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Clan MacKenzie #6
Seduciendo a una novia escocesa
Él lo arriesgó todo por su amor…
Lady Gelis MacKenzie, una de las más deseadas herederas de Highlands, anhela el amor. Cuando un sueño le muestra a un misterioso y seductor hombre, sabe que se trata de su futuro prometido. Pero cuando por fin conoce al guapo forastero, se encuentra con alguien que ha soportado más de lo que cualquier guerrero ha padecido. Debe usar todos sus encantos para convencerlo de que su amor es digno de cualquier desafío.
Con su apuesta figura y sus ojos ardientes, Ronan MacRuari, conocido como Raven, es el sueño de toda mujer. Con su anterior esposa recientemente enterrada y la maldición de los MacRuari sobre él, se casa solo por satisfacer a su clan. Reacia a creer en maldiciones, Gelis confía en la magia de su visión.
Con sus besos aparta las dudas de Raven, dando rienda suelta a su torrente de deseo. A pesar de eso, Ronan sabe que amar a Gelis puede suponerle un riesgo mortal. Tendrá que pelear con peligrosas fuerzas para protegerla como solo un highlander puede: con todo su corazón, su honor y su vida….
Lady Gelis MacKenzie, una de las más deseadas herederas de Highlands, anhela el amor. Cuando un sueño le muestra a un misterioso y seductor hombre, sabe que se trata de su futuro prometido. Pero cuando por fin conoce al guapo forastero, se encuentra con alguien que ha soportado más de lo que cualquier guerrero ha padecido. Debe usar todos sus encantos para convencerlo de que su amor es digno de cualquier desafío.
Con su apuesta figura y sus ojos ardientes, Ronan MacRuari, conocido como Raven, es el sueño de toda mujer. Con su anterior esposa recientemente enterrada y la maldición de los MacRuari sobre él, se casa solo por satisfacer a su clan. Reacia a creer en maldiciones, Gelis confía en la magia de su visión.
Con sus besos aparta las dudas de Raven, dando rienda suelta a su torrente de deseo. A pesar de eso, Ronan sabe que amar a Gelis puede suponerle un riesgo mortal. Tendrá que pelear con peligrosas fuerzas para protegerla como solo un highlander puede: con todo su corazón, su honor y su vida….
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
23 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
About the author
Sue-Ellen Welfonder
86 books323 followersSue-Ellen MacDuffie Welfonder
aka
Sue-Ellen Welfonder & Allie Mackay
Sue-Ellen MacDuffie was born and raided in Florida. She is a card-carrying Scotophile whose burning wish to make frequent (free) trips to the land of her dreams led her to a twenty year career with the airlines. Bi-lingual, she flew international all those years, working her flights as foreign language speaker. Her flying career allowed her to see the world, but it was always to Scotland that she returned.
Now a full-time writer, she’s quick to admit that she much prefers wielding a pen to pushing tea and coffee. She spent fifteen years living in Europe and used that time to explore as many castle ruins, medieval abbeys, and stone circles as possible. Anything ancient, crumbling, or lichened caught her eye. She makes annual visits to Scotland, insisting they are a necessity as each trip gives her inspiration for new books.
Proud of her own Hebridean ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: the MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. In addition to Scotland, her greatest passions are medieval history, the paranormal, and dogs. She never watches television, loves haggis, and writes at a four-hundred-and-fifty year old desk that once stood in a Bavarian castle.
Sue-Ellen is married and currently resides with her husband and Jack Russell Terrier in Florida. Readers can learn more about her and the world of her books at: www.welfonder.com.
aka
Sue-Ellen Welfonder & Allie Mackay
Sue-Ellen MacDuffie was born and raided in Florida. She is a card-carrying Scotophile whose burning wish to make frequent (free) trips to the land of her dreams led her to a twenty year career with the airlines. Bi-lingual, she flew international all those years, working her flights as foreign language speaker. Her flying career allowed her to see the world, but it was always to Scotland that she returned.
Now a full-time writer, she’s quick to admit that she much prefers wielding a pen to pushing tea and coffee. She spent fifteen years living in Europe and used that time to explore as many castle ruins, medieval abbeys, and stone circles as possible. Anything ancient, crumbling, or lichened caught her eye. She makes annual visits to Scotland, insisting they are a necessity as each trip gives her inspiration for new books.
Proud of her own Hebridean ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: the MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. In addition to Scotland, her greatest passions are medieval history, the paranormal, and dogs. She never watches television, loves haggis, and writes at a four-hundred-and-fifty year old desk that once stood in a Bavarian castle.
Sue-Ellen is married and currently resides with her husband and Jack Russell Terrier in Florida. Readers can learn more about her and the world of her books at: www.welfonder.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 20, 2008
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Mar09
Magic and mayhem in the highlands. Sue-Ellen Welfonder’s latest in her MacKenzie series is “Seducing a Scottish Bride”. There’s a dark curse, a stubborn laird, and magical Druids. All wrapped up in a tale of love and persistence set against the highland hills of Scotland.
Gelis is a much sought-after heiress. Unfortunately, the odds of her father ever actually allowing her to marry seem to be decreasing every year! She decides to try her hand at scrying to see if she’ll ever marry and mayhap catch a glimpse of her husband-to-be. In the midst of her attempt, she has her first experience with second sight and spies a raven that turns into a man who takes her breath away. That afternoon her father receives a message regarding an old debt of honor. The repayment demanded is Gelis’ and in marriage to the laird of a cursed clan. Gelis knows this is what she’s been waiting for and she’s not about to let some old curse get in the way of the delights of the marriage bed!
Ronan has already buried two wives and has no intention of taking a third. Then he learns his grandfather has arranged for his marriage to the daughter of the Black Stag, one of the highlands fiercest chieftains. Not only arranged, but apparently her arrival is imminent! Unwilling to tarnish the honor of his grandfather or the unlucky woman, Ronan decides he will handfast with her instead. Then, when he doesn’t sleep with her, there will be no children and the ‘handfast marriage’ will be annulled after a year. Problem solved! But he didn’t count on Gelis’ determination and bravery. She seems to have no fear of the gloom of his lands or the curse his kin bears. In fact, she appears downright eager to seduce him to her bed!
While I liked Gelis fairly quickly and came to like Ronan over the course of the book, staccato writing and missing information kept jerking me out of the story. Once or twice would not have been too bad, but this happened over and over and over. A full explanation for the curse and what all it entailed NEVER happened…how irritating is that? Also, the stories of the first two wives were sketchy at best and if I’d been Gelis, you can bet I’d have been asking some questions and getting some answers. These two just seemed to be more characters in a play than people in a relationship. There was probably a reason for the constant interruptions to their lovemaking but I never got that either. All these things just finished off the dregs of my reading pleasure.
The magic was…well, unexplained magic; if that makes any sense. There are some really, really ancient Druids, but we never get any of their story either. Ditto for the witch who apparently lives on Gelis’ father’s lands, but is never introduced and then just barges into the story. I still don’t understand why her scenes were included. But that about sums up the way I feel after reading “Seducing a Scottish Bride”…I got the overall plot, but the details continue to elude me. And that makes it very hard for me to find any enjoyment. But it could just be me. I’m not getting any younger! So if you like magic and Scotland, you could give Sue-Ellen Welfonder’s latest a whirl.
Magic and mayhem in the highlands. Sue-Ellen Welfonder’s latest in her MacKenzie series is “Seducing a Scottish Bride”. There’s a dark curse, a stubborn laird, and magical Druids. All wrapped up in a tale of love and persistence set against the highland hills of Scotland.
Gelis is a much sought-after heiress. Unfortunately, the odds of her father ever actually allowing her to marry seem to be decreasing every year! She decides to try her hand at scrying to see if she’ll ever marry and mayhap catch a glimpse of her husband-to-be. In the midst of her attempt, she has her first experience with second sight and spies a raven that turns into a man who takes her breath away. That afternoon her father receives a message regarding an old debt of honor. The repayment demanded is Gelis’ and in marriage to the laird of a cursed clan. Gelis knows this is what she’s been waiting for and she’s not about to let some old curse get in the way of the delights of the marriage bed!
Ronan has already buried two wives and has no intention of taking a third. Then he learns his grandfather has arranged for his marriage to the daughter of the Black Stag, one of the highlands fiercest chieftains. Not only arranged, but apparently her arrival is imminent! Unwilling to tarnish the honor of his grandfather or the unlucky woman, Ronan decides he will handfast with her instead. Then, when he doesn’t sleep with her, there will be no children and the ‘handfast marriage’ will be annulled after a year. Problem solved! But he didn’t count on Gelis’ determination and bravery. She seems to have no fear of the gloom of his lands or the curse his kin bears. In fact, she appears downright eager to seduce him to her bed!
While I liked Gelis fairly quickly and came to like Ronan over the course of the book, staccato writing and missing information kept jerking me out of the story. Once or twice would not have been too bad, but this happened over and over and over. A full explanation for the curse and what all it entailed NEVER happened…how irritating is that? Also, the stories of the first two wives were sketchy at best and if I’d been Gelis, you can bet I’d have been asking some questions and getting some answers. These two just seemed to be more characters in a play than people in a relationship. There was probably a reason for the constant interruptions to their lovemaking but I never got that either. All these things just finished off the dregs of my reading pleasure.
The magic was…well, unexplained magic; if that makes any sense. There are some really, really ancient Druids, but we never get any of their story either. Ditto for the witch who apparently lives on Gelis’ father’s lands, but is never introduced and then just barges into the story. I still don’t understand why her scenes were included. But that about sums up the way I feel after reading “Seducing a Scottish Bride”…I got the overall plot, but the details continue to elude me. And that makes it very hard for me to find any enjoyment. But it could just be me. I’m not getting any younger! So if you like magic and Scotland, you could give Sue-Ellen Welfonder’s latest a whirl.
December 7, 2013
Gelis has always dreamed of finding love and passion. She knows with her father, that may seem impossible; he tends to kick out her suitors left and right, with no hope of finding a loving marriage just as her parents have with each other. But then she has a dream or vision, where see see a man known as the "Raven", who is in need of her and her love. That he is her future and she will find everything she ever dreamed of in his arms. So she informs her father that Ronan is the man she will marry and doesn't fear the curse of his people. Ronan has lost two wives already, because his family and his clan are cursed and have been for many years. He doesn't see how he can ever escape it. When his grandfather informs him that he will be married, he is resistant until he meets her, and all sane thoughts flee from his mind. All he notices is her beauty and grace, and her strong willed spirit that is full of passion and willing to fight for him and his people. In the beginning he agrees to marry her, but he refuses to bed her and accept their bond; but his bride has other plans for him. Gelis is at first hurt when Ronan rejects her and refuses to accept her as his wife. So she takes desperate action, and seduces her own husband. Gelis refuses to accept his will lying down, and will fight with every breath that their bond is true and the love they can have is powerful, enough to break any curse.
Seducing A Scottish Bride is the sixth installment in this series. I first read the first book a couple years ago, which is Gelis's parents story (which I highly recommend). Its been a while since I have read her, and I have been wanting to read this one, ever since it came out. I know I have skipped 5 books or so, but the blurb totally drew me in and I knew I had to read it. I obtained a copy through my local library. I had seen some average rating for this book, and I was hoping it would be much better than a couple reviews I had read so far, and I was right. Seducing A Scottish Bride is a priceless treasure of a romance set in the beautiful Scotland countryside, where curses, magic and visions abound. The story sets off with Gelis learning that just like her mother, she has some magical ability. She doesn't know it unless she sees a vision of the man who is destined as her lover and future husband. She now has hope of finding passion and love despite her fathers best efforts to discourage many suitors that she has had. Gelis stands up to her father, and insists that she be allowed to marry this man despite the fact that he is cursed. Gelis doesn't fear the curse very much, she accepts it for what it is, and her main focus is loving Ronan. Ronan is very resistant to any kind of effort that Gelis is putting forth, wanting to protect her. However he underestimates her will and strength, and Gelis is intent on seducing him. Ronan didn't stand much of a chance to be honest. In the story, from the very beginning, I fell in love with Gelis. She doesn't take a "No" for an answer. Within reading the first chapter I was hooked instantly. Normally its the hero I fall for first, but I am happy to say for the first time in a while, I admired the heroine first. She was tenacious, stubborn, strong willed, and has dreams that she will fight for no matter the cost. Especially considering the time frame the story is set in, the was very rare. And I loved the way the author doesn't make the heroine overcome the circumstances too much. You see a gentler side to Gelis, who dreams of love, tenderness and desire; because she has grown up in a home where her parents radiated love. Ronan has the tortured hero characteristic down pat. He has lost two wives, his parents are no longer alive, and the only family he has left is his elderly grandfather (who is quite the humorous side character). Ronan is very against his wife in the beginning, the last thing he wants is for her to be hurt or killed because of the curse that he has lived with all of his life. But slowly Gelis shows him that you can't fear the future or what may happen, but to embrace what you are blessed with.
I found this love story a very tender and sweet and yet passionate and suspenseful at other times. Despite the title, its the bride that is doing the seducing and what a amazing job she does too. Seducing A Scottish Bride is a magical tale of two people that need each other, and that their love they keep inside is more powerful than any curse. Once again I am amazed with Welfonder's talent of shaping a story that will bring a tear to your eye and keep you in suspense the whole way through. GUARANTEED TO STEAL YOUR HEART!!
Seducing A Scottish Bride is the sixth installment in this series. I first read the first book a couple years ago, which is Gelis's parents story (which I highly recommend). Its been a while since I have read her, and I have been wanting to read this one, ever since it came out. I know I have skipped 5 books or so, but the blurb totally drew me in and I knew I had to read it. I obtained a copy through my local library. I had seen some average rating for this book, and I was hoping it would be much better than a couple reviews I had read so far, and I was right. Seducing A Scottish Bride is a priceless treasure of a romance set in the beautiful Scotland countryside, where curses, magic and visions abound. The story sets off with Gelis learning that just like her mother, she has some magical ability. She doesn't know it unless she sees a vision of the man who is destined as her lover and future husband. She now has hope of finding passion and love despite her fathers best efforts to discourage many suitors that she has had. Gelis stands up to her father, and insists that she be allowed to marry this man despite the fact that he is cursed. Gelis doesn't fear the curse very much, she accepts it for what it is, and her main focus is loving Ronan. Ronan is very resistant to any kind of effort that Gelis is putting forth, wanting to protect her. However he underestimates her will and strength, and Gelis is intent on seducing him. Ronan didn't stand much of a chance to be honest. In the story, from the very beginning, I fell in love with Gelis. She doesn't take a "No" for an answer. Within reading the first chapter I was hooked instantly. Normally its the hero I fall for first, but I am happy to say for the first time in a while, I admired the heroine first. She was tenacious, stubborn, strong willed, and has dreams that she will fight for no matter the cost. Especially considering the time frame the story is set in, the was very rare. And I loved the way the author doesn't make the heroine overcome the circumstances too much. You see a gentler side to Gelis, who dreams of love, tenderness and desire; because she has grown up in a home where her parents radiated love. Ronan has the tortured hero characteristic down pat. He has lost two wives, his parents are no longer alive, and the only family he has left is his elderly grandfather (who is quite the humorous side character). Ronan is very against his wife in the beginning, the last thing he wants is for her to be hurt or killed because of the curse that he has lived with all of his life. But slowly Gelis shows him that you can't fear the future or what may happen, but to embrace what you are blessed with.
I found this love story a very tender and sweet and yet passionate and suspenseful at other times. Despite the title, its the bride that is doing the seducing and what a amazing job she does too. Seducing A Scottish Bride is a magical tale of two people that need each other, and that their love they keep inside is more powerful than any curse. Once again I am amazed with Welfonder's talent of shaping a story that will bring a tear to your eye and keep you in suspense the whole way through. GUARANTEED TO STEAL YOUR HEART!!
January 15, 2009
Author Sue-Ellen Wellfonder made frequent trips to the land of her dreams due to her twenty year career with the airlines. Bi-lingual, she flew international all those years, working her flights as foreign language speaker. Her flying career allowed her to see the world, but it was always to Scotland that she returned. Now a full-time writer, she much prefers wielding a pen to pushing tea and coffee. Proud of her own Hebridean ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: the MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. Other titles include: Master of the Highlands, Knight in My Bed, Bride of the Beast, Only for a Night, Wedding for a Knight, Until the Night Comes, and Devil in a Kilt. She is married and currently resides with her husband in Florida.
Lady Gelis MacKenzie yearns for love, the everlasting kind. Her father, hesitant to all suitors, is determined to keep her close and at home. Until a long-standing debt is called upon to be collected, and her father’s honor must obey it. Gelis has already had a vision of her suitor, a darkly seductive man, with wounds that run deep. When she finally meets her betrothed and learns of his family’s curse that has haunted them for generations, she determines that curses are not to be believed. With two previous wives in the ground, Ronan MacRuari, known also as the Raven, weds Gelis only to satisfy his clan. He knows that loving her could unleash the curse and put her in mortal danger. But as he comes to know her, and their passionate desires flare, he begins to wonder if Gelis isn’t the key to lifting the curse that has plagued them. Determined to protect her at all costs, he’ll fight the dangerous forces that threaten her, even if it means closing off his heart to what it truly wants.
The only issue I had with the book was this curse. Well, not the curse itself, but the explanation of it. It was given in bits throughout the story, but I still don’t feel any closure in fully understanding it. This is part of a series, I believe, so it is possible that it is further explained better in one of the other books.
The plot flowed well and I adored the characters. I loved the side-story with the secondary characters, Anice and Hugh, too. This was a great mix if historical and paranormal romance. The setting and her depiction of it was superb. Now I want to go to Scotland!
If you are seeking a one-of-a-kind romance, full of action and steam, pick up Seducing a Scottish Bride, by Sue-Ellen Wellfonder!
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
Lady Gelis MacKenzie yearns for love, the everlasting kind. Her father, hesitant to all suitors, is determined to keep her close and at home. Until a long-standing debt is called upon to be collected, and her father’s honor must obey it. Gelis has already had a vision of her suitor, a darkly seductive man, with wounds that run deep. When she finally meets her betrothed and learns of his family’s curse that has haunted them for generations, she determines that curses are not to be believed. With two previous wives in the ground, Ronan MacRuari, known also as the Raven, weds Gelis only to satisfy his clan. He knows that loving her could unleash the curse and put her in mortal danger. But as he comes to know her, and their passionate desires flare, he begins to wonder if Gelis isn’t the key to lifting the curse that has plagued them. Determined to protect her at all costs, he’ll fight the dangerous forces that threaten her, even if it means closing off his heart to what it truly wants.
The only issue I had with the book was this curse. Well, not the curse itself, but the explanation of it. It was given in bits throughout the story, but I still don’t feel any closure in fully understanding it. This is part of a series, I believe, so it is possible that it is further explained better in one of the other books.
The plot flowed well and I adored the characters. I loved the side-story with the secondary characters, Anice and Hugh, too. This was a great mix if historical and paranormal romance. The setting and her depiction of it was superb. Now I want to go to Scotland!
If you are seeking a one-of-a-kind romance, full of action and steam, pick up Seducing a Scottish Bride, by Sue-Ellen Wellfonder!
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
January 11, 2014
I have been reading Sue-Ellen Welfonder books for many years and it is always so rich with Scottish history and lore I always find each book so enchanting and magical it's always a treat to read them. This one is about a daughter Gelis Mackensie who dreams of marriage and children but is considered unmarriagable as her Father, the Black Stag, Duncan Mackensie from previous book *Devil In a Kilt* since he constantly rejects each and every suitor. Then she has a vision of a raven who needs her help. This story has so many twists and turns it had totally captivated. The heroe in the book Ronan MacRuari is not looking for a love marriage as he has already lose two previous wives and has had a lot of sorrow in his life and there is a curse on his clan and a magical stone. He is not aware Gelis has the second sight and even though his heart is bursting with love he distances himself from Gelis fearing her demise. So how will Gellis help and heal him? Loved this book but I would suggest you read *Devil In a Kilt* first to see Duncan's story first. Of course you can read alone although it's not essential to read Duncan's previous book I just think it's more fun myself. I love books where you connect the dots and where previous heroes show up in future books.. Awesome read! Loved it!
April 1, 2009
Ronan MacRuari is tortured soul cursed when his father went over to the dark side. His first two wives were killed and he is terrified of marrying again. Gelis MacKenzie is his fated bride and she is from strong Scottish stock and is not afraid of his curse. She is determined to love him and seduce him into loving her. The MacRuari family is fighting a losing battle with the Old Ones (Gods I guess) who are trying to recover something that Ronan's father stole from them. They are sabotaging Ronan's castle and threatening the lives of everyone inside.
This is a well written story with the hero trying his damndest to not fall in love with Gelis in order to save her from his cursed existence. You can't help but love Gelis and Ronan as the tortured lovers. The conclusion is very satisfying and proves that love does conquor all. This was a fast paced read which I read in under 3 hours.
This is a well written story with the hero trying his damndest to not fall in love with Gelis in order to save her from his cursed existence. You can't help but love Gelis and Ronan as the tortured lovers. The conclusion is very satisfying and proves that love does conquor all. This was a fast paced read which I read in under 3 hours.
January 7, 2011
Enjoyable romance with a bit of suspense. I liked this book, and the story was terrific. Set in the Highlands of scotland, a man forces another Laird to give him his daughter in exchange for a favor he did for him. Recommended.
August 2, 2016
This is the third time I write a review about this book so excuse me if I'm a little pissed and out of words.
personally I felt it was ok.
I liked how the story was gripping, but hated how close to the ending the main couple were finally together.
overall, great page-turner
personally I felt it was ok.
I liked how the story was gripping, but hated how close to the ending the main couple were finally together.
overall, great page-turner
July 25, 2025
Unlike her sister or many young ladies of her class, the heroines head has always been full of love stories and adventure. Never satisfied with the simple life she's dreamt for herself a life with the man of her dreams and all the magic that goes along with that sort of romance. When she receives her first true vision, she knows that man is meant to be the Raven. On the day she envisions the man who is to be her husband, she receives word from her father that she's been betrothed to the Raven himself. Elated and happy behind words, she eagerly sets off to meet the man destined to be her love.
The hero is furious when he learns that his grandfather-the laird- has betrothed him to the MacKenzie lass. He doesn't want another wife, not after the tragic deaths of his first 2 and certainly not now after realizing that everything and everyone he loves meets with such a tragedy. The curse is his burden to bare and to bring in another innocent woman is beyond cruel. He can't refuse the arrangement though and instead tries to hand fast the lass instead, willing her to realize the danger she is in and flee their marriage after the year and a day. He tries to remain hard and cold towards his new wife but it's very hard considering her beauty and lust for life.
From the second she set foot in his dark and gloomy castle, she lit his world up like a flame. Always smiling, always cheerful and blissfully eager to please him and everyone in the keep, it's near impossible for him to remain emotionally detached. The heroine refuses to accept the curse is something to be fearful over. She refuses to believe her new husband is the one responsible for all the pain and torment in the castle and with every chance she gets, she aims to shower him with love and affection. It doesn't take very long for her brightness to seep into his soul like a healing balm. He can't imagine her ever being harmed in anyway because of him. Her kindness and her thoughtfulness is binding her to him far more strongly that anything ever has before. Together, they will find a way to break the curse and right the wrong done by his ancestor all those years ago-only then will the hero be truly free to love her as he wants to.
From the moment this heroine appeared, I was in love with her. I greatly admired her sunshine and her eagerness to face her destiny. She wasn't naïve or blind to things right before her eyes- rather she faced them with open eyes and a fearless heart. She was always smiling and she was always aiming to be helpful and loving to everyone around her, not just the hero. With him, she was relentless. She was sexually aware of both herself and his desire for her but while she certainly knew how to tempt him, she gave him his space and allowed him to come to her in his own time. She refused to give up or give in to his self-imposed exile and made strives to show him he was loved and wrong to take all that burden on himself. I liked her a great deal and can say that I wish to be a lot like her in my personal life. The hero was a man who has known nothing but guilt and hardship. He's not a bad man, just cursed and afraid to let anyone else fall victim to it. He tried very hard to remain distant from the heroine but it was a quickly lost battle as he fell both for her sunny optimism and his sexual desire for her. I loved their relationship which was based on a tender bonding and a deep friendship. Good book. 3.5 stars rounded up.
The hero is furious when he learns that his grandfather-the laird- has betrothed him to the MacKenzie lass. He doesn't want another wife, not after the tragic deaths of his first 2 and certainly not now after realizing that everything and everyone he loves meets with such a tragedy. The curse is his burden to bare and to bring in another innocent woman is beyond cruel. He can't refuse the arrangement though and instead tries to hand fast the lass instead, willing her to realize the danger she is in and flee their marriage after the year and a day. He tries to remain hard and cold towards his new wife but it's very hard considering her beauty and lust for life.
From the second she set foot in his dark and gloomy castle, she lit his world up like a flame. Always smiling, always cheerful and blissfully eager to please him and everyone in the keep, it's near impossible for him to remain emotionally detached. The heroine refuses to accept the curse is something to be fearful over. She refuses to believe her new husband is the one responsible for all the pain and torment in the castle and with every chance she gets, she aims to shower him with love and affection. It doesn't take very long for her brightness to seep into his soul like a healing balm. He can't imagine her ever being harmed in anyway because of him. Her kindness and her thoughtfulness is binding her to him far more strongly that anything ever has before. Together, they will find a way to break the curse and right the wrong done by his ancestor all those years ago-only then will the hero be truly free to love her as he wants to.
From the moment this heroine appeared, I was in love with her. I greatly admired her sunshine and her eagerness to face her destiny. She wasn't naïve or blind to things right before her eyes- rather she faced them with open eyes and a fearless heart. She was always smiling and she was always aiming to be helpful and loving to everyone around her, not just the hero. With him, she was relentless. She was sexually aware of both herself and his desire for her but while she certainly knew how to tempt him, she gave him his space and allowed him to come to her in his own time. She refused to give up or give in to his self-imposed exile and made strives to show him he was loved and wrong to take all that burden on himself. I liked her a great deal and can say that I wish to be a lot like her in my personal life. The hero was a man who has known nothing but guilt and hardship. He's not a bad man, just cursed and afraid to let anyone else fall victim to it. He tried very hard to remain distant from the heroine but it was a quickly lost battle as he fell both for her sunny optimism and his sexual desire for her. I loved their relationship which was based on a tender bonding and a deep friendship. Good book. 3.5 stars rounded up.
June 7, 2009
Reviewed by PJ Ausdenmore
Publisher: Forever
4 stars
I’m a long-time fan of medieval romance. Once upon a time, medievals were in abundance with new books being released every month but they’ve become a bit scarce in recent years so you can imagine how excited I get every time a good one hits the market. Toss a sexy highlander, a feisty heroine and a touch of paranormal into the medieval mix and my reader’s heart dances with delight.
The beloved younger daughter of Duncan MacKenzie, the Black Stag of Kintail, Lady Gelis MacKenzie has begun to wonder if she will ever be allowed to marry. She dreams of being swept away by a handsome, passionate man while watching her over-protective father spurn suitor after suitor…until an offer arrives from the one man that honor demands he not refuse, sending Gelis into the arms of the handsome stranger whose face she has seen in a vision and who she firmly believes she is meant to love for the rest of her life.
Ronan “Raven” MacRuari is a proud, passionate man living a cursed life. He has buried two wives and refuses to consider a third, believing with all his heart that to do so would be to consign another woman to death. His wily grandfather has other ideas. Calling in an old debt of honor, his grandfather sends for Lady Gelis MacKenzie, a beautiful, spirited woman who he believes is the one woman with a chance to win his grandson’s heart and end the curse of the MacRuari clan. He just neglects to mention the fact that he has betrothed Ronan to Gelis until the blushing bride-to-be arrives on their doorstep.
This book has so many elements that I enjoy in historical fiction. The story is set in Scotland, has a proud and stubborn hero, a heroine with the gift of magic in her soul and enough belief in her destiny to withstand, and eventually overcome, the hero’s doubts, an ancient curse, mortal (and some perhaps not so mortal) beings with sinister intentions, a loyal dog, intriguing secondary characters and a wily grandfather. Welfonder masterfully injects the dialogue with enough local inflection so that I felt as though I could “hear” the characters’ Scots brogue but not so much that I was pulled out of the story by attempting to pronounce the words or guess at their meaning. The story progressed smoothly and held my attention throughout. The author also did a terrific job of dropping hints here and there as to the identity of the villains and reasons for the curse while keeping me guessing until close to the end of the book. I adored Buckie, Ronan’s elderly dog. It is, in large part, by observing Buckie and Ronan’s relationship and Ronan’s concern for and loving care of his beloved pet that Gelis, and the reader, gradually begin to better understand the man.
Seducing a Scottish Bride is part of an ongoing series but stands well on its own. It’s the first Welfonder book that I’ve read but I’m already looking forward to reading the earlier books in this series as well as the next book, A Highlander’s Temptation which is due out in October of this year.
Publisher: Forever
4 stars
I’m a long-time fan of medieval romance. Once upon a time, medievals were in abundance with new books being released every month but they’ve become a bit scarce in recent years so you can imagine how excited I get every time a good one hits the market. Toss a sexy highlander, a feisty heroine and a touch of paranormal into the medieval mix and my reader’s heart dances with delight.
The beloved younger daughter of Duncan MacKenzie, the Black Stag of Kintail, Lady Gelis MacKenzie has begun to wonder if she will ever be allowed to marry. She dreams of being swept away by a handsome, passionate man while watching her over-protective father spurn suitor after suitor…until an offer arrives from the one man that honor demands he not refuse, sending Gelis into the arms of the handsome stranger whose face she has seen in a vision and who she firmly believes she is meant to love for the rest of her life.
Ronan “Raven” MacRuari is a proud, passionate man living a cursed life. He has buried two wives and refuses to consider a third, believing with all his heart that to do so would be to consign another woman to death. His wily grandfather has other ideas. Calling in an old debt of honor, his grandfather sends for Lady Gelis MacKenzie, a beautiful, spirited woman who he believes is the one woman with a chance to win his grandson’s heart and end the curse of the MacRuari clan. He just neglects to mention the fact that he has betrothed Ronan to Gelis until the blushing bride-to-be arrives on their doorstep.
This book has so many elements that I enjoy in historical fiction. The story is set in Scotland, has a proud and stubborn hero, a heroine with the gift of magic in her soul and enough belief in her destiny to withstand, and eventually overcome, the hero’s doubts, an ancient curse, mortal (and some perhaps not so mortal) beings with sinister intentions, a loyal dog, intriguing secondary characters and a wily grandfather. Welfonder masterfully injects the dialogue with enough local inflection so that I felt as though I could “hear” the characters’ Scots brogue but not so much that I was pulled out of the story by attempting to pronounce the words or guess at their meaning. The story progressed smoothly and held my attention throughout. The author also did a terrific job of dropping hints here and there as to the identity of the villains and reasons for the curse while keeping me guessing until close to the end of the book. I adored Buckie, Ronan’s elderly dog. It is, in large part, by observing Buckie and Ronan’s relationship and Ronan’s concern for and loving care of his beloved pet that Gelis, and the reader, gradually begin to better understand the man.
Seducing a Scottish Bride is part of an ongoing series but stands well on its own. It’s the first Welfonder book that I’ve read but I’m already looking forward to reading the earlier books in this series as well as the next book, A Highlander’s Temptation which is due out in October of this year.
August 16, 2014
Western Highlands - 1348
Adding this to the list of "favorite reads". Sue-Ellen's writing is magical to me. Through her words I could actually see the mist snaking it's way in through the window embrasures like talons clawing to make purchase. I got actual chills in several parts while reading. Gelis and Ronan's story is an emotional one that changes darkness to light and in doing that takes you through some pretty rough moments for these two. As always, Sue-Ellen brings me to tears with laughter just as easily as she pulls on my heart strings. I love the way Duncan Mackenzie, Gelis's father, and Sir Marmaduke, Duncan's closest friend, go at it. Marmaduke riles Duncan to no end and gets him going which leaves me with the biggest smile on my face and warmth in my heart. This entire Mackenzie series is one not to be passed by!
All in all, this is a story that started with a life debt that brought the feeling of magic into my world along with some tears and lots of laughter. I felt the strength of the characters along with their fears, and faith in each other. Love truly does conquer all!
Adding this to the list of "favorite reads". Sue-Ellen's writing is magical to me. Through her words I could actually see the mist snaking it's way in through the window embrasures like talons clawing to make purchase. I got actual chills in several parts while reading. Gelis and Ronan's story is an emotional one that changes darkness to light and in doing that takes you through some pretty rough moments for these two. As always, Sue-Ellen brings me to tears with laughter just as easily as she pulls on my heart strings. I love the way Duncan Mackenzie, Gelis's father, and Sir Marmaduke, Duncan's closest friend, go at it. Marmaduke riles Duncan to no end and gets him going which leaves me with the biggest smile on my face and warmth in my heart. This entire Mackenzie series is one not to be passed by!
All in all, this is a story that started with a life debt that brought the feeling of magic into my world along with some tears and lots of laughter. I felt the strength of the characters along with their fears, and faith in each other. Love truly does conquer all!
March 30, 2013
I selected this book based on the fact that the author and I share a name, Sue Ellen, though mine is minus the hyphen. (And no smirking about this book selection method, because I happen to know for a fact that one of YOU, my Goodreads friends, selects wine based on the label design, which seems to me to be an equally random method!) Well, I can happily report that my namesake did not disappoint me, and this was an enjoyable read. She has gifted her heroine with "second sight" and cursed her dashing Highlander hero with a tormented past, providing enough tension and mysticism to keep the reader from sliding into romance-novel ennui while still making sure that true love triumphs in the end. A solid 3.5 stars.
August 4, 2013
I love this whole entire series. You can read each book as a stand alone but I prefer to read series in order and I am so glad that I did it with this particular series.
Gelis & Ronan are thrown together into a marriage that her father and his grandfather have set up in the past and now Ronan's family is calling in the favor. Ronan believes his family is cursed after losing his first 2 wives and doesn't want any harm to come to Gelis.
Gelis doesn't see that any harm can come to her and begins plans to seduce Ronan into loving her and their marriage. This book has some funny parts and is overall a very good story.
Gelis & Ronan are thrown together into a marriage that her father and his grandfather have set up in the past and now Ronan's family is calling in the favor. Ronan believes his family is cursed after losing his first 2 wives and doesn't want any harm to come to Gelis.
Gelis doesn't see that any harm can come to her and begins plans to seduce Ronan into loving her and their marriage. This book has some funny parts and is overall a very good story.
Read
September 16, 2009I read to about page 150 and stopped. I wanted to like this book as I have read many other books by this author, but I found the story alternating between interesting and boring. At one point there were no less that 20 pages of dialogue and at the end I couldn't even tell you what it was all about. I didn't feel connected to either lead character at all. As I said, I really wanted to like this book but it just didn't deliver for me. I love the cover, though!
October 16, 2010
This was my first read of Sue-ellen Welfonder , but i really enjoyed it
it tells of the growing love between lady gelis mackensie and ronan macruari otherwise known as the raven, it tells of there story of how ravens grandfather arranges a marriange between the two clans and how the ralationship blossoms but the drawback is the the macruari clan is under a curse from centeries ago when druids roamed the lands and how together the break the curse
it tells of the growing love between lady gelis mackensie and ronan macruari otherwise known as the raven, it tells of there story of how ravens grandfather arranges a marriange between the two clans and how the ralationship blossoms but the drawback is the the macruari clan is under a curse from centeries ago when druids roamed the lands and how together the break the curse
Read
March 24, 2009The story of Ronan the Raven. His family has a curse on them. So Ronan has already had two brides die on him. However, when his family gets him a new bride he is afraid to love her or be with her. Gelis has the sight and has seen that she belongs to Ronan. She has to make him believe that the curse can be broken.
July 20, 2010
This was a great historical romance. It had the brooding highlander and the spirted maiden force together by circumstances beyond thier control. Together that have to face a challenge that brings them closer together and saves thier clan.
October 29, 2009
The cover is pretty. I liked the heroine's name - Gelis. Always love a setting of Scotland. Um....that's about all I can say that's positive about this book. Sorry.
April 22, 2009
The sixth book in the MacKenzie series by Sue-Ellen Welfonder. I liked this better than other books in the series. Not sure why.
June 23, 2011
This was as good a read as the last Welfonder book I read.
January 25, 2011
Really a great book
July 13, 2022
The title is misleading. I think it should be titled "seducing a scottish husband", but alas. The book started off pretty well, but the supernatural/fantasy elements went off the rails towards the end making it very hard to finish.
December 30, 2017
Didn’t care for
Had more potential, but in the end it was meh, okay for me. I had hoped for a bit more.
Had more potential, but in the end it was meh, okay for me. I had hoped for a bit more.
July 24, 2018
Good book good series
April 5, 2019
Mehh, I thought there was so much potential in the love story between Gelis and Ronan. Sadly after 156 pages I gave up because most of the story was about everything other than that.
Read
November 7, 2019Gelis starts off a bit annoying with how insistent she is about marrying a man who doesn’t want to wed her.
November 29, 2019
This book had curses, wizards, witches, an arranged marriage, ghosts, and more, and yet it was so boring. I did like that she chased him.
March 8, 2009
For months, I've seen posts and widgets about this particular book all over the web-- it seemed like everyone had it on their list of books they were waiting for. The cover caught my eye, and then the title, and by the time I got to the blurb/summary, I thought "This sounds like a good book-- I'll have to add it to my list as well!". Unfortunately, after all the hype, the months of waiting for it to come out, when my copy finally arrived a few weeks ago (Thanks to Hachette Book Group!), I never would have known that I would soon find myself a bit disappointed.
I'd like to start out by saying that Seducing a Scottish Bride was not a terrible book, nor does it rate a 'Never Read This Book' tag, but, for me at least, it fell a bit short of expectations. That being said, I'll move on to trying to explain why this book was only mediocre.
The story started out a bit slow--- not always a bad thing, I've seen plenty of books start that way and then pick up considerably, and by the end of the book, I have very few complaints about how it all started. But in this case, I didn't feel like the story ever reached the peak speed until it was too late, and the end was in sight, barely three or four chapters away. I feel ashamed to admit this, but there were many times in the book when I would merely glance at the page, skimming it, before flipping it. It just couldn't hold my attention, and I would sometimes end up flipping through 10 pages at a time before I'd stop and actually read it, word for word. It wasn't the writing itself, so I can't blame the author, but the interaction between characters and the plot line were not very concrete. Usually, if you skip that many pages in a book, you become lost. I didn't, or at least, not that I know of. I still kept up with the basic story. Again, I can't stress this enough-- this is all just my opinion, and I have to be honest! Please, don't try to take it as rude or insulting, I would never want it to sound like that.
A story about feuding Scotland clans should be really interesting, right up my alley... right? So then why did this one fail to pull me in to the story? I honestly can't say... Nothing really stands out about it, good or bad. There were no red flags along the way that screamed "I hate this because.." but there were also no flags that said "Stop-- I loved it, go back and reread it!". I read the book, I finished it, and I can't say that I regretted it, but...I don't think it will be reread anytime soon either. Would I recommend it? Possibly. Depends on the particular reader, and it wouldn't be my first choice as recommendation, but it's definitely not on my 'never read this' list either. The easiest way to describe it is average. That makes it sound horrible, but I don't' know of any other way to say it.
The romance between the two didn't seem to be there for most of the story-- again, not a bad thing, I've seen it happen before, but when it finally showed up, I kept thinking 'Where did it come from?'. Usually you can see the love evolving and building, but I can't really say that I saw it in this one. (Maybe I somehow missed it while flipping through the pages, but I don't think I could have skipped something that important...) It was like one moment they hated each other, didn't want to be married, and the next thing you know, they are living happily ever after. I just would have liked a bit more in between those two! Not just physically love, but all the little things that add up as well; conversations, glances, fleeting caresses, etc.
3/5 stars! It could have been better, but for what it was, Seducing a Scottish Bride wasn't half bad. It had it's moments where I got into the story, and there were a few tender 'awe' moments between the H/Hr, but over all it was lacking...something. I can't put my finger on what that 'something' is, I'm sorry, but I do know that it was missing. If you enjoy historical romances, put this one on your list anyway-- it was a fairly quick read, and some readers may fall in love with it from page one. I, however, only fell for it momentarily, and then it switched to 'I liked it'. Who knows-- I may change my mind later on, and I have her other books in my want to read list... maybe this book just wasn't the one for me, but one of her older ones could change my opinion. We'll have to see...
I'd like to start out by saying that Seducing a Scottish Bride was not a terrible book, nor does it rate a 'Never Read This Book' tag, but, for me at least, it fell a bit short of expectations. That being said, I'll move on to trying to explain why this book was only mediocre.
The story started out a bit slow--- not always a bad thing, I've seen plenty of books start that way and then pick up considerably, and by the end of the book, I have very few complaints about how it all started. But in this case, I didn't feel like the story ever reached the peak speed until it was too late, and the end was in sight, barely three or four chapters away. I feel ashamed to admit this, but there were many times in the book when I would merely glance at the page, skimming it, before flipping it. It just couldn't hold my attention, and I would sometimes end up flipping through 10 pages at a time before I'd stop and actually read it, word for word. It wasn't the writing itself, so I can't blame the author, but the interaction between characters and the plot line were not very concrete. Usually, if you skip that many pages in a book, you become lost. I didn't, or at least, not that I know of. I still kept up with the basic story. Again, I can't stress this enough-- this is all just my opinion, and I have to be honest! Please, don't try to take it as rude or insulting, I would never want it to sound like that.
A story about feuding Scotland clans should be really interesting, right up my alley... right? So then why did this one fail to pull me in to the story? I honestly can't say... Nothing really stands out about it, good or bad. There were no red flags along the way that screamed "I hate this because.." but there were also no flags that said "Stop-- I loved it, go back and reread it!". I read the book, I finished it, and I can't say that I regretted it, but...I don't think it will be reread anytime soon either. Would I recommend it? Possibly. Depends on the particular reader, and it wouldn't be my first choice as recommendation, but it's definitely not on my 'never read this' list either. The easiest way to describe it is average. That makes it sound horrible, but I don't' know of any other way to say it.
The romance between the two didn't seem to be there for most of the story-- again, not a bad thing, I've seen it happen before, but when it finally showed up, I kept thinking 'Where did it come from?'. Usually you can see the love evolving and building, but I can't really say that I saw it in this one. (Maybe I somehow missed it while flipping through the pages, but I don't think I could have skipped something that important...) It was like one moment they hated each other, didn't want to be married, and the next thing you know, they are living happily ever after. I just would have liked a bit more in between those two! Not just physically love, but all the little things that add up as well; conversations, glances, fleeting caresses, etc.
3/5 stars! It could have been better, but for what it was, Seducing a Scottish Bride wasn't half bad. It had it's moments where I got into the story, and there were a few tender 'awe' moments between the H/Hr, but over all it was lacking...something. I can't put my finger on what that 'something' is, I'm sorry, but I do know that it was missing. If you enjoy historical romances, put this one on your list anyway-- it was a fairly quick read, and some readers may fall in love with it from page one. I, however, only fell for it momentarily, and then it switched to 'I liked it'. Who knows-- I may change my mind later on, and I have her other books in my want to read list... maybe this book just wasn't the one for me, but one of her older ones could change my opinion. We'll have to see...
December 18, 2009
First I do must say that the title is rather incorrect, it should more be Seducing a Scottish groom, because Ronan tried everything not to seduce her, and she on the other hand tries everything to seduce him.
I do love Scotland, and who doesn't love Scots who do not wear anything under that plaid. How they got anything done is beyond me. But ok enough with what they wear.
Ronan is dark and brooding, he has lost 2 wives and the castle and grounds are a dangerous place since there is a ancient curse over the family. I did think just like Gelis here, curse, tsk, but then it kind of changed. No there is a curse, there is magic and druids and power therefore the paranormal in the genre category too. Because else I do not know how to describe a mist snake and bull with red eyes. There is true magic here, but then the Highlands have always been enchanted.
Gelis is strong spirited, she has the sight, and the sees a raven, when she then hears she is bound to marry Ronan MacRuari she welcomes the idea, even if her father does not. She goes to the dark castle with open arms. Of course Ronan wants nothing to do with her, he is afraid of her dying, and she, well she knwo they are meant to be.
There is magic in the air, and foul play, and she tries her best and seducing him. She sure knows whats she wants and is not afraid to take it. Though someone who wants some hot romance soon must wait, and wait, and wait, the first kiss comes way into the second half of the book. But I do not mind it. It is keeping with character, even is the passion is sizzling underneath and he seems to be obsessed with her hair.
The language is pretty easy flowing, but there is something that could bother people, and which has me wondering sometimes. It is not that they like to say Scottish words, no, it is the spelling of Scottish as they said it with a Scottish accent.
A cute romance with two strong characters, some kilts, and some magic.
Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: I am not saying no to a kilt ;)
Reason for reading: My own book
Final thoughts. A nice little romance
I do love Scotland, and who doesn't love Scots who do not wear anything under that plaid. How they got anything done is beyond me. But ok enough with what they wear.
Ronan is dark and brooding, he has lost 2 wives and the castle and grounds are a dangerous place since there is a ancient curse over the family. I did think just like Gelis here, curse, tsk, but then it kind of changed. No there is a curse, there is magic and druids and power therefore the paranormal in the genre category too. Because else I do not know how to describe a mist snake and bull with red eyes. There is true magic here, but then the Highlands have always been enchanted.
Gelis is strong spirited, she has the sight, and the sees a raven, when she then hears she is bound to marry Ronan MacRuari she welcomes the idea, even if her father does not. She goes to the dark castle with open arms. Of course Ronan wants nothing to do with her, he is afraid of her dying, and she, well she knwo they are meant to be.
There is magic in the air, and foul play, and she tries her best and seducing him. She sure knows whats she wants and is not afraid to take it. Though someone who wants some hot romance soon must wait, and wait, and wait, the first kiss comes way into the second half of the book. But I do not mind it. It is keeping with character, even is the passion is sizzling underneath and he seems to be obsessed with her hair.
The language is pretty easy flowing, but there is something that could bother people, and which has me wondering sometimes. It is not that they like to say Scottish words, no, it is the spelling of Scottish as they said it with a Scottish accent.
A cute romance with two strong characters, some kilts, and some magic.
Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: I am not saying no to a kilt ;)
Reason for reading: My own book
Final thoughts. A nice little romance
February 14, 2009
Lady Gelis MacKenzie is an heiress. She is one of the most beautiful and headstrong heiress to live in the highlands. Gelis may be an heiress but she is just like every other woman and in the fact that she is looking for love. Gelis ends up dreaming of a dark haired man, who she believes is her true love.
Ronan MacRuari is cursed and so because of this he won’t marry again. He has just recently buried his second wife. Ronan is also known as the Raven. This is because of his dark hair. Too much of Ronan’s disappointment, he learns that he is to be married for the third time to Lady Gelis. He tries to get rid of Gelis by warning her of his curse. Gelis does not believe in curses. She is determined to prove to Ronan that she is the woman for him. Who knows, like the saying says “The third time’s the charm”!
I really enjoyed Gelis. She is charming to everyone, kind and was willing to put up with all of Ronan’s crap. I could see why all of the ladies wanted Ronan. He is tall, stocky and a great protector. Seducing a Scottish Bride is book six in this series. The good part is that you do not have to read the rest of the books to enjoy this story. This book is a quick read. You could tell that author Sue-Ellen Welfonder really enjoys her historicals. I am adding Sue-Ellen Welfonder to my list of authors to keep reading.
Ronan MacRuari is cursed and so because of this he won’t marry again. He has just recently buried his second wife. Ronan is also known as the Raven. This is because of his dark hair. Too much of Ronan’s disappointment, he learns that he is to be married for the third time to Lady Gelis. He tries to get rid of Gelis by warning her of his curse. Gelis does not believe in curses. She is determined to prove to Ronan that she is the woman for him. Who knows, like the saying says “The third time’s the charm”!
I really enjoyed Gelis. She is charming to everyone, kind and was willing to put up with all of Ronan’s crap. I could see why all of the ladies wanted Ronan. He is tall, stocky and a great protector. Seducing a Scottish Bride is book six in this series. The good part is that you do not have to read the rest of the books to enjoy this story. This book is a quick read. You could tell that author Sue-Ellen Welfonder really enjoys her historicals. I am adding Sue-Ellen Welfonder to my list of authors to keep reading.
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