in this series, "Lady Evelyn's Highland Protector" will be available 11/27/2017. Make sure to order and grab a copy.

Alec Mackenzie’s Art of Seduction by Jennifer Ashley . The MacKenzie series, Book # 9. Five Kilts! Celtic Barb says this is one of her top favorite reads of the year! An absolute exhilarating masterpiece!

 Book: Alec Mackenzie’s Art of Seduction by Jennifer Ashley

Series: The Mackenzies Series, Book #9

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of

1)Tartan Book Reviews

2) Purple Tulip Book Reviews

3)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Overall Rating: 5 STARS

Blog Rating : 5 KILTS

This is Jennifer Ashley’s ninth book as the story's hero is  the handsome, charming and swoon worthy Alec Mackenzie! He is the brother of Book #8 Malcolm, from “The Stolen Mackenzie Bride.” Also ancestor of long time MacKenzie favorite Ian. How this unforgettable, phenomenal, Mackenzie series started with - “The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie”. It is pure brilliance in my opinion, one of my favorite reads of 2017! - Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog.

Attic of Kilmorgan Castle, Scotland  1892

The story starts as Mackenzie series favorite Ian, (The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie) is going through the family history carefully and methodically. Well that is until his beautiful wife Beth enters the attic.  His Beth is the keeper of his heart, Ian easily gets distracted whenever  she is in his surroundings. Beth is always interested in anything that captures Ian’s attention. He is  the husband she fought  so hard for so many years ago. She also taught Ian to always tell a story one specific way. That way is is with “Once Upon a Time”, so it begins…

1746, London.

In the aftermath of The Battle of Culloden Alec MacKenzie’s brother Will is missing after sadly  losing a few of his other brothers to misfortune . The family has exiled to France during this turbulent time. Another reason why they can’t understand  why Will would be in dangerous London. Not after the bloodbath the Bonnie Prince Charlie/ Tearlach led them in. Alec refuses to lose another brother! Rumors are flying that a certain English Duke of Crenshaw might have the  information he seeks! As it’s rumored Will might be imprisoned or possibly executed. This English Duke also has a beautiful daughter who is also a talented landscape artist. Her selfish duchess mother feels her daughter Celia is a disgrace and embarrassment to the family. Refusing a promising marriage to a man three times her age, but a big financial and titled opportunity. In punishment she has been pretty much living in seclusion as her mother's prisoner. Her mother wants her to paint faces for advancement opportunities. Especially since she is ruined for another marriage opportunity!

Now Alec is living in London with his infant daughter, at the well known and infamous Lady Flora’s. He is using the identity of a drawing master under an Irish assumed name - Mr. Finn.  No English aristocrat would allow their daughter near a traitorous Highland warrior! Now the seductive Alec has other ideas for his new student  and that is to study anatomy! As the Scottish Mackenzie’s are known Jacobite  traitors now living in France. It would be a death sentence if his true identity was ever know. Plus might even put his exiled family in France at risk, not to mention Will if he is in London. 

Celia is definitely not what Alec expected and now he feels rather protective. Plus seeing her so nurturing around his daughter starts melting his cold heart. Her talent, tenderness and caring surprise him. She is no shrinking violet that is for certain. He also realizes he wants her very badly and not for information! 

Celia recognizes Alec for what he truly is a Highland warrior as she is food at listening and studying people. She is mesmerized by his drool worthy good looks and charming personality. Yet she sees his tenderness with his daughter, his talent as an artist and his protectiveness. In addition she see’s a side of him that scares her if anyone crossed him he wouldn’t accept it lightly. She also feels horrible that he and his family's home and livelihood was destroyed by her King and country! She also realizes she’s falling in love with a Jacobite highland warrior! 

What will she do when she realizes she is just a pawn in a very dangerous game? Will Alec find his missing brother Will? Or  God forbid Will is being held as a prisoner or worse! Does Alec get caught trying to locate his Jacobite brother? 

Again, another beautifully written Jennifer Ashley masterpiece. It is filled with favorite MacKenzie characters, plus all the elements historical readers love! From a riveting, fast paced adventure, filled with betrayal, misfortune, and heartbreak. Plus the aftermath of war, destruction, treachery, murder, scandal, death, exile, passion and love. In addition, it weaves true history with a phenomenal, fictional, historical, romance that I could not put this book down! 

The setting is absolutely dazzling and dialogue was magnificent. Plotting was so awe inspiring and paced perfectly! I was holding my breath with anticipation not knowing what could possibly happen next!  

 I was honored with an early arc of this book from the author. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog. All words thoughts and ideas are my own.

AMAZON BUY LINK:

https://www.amazon.com/Alec-Mackenzies-Art-Seduction-Book-ebook/dp/B074WLPD54/ref=nodl_

FREE Giveaway Digital Ebook of Debut Book-"Tying the Scot" by Jennifer Trethewey. Just comment and your entered winner will be radomly picked on 11/15/2011

THE WINNER OF THIS GIVEAWAY IS ALISON PRIDIE!
CONGRATULATIONS ALISON PRIDIE. JUST MESSSGE ME YOUR EMAIL.

I will be in touch with Jennifer Trethewey. Thank you.

Free Digital copy of "Tying the Scot'' by Jennifer Trethewey

This book will be released on November 27th.

Meet Jennifer Trethewey

Jennifer Trethewey writes sexy, sweeping, historical romance set in Regency era Scotland full of adventure and Highland heartthrobs. Her addictive debut novel TYING THE SCOT, the first in a series of four Highlanders of Balforss books, is scheduled for release in November 27, 2017.



Website: JenniferTrethewey.com

Facebook: jennifertretheweyromance

Twitter: @jltrethewey


Title: “Tying the Scot”
Author: Jennifer Trethewey
Series: The Highlanders of Balforss #1

Pub Date: 11/27/2017
ISBN: 9781640633469
Imprint: Amara
Price: $3.99

Tying the Scot Blurb:

At age eleven, Alex Sinclair pledges an oath to the Duke of Chatham promising to serve and protect his illegitimate daughter, Lucy FitzHarris. Nine years later, the duke unexpectedly takes Alex up on his vow, offering the future Laird of Balforss his daughter’s hand in marriage.

Now a man, hotheaded Alex has difficulty convincing Lucy—who would rather starve to death than marry a vulgar Scot—to go through with the arranged marriage. Once Lucy arrives in Scotland, she cannot resist the magic of Balforss or the allure of her handsome Highland warrior. But when Alex seemingly betrays Lucy right before their wedding, she is tricked into running away. Alex must rein in his temper to rescue his lady from unforeseen danger and Lucy must swallow her pride if she hopes to wed the Highlander she has come to love.

Just comment and the winner will be picked randomly on November 15th. Then message me your name and email and I will have this author send your winning  digital copy of Tying the Scot. Good Luck! ☘️☘️☘️☘️

Free Lori Ann Bailey Giveaway of Signed Print Book and Scottish Swag Giveaway! Winner will be picked on 11/28/2017

In Celebration of Lori Ann Bailey’s 2nd Book Release in her   “Highland Redemption”. This book will be released on November 27th. This is not the giveaway. The giveaway is the first book of the Highland Pride series "Highland Deception''. Lori Ann Bailey generously donated a signed print copy of "Highland Deception" and Scottish Swag.

Highland Redemption Blurb:

While spying for Clan Cameron, Brodie Cameron rescues a lass, only to realize it’s Skye—the woman who’d broken his heart. He needs to get her to her uncle as quickly as possible to keep her safe, but every minute he’s distracted from his mission brings the clans that much closer to war. And having beautiful Skye anywhere near him is dangerous, because the price on his head is higher than the one on hers.

Upon being rescued from kidnappers, Skye finds herself staring into the eyes of the man she once loved—Brodie Cameron. She’s grateful to be freed, but has no idea how she’ll resist the lad who has become a braw man. Especially because she’s promised to another, in a political marriage forged to strengthen the Royalist clans against the Covenanters who plot to turn Scotland upside down.

Highland Deception (Giveaway)

Highland Deception Blurb:

Scotland, 1642.

Maggie and Lachlan must fight their growing attraction, battling suspicion and intrigue as religious and political turmoil threaten to tear their clans apart.

He has sworn he will never marry.

Lachlan Cameron is honor bound to see a wounded lass to safety, although he has well learned women are deceivers, and this lovely maid harbors a wealth of secrets. But Maggie's free spirit and charms enthrall him while he works to discover if she is innocent…or a spy scheming with his enemies to destroy his clan.

She has sworn she will never fall in love.

Maggie Murray fled her home to avoid a political marriage to an abusive man. Salvation comes when the Cameron laird, unaware of her identity, protects her as she escapes. His kindness slowly warms her, and she’s tempted to confess her real name. But his strong sense of honor would force him to return her to her father…and torment at the hands of her scorned betrothed.

All you need to do is comment and your entered. The winner will be randomly picked by my daughter Nicole. The Winner will be announced on 11/28/2017 both here and at Tartan Book Reviews in my Facebook group.

Blogger Celtic Barb and Author Lori Ann Bailey at WRW luncheon in October 2017.

Follow Lori Ann Bailey on

https://www.facebook.com/Lori.Ann.Bailey.author/

https://twitter.com/labaileyauthor

https://www.instagram.com/loriannbailey/

https://www.LoriAnnBailey.com

Highland Ruse by Madeline Martin. The Mercenary Maidens, Book #2. TBR 11/14/2017. 5 KILTS! Celtic Barb says this book was an absolute delight to read from start to finish!

Book: Highland Ruse

by Madeline Martin

Release Date: 11/14/17

Series: (The Mercenary Maidens #2)

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)

Tartan Book Reviews

Purple Tulip Book Reviews

Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Rating:🔥

Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Starting March 1602

Delilah has a night of passion giving up her maidenhead to King James. Then after a night of passion he drops her like a sack of potatoes. After all she comes from a  poor family of 15 children. She thought she would finally be a woman of status as means coming to Court.  Then after the royal dumping thinking her life is over she meets a mysterious woman. There she finds out her life is just beginning, but not as the King's mistress or courier,  but that of a spy! After a couple of  years of training  and perfecting her skills with weapons.  For this is Delilah’s first mission alone: she switches places with Lady Elizabeth Seymour, playing decoy. As they are very similar in looks and physical appearance. This woman is the evil and vicious Laird MacKenzie’s betrothed.
Of course this is an arranged nuptial.

Kaid MacLeod life has been filled with misery, death and disappointments.  The MacKenzie Clan is an enemy who will continue attacking his clan and his people with his violence, murder and treachery. He wants a peace treaty, though his clan wants revenge. All Kaid needs is to find a crack in his armor per say, a weakness.

He finally finds one in the name of Lady Elizabeth Seymour. This English lady  and her entourage should be enroute to visit her betrothed. He who happens to be his evil nemesis, Laird MacKenzie. Kaid MacLeod  has one option and that is to kidnap Laird MacKenzIes betrothed. Kaid only wants to live in peace and harmony with his people. He needs Lady Elizabeth to help him achieve this goal. If not there is going to be more treachery, destruction, mass murder, and mayhem. Kaid does not think his clan could survive another annihilation.

Yet what will Kaid do when he finds out he has been lied and betrayed once again. Plus right on the cusp of love. Can a love even survive this type of betrayal? Will he accept Delilah’s lies and ultimate betrayal? So many lives are on the line. Will Kaid even be able to convince her to help him save his clan? These are two very different  types of people who just want to feel safe, protected  and loved.
Both have been severely hurt,  and suffered much disappointment, and  heartbreak to last them a lifetime. Yet can they mend the their broken hearts, protect his clan and keep the lass who has his heart?  You will have to read this spectacular book to find out.

This book is action packed filled with an emotional, quick page turning, adventure, with mystery, suspense, treachery, deceit, lies, betrayal,trickery, fraud,  heartbreak, and love.

This is book #2 in Margaret Martin’s magnificent series: “The Mercenary Maidens. I just loved this clever tale! As I think any reader of Scottish historical romance will absolutely agree. I have read each and every book she has written since her debut. They are always beautifully written, exhilarating reads that I can never put down. Always leaving me breathless, a nail biter. Never knowing with anticipation what is going to happen next!

Have the Kleenex ready as “Highland Ruse” by Madeline Martin definitely was a definite heart puller! This story had me sobbing!  When I get that emotional I know I am reading an extraordinary novel. I definitely can’t recommend this remarkable novel enough. A total delight and joy to read!

I received this book from the publisher that I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog through netgalley. All words, ideas, thoughts and opinions are my own.

Amazon Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Ruse-Mercenary-Maidens-Book/dp/1635761573

The Scot's Bride by Paula Quinn. Series:The MacGregor's: Highland Heirs #6, 5 KILTS! Celtic Barb absolutely loved this swoon worthy hero! Smoking hot and the story was brilliant!

Book: The Scot’s Bride

by Paula Quinn

Series: (The MacGregor’s: Highland Heirs #6)

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)

Tartan Book Reviews

Purple Tulip Book Reviews

Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Rating:🔥

Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Southern Ayrshire

Patrick MacGregor, Devil of the Highlands, the hero of this story of the outlawed MacGregors. The heroine is Charlie, Charlotte Cunningham of a rival clan

Charlotte Cunningham ( Charlie)  had been watching this rogue Patrick (Campbell) actually MacGregor and felt an instant dislike of this dimpled devil. She knew never to get caught in this libertines web. She knew his type love them and leave them and never to look back. A man with no backbone. Plus Charlie didn’t want to get caught by any demon’s claw. No matter if he had eyes as green as the sea, sparkling with deep set dimples. Oh she knew this rogues like all the rest who can spout poetry with their silver tongues. Charlie had plans for herself and her sister with her breathing with no cure in sight. The last she wanted was marriage and all she desired was freedom. Yet then she sees this scoundrel with her people like the Wallace’s. A man to chase a young child’s bad dreams away, ready to give a helping hand and possibly be just the cure she is looking for! No matter how much Charlie fights it is her fragile heart that is jeopardy of being broken.

Patrick was fine with no ties and being the selfish bastard he was with his carefree life. He did not want to be responsible for anyone other than himself. Making coin with his fists in fights and bedding as many women he pleases without feelings or a heart. Then he sees Charlie the one woman he can’t have, but want more than anything. She makes him want to be a better person, a better  man. Yet she turns his head not only for her outer beauty, but her inner beauty as well. He see’s how she is a total angel in the way she cares and protects the villagers of her clan.

One clan, the Wallace’s is being bullied by her brother, as he learned from her father. Charlie's father is a selfish man who would sell Charlie to the highest bidder for a marriage price! This is only if it puts him in a wealthy and higher position. She will do anything and everything she can to protect  the people, her clan, her sister and herself from his and her brother’s  villainess shenanigans! She won’t let the bullying of her brother and father destroy them. Soon Patrick feels the same plus he follows her just to try to protect her from what could be dangerous situations. He finds himself changing caring for another in a way he has never had before. Bedding another woman now seems distasteful and he is willing to become her savior no matter what the price.

Could this be love? Can two star people both so set against marriage find the  open road to their hearts? Plus some lies and deceit are sure to reveal themself could possibly start a clan war?

A define must read that Paula Quinn readers don’t want to miss!  Especially if you are a huge MacGregor/Grant fan like myself. I have been reading Ms. Quinn’s books for many, many, years and just like a good wine they only get better! If that is even possible as I have loved them all. She has this knack for drawing us readers into her beautifully written stories and keeping us fascinated all the way through. The Scot’s Bride absolutely blew me away and I was totally captivated from start to finish!

It has all the elements Scottish historical readers love, including a swoon worthy hero! In addition, a smart, independent and sassy heroine that you can’t help but love! Plus a riveting adventure, filled with mystery, suspense, romance,  breathtaking settings, brilliant plotting and character you can’t help but totally love. It is a definite masterpiece in my opinion!

I highly recommended this phenomenal read. A definite for your keeper shelf you will want to visit again. Bravo Ms. Paula Quinn you totally rocked it!

Disclaimer:I received this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.

AMAZON BUY LINK:

https://www.amazon.com/Scots-Bride-Highland-Heirs/dp/1455535338