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Darnleys & Kirallens #1
The Border Bride
No one can remember a time when the Darnleys and Kirallens were not at each other's throats. The marriage of Maude Darnley to Jemmy Kirallen promises to end an age-old conflict - but Darnley has no intention of keeping his sworn word. Instead, he blackmails his baseborn daughter, Alyson, forcing her to masquerade as Maude while he prepares for a devastating surprise attack.
Alyson is determined to survive and rescue her young brother from Darnley's clutches, but she never counted on falling in love. Now Alyson is faced with a terrible choice: Reveal the truth, and her brother's life is forfeit - stay silent, and condemn Jemmy and his clan to certain death.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 19, 2017
4 and 1/2 Stars - Treachery, Betrayal and Love in 14th century Scotland
Set in 1375, mostly in Scotland, this is the story of Alyson Bowden, bastard half-sister to Lady Maude Darnley of the English Darleys. Alyson, a maid in the Darnley household, is forced by her father, to take her half-sister’s identity in order to satisfy a promise he made. The promise was to their enemies, the Kirallens—to give “his daughter” to them in marriage to end their long cross-border feud. He would never give them Maude, the daughter he values, but he will give them Alyson, who agrees only to save her young brother whose life Darnley has threatened.
I liked this story from the beginning, not only the concept but the way the author drew me into Alyson’s predicament. The man she was forced to wed, Jemmy Kirallen, the disfavored son of his father, now the heir, believed her to be the haughty Maude, but he wondered at times when “Maude” would become more intelligent, inquisitive and passionate in his arms.
Alyson holds Jemmy at bay, believing she will soon be free and can return to her brother. And Jemmy believes he will soon be free of her. But he wants to leave her with child before he returns to his life at sea.
Alyson quickly comes to love her new husband (and given what a great guy he is, one can see why!) However, she fears telling him the truth—that Darnley plans an attack on the Kirallens—knowing Darnley has threatened the life of her young brother.
There isn’t much history in this story but there is certainly enough story to hold your interest, with many twists and turns, including a foster brother, the Kirallen ghost who haunts the keep and who was stabbed in the back by Darnley, and some endearing children.
It’s a picture of life in the Borderlands, of English and Scots warring for many years. And it’s the story of love that can heal many hurts. Lovers of Scottish historical romance will find depth here and enough story to keep them turning pages.
Set in 1375, mostly in Scotland, this is the story of Alyson Bowden, bastard half-sister to Lady Maude Darnley of the English Darleys. Alyson, a maid in the Darnley household, is forced by her father, to take her half-sister’s identity in order to satisfy a promise he made. The promise was to their enemies, the Kirallens—to give “his daughter” to them in marriage to end their long cross-border feud. He would never give them Maude, the daughter he values, but he will give them Alyson, who agrees only to save her young brother whose life Darnley has threatened.
I liked this story from the beginning, not only the concept but the way the author drew me into Alyson’s predicament. The man she was forced to wed, Jemmy Kirallen, the disfavored son of his father, now the heir, believed her to be the haughty Maude, but he wondered at times when “Maude” would become more intelligent, inquisitive and passionate in his arms.
Alyson holds Jemmy at bay, believing she will soon be free and can return to her brother. And Jemmy believes he will soon be free of her. But he wants to leave her with child before he returns to his life at sea.
Alyson quickly comes to love her new husband (and given what a great guy he is, one can see why!) However, she fears telling him the truth—that Darnley plans an attack on the Kirallens—knowing Darnley has threatened the life of her young brother.
There isn’t much history in this story but there is certainly enough story to hold your interest, with many twists and turns, including a foster brother, the Kirallen ghost who haunts the keep and who was stabbed in the back by Darnley, and some endearing children.
It’s a picture of life in the Borderlands, of English and Scots warring for many years. And it’s the story of love that can heal many hurts. Lovers of Scottish historical romance will find depth here and enough story to keep them turning pages.
November 30, 2015
Nice freebie
I haven't been in the mood for a historical in a long time, but I spotted this one in a freebies email and something about the description caught my attention. I have to say that the cover did the opposite. I really thought it short of cheapened the book. I thought the cover have the impression that this was just a "bodice ripper" so to speak. In actuality, this story was extremely tame, and sexual encounters were limited to two between a married couple with almost no description. This was definitely more about the story. Personally, I thought it was an interesting storyline with well developed characters. My main reason for not giving five stars in my rating was the Scottish brogue. It just didn't read with the right cadence or verbiage. It was a bit halting and even mostly lacking other than a few key words like " ye", "ken", and "lass". Also, there were a few threads left irritatingly hanging even though all primary issues were resolved. It was, however, well worth the time to read, especially for a freebie.
I haven't been in the mood for a historical in a long time, but I spotted this one in a freebies email and something about the description caught my attention. I have to say that the cover did the opposite. I really thought it short of cheapened the book. I thought the cover have the impression that this was just a "bodice ripper" so to speak. In actuality, this story was extremely tame, and sexual encounters were limited to two between a married couple with almost no description. This was definitely more about the story. Personally, I thought it was an interesting storyline with well developed characters. My main reason for not giving five stars in my rating was the Scottish brogue. It just didn't read with the right cadence or verbiage. It was a bit halting and even mostly lacking other than a few key words like " ye", "ken", and "lass". Also, there were a few threads left irritatingly hanging even though all primary issues were resolved. It was, however, well worth the time to read, especially for a freebie.
January 29, 2015
This was better than I expected. Yes, there's a Big Mis but there's a reason for it. Things I wanted to see from this story
May 24, 2022
The updated cover is cringe but I did have a good time reading so 💁♀️
June 28, 2015
When Darnley is conned into promising his daughter to wed into a rival clan, he keeps his word–just not the way they intended. Instead of sending his spoiled, beautiful daughter Maude, he sends an illegitimate daughter the Kirallens have never heard of. The deception can't last forever, but he doesn't intend to let it go that long, just long enough to attack and put their feud to a final end. But Alyson finds the Kirallens to be not the monsters she's been told about, but rather more of a family than her father ever was. And while she knows she can't save her heart, she's got to find a way to protect them all.
Judging Covers: Not a fan. I'm not sure what it is about this cover that's so unappealing to me, but I almost skipped past the book entirely. It doesn't seem to fit the genre, and in some ways it looks like it was hastily thrown together. Where's the scenery, the kilt, the anything else that would tell me this couple didn't just get back from dinner and a movie?
The Verdict: Alyson's situation has always been awful, but her father is now making it worse. Her mother was kidnapped and given to Darnley as a prize, and when he was done with her, he married her off to an unkind man who never provided them with much. Darnley's never acknowledged her or shown any remorse for his crime against her mother, but now that the legitimate daughter he favors is threatened, he quickly moves to send Alyson to the wolves instead.
Alyson is used to being a rather humble, submissive servant, but she's content with that. Given a choice, she'd never agree to marry a stranger, much less the clan's enemy. But Darnley's taken her little brother as insurance, and she has no choice but to follow through. She can only hope that when it all comes to a head, she can escape, find him, and make her way somewhere they'll both be safe. In the meantime, she's terrified and doing her best to act like the spoiled brat she's impersonating. I really liked Alyson's character. She's in a pretty awful situation, but she's still got strength. And with the way she's been forced into this mess, it's easy to understand why she's going through with it.
Jemmy's hand is being forced as well, the decision that he would wed Alyson being made for him by his father while he was out of the country. But he understands that a marriage between the long-warring clans might finally bring them all peace, so he's willing to go through with it. He also immediately sees how scared Alyson is, and while he's a little gruff at times, he's also considerate. And of course, since it's an arranged marriage, and she's shaking with fear when he's around, he's not about to press the issue of consummation. However, as they begin to know each other a little better, and trust begins to take root, their feelings grow very strong very quickly.
There's much more to the story that explains Alyson's background, but I'd rather not give that away in a review. I will say, however, that it adds a sad and interesting twist that makes her father even more deplorable. Of course, the truth is eventually revealed, and it happens at the worst possible time, as one might expect. What I took issue with, though, was how she was perceived afterward. She went from being the wife and favored daughter-in-law to being looked down upon, and while I figured there would be some of that, I really didn't think it wouldn't be resolved. However, it seems that she was too low-born to be accepted by anyone but Jemmy, and even he was of the opinion that she was beneath him, no matter how much he loved her. I do, of course, realize that this is a more realistic turn of events than many rags to riches stories set in historical times portray, but just as Jemmy was willing to stay married to the servant that she was, it would have been nice if he'd had more faith that others would begin to see her for the good person she was, not her lack of a respectable bloodline.
June 29, 2014
An interesting premise, but I didn't enjoy this book as much as I'd hoped.
The hero and heroine were both likeable, realistic characters, but I think that the events conspiring to keep them apart succeeded too well; I didn't feel that they had any opportunity to develop a relationship. So the romance was a letdown for me.
The ending was unrealistic and overly simplistic. And I still don't know what the point of the ghostly doomsayers was.
Recommended for those who enjoy light, Scottish, medieval-type romances, but don't expect anything original or with historical depth.
The hero and heroine were both likeable, realistic characters, but I think that the events conspiring to keep them apart succeeded too well; I didn't feel that they had any opportunity to develop a relationship. So the romance was a letdown for me.
The ending was unrealistic and overly simplistic. And I still don't know what the point of the ghostly doomsayers was.
Recommended for those who enjoy light, Scottish, medieval-type romances, but don't expect anything original or with historical depth.
January 9, 2015
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed this tale of love and betrayal in medieval Scotland/England. The romance was sweet and you couldn't help but root for Alyson to succeed. I will say that the book felt overly long. About 2/3 of the way through things got repetitive and tedious. The characters needed to make up their minds and DO something. Too much going over and over in their heads. At that point I found myself skimming and that is never a good thing.
It was great to see the character growth and I liked the twist HEA. I Recommend if you can overlook those few flaws.
It was great to see the character growth and I liked the twist HEA. I Recommend if you can overlook those few flaws.
January 7, 2011
I enjoyed this book. Well written and enjoyable scottish romance about the lowlands for a change.
Read
November 12, 2014DNF at 39%
December 6, 2020
This story was okay in that I was able to get to the end, but there was nothing particularly special about the plot that would make me want to reread this at a later date.
Plot wise, it's an age old cliched tale: The English border bride must marry a Scottish Lord and the families hate each other evermore. The entire marriage is a deception. As one would expect, every time the heroine has a chance to admit the truth, she can't or won't until it's to the bitter end, and then when she finally does, of course the hero reads the entire situation badly. There was too much character inner monologuing which makes the story to appear as dragging on incessantly and painfully to the reader. By the time you reach the end, you are only left with a simple solution to the major plot line of the story and all minor plot resolutions are not addressed, at least in this book.
Punctuation wasn't too horrible; although, commas appeared in places where they shouldn't have and were missed in much needed spots.
For a free read, go for it!
Plot wise, it's an age old cliched tale: The English border bride must marry a Scottish Lord and the families hate each other evermore. The entire marriage is a deception. As one would expect, every time the heroine has a chance to admit the truth, she can't or won't until it's to the bitter end, and then when she finally does, of course the hero reads the entire situation badly. There was too much character inner monologuing which makes the story to appear as dragging on incessantly and painfully to the reader. By the time you reach the end, you are only left with a simple solution to the major plot line of the story and all minor plot resolutions are not addressed, at least in this book.
Punctuation wasn't too horrible; although, commas appeared in places where they shouldn't have and were missed in much needed spots.
For a free read, go for it!
September 27, 2019
A true romance
Scotland, lords and ladies with a tad of romance without too much sex. A bit of Romeo and Juliette with fighting clans, some heroic, loveable youngsters, and a determined ghost. It was a nail biting tale til the last. Great story that I didn't want to end.
Scotland, lords and ladies with a tad of romance without too much sex. A bit of Romeo and Juliette with fighting clans, some heroic, loveable youngsters, and a determined ghost. It was a nail biting tale til the last. Great story that I didn't want to end.
April 18, 2018
Great story!
Loved this story and how well written the characters were. I wish the rest of the series was on kindle too!! I want to finish reading the other books!
Loved this story and how well written the characters were. I wish the rest of the series was on kindle too!! I want to finish reading the other books!
July 19, 2019
love the Scotland books
May 5, 2020
A nice break... I always enjoy these Scottish warrior romances... and back to reading
June 15, 2020
Just okay.
March 20, 2017
Some things need to be left to your own imagination, love going back to old romance novels!
October 25, 2024
I liked the story, but once the characters admitted to themselves that they loved the other, they never had the trust to tell each other their "secret". They spent a lot of time thinking and re-thinking and I just wanted them to get on with it and see how they resolved things in the end.
February 4, 2015
The Border Bride’
By: Elizabeth English
RT Book Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
RT Cover Rating: ♦♦♦
Jemmy Kirallen loved his life at sea; leaving his home and clan he hated all the fighting and killing. He lost his brother Ian and Uncle Stephen in a clan war between the Kirallen’s and the Darnley’s, a long time feud dating back years. He was not cut out to be the next leader of his clan, his distant father letting him go without so much as, I need you to stay son.
After his brother’s death he is summoned home by his ailing father not necessarily to take over the clan, but to help him make peace with the Darnley’s. His father in his attempt at peace between the two clans he arranges a marriage between Jemmy and the Darnley’s daughter Maude. Jemmy agrees to the forced marriage at his father’s request only to stop the needless killing and then he will go back to his ship and sea life, his only love now.
But there is deception in the two clans. After the Kirallen clan takes Darnley’s only son as heir hostage Darnley is bound and determined to wipe out the entire Kirallen clan so he inspires to deceive the Kirallen’s. To get his son back he agrees to a marriage between his daughter Maude and Jemmy. But what he really does is sends his unclaimed daughter by his leman Alyson Bowden.
Wow, does the sparks really start flying now.
Alyson Bowden, unclaimed by her biblical father the Lord Darnley has worked in the kitchens of Alysford Manor but has been forced by Lord Darnley to wed the son of their worst enemy Jemmy Kiralen. But the clincher is, the marriage is supposed to be her half sister Lady Maude. Alyson looks like Maude from distance and has to learn to be a lady real quick and act her part. She marries Jemmy and falls head over hills in love with the man with the reputation of a Pirate, a man she has never met. But, she has to keep her father’s deception a secret. That the Darnley clan is going to attack and kill everyone of the Kirallen’s or her five year old brother Robin will be killed. That her father would take Robin and use him as the leverage to keep Alyson in check and carry out this devious plan to get revenge on the Kirallen clan is appealing and sick. The man is truly a bad person.
As the story continues it just gets better. The author introduces the characters to make them seem real and you will be quickly immersed in their lives. This book has murder, deception, lies, love and ghosts as the author takes you into the Scottish world and its fierce warriors, lords and ladies.
The editing was good, not too much of a distraction while you’re reading. Not a lot of intimate scenes to speak of save but one that was very tastefully written by this author. Fighting, well not so much in the point of actual war but there are a lot of past events spoken of by both clans. The author seemed to have done her homework in Scottish history.
The story moves along at a good pace and I didn’t become bored, but found myself wanting to know how this love story would turn out.
Questions you will ask yourself:
Do the clans go to war?
Will Alyson tell Jemmy about her father’s deception?
Who is the ghost?
It’s not the best I’ve ever read in the Highlander/Scottish books but it was a story and I liked the author’s way of perceiving her characters lives. However I would like to see what happens with Allistair so I would read the next book for sure.
By: Elizabeth English
RT Book Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
RT Cover Rating: ♦♦♦
Jemmy Kirallen loved his life at sea; leaving his home and clan he hated all the fighting and killing. He lost his brother Ian and Uncle Stephen in a clan war between the Kirallen’s and the Darnley’s, a long time feud dating back years. He was not cut out to be the next leader of his clan, his distant father letting him go without so much as, I need you to stay son.
After his brother’s death he is summoned home by his ailing father not necessarily to take over the clan, but to help him make peace with the Darnley’s. His father in his attempt at peace between the two clans he arranges a marriage between Jemmy and the Darnley’s daughter Maude. Jemmy agrees to the forced marriage at his father’s request only to stop the needless killing and then he will go back to his ship and sea life, his only love now.
But there is deception in the two clans. After the Kirallen clan takes Darnley’s only son as heir hostage Darnley is bound and determined to wipe out the entire Kirallen clan so he inspires to deceive the Kirallen’s. To get his son back he agrees to a marriage between his daughter Maude and Jemmy. But what he really does is sends his unclaimed daughter by his leman Alyson Bowden.
Wow, does the sparks really start flying now.
Alyson Bowden, unclaimed by her biblical father the Lord Darnley has worked in the kitchens of Alysford Manor but has been forced by Lord Darnley to wed the son of their worst enemy Jemmy Kiralen. But the clincher is, the marriage is supposed to be her half sister Lady Maude. Alyson looks like Maude from distance and has to learn to be a lady real quick and act her part. She marries Jemmy and falls head over hills in love with the man with the reputation of a Pirate, a man she has never met. But, she has to keep her father’s deception a secret. That the Darnley clan is going to attack and kill everyone of the Kirallen’s or her five year old brother Robin will be killed. That her father would take Robin and use him as the leverage to keep Alyson in check and carry out this devious plan to get revenge on the Kirallen clan is appealing and sick. The man is truly a bad person.
As the story continues it just gets better. The author introduces the characters to make them seem real and you will be quickly immersed in their lives. This book has murder, deception, lies, love and ghosts as the author takes you into the Scottish world and its fierce warriors, lords and ladies.
The editing was good, not too much of a distraction while you’re reading. Not a lot of intimate scenes to speak of save but one that was very tastefully written by this author. Fighting, well not so much in the point of actual war but there are a lot of past events spoken of by both clans. The author seemed to have done her homework in Scottish history.
The story moves along at a good pace and I didn’t become bored, but found myself wanting to know how this love story would turn out.
Questions you will ask yourself:
Do the clans go to war?
Will Alyson tell Jemmy about her father’s deception?
Who is the ghost?
It’s not the best I’ve ever read in the Highlander/Scottish books but it was a story and I liked the author’s way of perceiving her characters lives. However I would like to see what happens with Allistair so I would read the next book for sure.
February 11, 2015
4.5 stars
I'm not sure if this was actually a tear-jerker or if I was crying because it was 3 am and I'm pregnant... Haha! But for a free Kindle book? Dang, I'll take it!
Two feuding border families... one on the English side (Darnleys) and one on the Scottish side (Kirallens) After the English Earl killed the Scottish laird's first son and heir, instead of revenge, he wants peace. He writes to call his second son, Jemmy, to come home. He's been at sea for 12 years where he escaped to after not fitting in with his clan... never having had the bloodlust they did against the English. So before he comes home, the Scots capture the young (12- or 13-year-old) English heir and the laird demands a marriage alliance to stop the feud. So the Earl swears and oath to marry his daughter to the laird's son.
The laird only has one legitimate daughter, Maude... but since he's a raping son of something a lot worse than a dog, he has quite a few illegitimate offspring, including Alyson... who he sends in Maude's place to marry Jemmy and to spy on the Scots. What's her motivation? Oh, right? She's got a kid brother (7 years old) she's been solely responsible since their mother's death 5 years previous, who is being held by the bastard... and he keeps threatening to slit the boy's throat. Classy, huh? So she goes. And has to pretend she the spoiled, selfish brat, Maude.
But when she starts falling in love with Jemmy, things start getting really complicated.... *sigh* Anyway, I liked this enough to stay up until 4 am reading it!! :D
I'm not sure if this was actually a tear-jerker or if I was crying because it was 3 am and I'm pregnant... Haha! But for a free Kindle book? Dang, I'll take it!
Two feuding border families... one on the English side (Darnleys) and one on the Scottish side (Kirallens) After the English Earl killed the Scottish laird's first son and heir, instead of revenge, he wants peace. He writes to call his second son, Jemmy, to come home. He's been at sea for 12 years where he escaped to after not fitting in with his clan... never having had the bloodlust they did against the English. So before he comes home, the Scots capture the young (12- or 13-year-old) English heir and the laird demands a marriage alliance to stop the feud. So the Earl swears and oath to marry his daughter to the laird's son.
The laird only has one legitimate daughter, Maude... but since he's a raping son of something a lot worse than a dog, he has quite a few illegitimate offspring, including Alyson... who he sends in Maude's place to marry Jemmy and to spy on the Scots. What's her motivation? Oh, right? She's got a kid brother (7 years old) she's been solely responsible since their mother's death 5 years previous, who is being held by the bastard... and he keeps threatening to slit the boy's throat. Classy, huh? So she goes. And has to pretend she the spoiled, selfish brat, Maude.
But when she starts falling in love with Jemmy, things start getting really complicated.... *sigh* Anyway, I liked this enough to stay up until 4 am reading it!! :D
August 15, 2015
I do love a good Scottish Highlander book and this one doesn’t disappoint.
This book tells the story of a century hold feud between the Darnleys and Kirallens. After the young son of the Darnleys tries, fails and gets caught while trying to steal sheep from the Kirallens the Laird has had enough. He strikes a bargain with Lord Darnley that he will spare his sons life if he agrees that his daughter marries his son. Lord Darnley agrees to this bargain but is already trying to find a loophole so he doesn’t have to send Maude – and that he has done. He blackmails his baseborn daughter Alyson (by kidnapping her young brother) to masquerade as Maude to buy him some time to get an army together to wage a battle against the Kirallens.
Now all Alyson needs to do is keep Laird Kirallens son Jemmy distracted enough to pass as Maude to help ensure her brothers life – she just never counted on falling for him in the process. Now the choices are laid out in front of her: if she reveals the truth her brothers life is forfeit but if she stays quite then Jemmy and his clan will suffer a certain death.
It is a long book but well worth a read if you like Highlander romances – keeps you guessing to the end wondering how things will turn out.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
This book tells the story of a century hold feud between the Darnleys and Kirallens. After the young son of the Darnleys tries, fails and gets caught while trying to steal sheep from the Kirallens the Laird has had enough. He strikes a bargain with Lord Darnley that he will spare his sons life if he agrees that his daughter marries his son. Lord Darnley agrees to this bargain but is already trying to find a loophole so he doesn’t have to send Maude – and that he has done. He blackmails his baseborn daughter Alyson (by kidnapping her young brother) to masquerade as Maude to buy him some time to get an army together to wage a battle against the Kirallens.
Now all Alyson needs to do is keep Laird Kirallens son Jemmy distracted enough to pass as Maude to help ensure her brothers life – she just never counted on falling for him in the process. Now the choices are laid out in front of her: if she reveals the truth her brothers life is forfeit but if she stays quite then Jemmy and his clan will suffer a certain death.
It is a long book but well worth a read if you like Highlander romances – keeps you guessing to the end wondering how things will turn out.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
March 1, 2010
For generations along the border of England and Scotland, the Darnleys and the Kirallens have fought a bloody feud that has brought nothing but death and destruction to both families. But finally, there is hope for peace. Laird Kirallen has proposed that his only surviving son, Jemmy, marry Darnley's daughter, Maude. Darnley has no choice but to accept, or watch his own son die. But he won't send his beloved Maude to live with the savage, bloodthirsty Kirallens. Instead, he blackmails Alyson, his illegitimate daughter, into taking Maude's place, by holding Alyson's little brother hostage. Neither Jemmy nor Alyson enters into this marriage willingly. Jemmy wishes to return to the sea he loves. Alyson is forced to betray her values and live a lie to save her brother. Against her better judgment, Alyson falls in love with Jemmy, but must hide her feelings to keep up the pretense of being spoiled, haughty Maude. I highly recommend this wonderful Medieval Scottish romance, set in 1375. I can't wait to read the author's other book, which is a sequel to this one.
January 12, 2015
Not horrible, just kind of meh. Pretty much the formula Highland romance novel with not a lot of genuine-feeling history to it. Reluctant bride, secrets, obstacles, brink of disaster, happy, if improbable ending. The end. I'm not sure how these two even managed to fall in love with all the intrigue and posturing.
Mostly left me wondering what's so hard about saying what you think for once. Is there such a thing as a romance novel that doesn't rely on nitwittery and misunderstandings to drive the plot?I realize I don't have to read just because it's free, but for once I'd like to read one that didn't have me yelling all the way through it to "Just say it out loud, already! Don't you know the old adage about what happens when you ASSUME?" You could then fill up those extra 300 pages you didn't have to write with actual romance and sex. Much more efficient.
Mostly left me wondering what's so hard about saying what you think for once. Is there such a thing as a romance novel that doesn't rely on nitwittery and misunderstandings to drive the plot?I realize I don't have to read just because it's free, but for once I'd like to read one that didn't have me yelling all the way through it to "Just say it out loud, already! Don't you know the old adage about what happens when you ASSUME?" You could then fill up those extra 300 pages you didn't have to write with actual romance and sex. Much more efficient.
March 6, 2015
This was definitely full of intrigue, and went in a direction that I wasn't expecting. My first impression of the book was ... bleak. The heroine has to pretend to be her snotty half-sister throughout much of the book, which proves to be a challenge for her. Add to that some knights who don't like/trust her, a father who could care less what happens to her, a husband who is less than thrilled with the marriage, and a ghost or two ... and this turns into one heck of a suspense story.
But luckily all works out (sort of), and I liked that it wasn't completely happily ever after at the end. The final chapter also sets up for the next book in the series, which I probably will read eventually.
But luckily all works out (sort of), and I liked that it wasn't completely happily ever after at the end. The final chapter also sets up for the next book in the series, which I probably will read eventually.
February 19, 2015
The Border Bride by Elizabeth English is a scottish story about a border dispute between two families that goes back generations, when the son of one family goes across the boarder to get a sheep from the other family (trying to prove himself to his father) he is caught. The family who catches him wants peace so they agree to spare him if his sister marries the other family's son, Jemmy. Haddon's father doesn't want to let his daughter go. So he makes his illegitimate daughter go in her place and threatens her with the life of her brother. But as Allison begins this journey, she falls in love with Jemmy and cannot decide if she should choose her brothers safety or her heart.
August 2, 2015
I thought this was a clever yet easy read. It was very interesting to watch Allison try to keep her secret and at the same time struggle with doing so. I especially liked watching her bond with Malcolm, who was Ian's son. There was so much going on and so many different characters it took some concentration to remember how each of these people was related to the others. I also like to have the point of you changed so you got to see all aspects of the conflict and everyone's particular desire to either see it continue or end. Suffice it to say, it was an entertaining and interesting read.
January 5, 2016
Okay...
The story line was very good. I was enjoying the first half of it, then...it dragged on and on... it got frustrating and I was about to give up. But, I held on and finished . It started to get interesting again and I was thinking, if the author but a little more back bone in both main characters; the Hero could of stuck up for himself better with his father and the Heroine could of not taken the brush off with the Hero and put her foot down and made him listen to what she had to say. It would of been much, much better (in my eyes anyway).
The story line was very good. I was enjoying the first half of it, then...it dragged on and on... it got frustrating and I was about to give up. But, I held on and finished . It started to get interesting again and I was thinking, if the author but a little more back bone in both main characters; the Hero could of stuck up for himself better with his father and the Heroine could of not taken the brush off with the Hero and put her foot down and made him listen to what she had to say. It would of been much, much better (in my eyes anyway).
January 10, 2015
Kept me interested throughout
This is the first book I have read by Elizabeth English and it won't be my last. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read Alistair's story. Jemmy and Alyson were wonderful together and I thoroughly enjoyed their story. Alyson was a brave and beautiful heroine and Jemmy was a dream of a hero. What woman wouldn't want her own Jemmy? Wonderful Highland romance that kept me entertained throughout. Highly recommend it!
This is the first book I have read by Elizabeth English and it won't be my last. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read Alistair's story. Jemmy and Alyson were wonderful together and I thoroughly enjoyed their story. Alyson was a brave and beautiful heroine and Jemmy was a dream of a hero. What woman wouldn't want her own Jemmy? Wonderful Highland romance that kept me entertained throughout. Highly recommend it!
February 3, 2025
This novel was much better developed than the usual Highland Romance and the secrets, misunderstandings, and irrational behaviors turned out to be due to reasons that made sense. It got to be a little repetitious, what with repeating the couple's insecure neurotic ruminations way too many times to drag out a long book that really didn't need to be dragged out, but eventually the author quit spinning her wheels and gave the story some satisfactory action and conclusion.
April 10, 2015
Stunned at how much I liked it
I read it while walking the dog, waiting at traffic lights..the tension that builds between Jenny and Alyson is palatable. Amazing gift. Some footprints feel a bit heavy handed or maybe abrupt, but in no way did it deter from enjoyment. I think I have read almost every kindle unlimited highland romance and this one is in top five, easy. Such a wonderful escape. Makes me wonder about the possibilities of youth.
I read it while walking the dog, waiting at traffic lights..the tension that builds between Jenny and Alyson is palatable. Amazing gift. Some footprints feel a bit heavy handed or maybe abrupt, but in no way did it deter from enjoyment. I think I have read almost every kindle unlimited highland romance and this one is in top five, easy. Such a wonderful escape. Makes me wonder about the possibilities of youth.
June 10, 2015
Fantastic read
I recently found this author when I read The Prince, which was amazing. So I had high hopes when I started this book. I was not disappointed. There were some typos that the perfectionist in my found, but the story lacked very little and it was an emotional roller coaster, just like I like. The author really knows how to connect with her readers. Can't wait to read book 2!
I recently found this author when I read The Prince, which was amazing. So I had high hopes when I started this book. I was not disappointed. There were some typos that the perfectionist in my found, but the story lacked very little and it was an emotional roller coaster, just like I like. The author really knows how to connect with her readers. Can't wait to read book 2!
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