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The MacLarens of Balmorie #3
The Trouble With Kilts
The MacLarens of Balmorie series continues with Kam McKellar’s 3rd contemporary Scottish romance. Jamie is a wounded Highlander with an attitude and Riley is the kind of woman who can't resist a challenge.
Riley Brooks’ life is in a tailspin. With divorce papers shoved into her suitcase, she takes off for a much needed vacation to Scotland to see her cousin Lucy wed Ian MacLaren. Highland romance is in the air, but she wants none of it. Neither does Jamie MacLaren. The Scottish farmer is pissed off and bitter, and wants to be left alone. But when Riley’s ex-husband shows up at the castle to reopen old wounds, misery loves company, and Riley and Jamie join forces with a little Scottish whisky to ease their hurts, and maybe open their hearts…
The Trouble With Kilts is the 3rd in the author’s MacLarens of Balmorie series of humorous, fast-paced, short contemporary romances with a Scottish Highland twist. The full
1. Mad About Plaid
2. A Scot Like You
3. The Trouble with Kilts
4. Any Scot of Mine
Riley Brooks’ life is in a tailspin. With divorce papers shoved into her suitcase, she takes off for a much needed vacation to Scotland to see her cousin Lucy wed Ian MacLaren. Highland romance is in the air, but she wants none of it. Neither does Jamie MacLaren. The Scottish farmer is pissed off and bitter, and wants to be left alone. But when Riley’s ex-husband shows up at the castle to reopen old wounds, misery loves company, and Riley and Jamie join forces with a little Scottish whisky to ease their hurts, and maybe open their hearts…
The Trouble With Kilts is the 3rd in the author’s MacLarens of Balmorie series of humorous, fast-paced, short contemporary romances with a Scottish Highland twist. The full
1. Mad About Plaid
2. A Scot Like You
3. The Trouble with Kilts
4. Any Scot of Mine
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2013
98 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Kam McKellar
5 books26 followersKam McKellar writes fun, sexy, romantic novellas. She has a thing for sweets, accents, kilts, and men in uniform. She hopes to one day inherit her very own castle from a previously unbeknownst to her relative. Nothing wrong with dreaming big! :D
Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KamMcKellar....
Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KamMcKellar....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 26, 2020
Short story
It was a freebie for me. I thank the author for that. Honest review from me is that it was short. Missing words or words jumbled. Incomplete sentences or thoughts. It was a cute story. Nothing that really stood out. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't great.
It was a freebie for me. I thank the author for that. Honest review from me is that it was short. Missing words or words jumbled. Incomplete sentences or thoughts. It was a cute story. Nothing that really stood out. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't great.
May 27, 2017
Too short...wish it was a full length novel
December 3, 2019
another free book, self explanatory
May 8, 2020
Short, sweet with an ending that was a little abrupt.
May 17, 2022
Sweet
Short and sweet. I really enjoyed it. Hope to read more of your books. It was a pleasant change from other Highlander Romance stories I read all the time.
Short and sweet. I really enjoyed it. Hope to read more of your books. It was a pleasant change from other Highlander Romance stories I read all the time.
June 5, 2022
Cute story but short
January 13, 2023
Adorable
Very cute quick read. I really want a highlander in a kilt of my own, lol. Not a bad morning read.
Very cute quick read. I really want a highlander in a kilt of my own, lol. Not a bad morning read.
January 7, 2014
This review was originally posted on my blog, Ramblings of a Daydreamer. You can find it, and many more reviews at the blog.
The Trouble With Kilts is the final book in the Balmorie novella series, and I’m sad to say goodbye to the MacLarens and the Walkers. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed their love stories and watching them come full-circle.
Riley and Jamie are both hurting. Riley’s marriage has fallen apart, and Jamie has returned from war with both physical and emotional wounds. Both Riley and Jamie are combative and bitter, but they find peace with each other and help each other heal.
I liked that this story was a bit different from the other two. All the stories were basically insta-love (they’re romance novellas, after all, you kind of expect the romance to happen fast), but this one followed a different formula from the first two, which I appreciated. It wasn’t love at first sight for Riley and Jamie - they barely wanted to be in the same room at first - and I loved watching them warm to each other and slowly realize that they would be perfect for each other.
Like Dev in A Scot Like You, Jamie had a vulnerable side, which I loved. He was this big, strong guy, a hard worker and someone who seemed really tough, so when he showed those cracks in his armour, it melted my heart and made me fall for him even more. I thought he and Riley were a great match for so many reasons.
The Trouble With Kilts is funny, romantic, sexy, and sweet. Getting to see all the MacLarens and all the Walkers happy was really heartwarming. I don’t know how anyone could read this series and not fall in love with these swoony Scots.
The Trouble With Kilts is the final book in the Balmorie novella series, and I’m sad to say goodbye to the MacLarens and the Walkers. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed their love stories and watching them come full-circle.
Riley and Jamie are both hurting. Riley’s marriage has fallen apart, and Jamie has returned from war with both physical and emotional wounds. Both Riley and Jamie are combative and bitter, but they find peace with each other and help each other heal.
I liked that this story was a bit different from the other two. All the stories were basically insta-love (they’re romance novellas, after all, you kind of expect the romance to happen fast), but this one followed a different formula from the first two, which I appreciated. It wasn’t love at first sight for Riley and Jamie - they barely wanted to be in the same room at first - and I loved watching them warm to each other and slowly realize that they would be perfect for each other.
Like Dev in A Scot Like You, Jamie had a vulnerable side, which I loved. He was this big, strong guy, a hard worker and someone who seemed really tough, so when he showed those cracks in his armour, it melted my heart and made me fall for him even more. I thought he and Riley were a great match for so many reasons.
The Trouble With Kilts is funny, romantic, sexy, and sweet. Getting to see all the MacLarens and all the Walkers happy was really heartwarming. I don’t know how anyone could read this series and not fall in love with these swoony Scots.
January 21, 2015
This book felt a bit similar to book two. We have Riley, the third cousin, who is facing a really bad break up fell in love with James, the third McLaren brother, who is also healing, but from a bad injury rather than heart ache. I did like very much, though, that this book had some unexpected turns and wasn’t as predictable as the first ones. Plus, I also really enjoyed that this time this two don’t decide to rush everything, but they rather choose to wait. That was a refreshing twist in the series.
It was good to see what had happened with the love stories between the other two pair of cousins and brothers, but it sometimes felt a little forced. Like the author had the pressure to make something big happen between them.
Nevertheless, as always, it was an enjoyable read. The story is very fun and had its characteristic wit about it.
I liked Riley very much; I think she is my favourite of the three cousins. She always speaks her mind, even if it is not appropriate and is very confident in her, not afraid of taking the matters into her own hands when needed.
All in all, I think the Balmorie novellas are always a fun read, because even though you know they’ll end up together, it is very entertaining to see all the amusing situations the characters put their selves into, and how they learn to accept that they have actually fall in love.
I definitely want to read the next books in the series.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, but my opinion was not biased in any way by this fact.
It was good to see what had happened with the love stories between the other two pair of cousins and brothers, but it sometimes felt a little forced. Like the author had the pressure to make something big happen between them.
Nevertheless, as always, it was an enjoyable read. The story is very fun and had its characteristic wit about it.
I liked Riley very much; I think she is my favourite of the three cousins. She always speaks her mind, even if it is not appropriate and is very confident in her, not afraid of taking the matters into her own hands when needed.
All in all, I think the Balmorie novellas are always a fun read, because even though you know they’ll end up together, it is very entertaining to see all the amusing situations the characters put their selves into, and how they learn to accept that they have actually fall in love.
I definitely want to read the next books in the series.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, but my opinion was not biased in any way by this fact.
January 2, 2014
Kam McKellar's Mad about Plaid, A Scot for You, and The Trouble with Kilts are light romance novellas. Mad About Plaid Each are quick easy reads--just the right thing for the holidays. Each centers around a cousin from a set of three, who visit a castle and an estate turned into a resort. New A Scot Like YouEach falls in love with one of the MacLaren brothers. All are sexy, young, and beautiful and handsome. The countryside is breathtaking and the innkeepers are a set of friendly down-to-earth matchmakers.
Yes, the novels The Trouble with Kiltsare formulaic but that is not necessarily a bad thing. It is not the stuff of serious literary romance novels, but again that is not a bad thing. As in Escaping Innocence: A Story of Awakening by Joe Perrone, McKellar's writing is fun and interesting to read. It is a way to go back for those of us over forty without having to self analyze everything in our past. McKellar's words at the end about love happening fast or when you least it expect it rings true. That is the premise of the novels. They also made me thankful for the love in my life...and now more than ever, make me want to visit Scotland.
If you listen closely, you can hear a bagpipe...
Yes, the novels The Trouble with Kiltsare formulaic but that is not necessarily a bad thing. It is not the stuff of serious literary romance novels, but again that is not a bad thing. As in Escaping Innocence: A Story of Awakening by Joe Perrone, McKellar's writing is fun and interesting to read. It is a way to go back for those of us over forty without having to self analyze everything in our past. McKellar's words at the end about love happening fast or when you least it expect it rings true. That is the premise of the novels. They also made me thankful for the love in my life...and now more than ever, make me want to visit Scotland.
If you listen closely, you can hear a bagpipe...
September 12, 2014
This was my first book by author Kam McKellar and I only wish it had been a full length novel and not a novella.
Riley Brooks has escaped her busy life in the states, and with divorce papers in hand arrives at her cousins wedding to Ian Maclaren. To her dismay she discovers Jamie Maclaren is also attending the wedding and from past experience learned that she doesn't like him much. She hopes not to bump into him and all this love and romance, well it's not for her, been there, done that......
Jamie has to go to the wedding, he knows, but since losing part of his leg he just want's to be left alone and all this talk of love and marriage is not for him.
The two main characters are destined to meet up and the question is can they help each other to over come their pain and start a new beginning.
A wonderful read of love and support, I enjoyed it immensely, the characters were very believable, I liked them very much especially Jamie and his strength to recover. I look forward to reading more books from The MacLarens of Balmorie series.
Riley Brooks has escaped her busy life in the states, and with divorce papers in hand arrives at her cousins wedding to Ian Maclaren. To her dismay she discovers Jamie Maclaren is also attending the wedding and from past experience learned that she doesn't like him much. She hopes not to bump into him and all this love and romance, well it's not for her, been there, done that......
Jamie has to go to the wedding, he knows, but since losing part of his leg he just want's to be left alone and all this talk of love and marriage is not for him.
The two main characters are destined to meet up and the question is can they help each other to over come their pain and start a new beginning.
A wonderful read of love and support, I enjoyed it immensely, the characters were very believable, I liked them very much especially Jamie and his strength to recover. I look forward to reading more books from The MacLarens of Balmorie series.
June 22, 2014
This should have been an outright 5-star review if not for the rather short length of the story. I really love how the author made me care for the characters, but my only gripe is that the story was too short for me to care about them more. I've already read the previous 2 books, but I wish there was more depth to Riley. I felt like the appearance of her ex-husband was just thrown in as a convenient conflict factor, but I needed MORE. Because of that, I felt like there wasn't really any conflict to begin with. Jamie's character seemed superficial as well, even if he was a POV. The story's downfall is it's length. The author could have done more exposition that would have made the story more gripping and believable.
September 7, 2014
I loved Jamie he was just really sexy and I loved him (yep I said that twice), "same as you, I reckon." He tossed a glance back to the house, the windows glowing with warm light. "And escaping your Grammy Lin. She keeps asking what's under my kilt." He's really caring, and takes care of his woman, "he moved past her. "Hang tight, New York. And I'll make ye some porridge, toast, and bangers. I think I have bangers," he muttered, disappearing into the kitchen." He also approves of his woman's body, "dear God," Jamie breathed, stunned. He scrubbed a shaky hand down his face, his gaze going down. Naked. Riley was naked. And perfect." Although these books can be read in a grocery store line I wouldn't pass them up for anything I love this series.
February 3, 2016
This was a great fast read to satisfy my highland fix.
Riley and Jamie were unbelievably CUTE considering that both are in the worse periods of their lives, one a depressed amputee and the other a recently separated better-off-being-a-widow New Yorker. Their time together developed in the other two installments, but their connection here was hot, funny and pretty heartfelt, especially since it's so short compared to a regular length novel.
I never laughed so hard with a short novella and I highly recommend this to anyone who loves romantic comedies with a bit of harsh realities.
Riley and Jamie were unbelievably CUTE considering that both are in the worse periods of their lives, one a depressed amputee and the other a recently separated better-off-being-a-widow New Yorker. Their time together developed in the other two installments, but their connection here was hot, funny and pretty heartfelt, especially since it's so short compared to a regular length novel.
I never laughed so hard with a short novella and I highly recommend this to anyone who loves romantic comedies with a bit of harsh realities.
May 1, 2015
Jamie, the Highlander was perfect for Riley. Both had issues and a past full of pain and add love at first sight making The Trouble with Kilts a great romance. Jamie is a retired Army with a leg partly gone and Riley is recovering from the betrayal of her ex-husband, when they take six months to get back on track. I loved the chemistry and honest feelings when dealing with both of their issues.
August 10, 2016
Another fun read!! This is such a wonderful series! i have enjoyed each book successively. They can be read as stand alone stories but the characters are mentioned in each story so its better to read the stories in order so your understanding is complete! this is a fun and easy wonderful series and i cannot say enough good things about this author. She definitely knows how to spin a story!
February 11, 2015
This is the first time I have read anything by Ms. McKellar, but it will certainly not be the last! I loved this story of two people nearly overcome by heart break and bitterness learning to trust again and finally finding true love. The characters were wonderful, caught my attention and then my heart and never let go. You will LOVE this book!
December 20, 2014
Ha! so I only figured out AFTER reading it that it was part of a series, but oh well :D
It does work very well as a stand alone though, I didn't feel like I missed anything, though considering the characters I probably would have enjoyed it more had I read the first two books :P
It's more of a chick-lit romance story than highlander-y but still good.
It does work very well as a stand alone though, I didn't feel like I missed anything, though considering the characters I probably would have enjoyed it more had I read the first two books :P
It's more of a chick-lit romance story than highlander-y but still good.
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May 27, 2014The trouble with Kilts
love Jamie and Rylie story. love a first sight sort of story. enjoyed that they both thought the something but didn't say anything for six months. then they let the other know what they felt.
love Jamie and Rylie story. love a first sight sort of story. enjoyed that they both thought the something but didn't say anything for six months. then they let the other know what they felt.
July 30, 2014
This is the third in the specatcular Balmorie series, and I would also give this one 8 stars if they went up that high. My only complaint is I would rather see this as a full-length novel. So sad the story was a novella...
August 21, 2015
Love at first sight
Story line was very good and kept you reading until you were finished. Everyone should have love like Jamie and Riley, they never had intercourse and knew that person was for them. I guess absence makes the heart grow .
Story line was very good and kept you reading until you were finished. Everyone should have love like Jamie and Riley, they never had intercourse and knew that person was for them. I guess absence makes the heart grow .
March 26, 2016
Sweet
Short and sweet. I would have liked it a bit longer. Jamie was a sweet, injured man. Just getting himself back together. Riley had been hit and shattered just before they met. But I want more of them.
Short and sweet. I would have liked it a bit longer. Jamie was a sweet, injured man. Just getting himself back together. Riley had been hit and shattered just before they met. But I want more of them.
December 23, 2013
Review posted at http://ragesexandteddybears.blogspot....
December 20, 2013
Good conclusion to the series. I like that there was a six month separation in the story.
September 27, 2014
I loved this sweet romance. My only complaint was it was so short! I would've loved a longer romance between Riley and Jamie. Still recommend for a fast sweet romance.
June 11, 2015
lovit :P
October 18, 2014
Full review posted at http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...
February 26, 2015
Very short novella. Read in less than an hour. Had a basis for a very good story, but was so short and rushed, it felt pointless.
April 5, 2016
Rafraîchissante lecture vu l'ambiance morose de ces derniers temps.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews