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Highland Rules #2
Never Be Alone with a Highlander
“Pretend to be me betrothed for six weeks,” he growled.
There is one rule Ayda cannot break under any condition: never be alone with a Highlander. But to save her friend from a Brutish Laird, she must do exactly that…
Laird Grayson doesn’t take orders. Yet when a ravishing lass dares to make a demand, he’s willing to comply… but only if he gets something in return.
To get her friend back, Ayda must act as his betrothed.
Only, she’s dangerous. For kissing her ignites a possessiveness that threatens to consume Grayson. And this ruse must not last more than six weeks…
*Never Be Alone with a Highlander is a steamy Scottish Medieval Historical romance novel of 60,000 words (around 300 pages) written by Maddie MacKenna and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
There is one rule Ayda cannot break under any condition: never be alone with a Highlander. But to save her friend from a Brutish Laird, she must do exactly that…
Laird Grayson doesn’t take orders. Yet when a ravishing lass dares to make a demand, he’s willing to comply… but only if he gets something in return.
To get her friend back, Ayda must act as his betrothed.
Only, she’s dangerous. For kissing her ignites a possessiveness that threatens to consume Grayson. And this ruse must not last more than six weeks…
*Never Be Alone with a Highlander is a steamy Scottish Medieval Historical romance novel of 60,000 words (around 300 pages) written by Maddie MacKenna and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
- GenresHistorical Romance
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2024
253 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 20, 2024
Ayda Gibson arrived home after being kidnapped and taken to England with her two sisters for 6 years. They had been mistreated, starved, and had rules pounded into their heads to follow. Her two sisters seemed to acclimate after arriving home, but Ayda spoke like an English woman and it distressed her Scottish family.
Then Avda 's brother, Flynn, received a letter that said her abductor's daughter, Elizabeth, was apparently lost in Scotland while trying to find Ayda and was being held prisoner by another clan under suspicion of being a spy. Elizabeth was close to the Ayla and her sisters when her father held them in captivity and tried to help as much as she could.
Ayda wanted to help Elizabeth, but her brother refused to listen to her, so she disguised herself as a man and left on her own. She knew Elizabeth would not be a spy. She left a letter saying where she was going.
She arrived at the neighboring clan all dirty and ragged from the journey. She made repeated pleas to Grayson, the Laird, to release Elizabeth. He admired her spunk, but would not let Elizabeth out of the room where they kept her.
Grayson was being badgered to get married by his family and council. He had an idea. If Ayda would agree to be his fake betrothed for 6 weeks, so he could get a reprieve from the constant pressure from his clan, he would allow Elizabeth out of her room, while being observed by guards.
She agreed, but the plan was not working because they were attracted to each other, but hesitant to share their feelings openly. She was falling in love with Grayson, and he with her, and they both dreaded the end of the six week period when they were supposed to "break up".
A snowstorm held the country in limbo, so her brother could not come to get her until the thaw.
Then a traitor appeared to be in Grayson's clan. He did not know who it was. The story was well written and it was hard to determine who it was. However, Ayda recognized the voice of one of the men in his clan from the time when she was kidnapped. That was a clue. However, their appeared to be more than one traitor!
I loved the book. It was well written and had a great theme. It was hard to guess what would happen next and who was involved. There was a mystery about Elizabeth that was revealed near the end. I would highly recommend this book!
Then Avda 's brother, Flynn, received a letter that said her abductor's daughter, Elizabeth, was apparently lost in Scotland while trying to find Ayda and was being held prisoner by another clan under suspicion of being a spy. Elizabeth was close to the Ayla and her sisters when her father held them in captivity and tried to help as much as she could.
Ayda wanted to help Elizabeth, but her brother refused to listen to her, so she disguised herself as a man and left on her own. She knew Elizabeth would not be a spy. She left a letter saying where she was going.
She arrived at the neighboring clan all dirty and ragged from the journey. She made repeated pleas to Grayson, the Laird, to release Elizabeth. He admired her spunk, but would not let Elizabeth out of the room where they kept her.
Grayson was being badgered to get married by his family and council. He had an idea. If Ayda would agree to be his fake betrothed for 6 weeks, so he could get a reprieve from the constant pressure from his clan, he would allow Elizabeth out of her room, while being observed by guards.
She agreed, but the plan was not working because they were attracted to each other, but hesitant to share their feelings openly. She was falling in love with Grayson, and he with her, and they both dreaded the end of the six week period when they were supposed to "break up".
A snowstorm held the country in limbo, so her brother could not come to get her until the thaw.
Then a traitor appeared to be in Grayson's clan. He did not know who it was. The story was well written and it was hard to determine who it was. However, Ayda recognized the voice of one of the men in his clan from the time when she was kidnapped. That was a clue. However, their appeared to be more than one traitor!
I loved the book. It was well written and had a great theme. It was hard to guess what would happen next and who was involved. There was a mystery about Elizabeth that was revealed near the end. I would highly recommend this book!
February 6, 2024
I will start by saying it’s best to read book one first. It has the history of the three sisters’ being kidnapped and held for six years. The evil English lord and his son mistreated, beat and starved then until they did and acted like he wanted. Ayda is the middle sister and took a lot of punishment for her little sister. Now that they are home and safe, she doesn’t know how to fit in, her sisters went right back to the highlander ways and speech. But she stills speaks like and English lady and brother is more than upset with her. They find out Lady Elizabeth is being held by Larid Kerr as a spy! Ayda knows it's up to her to try and save her as her brother will do nothing. Grayson Kerr, Laird of clan Crawford knows something is wrong with what the English Lady told him. Now he has other Lady who is supposed to be a highlander but speaks like the English and dressed like a lad! What is going on here?? Oh, my now the plot thickens. As Grayson and Ayda end up pretending to be engaged! He will let Elizabeth out from being locked up only if Ayda pretends to be his fiancé for six weeks. As our couple lock horns, with lots of humor, wit and banner the story will keep you reading. There is evil about, two murders, spies, betrayal along with tons of understanding, secrets and fear. These two have a lot to deal with along with their growing feelings and passion. It’s a fast read an one you don’t want to miss. Loved, loved the snowman and kittens... just perfect. The long epilogue is a must read. Be sure and don’t miss it. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Can’t wait for the next book. Humm, could it be about her brother and Elizabeth?
February 5, 2024
Hidden Truths
A really enjoyable story that had me hooked from the start.
Stolen from her Scottish home along with her sisters for six long years, Ayda is brainwashed into disliking “everything Highlander” by a viscous cruel Englishman.
Being rescued Ayda is finding it hard to readjust to her life in Scotland and her family are becoming frustrated that she will not give up her English mannerisms that have been beaten into her.
News arrives that has her leaving her home to rescue a beloved friend.
Arriving in disguise she is instantly attracted to Laird Grayson and he her.
Battling wills they find themselves clashing at every turn, both enjoying every encounter.
A deal is struck between themselves and lies ensue. Real feelings start to emerge and truths are hidden to their detriment.
This story had it all from loveable characters, danger happening under their noses, a mystery to solve, lies to uncover, gorgeous kittens and two people needing to open up and reveal their feelings.
I loved this story and would like this to expand to a series so I can read more about the other characters we met.
A really enjoyable story that had me hooked from the start.
Stolen from her Scottish home along with her sisters for six long years, Ayda is brainwashed into disliking “everything Highlander” by a viscous cruel Englishman.
Being rescued Ayda is finding it hard to readjust to her life in Scotland and her family are becoming frustrated that she will not give up her English mannerisms that have been beaten into her.
News arrives that has her leaving her home to rescue a beloved friend.
Arriving in disguise she is instantly attracted to Laird Grayson and he her.
Battling wills they find themselves clashing at every turn, both enjoying every encounter.
A deal is struck between themselves and lies ensue. Real feelings start to emerge and truths are hidden to their detriment.
This story had it all from loveable characters, danger happening under their noses, a mystery to solve, lies to uncover, gorgeous kittens and two people needing to open up and reveal their feelings.
I loved this story and would like this to expand to a series so I can read more about the other characters we met.
April 10, 2024
Enemies within.
I loved this book! Ayda is still not emotionally recovered from her 6 years in captivity with her sisters. She was brainwashed to act as an English lady and her family just wants the old Ayda back. When they receive word from laird Grayson that Elizabeth, the daughter of the man who held Ayda captive, was at his castle claiming to be looking for Ayda and her sisters, she wants to go to her but her brother refuses. Ayda takes things into her own hands and sets off to get Elizabeth, her best friend, on her own. She thought it would be a simple plan, but Grayson had other ideas. In order to free her friend, Ayda had to agree to a false betrothal with him for 6 weeks. So much happened after that. Secrets, betrayal in the clan, an old enemy identified, an attempted murder, attempted kidnapping, and growing passion between Ayda and Grayson. Loved the story and the characters, although I found Elizabeth’s secrets and reluctance to share frustrating.
I loved this book! Ayda is still not emotionally recovered from her 6 years in captivity with her sisters. She was brainwashed to act as an English lady and her family just wants the old Ayda back. When they receive word from laird Grayson that Elizabeth, the daughter of the man who held Ayda captive, was at his castle claiming to be looking for Ayda and her sisters, she wants to go to her but her brother refuses. Ayda takes things into her own hands and sets off to get Elizabeth, her best friend, on her own. She thought it would be a simple plan, but Grayson had other ideas. In order to free her friend, Ayda had to agree to a false betrothal with him for 6 weeks. So much happened after that. Secrets, betrayal in the clan, an old enemy identified, an attempted murder, attempted kidnapping, and growing passion between Ayda and Grayson. Loved the story and the characters, although I found Elizabeth’s secrets and reluctance to share frustrating.
February 8, 2024
Never Be Alone with a Highlander
Grayson and Ayda are drawn to each other from the first glance. They each have many painful memories that eat away at them. He holding his father on the battlefield as he died and she being held captive with her sister for six years by her friends father Ayda was beaten and abused and forced to speak like a proper English women. Her brother rescues his sisters but Ayda has lost the ability to speak with her forgotten Scottish brogue. They pretend to be engaged to keep Grayson's council off his back to marry. These two are hilarious together as they battle back and forth to get the one up on the other. It was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grayson and Ayda are drawn to each other from the first glance. They each have many painful memories that eat away at them. He holding his father on the battlefield as he died and she being held captive with her sister for six years by her friends father Ayda was beaten and abused and forced to speak like a proper English women. Her brother rescues his sisters but Ayda has lost the ability to speak with her forgotten Scottish brogue. They pretend to be engaged to keep Grayson's council off his back to marry. These two are hilarious together as they battle back and forth to get the one up on the other. It was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
February 2, 2024
Continuing the series of Highland Rules, we are learning Ayda Gibson’s story.
Laird Grayson is suspicious when an English girl claims she was lost and was trying to see her friend. They’re not usually friends and it seems to be wrong for her to be so far off course.
Ayda finds out her friend is stuck in a neighboring Lairds castle, but after everything she’s been through, and the fact that it’s the English, he refuses. She refuses to listen and sneaks off. What happens next? You’ll have to get the book to find out.
This series is really wild and absolutely wonderful. Grab it and the book before it, they’re worth it!
Laird Grayson is suspicious when an English girl claims she was lost and was trying to see her friend. They’re not usually friends and it seems to be wrong for her to be so far off course.
Ayda finds out her friend is stuck in a neighboring Lairds castle, but after everything she’s been through, and the fact that it’s the English, he refuses. She refuses to listen and sneaks off. What happens next? You’ll have to get the book to find out.
This series is really wild and absolutely wonderful. Grab it and the book before it, they’re worth it!
January 29, 2024
Hot and Steamy Love Story!! 🔥🔥🔥
Well this was truly an awesome story. I absolutely loved the characters and storyline so much. From start to finish as well as the extended epilogue just keeps you enthralled. Some laughs and some tears. Ayda and Grayson got to the bottom of all the goings on in the castle. Elizabeth I just knew she was lying. Willow could use her own story as well as Flynn and Elizabeth and Erin. Just an all out wonderful series. Anything Maddie writes I’m there for the reading. All her books are excellent. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊🔥🔥🔥
Well this was truly an awesome story. I absolutely loved the characters and storyline so much. From start to finish as well as the extended epilogue just keeps you enthralled. Some laughs and some tears. Ayda and Grayson got to the bottom of all the goings on in the castle. Elizabeth I just knew she was lying. Willow could use her own story as well as Flynn and Elizabeth and Erin. Just an all out wonderful series. Anything Maddie writes I’m there for the reading. All her books are excellent. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊🔥🔥🔥
February 22, 2024
The heroine, along with her sisters, has been held captive by an evil Englishman, but her brother rescued them. Now she is set out to rescued her friend. She is caught by the hero who has her friend. They make a deal for her to pose as his fiancée and then he will release her friend. During that time they work together to solve a mystery and figure out some lies. There are some interesting supporting characters, including some kittens.
April 13, 2024
This is a story about love at 1st sight and argument
This is a story you get so involved with it you don't wanna put it down. The characters are well written and very well rounded. Of course of course the fights in the highlands and Between England and well know and that plays into the story as well. There is a lot of twists and turns but what stands out mostly Is is the Lairds love of a certain lady.
This is a story you get so involved with it you don't wanna put it down. The characters are well written and very well rounded. Of course of course the fights in the highlands and Between England and well know and that plays into the story as well. There is a lot of twists and turns but what stands out mostly Is is the Lairds love of a certain lady.
May 2, 2024
Great story!
Grayson was a laird early, after the death of his father. Ayda as a prisoner of a mean man for six years, but the man’s daughter was nice to her. When Elizabeth was at Grayson ‘s castle because of getting lost, Ayda had to go get her. She was met by a grumpy, Laird Grayson. But things grew heated and misunderstandings caused a lot of trouble. It is a must read novel.
Grayson was a laird early, after the death of his father. Ayda as a prisoner of a mean man for six years, but the man’s daughter was nice to her. When Elizabeth was at Grayson ‘s castle because of getting lost, Ayda had to go get her. She was met by a grumpy, Laird Grayson. But things grew heated and misunderstandings caused a lot of trouble. It is a must read novel.
October 8, 2024
This story grabbed me from the start as soon as she took off to save her friend. Their attraction built until they acted on it but never really declared their feelings. Is Elisabeth a spy, it someone else the spy and how will they ever find out? His mother and sister are so nice. There is a lot going on in this wonderful story that you don't want to miss. It's another amazing story by Ms. MacKenna.
February 2, 2024
Engaged?
Adya and Grayson meet by accident when she comes to help her friend that has been captured. She makes a big impression on him and they end up engaged but not. Hearts have a way of getting what they want no matter what the people want. Great story with some people who cause trouble with deceit and theft. Loved the characters in this story.
Adya and Grayson meet by accident when she comes to help her friend that has been captured. She makes a big impression on him and they end up engaged but not. Hearts have a way of getting what they want no matter what the people want. Great story with some people who cause trouble with deceit and theft. Loved the characters in this story.
February 7, 2024
It took me too long to warm up to Ayda. In book one Maeve had been recently beaten, and she was protective; you could believe that she took the brunt of the punishment. But in book 2, Ayda was more like a spoiled English girl, and it was written that she took most of the punishment. Book one was written so that you could feel the pain and want love and support for Maeve.
March 11, 2024
This is a well written Highlander story with a cast of strong characters centering on Ayda and Grayson. The author pulled me in with all the danger, anxiety, mystery and romance. She takes you back to the day with her descriptive scenes and moves the story fluidly, delivering a terrific read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
February 2, 2024
Grayson and Ayda had me all caught up in this thrilling story. when she is claims to be lost Laird Grayson is skeptical. Their banter kept me glued to the pages of this story as they got down to the bottom of what was happening in the castle.
February 5, 2024
could their brother Flynn come and save them?
Good solid story and characters.
The sisters were captured and brought to England to a cruel Lord. He punished them if they said or did anything Scottish as he hated the Highlanders.
Good solid story and characters.
The sisters were captured and brought to England to a cruel Lord. He punished them if they said or did anything Scottish as he hated the Highlanders.
February 5, 2024
Highlanders are worth the fight.
If you like a bit of fire in your heroine and stubbornness in your hero then this is for you! Throw in some excitement, suspense and of course slow love and you’ve got a great tale. You’ll love the characters and the setting will only add to it.
If you like a bit of fire in your heroine and stubbornness in your hero then this is for you! Throw in some excitement, suspense and of course slow love and you’ve got a great tale. You’ll love the characters and the setting will only add to it.
February 8, 2024
Great Historical Love Story
I have enjoyed this book. I like the way you include the other sisters and in the extended epilogue tell of the family together. Eyda and Grayson fell in love with a false engagement but it ended as true love.
I have enjoyed this book. I like the way you include the other sisters and in the extended epilogue tell of the family together. Eyda and Grayson fell in love with a false engagement but it ended as true love.
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February 18, 2024Never to be alone with a Highlander
It was a good story. It ended up with a good ending. I almost gave you a 3 star because I wanted to know what happened to Elizabeth father. I did not want him to GWT away with his high handedness.
It was a good story. It ended up with a good ending. I almost gave you a 3 star because I wanted to know what happened to Elizabeth father. I did not want him to GWT away with his high handedness.
February 25, 2024
Grayson and Audi's story
I disliked the character of Lord Cramshire!
I liked how Grayson and Audi's fell in love.
I would recommend this book to lovers of Scottish Highland Historical Romance stores.
I disliked the character of Lord Cramshire!
I liked how Grayson and Audi's fell in love.
I would recommend this book to lovers of Scottish Highland Historical Romance stores.
March 31, 2024
Grayson and Ayda
What a great book! Loved the characters. Ayda is funny, brave and a great match for Grayson to heal his grief over his father’s death. The connection with Ayda’s past and how the story unfolds is captivating. I Highly recommend this beautiful story.
What a great book! Loved the characters. Ayda is funny, brave and a great match for Grayson to heal his grief over his father’s death. The connection with Ayda’s past and how the story unfolds is captivating. I Highly recommend this beautiful story.
February 20, 2025
Love this one.
I love these Scottish books They're really great I'm fixing to start reading #3. I love your books How many I've read of yours but I think I've lost I've read so many.
I love these Scottish books They're really great I'm fixing to start reading #3. I love your books How many I've read of yours but I think I've lost I've read so many.
March 19, 2025
Never Be Alone With A Highlander
Never Be Alone With A Highlander is a great book. The sparks that fly between these two lovers is scorching. This is a hot and sexy read. Get it quick. I loved it.
Never Be Alone With A Highlander is a great book. The sparks that fly between these two lovers is scorching. This is a hot and sexy read. Get it quick. I loved it.
August 27, 2025
Trying not to think of the past
What a great story of what Ayda and Grayson must go through during her stay. Betrayal and the past coming back to change them makes for such a good read. Love this series.
What a great story of what Ayda and Grayson must go through during her stay. Betrayal and the past coming back to change them makes for such a good read. Love this series.
February 1, 2024
Very heartwarming
This story is very heartwarming, full of passion and love, it had me laughing and crying at times, I very much enjoyed reading it.
This story is very heartwarming, full of passion and love, it had me laughing and crying at times, I very much enjoyed reading it.
February 10, 2024
Never Be Alone with a Highlander
This is a wonderful Scottish story , which I highly recommend . I loved the humour as well as the whole exciting story.
This is a wonderful Scottish story , which I highly recommend . I loved the humour as well as the whole exciting story.
February 25, 2024
hot book for sure
You need not look any further, this is one heck of a book and it’s sure to not disappoint you. Trust me I know a good book when I have read it.
You need not look any further, this is one heck of a book and it’s sure to not disappoint you. Trust me I know a good book when I have read it.
February 28, 2024
Great
This was a great story. It was well written and an easy quick read. It was hard to put down. I fell in love with the characters.
This was a great story. It was well written and an easy quick read. It was hard to put down. I fell in love with the characters.
March 1, 2024
A beautiful love story
I loved every bit of this story, betrayal mixed with a love story. Treachery and forgiveness. Everything a love story should be
I loved every bit of this story, betrayal mixed with a love story. Treachery and forgiveness. Everything a love story should be
September 2, 2024
loved it
It was so good to see how Ayda became herself again! I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for us
It was so good to see how Ayda became herself again! I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for us
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews