This Laird of Mine

The Highland Bachelor #2

by Gerri Russell

Claire Elliot has two weeks to win the heart of Jules MacIntyre—and then break it. To save her wards from a vicious blackmailer, she dares to enter the laird’s castle, claiming to be the wife he’d recently wed. But no such wife exists!

The brooding Jules invented a bride to silence his well-meaning, matchmaking friends, so he never expected her to arrive on his doorstep. He is suspicious of this beautiful stranger, but he’s also steadfast, courageous, and effortlessly seductive. In fact, he’s the very man Claire would choose to love…if she weren’t forced to betray him.

She is an intruder at best, and a liar at worst, but still Claire enthralls Jules like no woman before. He agrees to let her stay—at least until he uncovers the truth—and soon she is filling his manor and scarred heart with the warmth they have both been lacking.

While an unknown enemy has chosen Claire as a weapon to destroy the laird, Jules vows to fight for the passion he has found with his fantasy bride made flesh.

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

267 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2014

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

[♥ℳelody · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

I'm rating this with a curve because the attempt was commendable and the hero was adorable. I think this is my first HR book with a hero who is only 22 years old, which isn't usually my thing but it oddly worked here. First things first, that cover is very misleading and doesn't fit the time setting of this story. This is not a Highlander romance, it's set in Scotland and yeah the hero wears his tartan for formal occasions but that's pretty much it. Now for what didn't work, this could have been a 4 star read if it wasn't for the convoluted contrived as hell plot. Which I tried very hard to overlook and just go along with but there were one too many holes in this story that it got in the way of my enjoyment. The premise was very intriguing but the nuts and bolts were not fitting and character motivations and explanations were bungled badly. Every time there was an attempt at explaining things it never added up or slightly changed in details. I'm not a stickler for plots being logical, it's fiction after all. I'm just here for the fun but if you keep confusing me and I have to reread a passage several times to try to understand character motivations and timeline then it's a problem. A plot this meticulous needs better clarity and coherency, if I can’t understand the villain’s explanation for how this whole mess started then you pretty much shot your plot to hell. A good editor or beta reader here would have been nice. This reminded me of Tessa Dare's When a Scot Ties the Knot a make believe suitor who turns out to be very real, but this one is a much darker turn at it.

The hero Jules concocted a whole story about a made up wife named "Claire" using letters to get his well meaning friends off his back about finding love after getting out of prison. Ok but why? I’m sorry couldn’t he just tell them to back off and mind their own business? I didn’t understand why all this effort was put into duping his friends to get them to leave him alone when he’s already dealing with so much. If this was smothering parents or a family member I would understand it more but friends? Nah. The man was in prison for a year, lost both his father and brother after he got out, I would think they would leave him alone to catch his breath and recover from all this trauma first. And why on earth did he sign marriage documents for a make believe wife?? Maybe I misunderstood that part (see comment about editor above) but it needed to be clearer.

Which brings me to my next point: the blackmail. I just didn't care for it. Why? Because the heroine Claire was forced into a marriage by proxy just to save her 3 young wards who were kidnapped by the villain. Have I mentioned how much I hate kid orphan tropes in stories? Hate it with the fire of a thousand suns. I just don't like to see protagonists and the romance getting thrown under the bus for kids. Like yeah sorry dude, you were abused and neglected since a young age after losing your mother and your stepmother wants to kill you. You are hot in bed and I love you but I gotta save these kids!

Just, no. Also the deal the villain makes with her made no sense whatsoever. Claire is supposed to make Jules fall in love with her and then leave him after 2 weeks. Ok....and? Then what? What exactly was that supposed to accomplish? And why someone who is being threatened into marrying a strange man they never met and not ask questions is just the biggest head scratcher. The villain is clearly unhinged and mental but her motivations and everything she does is all over the place and so loosey goosey. The villain is Jules's deranged stepmother Agatha who faked her own death to frame him for murder and send him to prison only to turn around and pay for his release a year later. Huh?? You do all that only to free the man you hate because he didn't die in prison? Um, ok crazy. She sets out for revenge all because Jules refused to sleep with her when he was only 16 years old and she kept showing up in his bedroom at night for months on end like a creepy ass pervert. Like I said, she's unhinged and disgusting. The whole explanation for how she finds a "real" Claire through Jules's father makes even less sense. So yeah, good attempt at a suspenseful story but it could have been better.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 2 out of 5]

DISAPPOINTED!!

I am a bit disappointed in Jules story. Jules Macintyre suffered enough in bk1 A Laird For Christmas. I also, was disturbed by the villain who is very obvious from the start of the book kidnapping 3 young girls and torturing them. Cutting off the finger of a 16yrs old who was the oldest of the 3 girls and burying the 13 and 14 yrs old Alive. This is a no no for me. It ruined the whole story!! I don't like stories when villain gain the upper hand at any point in a story.

Claire has been forced to marry Jules by proxy. Jules has made up a wife that he didn't have to please his friends. When Claire shows up with his best friends saying she is his wife. Jules is a little baffled at first because he knows he made her up in his mind and it is impossible for her to be there in the flush. What is she up too? I did like Claire she was doing the best she could to save the lives of her 3 kidnapped wards.

The story moves slow because there is not a lot of developed scenes to keep you wondering who is the villain. You can pretty much figure out why the villain is doing what she is doing to Jules.

On a whole the story is just not very impressive. Not much character development. Not very creative!! It also, felt more British Historical Romance then Scottish. Also, was Jules an Earl or a Laird or both. Not much development there either.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in this series.

Jules MacIntyre had already suffered enough and now is without funds in his family's run down manor. He created a fictitious wife so that his friends would leave him be. Claire Elliot was blackmailed into marrying by proxy the Laird of Kildare. An evil force is amongst them. Will evil win?

I truly enjoyed this second book in the highland bachelor series and look forward to the next one. There was enough suspense and romantic hot steamy scenes. Loved it. This second book was better than the first one. Do not get me wrong, the first one was great, but this one had more passionate scenes, which I love in my books. The only thing...I wish there would have been an Epilogue.

Again, looking forward to David's story next, then Bryce and finally the missing link.

What a fantastic series!

[Billie Jo]

Audiobook. I have listened to a few other books narrated by Justine Eyre and really enjoyed them but this one fell a little flat for me. Claire's voice was beautiful but the Hero's voice sounded like an old man. As to the story... I really enjoyed the story line itself but the romance part seemed a bit forced and I never truly felt the connection between the two.

[Debby *BabyDee* · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first read by Gerri Russell. Claire Elliott has to save her wards and is blackmailed into winning the heart of Jules MacIntyre and the leave. Jules imprisoned by his father to keep him safe from sinister forces that wish to kill him is released and left as the laird of a run down castle. He invents a bride who shows up as a real life person in the flesh.

The MC's go tit for tat...one trying to keep a secret....the other suspicious of the woman that has shown up on his doorstep. Regardless of the circumstances, their attraction for one another grows. Unknown to Claire, she has become a pawn in a plot to destroy Jules by his thought to be dead stepmother. Although she sets out to kill him, Jules fights for the passion and love he has found in his make believe but true to life bride.

This was an audio read for me and I thought the narration was sometime hard to follow. It was an enjoyable highland read but was a bit flat and dragged at times.

It was a little over a 3 rating for me so I am giving it 3.5-Stars.

[karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lies, hate, revenge continues. Jules life and imprisonment was due to his evil supposed dead step mother who at one time trued to seduce him. Claire was his imagined wife only to actually become his real wife due to being blackmailed,
Fighting it hard, the two really fall in love. His inherited castle is falling apart and his reputation is in shatters. His good friend Jane and Nicholas all come to his aid.
Will Agatha be stopped? Will Jules ever find happiness? Read on.

[Stephanie Rubio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laird, Love, Loss

Jules was beaten and broken until he rose from the ashes if Gaol to compete for Lady Jane Lennox’s hand in marriage. When he was not the chosen one, he thought he was lost and doomed to a manor that was no more life-until Claire showed up on his doorstep and brought both light and darkness to his existence.

[Liesl Andrico · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story, it drew me in right from the beginning. The interactions and dialogue between the two main characters, as well as that between the main characters and their friends/family, was all very good. However, the motivations of the evil villain were unconvincing which made the wrap-up of the story less-than satisfying.

[Laura Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense but good

This second book in th series was sad and tense. Jules was a favorite from the first book and his story was so sad. I am glad he found Claire. I look forward to the next book.

[Shirley Hamlod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant second instalment in this series. I loved Jules in the first book and was devastated when the plot involved him being emotionally destroyed in this one. It was a delightful story of a developing love and passion. I can’t wait for the next book. Excellent!

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical romance

I enjoyed this book. I have been more interested in Scotland because of my AncestryDNA has my mothers side a Laird. Our English side has earls and Dukes even. It only took me 82 years to find it.

[Katy2.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laird, Claire, and 'Villianess'. Who wins, who does not?

This is an excellent follow-up to Highland Bachelor book 1. Claire's character was fairly clear from the start. On the other hand, the 'villainess' was an unexpected ride.

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️(in notes)

[Reah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a classic love story with an Irish brogue and a bit of a twist.

[MyChienneLit · Rating 1 out of 5]

Claire Eliot has just two weeks to win the heart of Jules MacIntyre and then leave him and break it or forfeit the lives of her wards. Her blackmailer is insisting that she pose as Claire MacIntyre, Jules's newlywed bride-by-proxy. But what makes the plan truly outrageous is the fact that no such woman exists. After serving seven years in prison for a murder he did not commit and nearly bankrupt, the last thing Jules needs or wants is a wife. But rather than continuing to endure the advice, suggestions and not-so-subtle hints of his well-intentioned, but misguided friends, Jules takes the easy way out. He invents a bride. Now Jules must learn who is out to destroy him and why, but can he do so before both he and the mystery bride have their lives and hearts torn apart?

SPOILER ALERT!!!
While the story is lively and entertaining, the mystery is not well-constructed. For example, when Jules is investigating his marriage by proxy, he gives up when he learns the solicitor is dead, but why does he not ask about the witnesses to the ceremony? Or for another example, if Jules's stepmother is still alive to cause all the havoc she does, how did Jules end up being arrested for murder in the first place? She supposedly was poisoned, so there should have been an easily identifiable body, as would not necessarily have been the case with a drowning or a house fire, etc. These are just two of many inconsistencies within the story's framework, but a larger issue exists with the historical setting and context set for the story. The dialogue gives almost no indication that the story takes place in Scotland's past, and some of the events are unlikely in the time period as well. For example, it would be highly unusual for a single woman to be granted guardianship of three young girls in any circumstances, and the story does not adequately address why such an exception would be granted in Claire's case. Also, during the time of the clearances, an impoverished Scottish noble serving time for murder with no tenants productively farming the land and unable to pay his debts would have had a monumental challenge in keeping his lands from being seized by the Crown. Again, this was not addressed in the novel at all. While I understand that historical fiction is just that--fictional--there is some expectation of plausibility that is what elevates it from a mere story into the historical fiction genre. This book, while entertaining, fell somewhat short of my expectations of Russell's other work.

I listened to the audiobook presentation of this book, and it sounded like the actor was straining a great deal to lower the pitch of her voice to produce the male speaking parts of this book. The artificial quality of her voice in that register was quite distracting. On the occasions when it seemed as if the actor was performing using a more normal, natural speaking voice and speech pattern, the performance was much more enjoyable with the performance taking any additional and allowing the words of the novel themselves to be at the forefront.

[Kym · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setting: Argyle, Scotland. July 1680
Genre: Romance, mystery
As per usual, I haven't read/listened to the first book in this series, therefore I was sort of at sea with the foundation of this one. Apparently Jules lost the love of his life, Jane Lennox, to another in the previous book. So, I don't know the timeline involved but here goes: Jules was living in the Lennox household training to be a knight when his father called him home at the behest of Agatha, Jules' step-mother. Some time later (no idea how much time), Agatha died of poisoning and Jules was sent to be hanged, but Jane Lennox provided an alibi. So instead of hanging, Jules had to stay in prison until someone paid his ransom. During his time in prison, Jules' father died and shortly thereafter, his younger brother drank himself to death. Because his friends keep pressuring him to marry, he invents a wife named Claire.
At the beginning of this book, he's home, alone except for Finn, his steward, and a stable hand. Almost everything that can be sold has been, down to but excluding the carpets. When he gets a letter from Claire saying she is coming home and bringing his friends with her, he sells the carpets in order to afford to have the house cleaned and get food for the larder. Claire was forced to marry Jules by proxy when someone grabbed her wards. She was instructed by the kidnapper to make him fall in love, then leave him. A lot of things happen, pointing to a conspiracy against Jules, but very few clues are given as to who or why.
I found the characters to be likable, though not all that complex. The premise was interesting if not original, but the plotting was loose and slow. Grammatically speaking, I have no complaints. There weren't any big problems in usage. However.... I normally don't read/listen to anything set before the late 1700s, so I can't say for sure, but the vocabulary and the chumminess of the secondary characters (canst thou sayeth Friends?) seemed anachronistic. Don't get me wrong. I like being able to understand what characters are saying without having to break out Ye Olde English to Old-English Dictionary (or Shakespeare), but people really should not sound so 21st century. This is a historical romance, but I really didn't get a sense for being there. The author didn't evoke anything of the Scotland of the 1600s. This story could have taken place anytime between the invention of the wheel and the steam engine.
I had a hard time sticking with this book. I mean really, two days to finish a book this short? Totally unlike me at all. I rate this a definite average, though it could have been low average if I had read instead of listened. It is definitely better listened to because...Scottish accents! That's probably why this was in my library at all - it was on sale and Justine Eyre does a decent accent (though this book isn't her best performance).

[L.A. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This Laird is Mine” is the second in “The Highland Bachelor Series” and follows the life of Jules MacIntyre whom we first met in the first book “A Laird for Christmas.” Jules has returned home to find both his father and brother are now dead and his home is deeply in debt. To make matters worse, the only woman he has ever loved Lady Jane Lennox has married another. As with any newlywed couple, they wish to see those they love also find happiness and to keep them from meddling, Jules creates a fictional wife, Claire. However, when he receives word that Claire will be arriving with Lady Jane and her husband Nicolas Kincaid, Jules is first surprised, then angry at the woman who has assumed the role.
Claire has not been given a choice. Married to Jules by proxy and blackmailed as her young wards held captive. She must get Jules to fall in love with her and then break his heart if she is ever to see the three young girls alive again. However, the heart has other ideas. Despite how they are thrown together, neither can resist the attraction they feel. It is only when both of them realize the depths of their true feelings that the threat that forced them together now pulls them apart.
This was a wonderful read, full of rich characters and vivid history. In the end you will be moved as Ms. Russell once again leaves you with a journey that has run the gambit of every emotion. In addition she clearly sets the reader up for the stories yet to be told.

[Kathy]

When imagination becomes reality oh the possibilities!

Jules is wrongfully sent to the gallows for the murder of his step mother and spared from the noose only by the testimony of his dear friend Jane. A curious fate indeed but perhaps more curious is who has seen him free? Once freed he returns home to his birthright a Mannor in ill repair with no money or support to bring it back to it's glory except for his few good friends he wouldn't dream of imposing on for favors.

To keep his friends from meddling in his love life Jules creates a wife named Claire. Imagine his surprise when friends Jane and her husband Nicholas arrive with the living, breathing Claire herself. Jules finds that he has married by proxy to this, his Claire!

The plot thickens and there are many twists and turns as Jules discovers many secrets.

This story has it all imagination, great character development and of course lots of romance.If you have read and love Gerri Russell's works this is another of her fine stories. If you haven't yet given her books a read pick this one up, it will not disappoint!

[HR-ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story took place in Scotland in July 1680.

Jules was the earl hero & Claire the heroine. Jules
had to live down the rumor that he murdered his
'mad' step-mom. A "dark cloaked man" threatened
to kill Claire's wards ranging in ages from 13 to 16.
And demanded she make Jules fall in love with her
inside of 2 weeks.

The leads gradually respected each other and fond
love. Jules excelled at fending off the cruel baddie.
Jules had "a tattered soul" to start but was much
improved by story's end. I can't give away more.

[Nkai Moonwatyr · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending....

As far as romances go, it was decent. Until the cobbled together end. I can't fully express how bad the ending is.
Would have given 4stars if it hadn't felt like it wasn't a 'i don't quite know how to end this so I'll just throw this scene together and call it good!'

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tartans are Kilts

The mystery is obvious. The romance is your typical back and forth. The heroine, Claire however is an intellectual commoner with an amazing painting talent. I appreciate that more time is spent on her intellectual & morale character then how she appears. There are some historic references but nothing overwhelming.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book seemed to be a bit of a contrivance of a bunch of other stories, but it was ok for what it was. Definitely light summer reading, happy ending and all. I'm still trying to figure out if it was self published or just what this Amazon publishing really is. Wish I could get someone like Claire to paint my house...never heard of quadratura. :)

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance with intrigue and danger

Interesting plot twists and surprises. Characters are typical but likable . Author compels you to feel their loneliness and despair even with the knowledge that it should all end well. The setting didn't "feel" like a typical Scottish romance but was intriguing just the same.

[Helen White · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Laird of Mine

Jules from book 2 is the hero in this tale. He is still suffering from the effects of being in Gaul or prison for murder. He has been married by proxy to Claire with out him knowing about it or not even knowing her. The mystery continues so I won't spoil the story by revealing too much to you. Pick up your copy and read it for your self.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance, revenge, with a smattering of history.

Strong female character who finds herself in a no win situation. And a man with a past and secrets. And finally a revenge plot from a twisted mind. Foreshadowing that the reader knew would be resolved. Very predictable.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet couple

With an evil enemy. Really loved rhis story. Claire is so giving, willing to do whatever it takes to save her wards. Jules is so confused about Claire and who is after him. Couldn't put this story down. Hope Gerrit writes the rest of this series!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highland Bachelor book 2

Romance, history and a really, Really demented bad guy!! I am an artist so some of the characters being painters made this story a lot more fun for me! I listened to the audiobook so the Scottish accents were wonderful for me, too!

[Cherry Soule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

I find this series so far to be very well written. I chose these books because I enjoy stories about this era. Gerri Russell is an excellent writer and I would recommend this series to anyone that enjoys this era!

[Heather Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and historically satisfactory

an I interesting read with a bit of mystery and twist at the end. I'd like to read it in order to understand the prequels.

[Delphine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Story

I loved this book. A good read. I didn't know, there were others in the series now I must back read lol.
A good story love and forgiveness