The Border Laird's Bride

Borderland Brides #2

by Allison Butler

To fulfil his father's dying wish, border laird Jamie Graham must marry and sire a legitimate heir. But his marriage will be one of convenience, for he has vowed never to open his heart to betrayal. While guarding his cattle from thieves, Jamie catches the spirited daughter of a neighbouring laird stealing his horse.
 
Despite viewing an arranged marriage as a death sentence,  feisty Kenzie Irvine has no choice but to wed the domineering Jamie. But she has sworn an oath never to bring a child into an uncaring world. And Kenzie also has a dark secret she has no intention of giving away -  even if she finds herself her on the wrong side of the law…

 

'I absolutely loved it. I couldn't put it down! This was extremely well written. The characters were full of depth and had defined, unique personalities. This one is staying on my shelf.' – Author Unpublished

'I loved everything about this story...It made me cheer, it made me cry, it made me sigh.'
– Harlequin Junkie

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Marriage Of Convenience, Scotland, Erotica

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2013

About the author

Allison Butler is an author of Scottish historical romance. She spent her early years in country NSW building pretend castles with hay bales and leaping white posts with her army of two older sisters and a younger brother. Many years later, with her mother's influence, she discovered a passion for words and history, read her first historical romance and was inspired to write her own. She writes each morning and cares for the elderly in the afternoon. Her love of travel has given her the gift of many amazing sights but none more heart-stirring than the rugged beauty of Scotland. Allison lives in a small town in NSW, Australia, with her very own Scottish hero and a Jack Russell named Wallace. Their two beautiful daughters have left the nest and have begun their own adventures. Allison loves travelling, dancing like no-one's watching, taking photos and seeing the sights from the back of her husband's motorcycle.

Reviews

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review on NetGalley

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a man in a kilt, a strong caring man, maybe a quiet woman known for her caring ways but is mostly unknown but time might show her different when she is caught stealing said man’s horse and ends up his bride, this is a page turner of a story a sensual moving and fabulous story, one that was hard to put down.

Lachlan Elliot is Laird and had made a promise to his dying father to take a bride and to father an heir but he does not want to fall in love so in picking a bride it will be one that he will have no emotional ties too when he catches a lass with his horse he determines that he could never love her and his first promise will be solved. But of course life doesn’t always go as planned and his new spirited wife is slowly getting under his skin.

Kenzie has been left alone by her father and sister and is happy that way she is not fond of men in general and has been helping a group of women and children struggling and this is when she is caught red handed, her capture by the neighbouring Laird gives her two choices and marriage is one and the only real choice she has, but she is more determined than ever to remain strong and do as she has been. It is not long before she sees that her husband Lachlan is not like the other men she has known and she is losing her heart to him.

I loved this story so much both Lachlan and Kenzie are strong, loving and caring and seeing them fall in love was so beautiful and heartwarming. Kenzie is feisty and independent and Lachlan was with her all of the way caring and strong, there is witty banter and a sensual romance that had me cheering them on, it is a beautifully written story one that I would highly recommend this one, it left me smiling, thank you MS Butler for another wonderful story.

My thanks to the Publisher Harlequin Mira for my copy to read and review

[Ravioli Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 out of 5 Stars

So, I've read quite a few Scottish Highland Romance novels in my day (except Outlander because I'm scared of that book - Yes, I said scared... DON'T JUDGE ME! Maybe someday I'll get up enough courage to read it, but that's a whole other story). So, for me personally what makes a good Highland Romance novel (good is such a subjective term but I feel you all can work with me here on this) is first and foremost a smexy accent. Alas, this book just didn't do it for me. There were a few aye's and nae's but overall I just didn't get that little quiver when some Scottish Laird is shouting "Dunna make me angry lass!" *sigh*.

Smexy accent aside this book was very predictable and the characters really lacked any depth. Jamie and Kenzie were very stereotypical. Now, is it possible for a story to have predictable and stereotypical characters and I'll still like it? Certainly! However... the author really has to make up for it in other ways, ways like adding lots of depth to the characters and making you fall in love with them - so even though you know their thoughts before they do, you're still attached to them. This is where the book fails in my opinion - no depth (I feel like this is such a trite thing to say, isn't this what every reviewer says when they're reviewing a book - "The characters lacked depth!"). There was so much more to the two of them that could have been written but wasn't. We get hints of things- like a mention of some terrible accident, involving a burning building with Kenzie but, it's never really elaborated on. We're supposed to feel for Kenzie because she's basically been ignored her whole life but the author failed to provide a justifiable basis for these feelings. Jamie must get married because he promised his father and it's acted like it's some big mystery but in reality I'm pretty sure it's any Lairds duty to marry and have heirs, when you find out the "big mystery" it's like okay, big whoop. I could go on, but hopefully - you get my point.

In the beginning the scenes involving Jamie and Kenzie where they're experiencing their attraction to each other seemed a bit awkward. I don't know if that's the right word really but, I'm not sure what else to call it.

Also, not that this makes or breaks a book but a cover is definitely something you have to keep in mind because it's what grabs a readers attention off the bat. This cover, just didn't do it for me. It's too modern... this is a historical romance, look older for goodness sake or more Scottish!

Looking very Scottish you Australian-American. It's totally the war braids not the kilt!

Bottom Line - The writing wasn't bad (except for missing out on the accent). It never felt like the story didn't flow, or was stilted. However, it was a predictable story that just lacked a little something something to make it memorable. I didn't hate the book, but I also didn't love it either. I wouldn't read it again. As far as recommending it, probably not - there are a lot of other Scottish Highlander Novels out there that I feel are a much better choice.

Should you read it? Hum... if you are very into this genre specifically then sure, why not? I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who would enjoy this story and find it delightful... I'm just not one of them :).

That about sums it up!

Peace Out!

Thank you to Penguin Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC

Blog Review

[Artemiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Border Laird's Bride by Allison Butler is in a way the typical historical romance, where bride and groom do not to want to marry for love, or fall in love. They have to marry for what ever reason and so they do, but they keep their distance from each other, since Jamie does not want to scare away the mother of his future heir and Kenzie wants to have this marriage annulled as soon as possible.

Once again our protagonists have "secrets" that nobody can know, since if they knew everything would be different. So they keep their secrets and soon they end up in bed together anyway. And of course they fall in love but there is no way in hell, they will acknowledge it. But when Kenzie's sister comes to visit the newlyweds ...

But at the same time, it's not typical romance. Even when Jamie and Kenzie learn each others secrets they do not flee from each other and start to sulk and talk endlessly about broken trust and love. In this story the loving couple can see each other as humans who make mistakes, who are beguiled to make mistakes and their parents mistakes have given them ideas (even if they are wrong) how to live their lives and how to guard their hearts and minds.

So it's just a usual historical romance, that takes place in Scotland. It's a good read.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 to 4.5 stars!!


I LOVE the fact that this book starts off with action. I also love the fact that the heroine (Kenzie) is the thief that has been stealing cattle from Laird Jamie Graham... and she gets caught. ;) This indeed was the perfect beginning for a fabulous romance.

Kenzie has been mistreated by her family and has taken upon herself to helping the less fortunate. This has led to the thriving of Jamie's cattle. I enjoy how the author lets this character be strong willed and determined despite being unloved by her father and beautiful older sister. I found myself cheering for Kenzie from the beginning, all the way to the end. You can watch how much the character grows during the story and it will warm your heart at the end.

Jamie was a character that I wish my hubby was more like. Haha! I could read about him all day. He's the whole package, ladies... except he needs a wife and an heir to fulfill his father's dying wish. There is lots of heat coming off of Kenzie and Jamie. You'll find yourself cheering them on. I also found was fanning myself by the time the love scene came around. Loved it.

Allison Butler writes a wonderful Scottish romance that will have you caught up in all the drama and passion. I cannot believe this is her first book. She writes like she's written a dozen novels. It's pure talent like this that I enjoy reading.

Thank you Destiny Romance and NG for the chance to discover her book. I love when a good book can let me escape into another world and time and leave my heart smiling in the end.

***ARC provided by Destiny Romance via NetGalley for an honest review***

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Beast Stars

Not as good as the first, but I stilled enjoyed it.

Honestly , what made the book for me was:
1. Lachlan and his flirty - seductive ways. As well as how he was really good to his clan.
2. Lachlans trusted friends & brother
3. How Lachlan treated his wife and trying to win over her heart, body, and soul.
4. The help of the castle- fun addition to the tale.
5. Kenzie- for the most part and her compassion for others. Also how she started to fall for Lachlan.

I wish that this title, cover, and character change and order of where this story falls into the series was updated on Goodreads. At first it threw me off when I bought it on Amazon. I'm glad I read her website that noted the changes.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and characters.

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Thank you HarperCollins for a review copy**

Overall I gave The Thief 3.5 Stars

The Thief is set in 1402 Scotland, along the Anglo-Scottish border of the highlands. It follows the love story between Lachlan who is laird of the Elliot Clan, and Kenzie who is the daughter of the laird of bordering clan, Clan Irvine. Will a marriage that started out as an alliance, become something much more?

I enjoyed the chemistry and romance between Lachlan and Kenzie and I thought their love story was told well. We briefly reconnected with some characters from the previous book, The Healer, but they were not part of the storyline in any significant way.

I found myself not as entertained with The Thief as I was with The Healer. Whilst the plot did have moments of conflict which helped make the story engaging and interesting, I found that they were fleeting and short lived.

If you are looking for a Scottish historical romance that is character driven and centric only on the romance aspect then this book is for you! If you would like a little more trial and tribulation then you mighty find The Thief a bit slow in some parts, as I did.

I very much enjoyed Allison Butler’s writing and I’d be interested to know if we will get any further books in this series (Borderland Brides).

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Borderland Brides series, but I don't think it's necessary to read them in order - though there are nods to the previous book, as well as a scene with a few of the characters.

In The Thief we have Kenzie caught attempting to steal a horse from Lachan, this is a hanging offense and he offers her the option instead to marry him. I liked that he didn't force her to consummate their marriage, but instead waited until she was willing.

Kenzie's sister was a horrible person. I wanted to slap her after she told Kenzie what she did.

The ending was good and leaves room for future books featuring some of Lachan's clansmen.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good little read. Enjoyed it as much as The Healer.

[Kristin Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hot thief and a castle laird in need of a wife? A great combo or a disaster waiting to happen? When I first started reading this book I honestly didn't have an assumption (which is a first). But I was happily surprised by the turnout and the twists. Not to giveaway the plot but Kenzie isn't exactly what she seems and neither is Jamie.

I thought this book was pretty good. Not quite cliche or predictable which is the BEST part of reading books. I love that the heroine didn't just fall into the hero's arms, he had to unknowingly work for her love. I also love the setting being medieval and fairly researched to give the right impression of the era.

[Kim Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives you an inside look at the courage of a young women who has always been cast aside to help others. It also shows her determination not to repeat the mistakes of her mother, and never forget the people who she really truly calls her family. It also brings you the story of a young laird's determination to keep his promises he gave his father and the honor he is inbreed in himself when it comes to his clan and his family. This book gives you a chance to step back in time and enjoy a story about two people that were determined to be alone but find that fighting together is sometimes the best way to do things. Full review at http://allnightbooks.com/?p=168

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by this author, Allison Butler! Also this is the second book in the "Borderland Bride" Series. But, this can be a standalone book, so don't let that stop you from deciding on if you would like to read it or not. The heroine has had a hard life in the since that no one took any interest in her and pretty much none of the neighboring clans didn't even knew she excepted. But the hero, quickly learn about her in the way of her taking what was his. This is a very touching, steamy and loving book.

[Stephanie (Jump) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
What started out as a solid intriguing 4-star read became a little too predictable, to the point where I guess the story's unfolding after the 50% point. There were also some plot holes that seem too big.

Full review to follow.

[Andrew Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Couldn't put it down.

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

Well it’s getting cold Downunder and we are in lockdown yet again, so what better way to pass the time than romancing it in the Scottish Highlands. For that quick, simple, smiley read, look no further than Allison’s latest book to pass away a chilly weekend.

You know the drill - an accidental yet fortuitous meeting, an arranged marriage but luckily (how lucky can you be!) they are both good looking, kind and falling for each other because of above said qualities. Keeping their distance and secrets, they dance around each other (literally and figuratively) until we get our prerequisite happy ending after jumping through the necessary hurdles (including a rather awful and manipulative sister).

No brooding laird here, no damsel in distress either. It was great that we had two rather sound and sensible leads who gently let their defences down to be honest with each other. Both lust and love are now on the horizon for this couple.

If you too are staying indoors don’t be shy about venturing out to secure a copy of the latest Borderland Bride to while away a few hours around the hearth. If Scottish flings are your thing, you won’t be disappointed.




This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

[Bj · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE BORDER LAIRD'S BRIDE is a well-written, heart-touching Scottish historical romance. A story with a beautiful message: true love is inescapable and can surprise us by coming in the plainest, unexpected of packages.

Laird Jamie Graham has a predicament. His dying father's wish is that he marry and sire an heir, but he has always vowed never to fall in love. Having witnessed the devastation of his father at the hands of his mother who betrayed him by loving another, his mission is to fulfill his father's wishes with a woman who could never tempt him to fall in love with her. As luck would have it, as Jamie is pondering his options, he happens upon the perfect candidate, Kenzie Irvine, his neighbor's forgotten, plain Jane second daughter who he just happens to catch attempting to steal his horse.

In Kenzie's experience, powerful men like her father are to be avoided at all costs. as they can only be counted on to lead with their selfish wishes and desires. In her father's case, his greed allowed him to only shower attention on her beautiful fair sister, a sister whom he hoped to reap great benefit from when he married her off to the highest bidder. This neglect had turned her mother into a "shade" and herself a "shadow". "The difference was a shadow came alive with sun and light. A shadow was cast from something solid and real, something you could touch. A Shade was a patch of nothing that hid in the shadows avoiding the sun and light, avoiding life."

Determined never to marry, Kenzie instead focuses on helping the less fortunate (primarily abandoned women and children from her clan). When she is finally caught, Laird Graham gives her an ultimatum: hang or marry him. Kenzie makes the only viable choice, but vows never to surrender her heart and is determined to continue her mission to help the less fortunate.

Can a couple with such an inauspicious beginning ever fall in love? Ms. Butler weaves an interesting, passionate and romantic tale which answers this question. I greatly enjoyed the path which Ms. Butler chose to get to her conclusion. Perhaps my favorite part is Lord Graham. In Lord Graham, Ms. Butler crafts an admirable, loveable hero. It was thrilling to watch his heroic qualities slowly being revealed to Kenzie, leaving no doubt that he's the perfect gentleman lover and a compassionate leader through and through.

If you love traditional historical romances with witty banter, strong heroines, loveable heroes, missions to help the less fortunate, and a HEA, you will not want to miss THE BORDER LAIRD'S BRIDE!

Official review written by me and originally published at The Romance Reviews (TRR). For all my TRR reviews, please see http://www.theromancereviews.com/mypa...

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a very standard Scottish romance story, with no surprises. It features a very strong laird and a supposedly beautiful lady. Only that the laird is not very Scottish. He says things like: "I hope you are not terribly bored." which does not exactly spell: 14th century Scotland. And the lady is not beautiful. I mean the author says she is, but other than her brown eyes, I cannot imagine how she could possibly be beautiful when you read constantly about how she pales in comparison to her golden sister.

This is a very plain book. I won't even bother to describe the plotlines because what you read in the blurb is pretty much what it is. A few things that the author was going for though, I did not buy them. I will list them below:

1. Lachlan did not want to get married: I think he acclimated to the idea well and soon enough. He does not behave like a man who is forced to marry because of a promise, at all.

2. Lachlan did not want to fall in love: again, not convinced. The rationale came very late in the book and way too weak.

3. Kenzie: I just have a huge problem with her name. What kind of a name is that?? I was thinking about McKenzie the consulting firm the entire time and it is not very feminine imagie that is associated with the name. The name was really really really bad. I mean if you changed Jamie to Lachlan, can you not change Kenzie to.....whatever.........Catriona??? Call her Mary! Anything, anything is better than Kenzie.

4. Kenzie is beautiful: sorry, don't believe it. I keep thinking of her in a very plain Jane kind of a way. I don't need my heroines to be breathtakingly beautiful or whatever. But to have her casted as a "beautiful lady" but shown her in such boring lights.......poor choice.

Overall I don''t have a lot of dislikes about the book because, there are not so many things to like or dislike in the book. It is a very standard story where lust conveniently equates love. I do however, like Lachlan a lot as a hero. Kenzie however, is a pathetic heroine. I don't want my heroines to be too tough or strong. But I need them to know their self worth. But I guess Kenzie is such a pathetic character where everyone ignores her and self worth is just new to her.

Despite being rather bored through the book, I still think the book has potentials. It is by no means, a great Scottish romance, or a great romance, never mind the Scottish bit. The series does say: "border". Lowlands and highlands are vastly different. It was good for maybe 40%, then it became rather uninspiring and I started to skim read. Lots of sex scenes or at least plenty of hints at hot sex, I just, don't buy it.

[Shelagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1402 Scotland, this story gives readers a glimpse of a time when stealing your neighbour’s cattle was relatively common, yet also likely to lead to skirmishes. Lachlan Elliott has had enough of the thievery, particularly when his prized horse is taken along with his cattle. Finding out that Kenzie Irvine, his neighbour’s daughter, is the thief has him hoping to forge an alliance with her father, stop the thefts and beget a much needed heir. Blackmailing Kenzie to agree sees like the perfect solution though this marriage is anything but plain sailing.
Lachlan and Kenzie are both strong-willed and there’s plenty of tension when they’re on the page together. Their conversations are never boring. With veiled insults and challenges being flung down, mostly by Kenzie, there’s plenty to keep their relationship simmering. When it comes to a boil it fairly boils over. While the romance slowly builds, the continuing cattle thefts provide an interesting secondary story. This book hooked me early and held my interest throughout. I am looking forward to reading other stories in this series.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE BORDER LAIRD'S BRIDE by Allison Butler is an exciting Medieval Historical Romance set in 1402 Scottish border. Debut author and what a beginning from Destiny Romance. Fast paced and filled with passion. A lonely,forgotten second daughter finds her Scottish hero. To fulfil his father's dying wish, Laird Jamie Graham must find a wife,enter....Kenzie Irvine, a little thief, but honestly she stole for a good reason. Laird Graham vows not to lose his heart,but oh well, we all know how that will work out, right? Filled with secrets and love you will not want to miss "The Border Laird's Bride". Written with depth,trusts, and a few twists and turns you won't seeing coming and engaging as well as realistic characters and an intriguing plot. A must read! Received for an honest review from the publsiher and Net Galley
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘I love you, Kenzie,’ he said, deep and low. He reached up and cradled her face in his warm palms. ‘I never planned to love you. I didn’t want to fall under your spell, didn’t want to put my life in another’s hands.’ He looked deeply into her eyes. ‘But I had nae choice. My heart had plans of its own.’

This is my second reread. Couldn't stop thinking about it and now I'm satisfied after I've read it.

I love Lachlan's sexy charming smile and his easy banter! And I absolutely adore fiesty, empathy, and caring Kenzie.

I loved all the clans and most especially the men closed to Lachlan. Makes me feel protected and loved.

Slut, What's her name of Kenzie's sister deserved no mention. 😠

Lachlan ♥️Kenzie

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lured again into Allison's book by the enticing cover the first. However, even though it had great potential it kinda got lost in Kenzie's insecurities & Lacklan's shields against love.

Some scenes either ended in an anti climax or were drawn out too long. I liked the banter, Kenizies's foibles (lessened Cinderella image) & her relatives are truly a piece of work.

Will I read more? Probably

[Leisl Leighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely story with a feisty heroine worthy of her Scottish Laird and a Scottish Laird that could only learn what he needed to learn about love and life from the feisty heroine. I loved the unconventional way they met and the thing that ultimately brought them together made me have that lovely aah moment at the end.
It had all the elements I like in my historical romances and felt true to the period. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book such a great story I loved Jamie and Kenzie this one is emotional and sensual as Jamie sets out to seduce his wife who had stolen from him the wife he took to keep a promise made to his father but Jamie and Kenzie have vowed never to fall in love but the more they get to know each the harder that becomes. I higly recommend this story their journey to a HEA is emotional and heartwarming.

[Cary Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my complete and honest review, visit: http://wp.me/p37Zro-mj

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Thief” is a historical romance. There’s not much to the novel except the romance, but it’s sufficiently engaging and charming that a lot of readers will enjoy it.

Laird Lachlan Elliott has seen what happens when you love someone more than they love you, and he doesn’t intend to ever be caught out in that way. He promised his dying father that he’d marry and sire a heir, but Lachlan’s determined that he can – and will – do that in a marriage of convenience.

And convenient it is, when he catches Kenzie stealing his horse. She’s got a good reason for it, but he doesn’t much care, at least initially. She’s the eligible and overlooked daughter of a neighbouring Laird, and as she claims to prefer the idea of death to marrying him, perfect for a loveless marriage.

The story of the growing attraction between Lachlan and Kenzie is well portrayed. Initially physical, Butler does a good job of convincing readers that it turns into a love based on personality too. Both are engaging characters who’ll rouse a lot of sympathy from readers, and both are vividly portrayed. It’s easy to believe in them and their romance.

The historical background is convincing. It’s not the main focus of the novel, so Butler hasn’t dwelled on it, and there are no significant historical events portrayed here. It works well for readers who like historical settings but don’t need or want a lot of detail.

“The Thief” stands alone, but has references to Butler’s previous novel “The Healer” (a link to my review is below). They’re passing enough that new readers won’t feel they’ve missed anything, but will give readers of “The Healer” a glimpse into the ongoing lives of the characters there. This is a good balance and will please many. There’s also a pretty big, obvious, hook at the end for future novels.

There is, in honesty, little in the novel other than the romance. There’s a half hearted sub plot about the machinations of Kenzie’s father and sister, but it’s so slight that it feels more like an insight into her character than a real sub plot. None of the other characters are very prominent or given much time. It feels like the focus is so solidly on Lachlan and Kenzie that everything else is just background.

Butler’s novels (so far) always have one detail that drives me mad. In this case, it’s a scene where Kenzie is manacled to a wall, apparently with little hope of freeing herself. Two minutes later, with no indication of how she escapes, she’s setting fire to the room. At first I thought she was still manacled to the wall, and wondered at the stupidity of her actions. Subsequently, another visitor stays in the room, and makes no mention of either the manacles or the damage to the wall where she (presumably) escaped. This makes no difference to the main story, but it distracted me for several chapters. It’s like the manacles just disappeared when they became inconvenient.

With little in the novel other than the romance, it’s not going to fall into my favorites – I prefer a little more substance and depth. But it’s undeniably well written, and enjoyable to read. The fact that it’s undemanding may be an attractor for some readers – there are times when you don’t want to work too hard.

This is probably one primarily for die hard romance fans. It’s got a lot to offer in that area, with a charming, believable romance, good historical background, and empathetic characters. Readers looking for complexity or depth should look elsewhere, though.

If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.

You may be interested in my review of Allison Butler’s first novel, The Healer:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...

[Kt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Laird Lachlan Elliot must find a wife and sire a heir so that he can fulfil his father’s dying wish. With no desire for the hassle of romance, he’s happy for a marriage of convenience that will help strengthen clan ties along the Scottish-English border. Kenzie is a kind sole, but after seeing how her brutish father caused her mother to suicide, she’s vowed to never marry and has no time for men generally. Instead, she spends her days helping the widowed and abandoned women and their children who live on the fringes of her father’s land.

When Lachlan catches Kenzie trying to steal his horse in order to sell it, he offers her a choice - marriage or death. For Kenzie, marrying is a fate worse than death but one she must accept. With a grudging respect starting to develop between them, is there a chance of true love between Lachlan and Kenzie or will sinister forces stop their happily ever after before it even starts?

The Thief is book two in Allison Butler’s Borderland Bride series and it’s a great read. As a historical romance you know that it will end with true love and a happily ever after, however like most things in life; it’s the journey and not the destination that’s important, and that is where Butler excels.

The plot is strong. I’m not usually fussed on books where romance is the predominant theme as I find they lack depth and substance, but that is not the case here. Butler draws you in right from the start, and her clever way with words not only easily transports you to Scotland in 1402; but also keeps you guessing as to just what will happen to cause Lachlan and Kenzie to realise that they are in fact madly in love. I like this style of writing, because it not only means that you want to read on to find out more; but also because it means the plot isn’t just romance, but full of drama, suspense, mystery, humour, history and red herrings.

Again, we are spoilt by Butler with an excellent cast of characters. They may be from seven centuries ago, but they are just as relevant, full of substance, likeable and easy to hate on as if they lived today. I also really liked that there was a cameo of the two main characters from the first book in the series; and hope that in the upcoming third book that there will be more of this.

The Thief is a must read historical romance novel, which is an easy read that you can enjoy in one or two sittings. Even if you’re not big on romance books, I still highly recommend it as it has substance.

To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A medieval time frame and the Scottish Borders provide the backdrop for a love story that has all the juicy elements of a TV soap.
A period known for its brutality offers a touch of softness as the author takes us back.
Laird Lachlan Elliot dutifully aims to fulfil his fathers wishes, but his own family history has shaped his view and corroded his mindset and heart on the logistics.
Capturing a horse thief sets off a chain events that will satisfy the wishes and have more impact on him emotionally than he bargained for.
Kenzie lived in the shadow of her beautiful sister and existed only just in her fathers eyes.
His greed and selling off his prized daughter is his priority.
Kenzie is not only kind hearted but fiery in her determination that she won’t marry.
A tumultuous union and rocky road will shape new feelings and test their desires. Jealousy and revelation spike more drama into their lives.
A story that is not over complicated, pure and will leave on a smile on your face. Scottish historical romance without too much blood and gore is always welcome on my reading radar and Allison has it down pat.

[Holly Hunt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay but like why am I such trash???

This book is good if you want trashy, spicy romance times.

I preferred the first book to this one, but you know it does what it says on the tin. Although, the overall storyline was a bit lacklustre.

The author really does like to use some sayings over and over again. Like damn girl. If I could remember them right now I’d list them but I can’t; it seems I have wiped them from my mind already.

Oh wait - one she used a lot was every time the characters closed their eyes to block out the love interest they “didn’t want to look at” it didn’t work because they “could see the person clearly in the minds eye, even without seeing them. Even with their eyes closed they were all they could see”. Which you know fundamentally I have no issues with... but after the 100th time that happens... it does start to become repetitive and less... va-va-voom romance ✨?!?

Also women’s rights... were they 100% respected in this. Idk. She tried.

I stayed up till 2:30am reading this. Cancel me.

[Jem McCusker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Highland Romance to Savour.

This book was everything I look for in a Scottish Romance. The accents were written beautifully, the characters were engaging, the landscape was immersive and I felt as if I'd stepped back in time.
I loved, loved, loved the chemistry and witty banter between Lachlan and Kenzie.

The history was peppered throughout the narrative without it ever feeling like a NF book. The secrets that both Lachlan and Kenzie kept, along with motivations for doing so ramped up the tension and added to the slow burn that grew into wildfire.

If you're looking to lose yourself in Scotland then this is the book for you.

I'll definitely be reading more in this series.

Thank you to the team at Harlequin Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.