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Queen's Edict #1
The Highlander’s Wrong Bride
“Are ye plannin’ an escape? Ye can try, sweet, but I will always catch ye.”
Per the Queen’s Edict, any unwed Highland Laird must claim a bride from the English aristocracy…
When her sister runs away to escape the Queen's Edict, almost-nun Agnes must marry a masked monster in her stead…
Ruthless Laird Leo has no interest in an English bride. Until he sees his wife…and starts thinking of all the ways to corrupt her.
But to make this marriage work, he sets some rules. Rules his hellion doesn’t plan to obey…The most important one? She must never ask for a kiss…
*The Highlander’s Wrong Bride is a steamy Scottish historical romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages) written by Lydia Kendall and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
Get this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!
Per the Queen’s Edict, any unwed Highland Laird must claim a bride from the English aristocracy…
When her sister runs away to escape the Queen's Edict, almost-nun Agnes must marry a masked monster in her stead…
Ruthless Laird Leo has no interest in an English bride. Until he sees his wife…and starts thinking of all the ways to corrupt her.
But to make this marriage work, he sets some rules. Rules his hellion doesn’t plan to obey…The most important one? She must never ask for a kiss…
*The Highlander’s Wrong Bride is a steamy Scottish historical romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages) written by Lydia Kendall and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
Get this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!
- GenresHistoricalMedieval
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2024
About the author
Lydia Kendall
112 books123 followersLydia Kendall has always been passionate about medieval romance. Having traveled to the Scottish Highlands several times as a young girl, she has always been drawn to their unparalleled beauty and history. A history that inspired stories of love and passion, mixed with tradition in the most appealing way for every hopeless romantic - much like herself.
Born in Denver, Colorado, Lydia Kendall has a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and over the last decade she has been writing non-stop for several clients - that is until she decided to start publishing her own work. When she isn't writing, Lydia loves spending her time in the beautiful outdoors with her loving husband and baby daughter.
Follow Lydia on this sensational journey of hot highlanders, bonny lassies, and fierce passion...and find sheer pleasure in the magnificent world of the Scottish countryside - one that will sweep you off your feet and keep you begging for more!
Born in Denver, Colorado, Lydia Kendall has a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and over the last decade she has been writing non-stop for several clients - that is until she decided to start publishing her own work. When she isn't writing, Lydia loves spending her time in the beautiful outdoors with her loving husband and baby daughter.
Follow Lydia on this sensational journey of hot highlanders, bonny lassies, and fierce passion...and find sheer pleasure in the magnificent world of the Scottish countryside - one that will sweep you off your feet and keep you begging for more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 29, 2025
STOPPP
I loved this. It’s not very often that I cherish a female character but Agnes was everything I want to be! Leo and her are the real deal and I was kicking my feet and giggling the whole time reading!
I loved this. It’s not very often that I cherish a female character but Agnes was everything I want to be! Leo and her are the real deal and I was kicking my feet and giggling the whole time reading!
October 26, 2024
Oh this is so good! Agnes grew up in Craeghil Convent near the Irish Sea and the Glen of Gallway. She was inquisitive, loved horses and the outdoors, and had seen her fair share of punishments. One beautiful spring day, she stepped outside the convent walls and walked to Lowater, one of her favorite places. There she stumbled across a huge black horse emerging from the water, whom she charmingly befriended. Shortly afterwards, a half naked man stepped out of the same water and Agnes was entranced. Scarred and bleeding, Agnes tended his wound and returned to the convent. Leo, who was on his way to marry his queen decreed English bride, found himself quite taken by the ‘wee nae-yet-a-nun’. Leo, Laird MacLarsen, became Laird seven years ago after his home was burned and parents were killed in a raid. It was also the night that he was purposely and viciously scarred by one of the raiders. Since Queen Marianna decreed that “If any unmarried laird or laird’s son from the Lowlands or Highlands is of age and unwed, he shall seek out a bride in the south, an English lady of noble blood.”… “Any couple who wed within the first five years of this Edict shall enjoy the Queen’s favor and a rich bounty.”, Leo was obligated to ride to the Earl of Cumbria’s estate to marry his daughter. Meanwhile, Anges’ mother showed up at the convent to take her home. She explained to a distressed Agnes that she had not known that she had a second daughter, as she assumed that it was the delirium of delivery that made her think she gave birth to twins. Fast forward and Agnes is being garbed in fancy clothes and told that she will be marrying today instead of her sister Emma, who has run away. Imagine their surprise when Agnes and Leo see each other at the altar. After the wedding, Agnes struggles with Leo’s marital expectations and rules, as she wants a true marriage and he does not. As the story continues, Leo’s sister Kristie and her husband Fergus, as well as his grandmother Granny Ro become Agnes’ allies and staunch supporters. Just as their relationship seems to be improving, a flash from Leo’s past stirs up trouble. Add to that a fire or two, traitorous council members, an insane woman, a kidnapping, and a strong undercurrent of danger, and you have a story that will keep you reading into the wee hours of the morning. This is an exciting, action-packed, emotionally volatile, tale filled with both dangerous and endearing characters, past horrors that will make you cringe and a sweet ending.
June 2, 2025
For my trip to the Scottish Highlands I wanted to read a Highlander romance, which normally isn’t my cup of tea. The cover of the book should have been enough to deter me from reading it - it’s just too cheesy. But the premise of the story seemed intriguing.
First - there’s a prequel chapter to the book that you get by signing up for the author/publisher newsletter. And if you want the extended epilogue, you sign up for the newsletter again(!). Clear marketing, but not much to my taste. And it’s actually worth reading the prequel to better understand the story.
The writing is better than I expected for the cheesy cover. (Really the books on this series do no justice to the authors.)
I liked the heroine Agnes a lot and it was because of her and her development that I didn’t DNF this book. The MMC Leo was a harder sell only because of his inner conflict between what he felt and how he acted with Agnes.
The steam part was more than halfway through the book, a bit slower than I had expected. But I was invested in the story, despite needing to suspend disbeliefs with some sharp turns on the storyline. The true to trope, 3/4 into the story there’s the relationship conflict drama. I almost DNFd then because it was such a departure from how the FMC was thinking and behaving until then. That made the book feel weirdly rushed to create drama and tension. Again, I kept going only because I had invested into the characters.
It’s better than I expected, but also annoying at times too.
However, as FMC, Agnes is a breath of fresh air with her sass, courage and emotional determination. Leo comes around, but the best part was Agnes.
First - there’s a prequel chapter to the book that you get by signing up for the author/publisher newsletter. And if you want the extended epilogue, you sign up for the newsletter again(!). Clear marketing, but not much to my taste. And it’s actually worth reading the prequel to better understand the story.
The writing is better than I expected for the cheesy cover. (Really the books on this series do no justice to the authors.)
I liked the heroine Agnes a lot and it was because of her and her development that I didn’t DNF this book. The MMC Leo was a harder sell only because of his inner conflict between what he felt and how he acted with Agnes.
The steam part was more than halfway through the book, a bit slower than I had expected. But I was invested in the story, despite needing to suspend disbeliefs with some sharp turns on the storyline. The true to trope, 3/4 into the story there’s the relationship conflict drama. I almost DNFd then because it was such a departure from how the FMC was thinking and behaving until then. That made the book feel weirdly rushed to create drama and tension. Again, I kept going only because I had invested into the characters.
It’s better than I expected, but also annoying at times too.
However, as FMC, Agnes is a breath of fresh air with her sass, courage and emotional determination. Leo comes around, but the best part was Agnes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2024
When two souls belong together.
The Queen has ordered any unmarried Scottish laird or laird’s son of marriageable age to wed an English woman of noble blood. That is what sent Leo, Laird MacLarsen to England to collect his English bride. After an attack by brigands he stops at a loch to clean his wound before moving on. That is when he sees the beautiful Agnes, an almost nun, from a nearby convent. Unlike other women and even men, she is not afraid of him or the mask he wears to cover his facial scars. Neither of them expected to meet again a week later. This story has so much going on. I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the characters and the storyline. It was a refreshing spin on the beauty and the beast trope with some surprises, betrayal, revenge, a woman scorned, mystery, passion and unexpected love and tenderness.
The Queen has ordered any unmarried Scottish laird or laird’s son of marriageable age to wed an English woman of noble blood. That is what sent Leo, Laird MacLarsen to England to collect his English bride. After an attack by brigands he stops at a loch to clean his wound before moving on. That is when he sees the beautiful Agnes, an almost nun, from a nearby convent. Unlike other women and even men, she is not afraid of him or the mask he wears to cover his facial scars. Neither of them expected to meet again a week later. This story has so much going on. I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the characters and the storyline. It was a refreshing spin on the beauty and the beast trope with some surprises, betrayal, revenge, a woman scorned, mystery, passion and unexpected love and tenderness.
October 23, 2024
I love how they met, it was really entertaining & I appreciate how much Leo tried to defend Agnens & was so upset on her behalf about people treated her poorly, & tried to explain himself for the most part. & wanted to protect her.
Appreciated how Agnes had such a strong spirit, even with a life she had before & how compassionate she was not stopping until to help Leo to see that he was in a beast, while also not letting him stop her.
the first about 250 were really enjoyable, then around 100 of a lot of sadness & problems, with a few good moments & then the book improves greatly. I did enjoy how much they both cared for each other from the start & helped the other deal with figurative & literal scars
Appreciated how Agnes had such a strong spirit, even with a life she had before & how compassionate she was not stopping until to help Leo to see that he was in a beast, while also not letting him stop her.
the first about 250 were really enjoyable, then around 100 of a lot of sadness & problems, with a few good moments & then the book improves greatly. I did enjoy how much they both cared for each other from the start & helped the other deal with figurative & literal scars
October 28, 2024
Wrong bride is right for this highlander
This story blew me away. A scarred highland laird forced to wed order of the queen decides on certain rules for his soon to be English wife. A scarred girl whose life was spent in a cruel convent learns she actually an English lady when her twin sister runs from marriage to the scarred highland laird. These two learn to depend on each other and as Agnes' world opens and her personality is allowed to grow she learns her highland husband is not the beats he claims to be. I cried when he misses her scars. Steamy, romantic and a great story to read. Couldn't put it down because I had to find put what happened next!
This story blew me away. A scarred highland laird forced to wed order of the queen decides on certain rules for his soon to be English wife. A scarred girl whose life was spent in a cruel convent learns she actually an English lady when her twin sister runs from marriage to the scarred highland laird. These two learn to depend on each other and as Agnes' world opens and her personality is allowed to grow she learns her highland husband is not the beats he claims to be. I cried when he misses her scars. Steamy, romantic and a great story to read. Couldn't put it down because I had to find put what happened next!
October 24, 2024
Agnes
What a delightful character Agnes is with a kind heart and spirited soul. What a sad life she leads all because of a decision made by her father the day she and her twin were born. Leo is a true Highlander with tragedy in his life as well. He not only bares the physical scars but emotional as well. They are thrown together in unusual circumstances and the rest becomes history. I would certainly recommend this read.
What a delightful character Agnes is with a kind heart and spirited soul. What a sad life she leads all because of a decision made by her father the day she and her twin were born. Leo is a true Highlander with tragedy in his life as well. He not only bares the physical scars but emotional as well. They are thrown together in unusual circumstances and the rest becomes history. I would certainly recommend this read.
December 5, 2024
The Highlander’s Wrong Bride
The Highlander’s Wrong Bride by Lydia Kendall is an excellent read. It hooked me from the minute Agnes sees Leo emerge from the lake half naked and she is turned on to him and little does she know but he is turned on to her as well. Her dad comes to the convent to fetch her to take her twin sisters place as Leo’s wife after Emma runs off. It is an adventure after that. Great book.
The Highlander’s Wrong Bride by Lydia Kendall is an excellent read. It hooked me from the minute Agnes sees Leo emerge from the lake half naked and she is turned on to him and little does she know but he is turned on to her as well. Her dad comes to the convent to fetch her to take her twin sisters place as Leo’s wife after Emma runs off. It is an adventure after that. Great book.
October 23, 2024
This is another wonderful tale that captivates and had me all caught up in Agnes and Laird Leo. Per the Queens edict he must marry an English las and when Agnes's sister runs away, she is left to marry the laird who takes one look at her and is ready to marry her. Will Agnes give in and become a willing bride and will it lead them to happiness.
October 25, 2024
Great adventure
The characters were very interesting and awesome! They went through so much together. Loved how Agnes bonded with the horses. The beast was courages and brave. The adventure was really exciting. Loved the family they were all characters! His grandma Ro was a hootl!! Thank you for writing such a beautiful story!
The characters were very interesting and awesome! They went through so much together. Loved how Agnes bonded with the horses. The beast was courages and brave. The adventure was really exciting. Loved the family they were all characters! His grandma Ro was a hootl!! Thank you for writing such a beautiful story!
November 1, 2024
A wonderful stoe.
I loved this story. It made me mad then laugh and cry. The grandmother and sister had the spunk to get things done. So glad that these two found the love they deserved. I loved the way you told of them riding on the horses, flying and free. A truly remarkable teller.
I loved this story. It made me mad then laugh and cry. The grandmother and sister had the spunk to get things done. So glad that these two found the love they deserved. I loved the way you told of them riding on the horses, flying and free. A truly remarkable teller.
November 6, 2024
Good Read,
This story of Leo and Agnes is a good read, what held my interest from the beginning to end was the characters. The characters were so that they pulled me right in brought the story to life, so again another good read for the beginning of a new series looking forward for book 2.
This story of Leo and Agnes is a good read, what held my interest from the beginning to end was the characters. The characters were so that they pulled me right in brought the story to life, so again another good read for the beginning of a new series looking forward for book 2.
November 10, 2024
So looking forward to another book in this series!
Agnes had a rough beginning in her life as did Laird Leo. Their adventures and hard times made this book exceptional. Lydia did a really good job in writing their story, one that will keep you turning the pages till the end. So, so good!
Agnes had a rough beginning in her life as did Laird Leo. Their adventures and hard times made this book exceptional. Lydia did a really good job in writing their story, one that will keep you turning the pages till the end. So, so good!
July 19, 2025
Worthy Series
Quite enjoyable with great cast of characters. Fun story!
Only drawback are time sequences. We are suddenly 3 months down the road with no map on how we got there or how our characters developed during this time.
All in all, a fun read with some really interesting twists!
Quite enjoyable with great cast of characters. Fun story!
Only drawback are time sequences. We are suddenly 3 months down the road with no map on how we got there or how our characters developed during this time.
All in all, a fun read with some really interesting twists!
October 22, 2024
fabulous!
I absolutely could not put this down! This story grabbed me right from the very first chapter until the very end…..so different from all the other historical romances I’ve read. I most definitely adored this book. Highly recommend!
I absolutely could not put this down! This story grabbed me right from the very first chapter until the very end…..so different from all the other historical romances I’ve read. I most definitely adored this book. Highly recommend!
October 23, 2024
Oh I love it !!
I so very much enjoyed this book , Miss Kendall has done it again bringing to life the Highlands and those very handsome Highlanders ! Take me there anytime!! Thanks for the entertainment it was great !!
I so very much enjoyed this book , Miss Kendall has done it again bringing to life the Highlands and those very handsome Highlanders ! Take me there anytime!! Thanks for the entertainment it was great !!
October 23, 2024
What a deliciously wild ride
Get ready everyone, Lydia Kendall brings it once again. A superior story with all sorts of twists and turns. So gather your pillows and something to drink and cozy up with this wonderful story that will work keep you wanting for more.
Get ready everyone, Lydia Kendall brings it once again. A superior story with all sorts of twists and turns. So gather your pillows and something to drink and cozy up with this wonderful story that will work keep you wanting for more.
October 24, 2024
Great story
This story grabbed me from the start, and I couldn't put it down. It has a surprising start, twists, turns and some shocking evil people. This is another wonderful story by Ms Kendall.
This story grabbed me from the start, and I couldn't put it down. It has a surprising start, twists, turns and some shocking evil people. This is another wonderful story by Ms Kendall.
Read
October 25, 2024Wrongful Bride, nothing could be further from the truth, they were meant to be..I found the characters of Agnes and Leo to be both serious and entertaining at the same time. I love Lydia's work , wish I could give it more than 5*****
October 27, 2024
Best Bride fortheHighlander
I liked the book and I liked the part at the covenant if she wasn't being treated badly. She was getting ready for her wedding. She was really scared but when she saw who her husband would be I think she was glad.
I liked the book and I liked the part at the covenant if she wasn't being treated badly. She was getting ready for her wedding. She was really scared but when she saw who her husband would be I think she was glad.
November 3, 2024
The Highlanders Wrong Bride
Wow! What a wonderful powerful story of Leo, a scared Scottish Laird and Agnes ( almost a nun) . I highly recommend this amazing love story! Looking forward to reading the epilogue.
Wow! What a wonderful powerful story of Leo, a scared Scottish Laird and Agnes ( almost a nun) . I highly recommend this amazing love story! Looking forward to reading the epilogue.
November 9, 2024
The Highlander’s Wrong Bride
Highland romance at it finest! Agnes and Leo’s story will make you swoon from beginning to end and everywhere between. It’s got suspense, makes you almost weep, feel like you could step in and help but always entertaining. A great read!
Highland romance at it finest! Agnes and Leo’s story will make you swoon from beginning to end and everywhere between. It’s got suspense, makes you almost weep, feel like you could step in and help but always entertaining. A great read!
November 11, 2024
A good highland story with mystery
I found this highland book to be interesting and the characters as well. The mystery of who was doing the attacking The clan wasn't clear at 1st So I had to keep reading to the very end. It's a good 1 day read that I thoroughly enjoyed..
I found this highland book to be interesting and the characters as well. The mystery of who was doing the attacking The clan wasn't clear at 1st So I had to keep reading to the very end. It's a good 1 day read that I thoroughly enjoyed..
December 26, 2024
So exciting n Beautiful
I enjoyed it every step they made towards each other.
I didnt like how often it took to keep coming back to each other.
So many ups n downs.
Ending where the road was
leading them, finally!
I enjoyed it every step they made towards each other.
I didnt like how often it took to keep coming back to each other.
So many ups n downs.
Ending where the road was
leading them, finally!
January 12, 2025
top favorites of her books
Such a heart warming story. Cried with some parts with such tragedy overcoming and self less love spread out between the two love birds. Couldn’t put the book down and finished within 1-2 days.
Such a heart warming story. Cried with some parts with such tragedy overcoming and self less love spread out between the two love birds. Couldn’t put the book down and finished within 1-2 days.
September 29, 2026
Beautiful
Well this story got my heart pumping. Seemed like the adventure and danger was never ending but little reprieves in the beautiful scenery and wild horse rides. One of those eternal loves.
Well this story got my heart pumping. Seemed like the adventure and danger was never ending but little reprieves in the beautiful scenery and wild horse rides. One of those eternal loves.
October 22, 2024
Excellence
You’ll love Agnes’ courage! And how Leo appreciates her for it. I cried at the end, slightly apprehensive that we wouldn’t end up with a happily ever after.
You’ll love Agnes’ courage! And how Leo appreciates her for it. I cried at the end, slightly apprehensive that we wouldn’t end up with a happily ever after.
November 7, 2024
This was a very interesting story, and it was worth staying up late to finish it!!! I'm looking forward to the second book in this series and will investigate more of Ms. Kendall's series!!
November 20, 2024
The Highlander’s Wrong Bride
This story of Agnes and Leo was fantastic. I really enjoyed the story. It was written perfectly, the ending was good.
This story of Agnes and Leo was fantastic. I really enjoyed the story. It was written perfectly, the ending was good.
November 25, 2024
Love,is,blind
Enjoyed all of the book,don't think I. Have read her before. But will definitely be looking for more,,nam,,,cave spring georgi
Enjoyed all of the book,don't think I. Have read her before. But will definitely be looking for more,,nam,,,cave spring georgi
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews