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Can a simple chambermaid capture the heart of a proud laird? Passion, honor, and the power of destiny collide in Medieval Scotland.

Bonnie Fraser grew up in the shadows.
A servant in Stirling Castle, she’s invisible, ignored—even if her heart yearns for more. But when the king holds a masquerade ball, Bonnie decides to step out of the shadows for once. Masked and disguised, she tastes the excitement of another life—and that’s when she meets a charismatic laird who sweeps her off her feet.

Iver Mackay has always been unlucky in love. Despite his obligations as chieftain of a vast holding, he’s now sworn off marriage, content to let his younger brothers carry on the family bloodline. Yet when he dances with an enigmatic red-haired beauty at the king's ball, Iver forgets himself.

Their encounter leads to a steamy encounter that neither of them will ever forget.

But can there be a happy ending for two people from such different worlds?

Rebellious Highland Hearts is a four-book series following Iver Mackay of Dun Ugadale and his three brothers—Lennox, Kerr, and Brodie—as they meet women who will change their lives forever.

(Content warning: this story contains adult steamy scenes, graphic violence, and coarse language)

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 18, 2023

356 people are currently reading
233 people want to read

About the author

Jayne Castel

94 books398 followers
Multi-award-winning author Jayne Castel writes epic Historical and Fantasy Romance. Her vibrant characters, richly researched historical settings and action-packed adventure romance transport readers to forgotten times and imaginary worlds.

Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.

When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She's from New Zealand, but now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Sign up to Jayne's newsletter and get a free bundle of short stories! https://www.jaynecastel.com/

Jayne loves to hear from her readers - email her at: contact@jaynecastel.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Chanel.
399 reviews60 followers
December 17, 2024
Sometimes to break a crappy reading cycle you just need to read a historical romance with a masquerade ball as the setting. I'm a total simp for a masquerade ball featuring a chieftain and a chambermaid that he doesn't know is a chambermaid. Swoon fest for me every time.

Iver has had bad luck with women of his past and has sworn off ever finding a wife despite his clan chief and others trying to push him to. He reluctantly goes to this ball where he meets a beautiful red head in a purple dress and mask and can't help but be drawn to her.

Bonnie was born into servant-tude and has basically been treated like Cinderella. She has the asshole aunt and step sisters(cousins) though one of her sister cousins is not a huge fan of the way her sister and mother treat Bonnie. One night she gets a chance to be what she never thought she could be -- a Lady at the ball.

These two meet and have an unforgettable night together but right before Bonnie would be unmasked by Iver, she does and Iver decides he's awake again and has to find her. Once he learns who she really is, he has decisions to make that will affect the rest of both of their lives.

This was a very swoony romance. I haven't read a historical romance in quite a while and this felt really good. Gave me old school romance vibes and Bonnie and Iver were very sexy. He very, very sweetly falls first and their love story was so mutually satisfying. There were some emotional and poignant moments so if you're an easy crier like me, have a tissue nearby.

Highly recommend. I'll definitely be reading more of Jayne Castel in the future.
Profile Image for Rachel Sikorski.
31 reviews
May 11, 2023
Highlander Seduced is a cute, romantic story and is the first in a new series by Jayne Castel. It features Bonnie—a chambermaid in service of the king—and Iver Mackay—a laird who (so far) has been unlucky in love. When Bonnie disguises herself as a high-born lady to sneak into a masquerade ball, sparks fly between her and Iver. Trouble brews when she’s discovered days later as having broken the rules.

Highlander Seduced is a fun, cute love story. The relationship, once the deception of Bonnie has been exposed, is solid and mutually loving and supporting. Instead of being a lot of will-they-won’t-they conflict between the couple, more of the book is focused on outside pressures and societal conventions that could potentially tear the couple apart.

I do wish there would have been a little more weight to the final conflict relating to Iver’s mother(especially considering her history). Likewise, I do wish we would have gotten one more conversation between Bonnie and Ainslie before the second half(ish) of the book. Otherwise, I think the pacing of the couple getting together and then having conflict with those around them for their choices was well done.

I literally stayed up until 2am reading this book in one sitting because I was so engaged with what was happening and I desperately wanted Bonnie to get her happy ending.

If you love masquerade balls as a place to find love, men who know what they want, and feisty women standing up to bullies, this book is for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kimberly Cowling.
1 review1 follower
May 5, 2023
Always love Jayne Castel’s highlander series. Especially continuing storylines about the ladies and kingly men of the McKay’s of Scotland. This one is well written and this particular storyline about masquerade balls, costumes and fairy tales admits the castles and wars is a refreshing favorite of mine. Looking forward to the remaining books in this series, as I’ve always loved continuing storylines.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review1 follower
May 5, 2023
Highlander Seduced was an enjoyable read. Bonnie and Iver are likable and had me rooting for them. I love that once Iver realized who Bonnie really was, he didn’t care that she was a chambermaid. It definitely had a Cinderella feel to the story and I love a fairytale remake.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for SheLove2Read.
3,107 reviews204 followers
March 10, 2024
I believe this could have been a really good Scottish historical romance, but the execution just wasn't there. I was bored for most of the book.
Profile Image for Alison.
852 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2023
Highlander Seduced
Rebellious Highland Hearts #1
Jayne Castel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bonnie Fraser hasn't had anything handed to her. She's a servant in a castle who dreams of more. When the king holds a masquerade ball, Bonnie decides to play at someone she's not. Masked and disguised, she meets a laird that she can not ignore.

Iver Mackay hasn't had any luck with love in the past, so now he's sworn off marriage, content to let his younger brothers carry on the family bloodline. That is until he dances with a red-haired, beautiful lass that he meets at the kings ball.

Jayne Castel has been one of my go-to authors for quite some time, and once again, she has absolutely nailed it. This book was fabulous. I read it in no time. It swallowed me whole and I really enjoyed it. Ms. Castel's Highlander books are the best. Trust me, you will want to read this amazing story. The main characters were perfect for each other. It was nice to see Iver Mackay find love.
Profile Image for Kathy.
188 reviews
March 9, 2024
A Cinderella HIGHLANDER story

A bit predicate yet I enjoyed the story. The characters were vivid and descriptive. A fun read, you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,232 reviews
May 14, 2023
1.5/2 Stars

Eh, I wanted to like it more but I didn't. It was simply an okay read for me. Nothing inspiring or worth recommending.

Overall the story itself should have been fascinating but I didn't feel as if the execution and the pacing did it any favors.

The heroine Bonnie would have otherwise been an intriguing character to learn about but I just couldn't find much to like about her tbh. She was bullied endlessly by her aunt and cousin. No one spoke up on her behalf so she was essentially all alone. In the early chapters I held out hope this shy, seemingly weak character would show me another facet to her personality but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Simply because the only other facet of her personality revealed to us was a silly need to fantasize and dream of a happily ever after.

And usually this wouldn't be an issue but on a twenty-five year old woman? It wasn't a good look. It only made her more ridiculous to me.

For as much as the author attempted to make Bonnie out to be this lovely woman who had been mistreated all her life she didn't have a personality of her own. Like, I genuinely don't know who she really was tbh. She was very forgettable.

Which makes her ending up with the hero Iver even more ridiculous now that I've finished the story.

Iver was interesting to a degree but I felt he never reached his full potential. The most I got from him was his cynicism born from his previous bad experiences chasing women who weren't actually available to him. His desire to avoid marriage because of this seemed to be a big deal but to me it didn't feel to be a good enough reason to avoid marriage.

Yes, his ego took a blow in the past and he didn't like being a laughing stock to everyone who knew of his rejections. I feel that was really the reason for becoming so bitter about it all.

But in the end it didn't matter. Because somehow to the author he can magically fix all his issues by meeting a beautiful stranger at a ball.

Sorry, no. I wasn't a fan of this. And sadly I didn't realize this was the path the author chose until I was about 70% in. Because in the span of what felt like a week Iver and Bonnie met at a ball in disguise, spend a couple hours talking and dancing then proceeded to find some privacy and (out of nowhere) decide to have sex. Thus leading to Bonnie disappearing on him before he could remove her mask.

And maybe perhaps two or three days later Iver starts looking for her under the fake name she gave him only to realize he was lied to. This leads him to the castle steward who then helps locating (the only woman who could have tricked him) her in the kitchens in the middle of finally standing up to her evil bitter aunt and cousin. And after a quick chat he offers marriage.

Hm, to me it felt like he only did that to keep her from being flogged for her behavior and stealing the mask and dress she wore.

Things didn't get better though. Iver repeatedly says to Bonnie it felt like he's known her forever. He felt like he could be himself with her. I mean, that's great dude but YOU DON'T actually know her. You've barely spoke of anything important with her. But cool story.

This continues as they travel to his home. Bonnie worries endlessly about meeting his mother and not embarrassing herself or Iver because of her lowborn status. Rightfully so tbh. But on the way not only does the Campbell chieftain they're traveling with openly insult her and acts as if she's invisible, his younger brother openly disapproved of her and then another clan chiefs son publicly calls her a slut in a inn where Iver then brawls with him to defend her honor.

My goodness, that was a lot of nonsense to pile on back to back, no? And nothing really was achieved of putting the reader through it.

They arrive at the other Campbell Chief's home only to drama dump on us with his daughter Davina, obviously setting up a future book. Then Iver decides he's had enough of the chiefs disrespect of his wife and wants to head home but his younger brother Lennox whom he had had tension with the entire book decides to stay with the Campbell Chief and be his captain of the guard. More family drama between Iver and Lennox ensue which just did not feel as interesting or emotional as the author was probably aiming for.

So by this point they FINALLY arrive home by 80-85% where naturally the first meet with her mother-in-law sends Bonnie literally running back out of the gates of the castle in tears.

Lord save me now.

The reveal about Bonnie's parentage was underwhelming and quite predictable tbh. I knew it'd be revealed at some point having already figured it out but it just wasn't interesting.

Everything that occured after this point was boring and a waste of my time. Having Iver admit his love for Bonnie in front of his mother as a reason to leave her alone and accept his choice? Well that was so not romantic. And honestly I didn't believe it. How do you fall in love with someone when you've barely spoken to one another and truly spent time with each other?? Two weeks tops I think this entire book spanned. And fine, claiming love was one thing but Iver acted as if Bonnie hung the moon. As if he met her and miraculously she woke him up from a deep sleep and suddenly NOW he wanted live again. He wanted to be the laird everyone expected him to be and take on his responsibilities. That somehow meeting her erased all his previous cynicism and insecurities about relationships?? Like good for you? But I'm sorry claiming boring little Bonnie somehow changed your entire life in a handful of days was completely bonkers to me.

😆 This was probably very much a "it's me not you" situation. I've enjoyed many of this author's previous books and maybe this one also suffered a bit of the first book dud syndrome as well. Either way, it was very meh for me.
Profile Image for Barbee.
785 reviews21 followers
May 4, 2023
Book: Highlander Seduced
Author: Jayne Castel
Series: Rebellious Highland Hearts, Book #1
Release Date: May 11, 2023
Publisher: Winter Mist Press
Print Length: 289 pages
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags

Stirling Castle, Scotland
1452

Bonnie Fraser was born illegitimate and is a maidservant at Stirling castle who fantasizes for something more. Furthermore, her mother’s sister, her Aunt Lorna who is the head cook at Stirling Castle - has always been jealous of Bonnie’s deceased mother and now takes out her hatred on Bonnie and abuses her. She also allows her daughter, who is Bonnie’s cousin Morag, to bully and abuse her where her Aunt even encourages it. Now her Aunt’s other daughter Alba is kind but not strong enough to defend Bonnie. To get away from them Bonnie lives in the freezing cold attic where she owns only two service dresses and very few personal items. She shares this space with the castle’s rodents and her only friend is the castle's elder laundress named Ainslie.

Bonnie discovers a beautiful mask for the upcoming masquerade ball. Ainslie’s wedding dress matches the mask perfectly, where she convinces Bonnie to be someone else for one night and attend the masquerade ball and make one of her dreams come true. On top of that Bonnie had seen Iver MacKay on a couple occasions where she thinks he is the most handsome man she has ever seen. However she is so shy she can’t even look him in the eye though she has seen that he is a kind man.

Iver Mackay is a Highland Laird of the southern branch of the MacKay’s, at Dun Ugadale on the Kintyre peninsula. He has always been unlucky with love and never intends to get married. Iver also intends to make one of his brother’s his heir once they settle down with a wife. He is not happy with young King James when he insists Iver find himself a wife and make a family. It makes him feel like a fool and an outcast. So when Iver finds this beautiful ginger haired lass at the masquerade ball he is swept away, where Bonnie is having the best night of her life.

Bonnie knows if she is caught impersonating a peer she will be severely punished or even possibly sacked! However she has never done anything against the castle’s rules, but pretending to be a peer could have severe consequences by the Castle’s Stewart, whose job is to make sure everything always runs safe and smoothly. After the night of dance and passion Iver can’t understand why he cannot locate Bonnie.

Will Iver feel betrayed and made a fool if he finds out the woman of his dreams is so far beneath him in status? After all he is a powerful laird and she is an illegitimate chambermaid. Will Bonnie lose her position at the castle and be cast into the street? Will her pain and broken heart bring joy to her cruel Aunt and cousin Morag? Read and find out.

This book had many similarities to the Cinderella fairytale where this handsome Laird was Prince Charming. Furthermore the evil step mother and her two daughters was her Aunt Lorna and her cousins. Even though she had one nice cousin and her friend Ainslie was similar to the fairy godmother. Bonnie even sleeps in the attic with mice! Of course there was no magic coach, pumpkins, horses or glass slippers but I just noticed some similarities to the fairytale. Be that as it may, I absolutely loved this story of two people from two different classes coming together and beating all odds. Do they fall in love? Read this powerful book and find out!

Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Highlander-Sed...
Profile Image for Lyn Brownlie.
643 reviews15 followers
May 4, 2023
Can she rise above her station in life?
Scotland 1452
Bonnie, a dreamer, wishes for more in her dreary life than being a chambermaid at Stirling Castle. She is young and very beautiful.
Tormented by her aunt and one of her two cousins daily, her life is no bed of roses.
A chance to rise above her station in life for an evening appears and Bonnie takes advantage of what has been offered to make a dream come true for a few short hours.
Iver Mackay, Laird of Dun Ugadale has come to Sterling Castle to talk politics and for his clan to pledge allegiance to The Scottish King.
Iver, an extremely handsome man in his thirties, having been hurt by uncaring woman in his past is still single and quite bitter.
Hiding away from life, he vows to never marry.
Enchanted by a mystery woman at a masquerade ball he finds himself dancing the night away with her, captivated by her beauty and wit.
A walk outside in the gardens together leads to much more than either expected and later has the beauty running off.
Once all is revealed can a Laird fall in love with a chambermaid?
Can a servant rise above her station and adjust to become a Lairds wife? Will she be accepted by his family or shunned?
This story is an adult spin on Cinderella, with a bit of spice added. I quite enjoyed reading Bonnie and Iver’s story which at times was sexy, emotional, had a little bit of violence, showed courage, repeatedly defending a persons honour and eventually falling in love.
I loved all the characters and that each of Iver’s brothers will have their own stories, which I’m looking forward to reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ali.
73 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2023
Highlander Seduced is a beautiful retelling of Cinderella in medieval Scotland. All the hallmarks of a Cinderella tale are here: Bonnie is a chambermaid, raised by her horrible aunt who favors her own two daughters. There is an older laundress who provides Bonnie with a gown for a masquerade. Bonnie conceals her identity in the hopes of having one fantastical night as someone other than a chambermaid. There is a warning to return to her rooms before it gets too late. And finally, there is a Prince Charming, Iver, who has been burned by love and become resolved to never marry. Bonnie and Iver lock gazes across the hall and dance the night away while falling for each other. They share a passionate interlude before Bonnie disappears, leaving Iver to search the castle for the noble woman he believes her to be. What will happen when he discovers who Bonnie really is? What does Happily Ever After look like for two lovers fated for each other, yet they are from two completely different worlds?

I found so much joy in this book, in discovering how Cinderella exists without magic. The lack of magic makes more room for the powerful connection Bonnie and Iver form. There is heat and sweetness as these two characters find the best versions of themselves in each other. A wonderful book, highly recommended. I will definitely be reading Jayne Castel's backlist and look forward to new releases in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nydhoggyr.
85 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2023
My favorite thing about Jayne Castel's books is her attention to the historical and geological details of the times and places her stories take place in. In Highlander Seduced, I immediately felt taken back to Scotland, to the chill of the Highlands in late fall and winter, at the ancient castles of Stirling, Kilchurn, and Dun Ugadale.

But also the characters! The characters in these stories are always so well-rounded and grounded in reality. It's a breath of fresh air with some of the OTT silliness that we read in romance sometimes.

And what a sweetheart Iver is! After a few heartbreaks, Iver is pretty grumpy and has sworn off marriage indefinitely. He's a bit of a recluse lately, hiding away and shifting his chieftain responsibilities off to his 3 brothers, to their dismay. I could not wait for Iver to inevitably fall head over heals for Bonnie, and boy, did he ever! He never once looked down on Bonnie for her position in life after he found out she was just a chambermaid, and repeatedly defended her honor as his wife to allies and enemies alike.

Equally touching was Bonnie's journey to realizing her own self-worth. It was hard to read her mistreatment at the hands of her aunt and cousins, and everyone else who ignored her, gossipped about her, and disrespected her after marrying a chieftan, but I looked forward to her learning to hold her own in these situations and recognizing she could be Iver's equal.

Overall, the story of Iver and Bonnie was touching and lovely. I can't wait to dive into Lennox and Davina's story next!
15 reviews
May 4, 2023
Och! What has our lass Bonnie gotten herself into stealing a night out at the masquerade ball and dancing with the handsome laird Iver!? This rags-to-riches story will melt your heart and have you fanning yourself from the smoldering heat oozing between Bonnie and Iver! Bonnie hit the jackpot - a kind, handsome laird who loves her and is understanding, patient, strong, and willing to defend, protect, and fight for her honor - something she has not had for the longest time or from her own kin. I mean, honestly, who would not want someone like Iver as a husband when you have been treated like nothing? Anyways, I fell in love with this story and the characters just like I knew I would from reading the initial summary! I was left flabbergasted and almost fell off the bed laughing throughout the story. Because no matter how matter times Iver swore off marriage, his heart said otherwise and his wits out the window. And not that he intended to, but Iver gave everyone what they kept hounding him about - just that it was not who they were expecting! But that is what happens when you do not leave well enough alone, haha! But everything was as meant to be and this is one story I will come back to read over and over. Definitely recommend it, plus it is a great start to the following stories regarding Iver’s three brothers and their special ladies!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,101 reviews19 followers
May 5, 2023
Kings, Deception, Fortitude, Romance:
Iver the chieftain of his clan is encouraged by the young king to find himself a wife. He has not had much luck in the romance department. Deciding he must attend the first masquerade ball in the highlands and maybe some fair lady will catch his eye. Well, of course, he spots a young lady with dazzling red hair. 
Bonnie had made a wish to attend the ball that she has no right to be there. As if wishes could come true, she finds a mask and her best friend loans her a dress and "Wallaaah" she is on her way to the ball. She has never seen anything so thrilling before but wait here is a handsome man asking her to dance. Oh dear, where will this fantasy go from here? This is certainly not the time to be able to put this book down.
I have been so captivated by this intriguing story and romance that is taking place with two people from different. worlds.
This story is filled with family, fun, many shocking situations, sizzling passion, standing up for oneself, along with many heartfelt confessions.
A real treat to read this first book of the series. I do look forward to reading more.
Another short treat awaits you at the end of the epilogue.
Profile Image for Martha B..
835 reviews11 followers
May 11, 2023
Highland Cinderella Re-imagined

After two failed infatuations, Iver Mackay is determined to never again care for any woman, much less ask her to marry him. Then he takes a chance when he sees Bonnie at the Masquerade Ball.

After a lifetime of drudgery, chambermaid Bonnie Fraser dreams of love, but reality is too sobering. Then one magical night she risks all when she sees Iver at the Masquerade Ball.

In what is obviously a re-imagined Cinderella tale (Medieval Highland style), this engrossing read is a true love story with a kind heroine and a very likable hero. Against all societal odds, Iver and Bonnie will take a chance, fall in love and face their uncertain future together.

I have enjoyed many of Jayne Castel's novels, and Highlander Seduced is another added my list of engaging historical love stories with a HEA.

Content 411: Although there are only a few swear words, there is a historical scene of violence, and a couple of descriptive sex scenes.

Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Profile Image for bell.
174 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2023
A lowly Scottish chambermaid, whom is treated horribly by her relatives, longs for just one night of happiness. A night where she can see how the other half lives and just live in the moment. She dons a borrowed gown, and attends a masquerade ball, only to unexpectedly meet her Highland Prince Charming. Like Cinderella the night comes to a end, only for her to run off before her Prince Charming can find out her identity.
Though the story is a Cinderella retelling of sorts, it also has a fair amount of history in it. Warring clan chiefs, a king who has a temper, a woman who struggles with self-confidence and a plot twist at the end, that the reader wasn't expecting.
I enjoyed the story and liked that the fairytale aspect of it was only a backbone to the plot. The author expanded the story to truly make it unique and much more than just a "retelling".
I also appreciated the historical aspect of it as well. I felt like I was reading a true historical romance.
Heat Level 3
Violence- mild.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
90 reviews
May 11, 2023
Jayne Castel has the ability to breath life into her characters. Bonnie Fraser is a Cinderella type who was born on the wrong side of the blanket. She is a chambermaid who manages to attend a masquerade ball in borrowed clothes. While there, she meets Iver Mackay. They have a brief liaison which is memorable to Iver. Thus starts their interesting relationship.

As with all Jayne Castel’s books her characters are three dimensional. They jump off the page even doing mundane chores. Bonnie tends to retreat into herself until she has to acknowledge and protect herself from her aunt and cousins. Iver has some problems with his brother, Lennox who also attended the ball. All families have problems. It's the journey to solve them that make things interesting.


I am looking forward to Len’s book, Highlander Honored.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Caligirl.
170 reviews
June 29, 2023
never disappoints

Ms Castel never disappoints when it comes to the highlands.. The start of the new series is off great with the story of Iver and Bonnie. Bonnie is a servant at Stirling Castle, with Iver a laird at the castle on business… the story is all that can go wrong or right at Scotland’s first official masquerade ball. I love that is wasn’t a traditional Laird/lady story and that love can happen outside the lines of what is expected. Both Iver and Bonnie’s characters were developed well, you got a sense of both their struggles. Sub character development started for the next book, and that story line you can see developing already.

I have been a fan of Ms Castel for a long time and have generally read everything she has written.. I feel she is one of the best Highland story tellers out there… with my fathers family being from Oban, these stories def call to me..

Full recommend ..
394 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2023
Bonnie is a chambermaid at Stirling Castle in 1452. She is a bit of a dreamer and wants more than her dreary life.

Iver Mackay has always been unlucky in love and has decided never to risk his heart again. He is laird of his clan and goes to Stirling at the request of his clan chief who cannot attend as he has been ill.

Bonnie sneaks into the masquerade ball being held by the queen. She dances with Iver and they have an attraction to each other.

“Can there be a happy ending for two people from such different worlds?”

I really enjoyed reading this story but felt the ending was a little rushed. I would have liked to hear a little more about how Bonnie settles into her new life and overcomes the obstacles that there surely would have been.

I received a free copy of this book and freely and honestly leave my review.
1,865 reviews32 followers
May 14, 2023
This is the cutest take on Cinderella that I've ever read and I enjoyed every minute!

Iver is happily single. Unfortunately, he is getting an increasing amount of pressure to get married.

Bonnie is a maid at Stirling Castle and longs for more for her life. Her aunt and cousins delight in making her life difficult.

During the Queen's birthday festivities, a grand masquerade ball is held. Bonnie finds a mask that had been dropped and her friend Ainsle, the laundress, helps her make her dream come true in attending the ball. There Iver is entranced by her beauty...and then she disappears.

Bonnie knows if her identity is discovered, she'll be in big trouble, but she can't stop thinking about Iver. And Iver is determined to find his mystery woman...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tracy M.
281 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2024
It’s been a decade since Eilidh Munro spurned his advanced and left him embarrassed while she married not just a prisoner…but a Gunn!

His heart has only hardened since then. Now at 35 everyone is looking for the Laird to get himself a wife. As any respectable man of his status should.

Iver has no such inclination until his path crosses with a simple chambermaid.

While I found the method of Sheenas declaration rude (as it was intended) I was also glad she named someone other than Iver’s father. I dreaded that would be the announcement, thus shoving poor unclaimed Iver farther into despair. After all, how much ridicule can one man’s heart take.

I had hoped there would have been more to read about Harris’s story.
Profile Image for Melody Oakerson.
230 reviews5 followers
March 6, 2024
Beautiful story of a Highlander Laird and a chamber maid with hidden secrets

This was truly a lovely tale of Cinderella and the Prince retold as a Highland Laird and a chamber maid. The "evil stepmother" is our leading lady's Aunt, supposedly planning the down fall of her niece actually ends up boosting her to a life of happiness. I can't wait to read the other installments in this sweet series as the lovely ladies of the Highlands find their true loves and a joyful story of their own. So wonderful to read a lovely tale of romance with some substantial research and historical facts being used. Most authors today only write enough of a story to be able to write a sordid sex scene. This one has some substance!
Profile Image for Robin.
6 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2023
The characters in this book are almost TOO sweet, it's hard to really get invested in them when they seem to have no flaws. There doesn't seem to be a major conflict in the story beyond the difference in class and even that seems to be easily overcome.

I enjoyed the world building and the romance scenes are sexy and well written. I just wanted more of a story arc with actual conflict or obstacles for the couple. Felt like they met and were wildly in love and talking about it very quickly.

I enjoyed it and will definitely read the sequel but it wasn't my favorite Jane Castel book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
1,339 reviews15 followers
May 12, 2023
I really liked this story. Yes it had a Cinderella vibe to it, but it also felt much lighter than some of the author’s other books. Now don’t get me wrong, there was a lot of conflict in this story, and one extremely awful section which certainly turned my stomach, but the relationship between Bonnie and Ivar was uplifting and endearing. His willingness to defend her no matter what, and her courage and humility warmed my heart. There were a several surprises and many emotional moments that help keep the reader engaged. All in all, this is a really good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
76 reviews
May 12, 2023
I really loved this book as the opener for the next McKay series. I thought the play on Cinderella was done so well and I loved reading as Iver and Bonnie grew closer together and found their happily ever after. I also really enjoyed meeting the rest of Iver’s brothers and im waiting with baited breath for their stories.

This book was a great read, so engaging that I read the whole thing in one sitting. The characters and the story pace were both fantastic, and it left me ready for the next book as soon as I finished this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cody Marie Phoenix.
1,089 reviews7 followers
May 5, 2023
I wasn't expecting Iver to get his own story, so this was a nice surprise. I did however figure out Bonnie's unknown secret early on. Still, the story was a fanciful tale set amongst the chaos that is the Highlands. There was a lot of tightening jaws, both the characters and mine, from the way some people acted or spoke, but that too is typical Highlander reaction to a lot of situations. If you've read the other MacKay series, you don't want to miss this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,500 reviews15 followers
May 6, 2023
Iver and Bonnie had such an instant connection and a loving bond. The story was more subdued in the beginning with the struggles both characters faced, but picked up throughout. The story was a little more calm and reflective than I expected. Although, there was nothing calm about their passionate displays of affection. I look forward to the rest of this series because I know Iver's brothers will be entertaining, especially Lennox.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathy Tatum.
176 reviews
June 6, 2023
Irresistible Scottish Romance

Enjoyable story of a highly unlikely couple at King James II Masquerade Ball. Only under those circumstances could a chamber maid dress up and wear a mask and meet a intriguing but sad Laird. It was a magic night Over and Bonnie felt a strong and deep magnetic pulsing between them. It was a refreshing to read this book, with little political intrigue nor any wars to deal with. Quite a few revelations were revealed. I love all novels by Jayne Castel.
39 reviews
May 8, 2023
This is not my first encounter with the author and I was really excited to receive this copy. For starters the book at the beginning was a little slow, but after a while I ve been compensated. Bonnie is Cinderella and I've hers prince charming. Though you will have to read the book to find out more. It's really worth it 👌.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Priscilla.
1,017 reviews
May 8, 2023
For one magical night, Bonnie crashed the masquerade ball to forget her life as a chamber maid. While Iver has met the girl of his dreams at the masquerade, someone who has finally woken him to life, if only he can find her. I'm glad the Cinderella plot was not dragged on and how it resolves is a lot nicer. They were really cute together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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