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Laird of Ballanclaire
Rebellion
Kameron Ballan, heir to the Laird of Ballanclaire, has no respect for his father's titles and treaties. They've gotten him naught but trouble—and a betrothal to a sickly Spanish princess. So when his latest peccadillo gets him transported to America to subdue the restless colonies, he's ready to prove his worth as a man, not a figurehead.
Seduction
Constant Ridgely, seventh daughter of an upright patriot family, discovers Kam beaten senseless by a crowd of colonists. She must hide him or watch him die, but the strange, brawny Scotsman inflames passions she's never guessed at.
Deception
Under Constant's ministrations, Kam discovers a lovely, innocent woman whose hands stir his desires. But much is at stake and there is much to lose, and their happiness depends on a risk so great only the truly lost would dare...
Kameron Ballan, heir to the Laird of Ballanclaire, has no respect for his father's titles and treaties. They've gotten him naught but trouble—and a betrothal to a sickly Spanish princess. So when his latest peccadillo gets him transported to America to subdue the restless colonies, he's ready to prove his worth as a man, not a figurehead.
Seduction
Constant Ridgely, seventh daughter of an upright patriot family, discovers Kam beaten senseless by a crowd of colonists. She must hide him or watch him die, but the strange, brawny Scotsman inflames passions she's never guessed at.
Deception
Under Constant's ministrations, Kam discovers a lovely, innocent woman whose hands stir his desires. But much is at stake and there is much to lose, and their happiness depends on a risk so great only the truly lost would dare...
408 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Ivie
90 books242 followersJackie Ivie was born and raised in a suburb outside Utah's capital, beautiful Salt Lake City. The second in a family of four daughters and one son, Jackie was constantly amusing her siblings with her invented games, escapades, and stories. And she was always reading. She would even walk the family dog, with one hand holding the leash, while the other held the ever-present book. No subject went unread, but once she discovered Historical Romances, there was no doubting her favorite genre.
Jackie has always been the busy type, rarely sitting still without being occupied in at least one activity, and usually more. When she was younger, it was nothing to find her watching television, while doing her homework, listening to music, crocheting like a madwoman, and reading, all at the same time.
After graduating, Jackie gained secure employment with a large service company and relocated with her growing family to the neighboring, sparsely-populated state of Wyoming. She then spent several years enjoying the wildlife, scenery, and open space that Wyoming is known for. In addition to writing, Jackie is an accomplished artist in several mediums, preferring mixed media. She has several pictures in print and has exhibited in art showings throughout the West. There was never anything she loved doing more than reading, however, and once she discovered the thrill involved with putting her own words and fantasies on paper there was no stopping her.
In 2001, Jackie and her family took a huge step and moved to the largest state of the nation; Alaska. Although it was her job that brought her here, Jackie has grown to love this land of amazing contrasts, breathtaking vistas, and the ever-present resident, the Alaskan moose. There's nothing else like it, and the very long days of summer lend themselves to hours and hours of energizing tasks, while the long winter nights are just right for her real love...writing.
Jackie has now written thirteen novels and is continually starting more. The thrill of writing has now been enhanced by seeing her actual story in print. Lady of the Knight is her first published work. It will be followed by Tender is the Knight scheduled for release this summer.
Taken from Jackie Ivie's Official Website at http://www.jackieivie.com/
Jackie has always been the busy type, rarely sitting still without being occupied in at least one activity, and usually more. When she was younger, it was nothing to find her watching television, while doing her homework, listening to music, crocheting like a madwoman, and reading, all at the same time.
After graduating, Jackie gained secure employment with a large service company and relocated with her growing family to the neighboring, sparsely-populated state of Wyoming. She then spent several years enjoying the wildlife, scenery, and open space that Wyoming is known for. In addition to writing, Jackie is an accomplished artist in several mediums, preferring mixed media. She has several pictures in print and has exhibited in art showings throughout the West. There was never anything she loved doing more than reading, however, and once she discovered the thrill involved with putting her own words and fantasies on paper there was no stopping her.
In 2001, Jackie and her family took a huge step and moved to the largest state of the nation; Alaska. Although it was her job that brought her here, Jackie has grown to love this land of amazing contrasts, breathtaking vistas, and the ever-present resident, the Alaskan moose. There's nothing else like it, and the very long days of summer lend themselves to hours and hours of energizing tasks, while the long winter nights are just right for her real love...writing.
Jackie has now written thirteen novels and is continually starting more. The thrill of writing has now been enhanced by seeing her actual story in print. Lady of the Knight is her first published work. It will be followed by Tender is the Knight scheduled for release this summer.
Taken from Jackie Ivie's Official Website at http://www.jackieivie.com/
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 30, 2013
This was a very enjoyable reading experience! I especially appreciate how much they just talked to each other and got to know each other at the beginning. I miss that in romances. Constant is a wonderful heroine, and it was great for Kameron to realize how much he didn't deserve her, despite the fact she loved him dearly. The story is quite interesting, but a twisty-turny path to happy ever after. I recommend it.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the October Issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the October Issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
October 17, 2014
I won a signed copy of this book on Goodreads Giveaways. Just received it in the mail and immediately started reading. More will follow as I read on.
Ok, I am finished. I had never read any Jackie Ivie before and I wasn't aware how many romances she wrote before. While reading the book, I got the feeling that it was a debut novel, and I mean it as a compliment! You know, seasoned authors out there do not take as much care with their writing anymore. They already have their own fans who forgive them a mistake our two so why bother? Whereas a debut novel is written with lots of care. Edited and re-edited. Well, all I am trying to say is that I really appreciated the writing style. Story continuity is perfect, the dialogues are well imagined and well written.
The first 100 to 150 pages of the book consist of a conversation that takes place over three nights between our beat up hero and heroine. I never thought I would be so taken by such a thing and thus, won't be able to put the book down. I was wrong. I finished the whole thing in 24 hours.
Usually, in romances, within the first few pages, the hero and heroine end up falling for each other and have sex. Not in this one. Oh boy, does the author keep us waiting (and waiting...) till the hero steals a a simple (yet steamy) kiss from the heroine. All in all, it is hot as hell. I'd say hats off to the author for achieving that effect.
Ok, I am finished. I had never read any Jackie Ivie before and I wasn't aware how many romances she wrote before. While reading the book, I got the feeling that it was a debut novel, and I mean it as a compliment! You know, seasoned authors out there do not take as much care with their writing anymore. They already have their own fans who forgive them a mistake our two so why bother? Whereas a debut novel is written with lots of care. Edited and re-edited. Well, all I am trying to say is that I really appreciated the writing style. Story continuity is perfect, the dialogues are well imagined and well written.
The first 100 to 150 pages of the book consist of a conversation that takes place over three nights between our beat up hero and heroine. I never thought I would be so taken by such a thing and thus, won't be able to put the book down. I was wrong. I finished the whole thing in 24 hours.
Usually, in romances, within the first few pages, the hero and heroine end up falling for each other and have sex. Not in this one. Oh boy, does the author keep us waiting (and waiting...) till the hero steals a a simple (yet steamy) kiss from the heroine. All in all, it is hot as hell. I'd say hats off to the author for achieving that effect.
Read
August 10, 2016Unforgettable characters, unusual premise, steamy scenes, and wacky plot twists--Jackie Ivie has created a fun roller coster you'll enjoy riding!
June 25, 2024
once you've watched Tool Academy back-to-back, all three seasons, you start to realise how a man comes to be defined as such. You understand the traits and personality needed to be an absolute tool and my god was the MC of Laird of Ballanclaire one and so was his lady wife. Match made in heaven I suppose but really just god awful to read about. Maybe, I'm of an age where stupid questions like 'what do you look like under you sack like dress' or the premise of a romance while you're peeling a man like an apple just cannot do it for me anymore. In fact, they never have. It was a wild ride start to finish and everyone felt tacky in it. I also cannot believe (might be a first for me) but the MH giving birth not once but TWICE in the book was the craziest, these kind of things usually takes place in the epilogue and the fact it was a main part of the story is just wild.
I probably would have more to say but I honestly sleep read through it because I didn't want to add this to my DNF. I suppose the writing style is not that bad it was my own dissatisfaction of the plot and substance of the book really which made it unreadable. The writing style is charming and engaging enough for someone in need of a corny read, I suppose.
I probably would have more to say but I honestly sleep read through it because I didn't want to add this to my DNF. I suppose the writing style is not that bad it was my own dissatisfaction of the plot and substance of the book really which made it unreadable. The writing style is charming and engaging enough for someone in need of a corny read, I suppose.
July 29, 2025
3.50 stars. I really enjoyed parts of this novel and was very irritated by other parts. In the end, it balanced out to a solid reading choice but not something I would take on a vacation or choose for a riveting weekend read. The first half of the novel was exciting and the chemistry between Constant and Kam was excellent. Once I got to Part Two, everything seemed to just fall apart for me. The characters were not written as well, the events were boring, and the whole "bodyguard group" supervising the future duke/laird was stupid. Overall, I would recommend this book, but only for the actual portion of Constant and Kam's relationship building.
February 2, 2019
V prvé řadě musím napsat, že podobné romány nečtu zase tak příliš často. V reálu jsem poměrně romantická, ale v té knize už na mě těch sladkých řečiček bylo až příliš. Nechce se mi věřit, že by se v historii našel muž, který by měl takové řeči. Ale chápu, že my ženy bychom si to možná přáli. Ačkoliv mě to fakt přišlo prestrelené a vtipné. Ale tak jako oddychovka to šlo. Však nemusím číst pořád nějaké to napětí :)
March 11, 2020
DNF! Nuda nuda. Oba mluví jak idioti.
March 22, 2022
3.8 to 4.0 stars
March 26, 2022
Done with this weird ass book.
April 28, 2022
Typical bodice ripping novel with god-like highlander :-) It's nice to read this kind of romances from time to time...
October 1, 2016
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This novel by Jackie Ivie is not what I expected. It is set in the years right before the Revolutionary War in America, but the hero is Scottish born and bred. I like that Ms. Ivie chose an unusual setting as well as an unusual matchup between the hero and the heroine. But the story was just a tad disjointed – it takes place over a number of years and while I like a saga as well as anyone, the time the hero and heroine spent together on paper was just a handful of days over 2 to 3 years. It left the reader wanting just a little more alone time with the main characters.
Constant Ridgely is the seventh daughter of an American family whose father runs a printing press and is very much anti-British in his political leanings. Most of her sisters are married and her one brother, Henry, is too young to do much work around the farm. Constant is therefore left doing most of the domestic work around the house. When one of her sisters goes into labor, even more work is dumped on Constant and when her niece Hester and brother Henry discover a man nearly dead in a ditch, Constant’s workload becomes almost insurmountable. Taking care of a man who is most likely wanted by the authorities is not the task she needs at this particular point in her life.
Kameron Ballan is in a pickle. After running afoul of some American patriots, he was tarred and feathered and left for dead. He is only in America because his aristocratic father sent him as a punishment and now even his rank cannot save him. He is thrilled when Constant Ridgely rescues him and hides him in her barn. Over a number of days, Constant takes on the excruciating task of removing the tar and feathers from Kameron’s body. A friendship is forged over those long hours and Constant begins to see herself as more than a too tall woman with few marital prospects.
The banter between Kameron and Constant is both lively and poignant at times and makes their eventual love for one another believable given the little time they have together. When Kameron is recaptured, Constant attempts to save him by telling the lynch mob (who includes her father) that she is pregnant with Kameron’s child. Her father forces a marriage and then proceeds to lynch Kameron anyway. Constant saves him and he is taken to a British Army post to recover. The commander sends her away and Constant does not see Kameron again for over a year.
The first third of the book is really wonderful. Kameron is very likeable and after a rough start, so is Constant. Her personality begins as griping and whiny, but over the course of their clandestine acquaintance, she opens up to Kameron and her true personality shines through. Kameron is portrayed as “God’s Gift to Women,” but he is truly a nice person and is thrilled that Constant likes him for himself. The middle part of the book is well written, but there is so little time in which the hero and heroine are in each other’s company, that it leaves a little bit to be desired from a romantic point of view. The final third of the book takes place in Scotland and while the ending is satisfying, there is just something about the method that Ms. Ivie comes up with for Kameron and Constant to be together that borders on the incredulous. I guess the theme of this book is “love will find a way.” Love did find a way, but the route to happiness was a little too convoluted for my tastes.
If you are looking for a romance based in Scotland, this is not one of Ms. Ivie’s typical Scottish romances. It is however, a better than average book that will keep you entertained if not enthralled.
This novel by Jackie Ivie is not what I expected. It is set in the years right before the Revolutionary War in America, but the hero is Scottish born and bred. I like that Ms. Ivie chose an unusual setting as well as an unusual matchup between the hero and the heroine. But the story was just a tad disjointed – it takes place over a number of years and while I like a saga as well as anyone, the time the hero and heroine spent together on paper was just a handful of days over 2 to 3 years. It left the reader wanting just a little more alone time with the main characters.
Constant Ridgely is the seventh daughter of an American family whose father runs a printing press and is very much anti-British in his political leanings. Most of her sisters are married and her one brother, Henry, is too young to do much work around the farm. Constant is therefore left doing most of the domestic work around the house. When one of her sisters goes into labor, even more work is dumped on Constant and when her niece Hester and brother Henry discover a man nearly dead in a ditch, Constant’s workload becomes almost insurmountable. Taking care of a man who is most likely wanted by the authorities is not the task she needs at this particular point in her life.
Kameron Ballan is in a pickle. After running afoul of some American patriots, he was tarred and feathered and left for dead. He is only in America because his aristocratic father sent him as a punishment and now even his rank cannot save him. He is thrilled when Constant Ridgely rescues him and hides him in her barn. Over a number of days, Constant takes on the excruciating task of removing the tar and feathers from Kameron’s body. A friendship is forged over those long hours and Constant begins to see herself as more than a too tall woman with few marital prospects.
The banter between Kameron and Constant is both lively and poignant at times and makes their eventual love for one another believable given the little time they have together. When Kameron is recaptured, Constant attempts to save him by telling the lynch mob (who includes her father) that she is pregnant with Kameron’s child. Her father forces a marriage and then proceeds to lynch Kameron anyway. Constant saves him and he is taken to a British Army post to recover. The commander sends her away and Constant does not see Kameron again for over a year.
The first third of the book is really wonderful. Kameron is very likeable and after a rough start, so is Constant. Her personality begins as griping and whiny, but over the course of their clandestine acquaintance, she opens up to Kameron and her true personality shines through. Kameron is portrayed as “God’s Gift to Women,” but he is truly a nice person and is thrilled that Constant likes him for himself. The middle part of the book is well written, but there is so little time in which the hero and heroine are in each other’s company, that it leaves a little bit to be desired from a romantic point of view. The final third of the book takes place in Scotland and while the ending is satisfying, there is just something about the method that Ms. Ivie comes up with for Kameron and Constant to be together that borders on the incredulous. I guess the theme of this book is “love will find a way.” Love did find a way, but the route to happiness was a little too convoluted for my tastes.
If you are looking for a romance based in Scotland, this is not one of Ms. Ivie’s typical Scottish romances. It is however, a better than average book that will keep you entertained if not enthralled.
October 29, 2013
Also posted on my blog: http://theravishingpen.blogspot.com
I just won this book in a goodreads giveaway (and it was signed! Yay me!), and I am SO very happy that I entered. This book was a delight to read and I classified in it one my of favorite terms, "Unputdownable!"
As there are many reviews below me, I won't reiterate the synopsis, but go straight to my experience with this novel.
First of all, it was a breath of fresh air to read a novel that didn't have the couple fighting each other and fighting their attraction to each other for the whole book. They got to know each other, Kam helped her build her self esteem, she acknowledged the fact that no one else made her feel that way, and I loved it! I loved that he didn't care about his title and would have willingly given all for her. I loved that despite his upbringing, he himself was open to love and emotions and had no problems expressing it.
I very much enjoyed watching Constant grow from being a farm girl with no sense of self worth, and blossom into royalty. I do wish that we had gotten to see more of her year away becoming the Princess, I think that would have been lovely to see that character development, and maybe it would have opened it up for Esmeralda to have her own book. As it is, perhaps we could build off of this world and create stories for his guard that he is putting together? Just an idea. I would love to see more of Kam and Constant, and see how their lives are with her living as the Princess. And perhaps see how many kids they have now. Good lord, Constant is fertile isn't she?
All in all, it was a wonderful story, that I highly recommend. I can't wait to read more from this author!
I just won this book in a goodreads giveaway (and it was signed! Yay me!), and I am SO very happy that I entered. This book was a delight to read and I classified in it one my of favorite terms, "Unputdownable!"
As there are many reviews below me, I won't reiterate the synopsis, but go straight to my experience with this novel.
First of all, it was a breath of fresh air to read a novel that didn't have the couple fighting each other and fighting their attraction to each other for the whole book. They got to know each other, Kam helped her build her self esteem, she acknowledged the fact that no one else made her feel that way, and I loved it! I loved that he didn't care about his title and would have willingly given all for her. I loved that despite his upbringing, he himself was open to love and emotions and had no problems expressing it.
I very much enjoyed watching Constant grow from being a farm girl with no sense of self worth, and blossom into royalty. I do wish that we had gotten to see more of her year away becoming the Princess, I think that would have been lovely to see that character development, and maybe it would have opened it up for Esmeralda to have her own book. As it is, perhaps we could build off of this world and create stories for his guard that he is putting together? Just an idea. I would love to see more of Kam and Constant, and see how their lives are with her living as the Princess. And perhaps see how many kids they have now. Good lord, Constant is fertile isn't she?
All in all, it was a wonderful story, that I highly recommend. I can't wait to read more from this author!
October 24, 2013
“Laird of Ballanclaire” by Jackie Ivie was a really good book. The novel begins in colonial America where Kam Ballan is found injured by Constant Ridgely, the daughter of a backwoods patriot. She nurses him back to health, but he is again captured and almost hanged for being a turncoat. Constant marries him to try to save him. Kam is not who he portrays, but is a Scottish duke betrothed to a Spanish princess.
Kameron Ballan, heir to the Laird of Ballanclaire, is being forced to wed the princess as the betrothal was made when the two were just children. Where does that leave Constant? The story becomes more involved as it goes on and one wonders if the two will ever be together again.
I thought the book was a little hard to read because of all the machinations of the Duke’s minions trying to make sure that Kam honors the old promise to wed the princess. Things take a twist though. The plot thickens and really gets more interesting as it goes along. I enjoyed this book very much.
I received a free print copy of this book from Kensington Books through NightOwlReviews.com in return for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-8r.
Kameron Ballan, heir to the Laird of Ballanclaire, is being forced to wed the princess as the betrothal was made when the two were just children. Where does that leave Constant? The story becomes more involved as it goes on and one wonders if the two will ever be together again.
I thought the book was a little hard to read because of all the machinations of the Duke’s minions trying to make sure that Kam honors the old promise to wed the princess. Things take a twist though. The plot thickens and really gets more interesting as it goes along. I enjoyed this book very much.
I received a free print copy of this book from Kensington Books through NightOwlReviews.com in return for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-8r.
December 15, 2013
LAIRD OF BALLANCLAIRE by Jackie Ivie is another fantastic Scottish Historical Romance set in 1771 Scotland. Fast paced and filled with seduction, rebellion, betrayal, deception and passion. Revolutionary War romance at its best. However, it does have sadness, heartbreak as well as romance and love. Everything you could possibly want in a romance. Filled with a bit of danger mixed into the story. I loved this story, the prince and the female pauper! I did have a hard time at first understanding the deception that Kameron Ballan, heir to the Laird of Ballanclaire and his fiesty Constant Ridgely do in order to save their children and their forbidden marriage. Although, they where not alone in their deception to fool Kameron's father. From the American Colonies to the Scotland you will not be disappointed in the tale of the Laird of Ballanclaire and his beloved Constant. Overall, this is a must read story of following your desires, passion and dreams in order to find your true happiness. Star-crossed lovers,may just find their HEA ending,after all! Engaging and likeable characters, well some of them anyway. And an intriguing storyline. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: HOT
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: HOT
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
January 11, 2014
When I received this book, I suddenly wondered what I got myself into when I entered the giveaway. I don't always consider myself a "romance" reader (I'll admit to being a little prude!) and the shirtless man on the cover made me squirm! I'm so glad I didn't let myself get intimidated. While it was definitely steamy, it was tastefully done and an overall enjoyable book.
Jackie Ivie's writing brought me into the story. I felt like I stood in Constant's shoes, falling in love with the man in the loft, torn over betraying her family.
The plot twists and turns were enough to keep me interested. The adventure was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. And the true love was strong enough to make my heart melt and sometimes ache.
I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads.
Jackie Ivie's writing brought me into the story. I felt like I stood in Constant's shoes, falling in love with the man in the loft, torn over betraying her family.
The plot twists and turns were enough to keep me interested. The adventure was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. And the true love was strong enough to make my heart melt and sometimes ache.
I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads.
February 18, 2015
I was not only lucky enough to win this book on goodreads, but won a great book! Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters, the dialogue and the plot of the story. The plot was so different than any books I have read lately. I read quite a bit so it is often hard to find a plot that is different and keeps a reader so interested you don't want to put the book down I will be downloading more Jackie Ivie books!
November 3, 2013
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I had read Ivie's Vampire Assasin League stories, and was excited to get a full length book. I really liked this story. The story had a lot of twists and turns, but also had humor and drama. I liked Constant and Kameron and the way that they were so committed to each other.
May 23, 2014
This book had a lot of drama and romance. Great read and I love this author. The ending wasn't easily figured out and left you hanging. Just when you thought you may be left wanton for a better ending, she spins it perfectly.
I would suggest this read to anyone. Well thought our and executed.
I would suggest this read to anyone. Well thought our and executed.
April 28, 2014
This book is soooo good. Jackie Ivie is so good in her highland books. She puts so much emotion and turmoil in her stories. I just loved this book, had a hard time putting it down. Highly recommend.
October 27, 2015
Is it only me or doesn't the heroine rape the hero the first time they make love?
he keeps on telling her no and she just impales herself on him?
whaaaaaat?????????
Otherwise it's quite well written....
he keeps on telling her no and she just impales herself on him?
whaaaaaat?????????
Otherwise it's quite well written....
December 11, 2015
Way better than I thought it would be. The only thing was, some of the characters in the beginning section seemed to be really important, then they just disappeared. I found myself wondering what happened to her family. There was a lot of sex if you like that, but the story was good too
November 1, 2014
extremely beautiful love story, a tribute to the power of love
January 27, 2014
I have never read this author. So far not bad. Not enough intimate scenes for all the children.
Read
February 13, 2014Review coming soon.
June 16, 2014
Smart plan by Constant and friends.
June 10, 2015
Love the polt and the way the main couple interact with each other.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews