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Taming the Kilmartins #1
Wedded to the Ruthless Highlander
“Were ye not mine when I made ye cry out in pleasure, wife?”
Ruthless Laird Aidan must give his clan an heir. Even if that means marrying for convenience…again. Yet his alluring new bride has other plans.
Fertile. That is what the women in Tillie’s family are known for. Only, she vows never to bear any children…no matter how her husband’s gaze leaves her trembling.
One month. That’s all the time Aidan needs to change her mind. But when he finally tastes his wife’s lips, this game of seduction turns into a dark obsession…
*Wedded to the Ruthless 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.
Ruthless Laird Aidan must give his clan an heir. Even if that means marrying for convenience…again. Yet his alluring new bride has other plans.
Fertile. That is what the women in Tillie’s family are known for. Only, she vows never to bear any children…no matter how her husband’s gaze leaves her trembling.
One month. That’s all the time Aidan needs to change her mind. But when he finally tastes his wife’s lips, this game of seduction turns into a dark obsession…
*Wedded to the Ruthless 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.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2024
286 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 20, 2025
I almost made the mistake of judging this book by its cover. Turned out to be excellent! If you like highlander romances and marriage of convenience with some swoon and sizzle but want less trigger warnings than Outlander, this is for you.
CW: Mentions of infertility and past suicide
CW: Mentions of infertility and past suicide
September 20, 2024
Making your own happiness.
Laird Aidan lost his wife a year ago and needs to wed again for an heir. So he agrees to wed the eldest daughter of another laird from a clan known for their fertility. Tillie did not know her parents had made this arrangement on her behalf until a couple of hours before Aidan arrived to take her back to his clan. Now she was alone for the first time in her life with a man she does not know. And on top of that, the sister of Adain’s deceased wife lives with them in the castle. A rocky beginning for the two of them, but as secrets unfold there may be hope for a happy future. Loved the characters and the storyline.
Laird Aidan lost his wife a year ago and needs to wed again for an heir. So he agrees to wed the eldest daughter of another laird from a clan known for their fertility. Tillie did not know her parents had made this arrangement on her behalf until a couple of hours before Aidan arrived to take her back to his clan. Now she was alone for the first time in her life with a man she does not know. And on top of that, the sister of Adain’s deceased wife lives with them in the castle. A rocky beginning for the two of them, but as secrets unfold there may be hope for a happy future. Loved the characters and the storyline.
September 10, 2024
I appreciate how Tillie was strong & a good wife truly wanting to help him to be happy & not be wighed down with guilt, & stood up for him, not wanting anyone to hurt him, & was vary kind to all. I really liked how Aiden appreciated her strength & tried even from the beginning to be close to her & seem to care about her from the start, even being pushy in a entertaining way,
He tried his best to be a good husband & care about her needs, even being angry on her behalf & wanted so see her smile.
I loved how they talked about things & worked together, being honest, not wanting the other to be upset. Their relationship was great, seeing them getting to know each other & understand why they felt the was they did & growing to appreciate the other. I also loved how they were close together most of the book they had a lot of fun moments & great cemetery! It was really great to read.
He tried his best to be a good husband & care about her needs, even being angry on her behalf & wanted so see her smile.
I loved how they talked about things & worked together, being honest, not wanting the other to be upset. Their relationship was great, seeing them getting to know each other & understand why they felt the was they did & growing to appreciate the other. I also loved how they were close together most of the book they had a lot of fun moments & great cemetery! It was really great to read.
September 9, 2024
Being of age to marry Tille is given an arranged marriage. Her mother and father are known for setting up many such arrangements. The Laird she is set up with is a widower and needs a heir. Tulle had always wanted to marry for live so his baggage from his first marriage will cause problems. She is given no time to adjust to the idea when he is there the same day her parents tell her of the arrangement. She is off to a Castle away from her home with a stranger. She is not a shy girl do she stands her ground in the story. Lots needs to be worked out for them to work this out
September 12, 2024
2 Stars
Okay read. Good to pass the time with. A little cheesy and quite predictable but what isn't these days.
Both MCs were likeable. The plot was centered on the MCs relationship and that's about it. Which I usually enjoy but in this case it didn't do it any favors.
The reason for my low rating is due to a couple of things.
• The written Scottish accent. Lord, but it is exhausting reading all this "me Laird, meself, on me own" and the like an entire book. A touch here and there to remind us of their way of saying their words would do just fine, thank you.
• The believability behind the couple actually growing to have feelings for one another. Point is, it wasn't believable. Once they married they mostly had sex whenever they were together. We never saw them have any private conversations or moments outside of kissing or having sex. Aside from brief exchanges about fixing things around the castle, the lazy steward or his rude sister-in-law. Not enough to build anything with.
• The pacing. I was pretty confused on the timeline of how long the heroine had been married to him. So, learning she was pregnant was as surprising to me as it was for the character. The author never alluded to any signs and never how long it had been since they began having sex in general. For a woman who claimed she didn't want children she seemed not to worry about it once after she decided she wanted to sex up her husband.
Okay read. Good to pass the time with. A little cheesy and quite predictable but what isn't these days.
Both MCs were likeable. The plot was centered on the MCs relationship and that's about it. Which I usually enjoy but in this case it didn't do it any favors.
The reason for my low rating is due to a couple of things.
• The written Scottish accent. Lord, but it is exhausting reading all this "me Laird, meself, on me own" and the like an entire book. A touch here and there to remind us of their way of saying their words would do just fine, thank you.
• The believability behind the couple actually growing to have feelings for one another. Point is, it wasn't believable. Once they married they mostly had sex whenever they were together. We never saw them have any private conversations or moments outside of kissing or having sex. Aside from brief exchanges about fixing things around the castle, the lazy steward or his rude sister-in-law. Not enough to build anything with.
• The pacing. I was pretty confused on the timeline of how long the heroine had been married to him. So, learning she was pregnant was as surprising to me as it was for the character. The author never alluded to any signs and never how long it had been since they began having sex in general. For a woman who claimed she didn't want children she seemed not to worry about it once after she decided she wanted to sex up her husband.
November 6, 2025
Author: Maddie MacKenna
Title: Wedded to the Ruthless Highlander
Series: Taming the Kilmartins #1
Cover Rating:
Book Rating:
Ruthless Laird Aidan must give his clan an heir. Even if that means marrying for convenience…again. Yet his alluring new bride has other plans.
Fertile. That is what the women in Tillie’s family are known for. Only, she vows never to bear any children…no matter how her husband’s gaze leaves her trembling.
One month. That’s all the time Aidan needs to change her mind. But when he finally tastes his wife’s lips, this game of seduction turns into a dark obsession…
A sweet short read about an arranged marriage that includes a few complications... (Spoiler)
Aidan is a widower, and Tillie doesn't want kids. The two have to come together to bring fulfillment into their marriage despite both of their reservations.
I was glad to see Tillie take charge of the castle and her responsibilities as lady of the castle as she matured. I also enjoyed watching Aidan realize that perhaps their match wasn't so badly jinxed as he assumed it would be.
Tillie and Aidan were great together once they came together romantically and as a pair before their servants. I really enjoyed Wedded to the Ruthless Highlander and the family that Mackenna created.
I look forward to reading more books by this author in the near future.
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews purchased a digital copy for personal collection. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
Title: Wedded to the Ruthless Highlander
Series: Taming the Kilmartins #1
Cover Rating:
Book Rating:
Ruthless Laird Aidan must give his clan an heir. Even if that means marrying for convenience…again. Yet his alluring new bride has other plans.
Fertile. That is what the women in Tillie’s family are known for. Only, she vows never to bear any children…no matter how her husband’s gaze leaves her trembling.
One month. That’s all the time Aidan needs to change her mind. But when he finally tastes his wife’s lips, this game of seduction turns into a dark obsession…
A sweet short read about an arranged marriage that includes a few complications... (Spoiler)
Aidan is a widower, and Tillie doesn't want kids. The two have to come together to bring fulfillment into their marriage despite both of their reservations.
I was glad to see Tillie take charge of the castle and her responsibilities as lady of the castle as she matured. I also enjoyed watching Aidan realize that perhaps their match wasn't so badly jinxed as he assumed it would be.
Tillie and Aidan were great together once they came together romantically and as a pair before their servants. I really enjoyed Wedded to the Ruthless Highlander and the family that Mackenna created.
I look forward to reading more books by this author in the near future.
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews purchased a digital copy for personal collection. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
September 10, 2024
Such a good story! Tillie’s parents, Laird and Lady MacFair, are incorrigible matchmakers. They have six children, four girls and two boys, and lead the Kilmartins, a clan known for their fertility. Together the Laird and Lady journeyed throughout Scotland asking questions and seeking potential matches. As Tillie was their eldest, she was their primary concern. Aiden, Laird MacLuther, had lost his wife about two years ago. It was believed that she threw herself off of a nearby cliff because she was unhappy and thought she was barren. Now that he was out of mourning, his council began pushing him to remarry, as it was his duty to produce an heir. When the Laird of ‘fertile Kilmartin clan’ offered an alliance and the hand of his eldest daughter, Aiden figured that he could have a marriage of convenience and easily sire offspring. Tillie, on the other hand, wanted a love match and did not want children. Unfortunately, by the time she found out about the match, the contracts had been signed and Aiden was on his way. A dour and demanding Aiden rushed her off to his crumbling castle and married her shortly thereafter. What he did not expect was a stubborn wife who was determined to bring his castle and certain clan members up to scratch. Meanwhile, Grace, Aiden’s first wife’s sister, was still residing at the castle. She blamed Aiden for her sister’s death and did everything in her power to make sure that he was mired in guilt and unhappiness. Needless to say, Grace saw Tillie as her adversary. Eventually, things got ugly and everything came to a head. This story has awkward and emotional moments, as well as frightening and steamy ones. Aiden’s two sidekicks, Barrett and Hector, provide sage advice as well as comic relief, while Paisley becomes Tillie’s most trusted ally. This is a good, solid, entertaining story that will take your heart and emotions on a ride through hurt, anger, guilt, and frustration, to an ending filled with joy and love.
September 11, 2024
Tillie is betrothed to Laird Aiden. The letter her parents give her is full of sweetness and she almost falls in love with his words, but then finds out that they won't really his. They travel to the highlands and get ready to marry with stories about his first wife that was barren that killed herself jumping off a cliff. Aiden had wanted a match with someone of her clan because they were known for having lots of children. unfortunately, Tillie really didn't want bairns. She did however enjoy her husbands attentions. Life at their castle was improving until evil came into their lives and almost ended everything.
September 15, 2024
Lady Tillie Kilmartin is a young lady and the oldest of 5 siblings of who’s parents wanted to make sure she had a good match for a husband.
Her large family was known for being very fertile which was an issue for her, as she wanted to marry for love, not for her ability to have children, due to her concern of being tied down with kids not have time to paint and travel in the future.
Laird Aidan MacLuther is a childless widower who is need of a wife in order to produce an heir, so he agrees to take Lady Tillie Kilmartin for a wife, based on the rumors of her family being able to produce a house full of children.
When they meet and arrive in his kingdom, to get ready for their wedding, Tillie finds things aren’t quite as she expected as everyone congratulates the Laird on acquiring a fertile wife.
Wedded to the Ruthless Highlander is an amazing read and gives a great story about love loss and making room for a different perspective.
Grab it and read it and the others in the series you’ll enjoy it!
Her large family was known for being very fertile which was an issue for her, as she wanted to marry for love, not for her ability to have children, due to her concern of being tied down with kids not have time to paint and travel in the future.
Laird Aidan MacLuther is a childless widower who is need of a wife in order to produce an heir, so he agrees to take Lady Tillie Kilmartin for a wife, based on the rumors of her family being able to produce a house full of children.
When they meet and arrive in his kingdom, to get ready for their wedding, Tillie finds things aren’t quite as she expected as everyone congratulates the Laird on acquiring a fertile wife.
Wedded to the Ruthless Highlander is an amazing read and gives a great story about love loss and making room for a different perspective.
Grab it and read it and the others in the series you’ll enjoy it!
July 2, 2025
Fun story of a grumpy widower and a creative artist
The story starts out with a rather rude man and a girl who dreams of traveling and painting pictures. The Laird needs an heir and his last wife is barren so he picks a prolific family to marry into. Theses two are a trip and as Aiden falls over himself to make sure he doesn’t have a repeat of his last marriage. Tillie tries to make a castle in disrepair into a home. It’s entertaining with characters that are quirky, except for the grump.
The story starts out with a rather rude man and a girl who dreams of traveling and painting pictures. The Laird needs an heir and his last wife is barren so he picks a prolific family to marry into. Theses two are a trip and as Aiden falls over himself to make sure he doesn’t have a repeat of his last marriage. Tillie tries to make a castle in disrepair into a home. It’s entertaining with characters that are quirky, except for the grump.
September 10, 2024
Lady Tillie and Laird Aiden are all caught up in the matters of the heart in this thrilling story. His clan wants an heir, and he must marry again. Tillie's family is known for their fertility, and she is now married to the Laird, but she has vowed not to get with child. As they get all caught up in their games of seduction will it lead them to her finally succumbing to the Lairds plan of having an heir.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
September 18, 2024
great highland romance
This is the story of a young lady that had come of age but by the way her father kept hiring everybody that wanted a job they were afraid they would had no money for a dowry by the time everybody was of age so they started hunting a husband for the eldest. They found a Laird with no children that was recently widowed. They could find no fault with him so they started matchmaking. Now the excitement begins
This is the story of a young lady that had come of age but by the way her father kept hiring everybody that wanted a job they were afraid they would had no money for a dowry by the time everybody was of age so they started hunting a husband for the eldest. They found a Laird with no children that was recently widowed. They could find no fault with him so they started matchmaking. Now the excitement begins
September 9, 2024
I so love reading books of the Highlands and this book is awesome !
Five stars for sure for Maddie MacKenna's book "Wedded to the Ruthless Highlander". Laird Aidan and Tillie, his bride both had their own reasons for getting married. The turmoil and strife led to an awesome book. Let these two main characters weave their story into your heart, become a part of the book yourself.
Five stars for sure for Maddie MacKenna's book "Wedded to the Ruthless Highlander". Laird Aidan and Tillie, his bride both had their own reasons for getting married. The turmoil and strife led to an awesome book. Let these two main characters weave their story into your heart, become a part of the book yourself.
September 9, 2024
Bringing a true heroin to life
Maddie MacKenna brings it once again. An arranged marriage brings a strong woman to the forefront of this book. Instead of trying to get out of her marriage she find a way to make the very best of it. Showing that women are truly strong and capable of anything they put their minds to. Grab a snack and be ready not to put this one down.
Maddie MacKenna brings it once again. An arranged marriage brings a strong woman to the forefront of this book. Instead of trying to get out of her marriage she find a way to make the very best of it. Showing that women are truly strong and capable of anything they put their minds to. Grab a snack and be ready not to put this one down.
September 24, 2024
It's a book I enjoyed and was able to finish in one night
The author brings this story to life for the reader with great well rounded characters. On top of that the trials Follow faced with usually a smile may me smile too. I loved that the author had Tillie get angry sometimes and also changed her mind.
The author brings this story to life for the reader with great well rounded characters. On top of that the trials Follow faced with usually a smile may me smile too. I loved that the author had Tillie get angry sometimes and also changed her mind.
October 5, 2024
A wonderful read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a happy sad thrilling exciting everything you could want in a book. I haven’t read the extended log yet but even without reading that I thoroughly enjoyed this book I recommend it to anyone anyone that loves love romance and a wonderful layered what a man what a man.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a happy sad thrilling exciting everything you could want in a book. I haven’t read the extended log yet but even without reading that I thoroughly enjoyed this book I recommend it to anyone anyone that loves love romance and a wonderful layered what a man what a man.
October 19, 2024
A bit ridiculous
This actually put me very in mind of a Garwood historical, but not nearly as well-thought or -written. A few times Aidan's extreme reactions were just too out-of-the-blue and misplaced. I think maybe the author has potential but not sure I want to read anything else by her, though this was at least a quick enough read.
This actually put me very in mind of a Garwood historical, but not nearly as well-thought or -written. A few times Aidan's extreme reactions were just too out-of-the-blue and misplaced. I think maybe the author has potential but not sure I want to read anything else by her, though this was at least a quick enough read.
January 19, 2025
cute read
I always live a highlander story with a rugged highlander and his ruff stern attitude! The the beauty of a woman Tillie who was so shocked her parents springing on her that she's going too marry! But Aidan was strick and short with her and she was surprised 😮 because he had sent a letter & she thought 💭 he was romantic but boy was she was wrong! Great read
I always live a highlander story with a rugged highlander and his ruff stern attitude! The the beauty of a woman Tillie who was so shocked her parents springing on her that she's going too marry! But Aidan was strick and short with her and she was surprised 😮 because he had sent a letter & she thought 💭 he was romantic but boy was she was wrong! Great read
September 10, 2024
Tillie
A great read with string characters and storyline. Tillie is forced to marry Laird Aiden Bane but learns to accept her fate. This bike has a little bit of a mystery surrounding the death if his first wife that carries the story. Enjoyable read I would recommend it.
A great read with string characters and storyline. Tillie is forced to marry Laird Aiden Bane but learns to accept her fate. This bike has a little bit of a mystery surrounding the death if his first wife that carries the story. Enjoyable read I would recommend it.
September 11, 2024
Wedded to the ruthless Highlander
Rookie and Aiden have a great relationship; truthful and loving.what more could you ask. Yes, they had had problems to solve, but they had solved them together. A good yarn, well done!
Rookie and Aiden have a great relationship; truthful and loving.what more could you ask. Yes, they had had problems to solve, but they had solved them together. A good yarn, well done!
Read
September 20, 2024I gotta say, I liked it very much...it was very fresh, that special "scottish brogue", hmmm, let's just say it had an effect on me, LOL
It all kind of reminded me of one of my fave movies - Braveheart (if you haven't seen it, you must!) and it was just so sweet and melancholy and sexy in all its hard edges in a hero...
Interesting and refreshing...
well, I see there's a whole new world out there with "highlander" theme...
I am not really into the historical romance, I guess I am not very patient with the way the characters of historical periods behave...LOL, I need more direct approach in wording out the issues and such, and mainly female characters tend to be more, how should I put it lightly - submissive at the least, if not merely meek...
BUT I am intrigued with this, so I'll give it a try...
It all kind of reminded me of one of my fave movies - Braveheart (if you haven't seen it, you must!) and it was just so sweet and melancholy and sexy in all its hard edges in a hero...
Interesting and refreshing...
well, I see there's a whole new world out there with "highlander" theme...
I am not really into the historical romance, I guess I am not very patient with the way the characters of historical periods behave...LOL, I need more direct approach in wording out the issues and such, and mainly female characters tend to be more, how should I put it lightly - submissive at the least, if not merely meek...
BUT I am intrigued with this, so I'll give it a try...
Read
September 16, 2024wow
Wow this story took me by surprise, I love it Aiden and Tille made a great match from the moment they met. Sad Anne must have slip when she visited the wildcats that heal her. Things happen even in real life.
Wow this story took me by surprise, I love it Aiden and Tille made a great match from the moment they met. Sad Anne must have slip when she visited the wildcats that heal her. Things happen even in real life.
September 20, 2024
Ruthless Highlander
I just love how the story kept you wanting to know what would happen next. Great Characters and Maddie stays close to the two main ones keeping with their story. if you don't like lots of sex then this book isn't for you & others buy the book.
I just love how the story kept you wanting to know what would happen next. Great Characters and Maddie stays close to the two main ones keeping with their story. if you don't like lots of sex then this book isn't for you & others buy the book.
September 23, 2024
dirty dealings from her parents
Wow! Tillie was an awesome character. I loved her grit and the passion. Aiden was a beast but a good one. This story about forgiveness and especially forgiving oneself contained a good message. I enjoyed reading it.
Wow! Tillie was an awesome character. I loved her grit and the passion. Aiden was a beast but a good one. This story about forgiveness and especially forgiving oneself contained a good message. I enjoyed reading it.
September 25, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed
Thoroughly
Enjoyed my time with this charming book. Loved he the characters and their interaction to their final HEH. Little mystery along the way to keep you enjoying
Thoroughly
Enjoyed my time with this charming book. Loved he the characters and their interaction to their final HEH. Little mystery along the way to keep you enjoying
October 20, 2024
Funny and serious at the same time! Loved it!
I loved the way the characters are brought together, and how they make the most of thwir relationship. This book does a great job of shpwing no relationship is perfect but that there is always room for improvement and understanding!
I loved the way the characters are brought together, and how they make the most of thwir relationship. This book does a great job of shpwing no relationship is perfect but that there is always room for improvement and understanding!
October 31, 2024
Ruthless Highlander finds a Bride
I liked everything. Sad it is over. I would think that most people would enjoy. The trip to the Lairds castle was a really good. I was so glad she was to have a baby.I still wonder what happened to his first wife.
I liked everything. Sad it is over. I would think that most people would enjoy. The trip to the Lairds castle was a really good. I was so glad she was to have a baby.I still wonder what happened to his first wife.
April 26, 2025
I couldn't put it down. This story had meddling parents, a devoted maid, a lazy steward and a spiteful sister-in-law. Who couldn't love a sexy laird trying to seduce his wife! This book has it all with a little mystery, evil, surprises and love. Maddie has outdone herself in this wonderful tale.
May 6, 2025
The Highlander and the lady!
I was hooked on this story as soon as I started reading it; I knew I was going to enjoy it and I did, all the way through!! Thank you for such a wonderful read!
I was hooked on this story as soon as I started reading it; I knew I was going to enjoy it and I did, all the way through!! Thank you for such a wonderful read!
August 3, 2025
Blame for something one did not do can alter their future.
This is a sad but also joyful book which shows the consequences and joy of circumstantial happenings. It's a story that will hold the reader's interest with family, mistakes and love intertwined
This is a sad but also joyful book which shows the consequences and joy of circumstantial happenings. It's a story that will hold the reader's interest with family, mistakes and love intertwined
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews