A Laird For Christmas

The Highland Bachelor #1

by Gerri Russell

After her father and brother disappeared, Lady Jane Lennox is managing Bellhaven Castle. Nonetheless, her aunt has invited six suitors to compete for the right to her hand - and to protect Bellhaven's towers of cool pink-gray stone.

Among the six is Nicholas Kincaid, the one-time object of Jane's affection. Two years ago, her brother banished Nicholas. A mere “sir,” in want of title or land, Nicholas was not marriageable material. Now, Nicholas will compete in challenges of wit and skill, rather than heraldry. But against noble swordsmen, dancers, and charmers, can he possibly win back her heart?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Christmas, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Scotland

280 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2013

About the author

Gerri Russell is the award-winning author of historical and contemporary novels including the Brotherhood of the Scottish Templars series and Flirting with Felicity. A two-time recipient of the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award and winner of the American Title II competition sponsored by RT Book Reviews magazine, she is best known for her adventurous and emotionally intense novels set in the thirteenth- and eighteenth-century Scottish Highlands. Before Gerri followed her passion for writing romance novels, she worked as a broadcast journalist, a newspaper reporter, a magazine columnist, a technical writer and editor, and an instructional designer. She lives in Bellevue, Washington, with her husband and three black cats.

Reviews

[Misfit · Rating 3 out of 5]

The girl: Lady Jane Lennox. Her father and brother never came back from battle and are presumed dead, and she's the presumed heir to Bellhaven Castle, but her father's will says she's got to be married by Christmas or it goes to the next in line. Jane's aunt Margaret writes to the six most eligible men and invites them to a competition for the fair lady's hand in marriage...

"I have sent for six men to apply for your hand in marriage. These men will demonstrate their skills in competition, but ultimately you will determine the winner."

The guys: six hunky Scots, including one who Jane blames for spreading rumors about her *sensuous nature*, as well as the man who is next-in-line to inherit after Jane - and he's ready to go to any lengths to get Bellhaven Castle - marriage or not.

That's the gist of the story, there is more to it, but I don't care to give it all away. This is definitely on the lighter side of romance, and while I like a bit of brain candy on occasion, this one just wasn't my cuppa tea. Yes, the men were dishy and the competition idea was a good one, but a couple of the events were of a more domesticated nature and came across rather silly for this reader. The sewing competition was bad enough, but I felt like I was watching an episode of Chopped and the men were going to open their baskets of ingredients. Your mileage may vary.

Reviewed for Amazon Vine.

[Beccadorff · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this medieval Scottish Bachelorette. The characters were too good and the plot unbelievable.
The premise of the book is that the protagonist, Jane, has twelve days to marry or she loses her inheritance. Although I don't understand why she waited until the last minute, that didn't bother me. However, shortly into the book, you discover that someone is trying to kill her. This side plot didn't make much sense and seemed necessary because the husband competition wasn't good enough to drive the story. Jane is perfect, which explains why 6 men are willing to compete for her hand in marriage at the last minute, but also made it difficult to relate to her. The men all did and said the right thing at the right moment, which made the book seem scripted instead of natural. I would almost say the book is farce, except I think it was meant to be serious.

[HR-ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story took place 1679 in Scotland.

Sir Nickolas was the hero (had fame & riches)
& Lady Jane the heroine. Her aunt invited 6
suitors for Lady J's hand to stay & bring along
a gift for her. The aunt created challenges for
the men IE the best gift, best@fox hunt, best
@ obstacle course, best @sewing, best @
cooking. Rumors circulated that Lady J was a
wanton harlot.

Odd incidents occurred to Lady J and some items
were missing. Was someone trying to kill her?
Clever Sir Nick solved the mystery and got the
Lady.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Rounding up because of the sewing scene.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCITING AND ROMANTIC!!!

interesting and I can't wait to read the stories of the other Male characters that were a part of the challenge for Jane's hand in marriage. The challenges were well thought out and executed brilliantly. Each suitor was given enough time for the reader to fall in love with them and know there personal stories. The villain is a surprise there are quite a few twist too the story. Why 4 stars instead of 5 because I didn't like the MacGuire Clan succeeding in burning down Bellehaven Castle Jane Lennox's home. I don't like it when the enemy gets the upper hand and doesn't' receive retribution for what they have done Seamus MacGuire deserved to be hung and quartered and his Clan defeated for what he did to Jane. Losing is Crazy granddaughter wasn't enough. It was his fault for what she did and Jane was innocent in all of it. I also, didn't like the fact that we don't know if Lord Lennox and his son Jacob, Jane's father and brother really were killed in the battle of Bothwell Bridge. This was a very well written and romantic story, with mild sex scenes. I really couldn't stop reading until almost the end of the story. I Highly Recommend "A Laird For Christmas" and I will read book 2 "This Laird of Mine"

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book (free) in a Goodread's First Reads Giveaway. Loved it! Thank you very much! This is an awesome story. Lady Jane Lennox will lose everything: her home, land and wealth if she does not choose a husband by Christmas. The war ended six months ago and her father and brother never returned. They are presumed dead. The terms of the will stipulate that Jane must marry or forfeit her inheritance.
Her well-intentioned Aunt Margaret invites six suitors to the castle who must compete for Lady Jane's hand. Most are strong, wealthy and handsome young men. Five of the six have good hearts and will make a great husband. But there is someone in the picture who wants Lady Jane dead. In order to remain alive, Lady Jane must dodge a dagger, a poison-in-her-wine attempt, a cannon ball and arson. The story has plenty of mystery and twists and turns. I love a story that gets a reader engaged and rooting for one particular suitor to win. Nicely Done!!!!

[Jonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russell is a very visual author. She builds up a world that you could easily step into. Each and every aspect is intricately put together without detracting from the fast forward pace of the story proper. She draws you into this captivating world and draws you along for a captivating ride. Romance, mystery, and intrigue abound keeping you guessing and thinking throughout. I could barely put this one down.

I loved the characters in this novel. The panel of bachelors brought in to this story are all captivating and breathtaking in their own manner. I also appreciated how the main character isn’t perfect. She attempts to be who others want her to be rather than herself. That said, she is intrinsically a good person who wants what’s best for those around her. Watching her journey of self-discovery is priceless.

Overall, think the bachelorette with a historical & suspsenseful twist. Well worth the read any time of year.

[L.A. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first began this book I wasn't sure if I would like it. How do you introduce one heroine and six men all attempting to win her hand in marriage. Like Lady Jane it became difficult in making a choice with each man was tempting in his own right. Of course everyone wishes for true love to win in the end but with each scene with her would be suitors you find yourself flip flopping back and forth. The characters were carefully drafted and it was easy to imagine yourself in the world she created. I really enjoyed this book and the way she had an underlying story threaded throughout the main story. This was a great read and look forward to not only the next book in the series but hopefully she will continue on so I can rest assure each rejected suitor finds their own happiness.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! Lady Jane is left to face the fact that both her father and brother are most likely casualties of war and will not return home. In his will her father requires that Jane be married by Christmas eve to keep the castle and lands that have been in their family for 700 years. Her aunt Margaret convinces Jane that a competition for her hand, and the lands, is the best way out of their current situation. The story follows the competition and it's many twists and turns as Jane and Margaret fight to keep their home. Another great book by Russell.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was unique and the little bit of mystery added a lot to the story.

I wish that a little more background on the Battle of Bothwell had been provided. Was her father a royalist or a Covenenter?

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Keri Carrillo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t Do It

This book is like a car crash you can’t look away from. It’s a train wreck you have to pull over and analyze. I have no idea why this authors agent said it was OK to publish or why the publishers actually printed it. The overwrought drama, the ridiculousness of the plot. I read these books to just zone out and escape life for a few minutes, but good grief this was like escaping to another planet. The “heroine” is a simpering idiot and the “heroes” are just….i have no words. Just don’t even bother with this book unless you want to roll your eyes at every other word or cover your face in shame that you’ve actually read it. Unless you read it ironically and just have to laugh at yourself for finishing it, don’t do it. Again, GOOD. GRIEF.

[karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a rough time in Scotland and to be a women in the 1300’s. Nicholas had an abusive up bringing and has the physical and mental scars to prove it.Lady Jane had a privileged upbringing but a sad one. She list her mother in child birth when her younger brother was born. Now it seems that her father and brother have been killed in battle.
She now could be inheriting Bellhaven if she marries by Christmas Eve. Her aunt sets up a competition with 6 Scottish men , including her cousin Bryce, to win her hand.

[Sharil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the unique story told day-by-day through Christmas Eve. It was a bit disappointing because I could see Lady Jane's preference all the way along, even though I didn't read the synopsis online or the back of the book before I read it.

I would have given it 4 stars, but the last 40 pages sank the book to 3 stars. It was not believable and wrapped a little to neatly and abruptly. The end was a disappointment compared to the rest of the story.

[Nancy Raines · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh, what a waste of my time! I gave up at 1/4 of the way through because I was sick of the heroine swooning/gasping/heartbeatpounding/etc/etc every time she as much as LOOKED at one of her suitors. Not to mention she was so sweetly good and forgiving, she makes a Disney princess look like a vindictive bitch. So I skipped ahead to find out who the villain was. Aaaaaaaand it was a stupid Deus Ex Machina.

[Shirley Hamlod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and what a brilliant book it was! The whole series of tasks was a clever idea, I especially enjoyed the sewing task! This story has a variety of different subplots which adds mystery and intrigue. I loved all of the characters and can’t wait to read the next instalment about Jules. Loved it!

[Ashante Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was a bit long winded for me. it's a complete slow burn but once it got going it really had my hooked trying to figure out who Jane would pick and why was behind all the treachery. I'll admit though the author almost lost my with the whole "cousin" thing. 🤮 all in all.. glad I stuck with it.

[Rebecca Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly Great!

This book started out a bit slow for me but it got better and better. Not only was there mystery and passion, there were great bits of humor. I almost fell on the floor laughing when all the men had to sew something as part of the competition for Jane’s hand in marriage. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Stephanie Rubio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who will she choose?

Blending past with present, Lady Jane Lennox must choose a husband by Christmas Eve to save her land and castle. With revealing truths and past hurts, she finds her way with these six suitors.

[Kasey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had no business finding this as entertaining as I did. You have to take it for what it is. I’m not typically a “Bachelorette” fan but appreciate set it in Scotland in the 1600’s. Add in some fun mysteries. Some spice. Yup. Count me in. An entertaining holiday read. Again. Take it for what it is.

[Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery and romance - a good combination of both. Thoroughly enjoyed this story.

[Tracy Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice listen

I found this audio book in my kindle unlimited, I really enjoy historical romance so I tried it. It was a great book. Truly enjoyed the story!

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling love story

I enjoyed this book. Jane and Nicholas thought their love was lost but they found it again and started life together.

[Carolina Firefly · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 23%, and that was generous. I’m stupider for reading this much.

[Zel Polev · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a mess. The story was a mish-mash of different elements that could work if handled correctly, but alas, it was not. The story is a Scottish bachelorette, featuring Jane Lennox. I don't have anything against reverse-harem stories but the characters were just not developed. They were written at a very shallow level. The bachelors are looking forward to their chance to be Jane's man. Alright, I'll bite. Except, we meet Jane, and she is just so bland and one dimensional. I don't know what the attraction is.
The bachelors are assembled to her home so that she can find herself a man to stand by her side. She has to marry someone by Christmas or else, she risks losing her keep. Her aunt sends messages to eligible bachelors and they, with their own reason ranging from settling down, gratitude, and lingering affection, make the trek to try their chance at her hand. I was alright with this plot but so many things went wrong. Firstly, she makes them compete in these challenges. I don't know whether to cringe or laugh but I doubt it was meant to be a comedy. I've read books with unconventional plots and are made to be funny, this book did not come off as such. Therefore, I cringed. Secondly, there is a plot of several attempts at Jane's life. I just rolled my eyes at the attempt at politics and power struggles. Oh wait, it isn't really that, it's about a madwoman cooped in the keep. This is why the challenges, which include sewing and dancing, bothered me. What is the purpose of these challenges? Why these particular activities? Why not search for the killer instead of making these strong men sew? Another thing that grated was Jane ordering these men about. Their feelings are on the line and she just blithely send them on nonsensical tasks that makes sense to no one. I just felt insulted reading this. Why are these books published? Additionally, she kept on going on and on about how she was hurt by Nicholas' rumour. God, she won't go for a moment without mentioning how he started a rumour and damaged her reputation irrevocably. It was fine in the beginning but she kept on harping about it,not even considering that she might have gotten the wrong information just as how people had the wrong information about her. Roll my eyes. I actually felt sympathetic to her half-sister who wanted to kill her but even she is a half-baked character. The story is just unbelievable and when you look closely, there are some pretty big holes that make the entirety of the book sloppy.
The best thing that came to this book is the aunt snaring one of the bachelors. I picked that mostly because it did not feature Jane talking about how Nick spread rumours about her passionate nature. Roll my eyes.
Again, there were just too much and it was sloppy. There were six men vying for her hand. There is an issue of needing to marry by Christmas. There is the question of her father and brother being alive. There is the ghost of the lady of the keep. There is the attempts at her life. There is the McGuire clan attempt at invasion. At this point, I'm just like, pick one story and develop it instead of throwing in more elements in hope of a distraction.

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Laird for Christmas" is an entertaining beginning for author Geri Russell's "Highland Bachelor" series. Set in Scotland in the late 1600's, this is the story of Lady Jane Lennox and the dilemma she faces when her father and brother fail to return from battle. With her father and his heir both presumed dead, Lady Jane can only inherit her familial castle and its lands if she makes a suitable marriage by Christmas Eve. Jane is not thinking about marriage, however, but has plans to raise an army of her own to search for her father and brother. Jane's Aunt Margaret, a recent widow, has concerns that Bellhaven Castle will not hold off the impending attacks of those who wish to seize the prized property for their own. Margaret advises Jane that she has sent invitations to six suitors to engage in a competition for Jane's hand in marriage. Jane sees this as an opportunity to gain enforcement for her plans to seek the whereabouts of her missing father and brother. The group chosen by Margaret includes one very special man, Sir Nicholas Kincaid, with whom Jane had once had a mutual attraction. Nicholas had been rejected as Jane's suitor two years ago by her brother, who had been a friend to Nicholas until that moment. Now, all their circumstances have changed, and Nicholas may have a chance to win the hand of the woman he desires. The competition is being played out on different levels--each man has his own reasons for accepting the challenge. Someone has a more urgent need, and they will use any means to obtain a victory, and soon the castle and its lady are plagued with dangerous incidents. Will Jane's quest to find her missing father and brother bring the answers she seeks? Will Nicholas once again win her heart and provide her with the love and care she desperately needs to hold onto her home and all she holds dear? Since only one man can win the hand of Lady Jane Lennox, the remaining Highland bachelors must seek their own lady fair in upcoming entries in this engaging historical romance series from author Geri Russell.

Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine

[Valkyrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win a 'First Reads' contest for a copy and when it arrived I had just finished a trilogy so was ready to dig in and see what this was all about. I didn't recall the synopsis so I went in blind. I will not give away any information or details to the story for those that like it this way.

I started late one night figuring I would just get the first few pages read and get beyond the 'back story' most authors put in first. It was as expected, and the only real surprise was that it took place in Scotland.

The next day I picked it up again and found I could not so easily put it down. I thought I had conjured enough possible paths the tale could take and was fine with that. Even though I felt I knew where it was going, it was such a different perspective on such a situation that I was glued. There were some surprises though looking back I should have seen it coming. The characters were all so engaging and the main characters, while a few times I found them a bit repetitive in their contemplations, were fun and enjoyable to read about.

I was quickly swept up in the story and the conclusion was so conclusive that instead of longing for more from the main characters, I wanted to hear about the others instead.

Well worth the read and I look forward to more in the series.

Pros: engaging, entertaining, fast paced, well crafted characters and plot

Cons: repetitiveness of the main characters past, feelings about it, and introspection. These sections dragged a bit for me

To each there own, and very well done to Gerri Russell. I am a new fan.

[Jdtolbert2003yahoo.com · Rating 3 out of 5]

Six Lairds. A competition for a fair lady's hand in marriage and all her holdings. Tasks of the lady's choosing to win it all.

Inductions to all our handsome and powerful Lairds displays all their attributes. Each to entice the lovely Lady Jane. The events are fun and sweet and Lady Jane appears to be fair on the outside.

Too bad the cover told us how the story was going to end. That Lady Jane only has eyes for one of her suitors, a long lost love and that every time she has more than a moment to collect her thoughts it is about only one man.

It only earned three stars for two reasons. The first is the constant whining about how she love Nicholas and all the reasons she shouldn't. The second, throughout the story someone is trying to kill Lady Jane. With no real reason in sight we suddenly have a half sister who has been lurking in the secret passages all her life completely unnoticed and now that her mother (also lurking completely unnoticed)dies the half sister decides to kill Jane, her aunt and her cousin so she can inherit the land. Instead she dies as she burns down the castle. Her death suddenly stops an attacking clan and the world is whole again.

Despite the destroyed castle and the end of the contest there is still several happy endings. Jane gets married to her love. Jane's Aunt gets married to one of her suitors. The remaining four lairds are each given gifts to help them in their lives.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is an OK read. The story is pretty straight forward it's basically the bachelorette but with Scottish castles and a couple hundred years ago. Six suitors are vying for the ladies hand in marriage. She has until Christmas to say "I do" or she loses her family castle and everything that goes with it. No pressure there or anything. Oh and someone is out to kill her before then. All the suitors are genuinely nice guys who truly like her. Each has their own reasons for wanting to marry Jane but only one will win the rose. As with any "reality" show there are competitions that must be won in order to get some alone time with our Lady. While emasculating and frivolous these competitions are written tongue in cheek. The subplot of the death threat Lady Jane faces on a daily basis is where I really got frustrated. It made no sense to me why not everything was stopped to search out the villain. There were enough clues to figure it out almost early on but they were ignored so the lairds and lady could play their game. This in of itself was frustrating to me. That coupled with the emasculating competitions if felt this was just an OK read.

[Dansaremm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! "The Bachelorette" comes to the Highlands. Talk about making a tough decision! At times, I wanted to choose each one of the hunky suitors for Jane. Combine the thrill of matchmaking with the mystery of an unknown stalker intent on murdering our fair heroine - there is NOTHING better than all of these strong, brave warriors coming to her rescue just in the nick of time.

There were a few things I did not like....I don't think she spent enough time with each suitor to really explore the possibilities. She moved FAR too quickly once her mind was made up, and once that happened, there really was no turning back. WHICH WAS A SHAME.....

Overall, though, what a great story. Can't wait to read the sequel! I wish there were sequels for each bachelor. I want them ALL to find their happy ending!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those great books...hard to put down...constantly wondering the outcome...fall asleep and try to dream how the story will play out. Truly a great read with such intense emotions and more than one climatic suspense that keeps you on edge. Jane has to confront her past to move forward into the future, with six men vying for her affections. The only sad note for me was that I was hoping for the return of Jane's father and brother. Highly recommend!