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Children of the Mist #4.5

A Highlander for Christmas

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A SEASON OF MAGIC

As the bard of the MacGregor clan, Finlay Grant is a natural-born charmer. He can easily win the heart of any lass . . . but somehow, the right words to express his love for stunning Leslie Harrison have eluded him. Yet as Christmastide approaches, Finn knows he must find a way to propose to the raven-haired beauty who has stolen his heart.

A BATTLE FOR TRUE LOVE

A furious Leslie Harrison could run her brothers through for promising her to another. But she will do anything to save her family from dishonor . . . even though in her heart she knows no other man but Finn will do. When Leslie's betrothed makes a dastardly deal, putting her family and the MacGregor clan in danger, Finn will prove that he's just as fierce in battle as he is sweet in song. Can these two lovers find a Christmas miracle that will grant them a happily-ever-after?

123 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

73 people are currently reading
942 people want to read

About the author

Paula Quinn

61 books1,392 followers
Paula Quinn is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of medieval, Scottish historical, and paranormal romance. To date, four of her books have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly. She has been nominated for Storyteller of the year by RT Book Reviews and every one of her books from the Children of the Mist series have garnered Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Check out her series, Hearts of the Highlands featuring the brave, romantic MacPhersons on Amazon now!
Also, look for her new time-travel series Echoes In Time coming soon!

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5 stars
197 (29%)
4 stars
239 (35%)
3 stars
186 (27%)
2 stars
44 (6%)
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10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,212 reviews126 followers
December 4, 2020
A Highlander for Christmas, by Paula Quinn. I loved reading this short romantic holiday read. Paula did an amazing job of pulling me into Finn and Leslle’s love story. First I want to say that I loved the action that took place in the story. There was so much going on this scene, but I was able to keep up with all that was happening and to whom it was happening to.
The action scenes are explained well and brings the story to the readers imagination. The family drama, is the force behind the actions that Leslie and Finn needed to take, in order to find happiness for one another. I liked the humor of the characters. Even though Highlander’s are always written as big, tough and always serious. I liked that these guys and Finn showed their soft side and their humor.
Now for the romance. Finn definitely had a way with words for his beloved Leslie. Paula, has won me over in writing these parts of the book. While reading you can easily feel the love Finn has for Leslie through the words written in the story. The passion that these two has for each other ignites a few pages in the book. Those parts were definitely my favorite to read. My fellow readers I recommend this holiday romantic read. Until next time... read on!
443 reviews
December 7, 2017
Will do almost anything for a Paula Quinn book. Just love the way the stories take you away. Reading them makes me believe that I am there too.
Profile Image for The Window Seat.
689 reviews71 followers
Read
November 4, 2012
At last! Finlay Grant has found the love of his life, and he knows about love because he is the bard of Clan MacGregor and he sings of love and war, happiness and sorrow every day; there could be no better judge! Finn knew from the moment he saw the beautiful Leslie Harrison, when she and her family sought refuge at Camlochlin on the Isle of Skye, that she was the one. But their politics did not mesh, him being a Catholic Highlander working to keep a like King James on the throne, while her family were Presbyterians supporting William of Orange overthrowing the King.

Christmas was approaching and Finn had decided to finally tell his love how he felt, and then it happened… her brother said he had accepted a betrothal on her behalf, to James Douglas, a Lowland Covenanter (militant Presbyterians) and a marquess to boot, add to that he was an old man and a letch. Then to top it all off she left before Finn could do anything about it.

For the full review, please go to http://thewindowseat13.blogspot.com/2...
826 reviews
April 9, 2020
Nutshell review:

• Not my favourite of the series, but ok anyways
• Too short for any real plot to be developed
• I had a hard time picture Finn as an adult, rather than the young lad he is in the books
• Can't really comment to much on whether Finn & Leslie are a good match because, again, not much material to work with since this is a novella
• Leslie's brothers suck! My goodness.
483 reviews
July 27, 2025
3.9.
"I’ll keep yer lips swollen and rosy, but not yer eyes."
Profile Image for Angels.
2,069 reviews17 followers
December 30, 2012






A Highlander for Christmas
By Paula Quinn

5 stars

A SEASON OF MAGIC

As the bard of the MacGregor clan, Finlay Grant is a natural-born charmer. He can easily win the heart of any lass . . . But somehow, the right words to express his love for stunning Leslie Harrison have eluded him. Yet as Christmastide approaches, Finn knows he must find a way to propose to the raven-haired beauty who has stolen his heart.

A BATTLE FOR TRUE LOVE

A furious Leslie Harrison could run her brothers through for promising her to another. But she will do anything to save her family from dishonor . . . Even though in her heart she knows no other man but Finn will do. When Leslie's betrothed makes a dastardly deal, putting her family and the MacGregor clan in danger, Finn will prove that he's just as fierce in battle as he is sweet in song. Can these two lovers find a Christmas miracle that will grant them a happily-ever-after?

My Thoughts

Always loving reading about those hunky highlanders and a Christmas story is always a rare treat.

This was a very cute fun and fast read and loved it !What is it with those Highlanders always waiting to the last minute to declare there love to the one they want to take to wife and have there bairns.

Finn and Leslie need a Christmas miracle. The dashing Bard Finn is to late in declaring his love for Leslie as she is now promised to another.It order to return her family to England she must marry the Earl to restore there good name as they have been branded as traitors.

Finn lets Leslie go knowing that she is taking his heart with her. But, those Highlanders don't give up what they consider there's and will do what it takes to get back belongs to them and Finn is no different he may be a Bard and not a Warrior but he can plan and attack and have the MacGregor clan at his back while doing it !

This novella was a fun filled adventure and several times had you smiling at Finns smooth talking ways especially with the ladies..Finns dashing good looks and smooth tongue has the ladies swooning can only be allies to him in his siege to come.

Leslie and Finn truly love one another and you can only keeping your fingers crossed that things will work out. Would she be able to live with her decision and without Finn ? And he without her ?A touching story where once must let go of the past to start anew and what better time to do so then at the Christmas Holidays which bring love laugher and miracles...

A Recommended read to all ! Paula has her novella on Amazon for only .99 cents this Holiday season. And be sure to pick up some of Paula Quinn's other novels involving those hunky Highlanders of the MacGregor Clan as there stories are great reads also !

Profile Image for Kat ~ Forever Book Lover ♥.
261 reviews161 followers
December 16, 2012
You can find this review and more at Forever Book Lover.

I was so looking forward to Finlay's story and Paula Quinn did not let her readers down... Ok, at first I was disheartened, that one it was the last book in the series and that it was a novella but she did a wonderful job building the characters and not making you feel slighted. I would recommend you reading the entire series before starting with this one...

Finlay has found the love of his life and he is determined to marry her. Unfortunately, when Finlay finally gets ready to propose to his true love and live happily ever after~ her brothers written a different nding altogether...As common in this time period, his love interest, Leslie is bethrothed to another, and still as common it is not a match made in heaven and done for the sole purpose to help her family.

Our seemingly peaceful bard, takes measures into his own hands to get back his true love. This is a must read for all Paula Quinn, "Children of the Mist" series. Paula did a wonderful job building the characters, both primary and secondary. It is a quick read, but one filled with those "hot" Scottish men. She also brought back all those sexy gorgeous brothers and their families, giving us a beautiful ending and a Happy Ever After.
Profile Image for Terree.
284 reviews
September 16, 2012
At last! Finlay Grant has found the love of his life, and he knows about love because he is the bard of Clan MacGregor and he sings of love and war, happiness and sorrow every day; there could be no better judge! Finn knew from the moment he saw the beautiful Leslie Harrison, when she and her family sought refuge at Camlochlin on the Isle of Skye, that she was the one. But their politics did not mesh, him being a Catholic Highlander working to keep a like King James on the throne, while her family were Presbyterians supporting William of Orange overthrowing the King.

Christmas was approaching and Finn had decided to finally tell his love how he felt, and then it happened… her brother said he had accepted a betrothal on her behalf, to James Douglas, a Lowland Covenanter (militant Presbyterians) and a marquess to boot, add to that he was an old man and a letch. Then to top it all off she left before Finn could do anything about it.

A full review will follow on my blogsite:

http://networkedblogs.com/CdB3o?a=share


Profile Image for Melanie.
921 reviews40 followers
December 11, 2012
Finlay Grant is a mix of Beta and Alpha hero. As a famous bard of the MacGregor clan, his skill with words matches the one with weapons. Females of all ages are smitten with him and would love it if he’d make up his mind to marry one of them and take himself off the market, so long as he doesn't pick the Lowlander that’s been hiding out with her family among them.

Leslie Harrison has tender feelings for this charming and handsome man, but he’s been forever procrastinating in declaring himself to her. She’s getting a bit frustrated with him!

And that’s where rubber meets the road, sort of! Just when Finn finds the courage to propose marriage, Leslie’s brother decides that by betrothing her to another, would save their family and their home . That’s something that neither hero nor heroine have been counting on and will have to find ways to thwart the bad guys as well as her family…

This is another little gem of a novella filled with fun, adventure and romance and I found its pace quick, characters charming and clever and the story very entertaining. Perfect for a night in.
Profile Image for Debra Taylor.
887 reviews24 followers
October 11, 2012
As Always , Paula Quinn serves up a hot & steamy serving of Highlander romance .
Finlay Grant has finally fallen in love. It's taken him months to express his love to Leslie Harrison. He is finally ready to propose when her brother announces that he has contracted a marriage for Leslie. To a lowlander Marquess old enough to be her father . The love of Finn's life is to be used as a pawn for her family. Ah, but Finn isn't ready to let the woman he loves go without a fight.
Paula Quinn knows how to write medievel romance. Amidst the romance of this story is just the right touch of political intrigue indicative of the time. Although I was saddened to see this series ( Children of the Mist) ending I am now looking forward to whatever Ms. Quinn has in store for us next .
Profile Image for May ّمي.
444 reviews20 followers
July 23, 2015
Loved it

Fast read and lovely

It's been a while I forgot who is the good guy and who is the bad. PQ have depth and realism in her stories.

It seems even while I was reading the series I was confused as well :") how about 2 years later? Yup still confused :/
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,112 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2017
A lovely Highlander holiday story

Beautifully written and filled with passion. The author's poetry and descriptions prove that she is the bard. The story has a bit of everything, intrigue, a good little battle, a strong brave hero and a lovely HEA.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
2,233 reviews
October 6, 2012
Finn's story was perfect! Now, I want to go back and start at the beginning reading all the books in the MacGregors and Children of the Mist series again! Sigh. :)
734 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2019
Totally in love with the highlander Bard, Finlay, Leslie only wanted to marry him and live happily with him.
Her brothers wanted to go back home, in England, so they arrange to betroth her to a Marquess that will stand with them and keep them safe if they go home.
Leslie is torn between staying with Finn in the highlands or leaving and marrying and being miserable the rest of her life. You will feel her unhappiness in the story Paula Quinn has woven. It was so unfair for women to be bargained with in those times like horses or sheep.
The story will keep you involved in their lives until the end of the book. I couldn’t put it down.
536 reviews
December 9, 2020
When the story begins, Finn and Leslie are already in love. He is going to talk with her older brother that night to ask for her hand. So there is no "Building" to their love story. They are already there. But just before he can ask her brother, the brother tells the clan his family is leaving (Leslie with them) and he has secretly betrothed her to someone else. The book is really about Finn finding a way to keep her from marrying the other guy who she doesn't want. The book felt like the last two chapters of a regular length novel. The story already felt so far along and I never really got into it.
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,279 reviews37 followers
November 7, 2018
This was a nice fast read and I enjoyed the story between Finlay and Leslie. Not having read any of the previous books of this series, I was a bit lost but it's all good. I guess I'm just not used to the hero being a gentle bard but he proves himself and that's what counts:) Nicely done!
Profile Image for Marion Chase.
11 reviews
January 1, 2023
Sweet Read!

Love the MacGregor Clan and authors follow through with all these characters who have become such a big part of me! This is such a sweet wrap up to the full story of this family. The only problem, my cheeks hurt from smiling! Read it!!
Profile Image for Sarah Soueidan.
196 reviews9 followers
July 17, 2024
“Let me tell ye of a place between the mountains and the mist.
A place ye’ve only dreamed about, where heroes still exist.
Of a fortress carved from courage, in defiance of the land.
A haven fer the outlawed and a refuge fer the damned.
Camlochlin, Camlochlin, jewel of my heart…”
Profile Image for Reyna.
934 reviews
January 14, 2026
An okay read overall. The historical romance and Scottish setting made for a different kind of holiday story, which I appreciated. Not a standout for me, but enjoyable enough if you’re in the mood for something a little outside the usual Christmas reads.
Profile Image for Beth.
1,290 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2017
It was ok. I kinda just skimmed through it.
Profile Image for Sara.
962 reviews
January 26, 2021
Well done, as always. I can't believe I waited so long to finish this series.
440 reviews
July 10, 2025
One generation written about now, and what an ending! Finn needed his story and loved every aspect of it!
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews221 followers
January 14, 2013
Reviewed by: JoAnne
Book provided by: NetGalley
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

This was an historical romance set in Scotland in the late 1600′s and is part of Quinn’s Highlander series which I didn’t realize when I started to read it. There were references to past stories that I didn’t feel I had enough information about so, for me, I wouldn’t consider it a stand alone story.

The characters were mostly big, brawny Scotsmen (or Highlanders). The woman were feisty in their own right especially Leslie who knew what she wanted and went after it but also felt loyalty to her family that needed her to go home with them for reasons not always known to her. The interactions between the characters did keep my interest although I was not familiar with all the Scottish words that were used.

The plot itself was jumpy. One minute there was a rescue and the next chapter there were references to a wedding the night before. The ending didn’t give closure but it could be since this book is part of an ongoing series and I’ll learn more when I read the next book. My ereader showed there were 114 pages, so I was surprised when the story abruptly ended on page 81. Then there was an about the author page as well as an excerpt from the first book in the series. After that there was an excerpt of how the MacGregor clan began, titles of other books by this author, reviews of some of those books and info on other books I might be interested in. I personally don’t like this tactic that that leads me to think I’m reading a longer book and it turns out not to be.

This book is part of the Highlander series which I have not read before but the characters did pique my interest enough to want to read the others in the series and hopefully fill in some blanks. I’ve always liked books set in Scotland so will add other books by Quinn to my TBR pile.

Favorite Quote: She giggled like a shy virgin, which, thanks to him, she was no longer. He already was everything and more. She would stay with him. Her heart gave her no other choice. Her family would have to understand. Finn was the joy and the love of her life. She wouldn’t leave him this time.
Profile Image for Jordan.
1,906 reviews
February 24, 2021
The premise is a bit faulty, and there was a thing here or there that was inconsistent or in error, but the characters were likable, so it was otherwise fine.
1 review
February 13, 2017
Great Book

I chose this book because I love romance novels. Scotland is my favorite country in Europe. I've always loved Scottish history and the Scottish Highlands! Full of action and lots of courage, honor, humor and family closeness. A book full of romance! If you have the chance to read try the book!
Profile Image for My Book Addiction and More MBA.
1,958 reviews71 followers
November 1, 2012
A HIGHLANDER FOR CHRISTMAS by Paula Quinn is delightful Medieval Scotland historical romance. A wonderful conclusion to the "Children of the Mist" series about the MacGregor clan,but far too short,an e-book novella.See,"Conquered by the Highlander","Tamed by the Highlander","Seduced by the Highlander", and "Ravished by the Highlander".Finlay Grant, the bard of the MacGregor clan, and a charmer has fallen in love with the the lass, Leslie Harrison,a lowlander who her and her family has come to the MacGregor clan to escape persecution,and she also finds love. But with family loyalty,she has been to betrothed to a Duke to save her family,who will do anything to find the MacGregor clan,including dishonoring a lass and her family. Fast paced and quick read. Ms. Quinn knows how to write with Scottish heroes,even if the hero is not a warrior. Powerful but fun story! Another hit for this author. A must for all who love Highlanders,warriors,Scotland,and Christmastime fun. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley. Details can be found at the author's website,Hachette Book Group,Grand Central Publishing,and My Book Addiction and More.

RATING: 5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
Profile Image for Farrah.
1,248 reviews210 followers
November 13, 2012
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...

This was an adorable little romantic novella. A nice, sweet, quick read.

Leslie was a determined heroine. My one problem with this novella was that, at one point, her determination noticeably falters. It just didn't fit with the rest of her actions and irritated me a little. But, besides that, I really like Leslie. She was a lovely heroine.

Finn was so sweet. Ohmygoodness, I just wanted to give him a hug, he was just so cute. He was so open about his love for Leslie and so true to it. Once he found out that Leslie loved him back, he wasn't about to let anything separate them. He was determined that they end up together. And they were just an adorable couple, so sweet together and VERY passionate in the more...intimate side of their relationship ;) I adored Finn and I adored him with Leslie.

Of course, since this is a novella, the plot moves swiftly. Ms. Quinn still manages to do a nice job establishing characterization as well as a full story. The ending was perfect and sweet. A nice historical romance ending.

To anyone who likes a good Highland romance, this is for you.

4/5

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
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