Series: Clan Kendrick #2
Published by Zebra Books on October 29, 2019
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical, Regency, Scottish, Holiday
Pages: 432
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
In bestselling author Vanessa Kelly’s irresistible Clan Kendrick series, Christmas in the Highlands means family, celebration—and for one brother, the beginning of a passionate adventure . . .
Being thrown over by the man she expected to marry was humiliating enough. Now that Donella Haddon, grandniece of the Earl of Riddick, has also proven a failure as a nun, she has no choice but to return to her family’s estate. The brawny Highlander sent to escort her is brash, handsome, and the only thing standing between Donella and a gang of would-be kidnappers. But the scandal in her past can’t be so easily outrun . . .
Wealthy widower Logan Kendrick was expecting to meet a plain, pious spinster—not a gorgeous, sharp-tongued lass who can hold her own in any ambush. Though she’s known as the Flower of Clan Graham, Donella is no shrinking violet. In fact, she might be the perfect woman to bring happiness back to his lonely little son’s life, just in time for Christmas. But first he must protect her from ugly gossip and a mysterious threat—and convince her that their wild, unexpected desire is heaven sent.
Praise for The Highlander’s Princess Bride “A thoroughly satisfying Regency romance.” —Publishers Weekly
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me the opportunity to read and review A Highlander’s Christmas Bride! Romance, angst, and large mouthy Scots made A Highlander’s Christmas Bride a fun addition to the Kendrick Clan series. I own the first book in the series but I haven’t managed to read it yet! Even without that background, this novel works well as a standalone. Kelly expertly weaves that background into the story without detracting from Logan and Donella’s romance. The beautiful descriptions of the countryside perfectly set the scene in the beginning.
I loved Logan and his big crazy family. Joseph, in particular, tugged at my heartstrings. I absolutely loved the sweet scenes with him and Donella. Logan was definitely a swoon-worthy hero. I would be perfectly happy to have him tossing my assailants over the bridge as he whisks me to safety.
I was completely engrossed in this story until about 55/60% of the way through. As soon as the adventure portion was resolved, the pacing flagged a bit for me as we adjusted to a more traditional courting. As we shifted, I found that I didn’t connect with Donella as much as I wish I had. While readers could see in Logan’s POV the love and respect he had for Donella, I didn’t feel the passion was reflected or comparable in Donella. Her inner turmoil really took front stage.
Overall, I really enjoyed this sweet romance even if it didn’t have the passion I was hoping for. I am looking forward to seeing the next Kendrick male meet his match and I’m only slightly hoping for a certain doctor to meet his love.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About Vanessa Kelly
Vanessa Kelly is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance.” Her Regency-set historical romances have been nominated in a number of contests, and she has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Her books have been published in nine languages.
Vanessa’s latest book, The Highlander Who Protected Me, was a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, and BookScan bestseller. Her Renegade Royals Series was a national bestseller, as was The Improper Princesses Series. My Fair Princess was named a Goodreads Romance of the Month and is a USA Today and BookScan bestseller. The Highlander’s Princess Bride, book 3 in the series, was a Barnes and Noble top 50 bestseller.
When she’s not dreaming of plots for her next Regency novel, Vanessa is writing USA Today Bestselling books with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.
