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The MacLarens of Balmorie #1
Mad About Plaid
In Kam McKellar’s fun, sexy contemporary Scottish romance, Ian MacLaren—retired U.S. soldier turned Innkeeper is keeping his family legacy going. He and his brothers have moved to Scotland to farm the land, restore and rent out cottages, and convert the west wing of the five-hundred year old Balmorie Castle into a guest house. The last thing on his mind is a Highland romance. But tell that to his first visitor...
Lucy Walker isn’t a travel writer, but she’s taking her cousin’s place and going to Scotland anyway. Why she gets talked into these things, she doesn’t know. But what she does know is that Ian MacLaren is not the type of Innkeeper she was expecting. Her plan to take notes and record all of Balmorie’s amenities, so her cousin can then write a review, becomes more and more difficult to do when she has her very own Scottish Highlander as her tour guide. One who soon finds out the sexy travel writer isn’t who she claims to be…
Mad About Plaid is the first 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
Lucy Walker isn’t a travel writer, but she’s taking her cousin’s place and going to Scotland anyway. Why she gets talked into these things, she doesn’t know. But what she does know is that Ian MacLaren is not the type of Innkeeper she was expecting. Her plan to take notes and record all of Balmorie’s amenities, so her cousin can then write a review, becomes more and more difficult to do when she has her very own Scottish Highlander as her tour guide. One who soon finds out the sexy travel writer isn’t who she claims to be…
Mad About Plaid is the first 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
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2013
47 people are currently reading
375 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 47 reviews
May 24, 2022
A quirky little book but it sure made me chuckle, especially when the plaid did a dance on her underpants!
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Edit: ummmm… apparently there’s two books with this title, and the review above is for the Mad About Plaid picture book by Jill Elmurry - but now I have to keep it for this book, too, because the accidental review made me laugh so hard. And it’s likely the review is actually fitting for this story as well!
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Edit: ummmm… apparently there’s two books with this title, and the review above is for the Mad About Plaid picture book by Jill Elmurry - but now I have to keep it for this book, too, because the accidental review made me laugh so hard. And it’s likely the review is actually fitting for this story as well!
April 3, 2014
Mad About Plaid by Kam McKellar is a cute story. If you're in for a short story dealing with love, self discovery and family, this book is for you. It helps a a young couple get over abandonment issues and fear of failing. It starts with Lucy being coerced by her cousin to take her place on her assignment of giving a review of a guest house in Scotland. Lucy reluctantly agrees to do her cousin Riley this favor. Meanwhile in Scotland, Ian MacLaren, is busy readying the one wing of the castle to receive guests waiting for. Mrs. Riley Brooks. Lucy gets lost looking for the address and runs out of gas. She gets out in the rain and sees a castle and heads towards it by cutting through the grounds. Ian has nervous energy and takes a walk with the old horse Nick and his hunting rifle. His dog points to the brush at a brown cock and shoots just as Lucy falls. Ian goes running. Her pulse is steady the cock hit her head as it fell. He rushes her back to the castle and up to a room in the family wing. Fran the housekeeper rushes for assistance. Before the night ends Ian realizes she's Riley but he's already smitten with her and he don't do married. That night hearing noises upstairs Lucy investigates, runs into Ian and she kisses him then runs away. The next day Ian overhears Lucy on the phone with Riley. He gets extremely angry. He calls her out on the kiss. Lucy ends up taking a grounds tour with Ian and he drives wildly. Will his anger get him a good review? Will Judy continue to break her mold and be assertive and admit to Ian her lie? Can Ian and Lucy get over their differences?
May 25, 2014
I loved this book, there was no beating around the bush, got to the plot with no additives and I loved that. And the thoughts that Lucy had OHHH BABY! "He stepped around the desk. "Ian MacLaren." His hand caught hers in a warm embrace. Good Lord, he had to be at least six inches taller than she was, making him around six-foot-four. Could he be anymore condom worthy?" I mean the innuendos that boy gives off, "he answered slowly and deliberately. "By all means, the room is yours. We want your stay to be as comfortable as possible. I look forward to seeing to your needs personally." Lucy has no qualms in telling Ian what she wants, "you, Ian." She kissed his mouth sweetly, her lips so soft, her breath warm and intoxicating. "Naked, preferably." I can't wait to check out the other books in this series.
June 12, 2018
I liked the book. It’s a sweet story and even if the female character lacks a spine, I could understand and sympathize with some of what she felt about fear to take chances.
The thing I disliked most was the fact that the book seems to be missing the ending. It ends very abruptly and it ruined the nice feeling I had up to that point.
The thing I disliked most was the fact that the book seems to be missing the ending. It ends very abruptly and it ruined the nice feeling I had up to that point.
January 8, 2020
Would recommend – easy read, saw the scenery in my mind.
June 11, 2021
Fun story about a girl who has no self confidence and no idea what she wants to do with her life. She goes to Scotland to a castle that 3 brothers have turned into a sort of a bed and breakfast type of place with the hopes they can make a living catering to tourists.
Lucy is pretending to be her cousin who is a travel writer because her cousin is on a trip with her husband in an effort to save her marriage. Sparks fly for several reasons and it all ends well.
Lucy is pretending to be her cousin who is a travel writer because her cousin is on a trip with her husband in an effort to save her marriage. Sparks fly for several reasons and it all ends well.
December 31, 2013
I love novellas. Sometimes you are just in the mood to read something cute and quick. I like them for pick me up books. When I am having a rough day, sometimes I will come home and crack open a novella to put me in a better mood. And the Balmorie series is excellent for that. Mad About Plaid made me smile and was a fun and saucy read that took me about an hour or two to read. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
This is the story of Lucy. Her cousin seems to be a hot shot travel writer for a big New York magazine, and she is supposed to go and stay at a scottish manor that is opening up to guests. Ian and his brothers inherited the family estate and have been busting their butts to get it back up and running. They need a good review to help get them some business. But Lucy's cousin can't make her trip, so she sends Lucy along instead. I liked Lucy. She is sassy and has no problem standing up for herself. She certainly managed to butt heads with Ian a lot in the start of the book. I loved watching the two of them interact. They were a riot and adorable all at the same time.
Iam and Lucy both like each other, but they know that they just met. So they each struggle with themselves over what to do. Mad About Plaid shoves the two of them together for all sorts of cute little mini excursions and adventures as they explore the manor and the surrounding town. There is a really great little romance building between the two of them and I was rooting for one of them to "man-up" and just make it happen already. I was not disappointed! They have great chemistry between the two of them. I fell in love with them, which was really impressive because of the length of the novella. You really get invested in the characters very quickly. We also got to meet Ian's two other brothers, who will take center stage in the next two books. I must say that I can't wait to read their stories. I hope that they are as addictive and cute as Ian and Lucy's.
This is the story of Lucy. Her cousin seems to be a hot shot travel writer for a big New York magazine, and she is supposed to go and stay at a scottish manor that is opening up to guests. Ian and his brothers inherited the family estate and have been busting their butts to get it back up and running. They need a good review to help get them some business. But Lucy's cousin can't make her trip, so she sends Lucy along instead. I liked Lucy. She is sassy and has no problem standing up for herself. She certainly managed to butt heads with Ian a lot in the start of the book. I loved watching the two of them interact. They were a riot and adorable all at the same time.
Iam and Lucy both like each other, but they know that they just met. So they each struggle with themselves over what to do. Mad About Plaid shoves the two of them together for all sorts of cute little mini excursions and adventures as they explore the manor and the surrounding town. There is a really great little romance building between the two of them and I was rooting for one of them to "man-up" and just make it happen already. I was not disappointed! They have great chemistry between the two of them. I fell in love with them, which was really impressive because of the length of the novella. You really get invested in the characters very quickly. We also got to meet Ian's two other brothers, who will take center stage in the next two books. I must say that I can't wait to read their stories. I hope that they are as addictive and cute as Ian and Lucy's.
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.
This is such a cute novella that I think will appeal to all romance lovers, especially those who like a hunky Scot…or three.
Ian MacLaren, the oldest of the MacLaren clan, and an ex-military man, is in the process of getting Balmorie Estate ready for the public as a guest house, and he needs help spreading the word. That’s where Riley Brooks, travel writer, comes in…except Riley is busy trying to save her marriage, so she sends her cousin Lucy in her place.
Lucy is like a walking disaster. From the moment she arrives in Scotland, nothing seems to go right. I really liked Lucy. It was obvious she loved her family and would do anything for them. She’s a bit lost and aimless, looking for her place and purpose in life, and the last thing she expects is to fall in love in Scotland, or find what she’s meant to do with her life.
I loved that Ian was so dedicated to restoring Balmorie. It’s exactly the kind of place I’d love to stay in when I visit Scotland…and I wouldn’t mind meeting a sexy Innkeeper like him! I’ve always had a not-so-secret fantasy of going to Scotland (or Ireland or England) and falling head over heels the way Lucy did, so Mad About Plaid appealed to me in a lot of ways.
If you’re looking for a quick romance that’s both sweet and steamy, I’d definitely recommend Mad About Plaid.
This is such a cute novella that I think will appeal to all romance lovers, especially those who like a hunky Scot…or three.
Ian MacLaren, the oldest of the MacLaren clan, and an ex-military man, is in the process of getting Balmorie Estate ready for the public as a guest house, and he needs help spreading the word. That’s where Riley Brooks, travel writer, comes in…except Riley is busy trying to save her marriage, so she sends her cousin Lucy in her place.
Lucy is like a walking disaster. From the moment she arrives in Scotland, nothing seems to go right. I really liked Lucy. It was obvious she loved her family and would do anything for them. She’s a bit lost and aimless, looking for her place and purpose in life, and the last thing she expects is to fall in love in Scotland, or find what she’s meant to do with her life.
I loved that Ian was so dedicated to restoring Balmorie. It’s exactly the kind of place I’d love to stay in when I visit Scotland…and I wouldn’t mind meeting a sexy Innkeeper like him! I’ve always had a not-so-secret fantasy of going to Scotland (or Ireland or England) and falling head over heels the way Lucy did, so Mad About Plaid appealed to me in a lot of ways.
If you’re looking for a quick romance that’s both sweet and steamy, I’d definitely recommend Mad About Plaid.
January 21, 2015
This book provides a simple yet funny and filled with romance plot. I really liked the premise of an American girl, travelling all the way to a magical place in Scotland to help her cousin write a travel article, and there meeting the love of her life, a sexy Scottish inn-keeper. Nevertheless, I felt that the romance was a little bit too rushed. I know that as a novella, this book is intended to be fast paced, and generally I don’t have a problem with insta-love stories, I do believe it happens sometimes, but in this story it felt that they fell head over heels too hastily. Even so, and although its outcome is predictable, it still provides and enjoyable read. The story develops in a funny and witty manner, offering a light and sweet read.
The changes in the point of view between Lucy and Ian are clear; although sometimes there were quick jumps from the thoughts of one character to another but I never found it to be confusing.
The best part of the book though, is its setting. The descriptions of Balmorie are breathtaking and I think it truly captures Scotland’s magic.
Overall this is a fun read romance lovers will enjoy.
*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.
The changes in the point of view between Lucy and Ian are clear; although sometimes there were quick jumps from the thoughts of one character to another but I never found it to be confusing.
The best part of the book though, is its setting. The descriptions of Balmorie are breathtaking and I think it truly captures Scotland’s magic.
Overall this is a fun read romance lovers will enjoy.
*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...
June 23, 2014
Kam Mckellar – who is Kam McKellar? Well I thought that before reading this novel. Wow! I am still not fully acquainted with this author but know her work is fantastically entertaining and creative in its modern contemporary style.
Scotland, land of chances and dreams; a place where muscle bound US ex-military now live in castles… A place where Lucy Walker, disguised as her cousin Riley goes to write a travel blog on a guest house and gets herself into some tricky situations from the onset of the book.
I loved the characters, to the point I now intend to pack and move to Scotland. The writing leaped off the page and took root in my imagination, imaging the characters and background of the story, making me see the life of those portrayed.
A phenomenal first dip into this author…
Scotland, land of chances and dreams; a place where muscle bound US ex-military now live in castles… A place where Lucy Walker, disguised as her cousin Riley goes to write a travel blog on a guest house and gets herself into some tricky situations from the onset of the book.
I loved the characters, to the point I now intend to pack and move to Scotland. The writing leaped off the page and took root in my imagination, imaging the characters and background of the story, making me see the life of those portrayed.
A phenomenal first dip into this author…
May 1, 2015
Lucy Walker is in Scotland doing a favor for her cousin, finds herself stranded without enough gas miles from the last town in Mad About Plaid. She starts to walk the five miles back to the last town when it starts to rain.
Ian MacLaren is expecting a reporter from the US to come write an article about his castle that he is opening as a guesthouse. He finds Lucy in his woods after his dog jumps on her and knocks her out.
Ian is an ex-military guy and with his two brothers owns the Castle they want to turn into a guesthouse to the public. He finds Lucy attractive and is drawn to her while she feels the same about him. Romance moves slowly the first few days and then they realize they have love at first sight to make Mad About Plaid a funny romance in beautiful Scotland.
Ian MacLaren is expecting a reporter from the US to come write an article about his castle that he is opening as a guesthouse. He finds Lucy in his woods after his dog jumps on her and knocks her out.
Ian is an ex-military guy and with his two brothers owns the Castle they want to turn into a guesthouse to the public. He finds Lucy attractive and is drawn to her while she feels the same about him. Romance moves slowly the first few days and then they realize they have love at first sight to make Mad About Plaid a funny romance in beautiful Scotland.
August 14, 2014
Delightful short story starting off the series. I've always loved reading about Scotland and this is yet another one for the list. Ms. McKellar's discription make it sound like it is just this side of heaven. Now I don't know how true it is, but it is I want it to be.
Lucy and Ian's story was quite good. I didn't understand why Ian was so angry in the beginning. Having been in the hospitality business for many years, it just didn't make a lot of sense to me, anxious, nervous, ect but angry? I would have liked it to be longer, go into more depth with the outing and progression on the relationship. I hope that I'll get to see more of them in the rest of the series.
I recommend this story to 13+ due to one minor sexual encounter.
Lucy and Ian's story was quite good. I didn't understand why Ian was so angry in the beginning. Having been in the hospitality business for many years, it just didn't make a lot of sense to me, anxious, nervous, ect but angry? I would have liked it to be longer, go into more depth with the outing and progression on the relationship. I hope that I'll get to see more of them in the rest of the series.
I recommend this story to 13+ due to one minor sexual encounter.
August 12, 2016
This light romance novella was set in Scotland with American lovers. Three battle-weary but determined soldier brothers inherit their grandfather's beautiful but neglected Scottish estate, and with little money and lots of sweat plan on turning it back to a working farm/tourist resort. In the process they will find love. The first novella is about the first of three American cousins who come to visit, whose romantic ideals were shaped as little girls stealing their grandmother's Highlander bodice-ripper paperbacks. Now, stir in some "help" from a shamelessly manipulative old family retainer who considers himself a most expert matchmaker. This was a cute premise, well-executed, with humor and romance enough to satisfy the need for a very happy read.
April 6, 2014
Fell in love with this book!!!
so I downloaded this book because it was free and the cover looked interesting. I started reading it and was totally in love with the book by the end of the first page. the more I got to know Lucy, the more I realized that she was just like me. her emotions strolled straight through me and into my heart leaving me feeling broken when her heart was broken. and don't even get me started on Ian. he was my Mr Perfect to put it simply. so, yes, I loved this story. it made me want to hop on a plane and find my very own Scottishman.
so I downloaded this book because it was free and the cover looked interesting. I started reading it and was totally in love with the book by the end of the first page. the more I got to know Lucy, the more I realized that she was just like me. her emotions strolled straight through me and into my heart leaving me feeling broken when her heart was broken. and don't even get me started on Ian. he was my Mr Perfect to put it simply. so, yes, I loved this story. it made me want to hop on a plane and find my very own Scottishman.
August 12, 2016
I downloaded this book as a Kindle freebie and I took a chance on it based on the very interesting book synopsis. Usually I'd take the glowing reviews with a grain of salt, but this one was truly a gem. I loved the sassy characters, the witty banter, fluid narrative, and the sizzling chemistry between Lucy and Ian. I finished this in one sitting and I'm already excited to read book 2 of the series! I'm so glad to have found Kam McKellar's work. Another instant-buy author!
July 5, 2014
I liked this story a lot, I always have a thing for Scots but Ian is a double whammy part Scottish and a retired American soldier. I think I need to fan myself thinking about it. J/K, and before you get excited this isn't erotica so there is not a lot of gratuitous sex, it is really just a sweet romance. It is very funny at parts and the supporting characters are pretty entertaining too. I am really interested in reading the next book in this series.
September 1, 2014
Great story.
Going to help her cousin right a review for Balmorie Estate and Guest house,finds Lucy ,lost stranded in the rain on a deserted stretch of road in Scotland.
Thinking she had found a short cut Lucy gets hit by a felled bird and hitting her head on rock.
Lucy was the last thing Owner Ian MacLaren thought he would find when he went in search of the bird.
Things get crazy and hot from there.
I recommend this story !!!
Going to help her cousin right a review for Balmorie Estate and Guest house,finds Lucy ,lost stranded in the rain on a deserted stretch of road in Scotland.
Thinking she had found a short cut Lucy gets hit by a felled bird and hitting her head on rock.
Lucy was the last thing Owner Ian MacLaren thought he would find when he went in search of the bird.
Things get crazy and hot from there.
I recommend this story !!!
July 30, 2014
This is the first of a spectacular series! McKellar uses excellent pacing and characterization to make you fall in love with her characters swiftly and completely. My ONLY complaint would be that I would much rather this have been a full-length novel as I hated to say good-bye to the characters so quickly. Would give it 8 stars if they went up that high.
May 15, 2014
What a wonderful short read. I loved it. Falling in love at first sight, ok maybe second. Lucy wasn't at her best on the first. Ian was though. Enough humor to make the story sweet and funny. Look forward to reading the next two books in the series.
May 29, 2014
A fun book. A contemporary romance with believable characters. A cute love story. I liked the descriptions of the Scottish landscape, castle, etc. I would love to visit the area since I'm Scottish too.
August 16, 2014
The story was totally legit!! haha XD
This was particularly fun because I dreaaammmm about Scotland, so for her to find a guy in Scotland is just- *sighs dreamily*.
It felt so short, but the love story was great with humor and enough heat to keep me on my toes. I highly recommend!
This was particularly fun because I dreaaammmm about Scotland, so for her to find a guy in Scotland is just- *sighs dreamily*.
It felt so short, but the love story was great with humor and enough heat to keep me on my toes. I highly recommend!
January 1, 2015
Yummy
This was another yummy romance. The Scottish Highlands are beautifully described. They play a large role in this story. The romance is too graphic. But the chemistry great!
This was another yummy romance. The Scottish Highlands are beautifully described. They play a large role in this story. The romance is too graphic. But the chemistry great!
December 23, 2013
Review posted at http://ragesexandteddybears.blogspot....
December 20, 2013
Fun, Loved the setting and the accents. Great characters.
December 30, 2013
A super fun quick read!
April 10, 2014
I loved this book, it was a fast, sweet, read! I can't wait to read the next two!
April 6, 2014
If only!
September 10, 2016
I'm not usually much for Scottish books, but I devoured this book in one day. I loved it!
April 7, 2014
Wow, short and steamy. Could easily have been longer. Recommend, just skip over the e-reader errors.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews