A Highland Bride Jilted: A Scottish Medieval Historical Romance

by Maddie MacKenna

“Ye should fear the man I am when I stop resisting ye, wife.”

Ariella’s dreams of love and a family full of bairns are crushed when she’s forced into a marriage she doesn’t want.
Until her groom runs away.
And his beastly brother claims her instead.
***
Laird Maxwell would do unspeakable things for his clan.
So marrying the innocent lass his brother jilted?
Just another duty…
As long as she follows his
1. No talk of his past
2. No bothering him
3. No bairns
But Ariella refuses to be an obedient wife.
Her every challenge demands his attention. Begs for his touch.
And he must resist.
Lest she finds out why they call him the Highland Beast.

*A Highland Bride Jilted is a steamy Scottish Medieval Historical romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages) written by Maddie MacKenna and published by Cobalt Fairy.

No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.

562 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2025

Reviews

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariella was the sister of Frederick Milligan, Laird McIntosh, and the sick cousin whom Sklyer snuck out to visit in The Highland Healer Captured, book three in this series. Unbeknownst to Ariella, her brother and Laird McNeill signed a contract betrothing her to Laird McNeill’s younger brother Hunter. Neither she nor Hunter were pleased, but understood that the alliance made by their union was necessary, as Laird Lyall O’Douglas was threatening to attack their borders in a greedy quest to take their lands, and the hope was that this alliance would deter him. When Hunter disappeared the day of the wedding, Maxwell Murdoch, Laird McNeill, stepped into his brother’s place and married Ariella himself. For personal reasons, Maxwell had sworn never to marry, and as uncomfortable as it was, his duty to protect the clan always came first. Thus, he devised three rules for Ariella to follow: “Nay talk of me past”; “Second. Nay careless approach, unless there is true need”; and “Third,” … Ye will perform yer duties as lady of me keep”. Then he declared that they would have no children, as there was no need since Hunter was his heir. The story that follows is filled with emotional and behavioral adjustments, while Ariella and Maxwell fumble along in their marriage. Danger looms as an attack by O’Douglas threatens, and McNeill’s extensive battle preparations lead to marrital estrangement. This story will keep you on your toes with its mixed messages, steamy encounters, and intense sense of duty. Although Ariella is beautiful, smart, strong, and brings light to a heavy atmosphere, it is Maxwell whom I found to be the most sympathetic character. He is a good man who is trapped by honor, duty and loyalty to his people. His need for control is not about ego, but fear of failure, which would spell death and disaster for his clan. Each character is necessary and realistic, with Finley Drummand, McNeill’s man-at-arms, Ewan, Isla and Moira providing comic relief, and Mairi and Lara providing friendship and perspective. This story is well written, full of highs and lows, action and emotional growth. I hoghly recommend it!

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariella is the sister of Laird McIntosh. She hasn’t had the best time as a child, she was sick a lot, but no real reason why. She finds him and her mother whispering and her name comes up. That’s when she finds out that she is betrothed to the brother of another Laird, the Brute of McNeills. Before she really has much of a chance to digest this, he is there, the wedding happening in the morning. After speaking to him, he tells her there is always a way out of things, so she decides to take action.
A Highland Bride Jilted is A Medieval Historical Romance Novel and book 4 of Scottish Daddies. This is a great full length story that is written so very well! Love the storyline and the characters so very much! This is book 4, so make sure you grab the rest of the series as well, they are highly enjoyable.

[Susan Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duty

Maxwell and Ariella are great characters. Their interactions are vibrant and true to life. Maxwell like many has had a difficult life becoming the Laird at a young age and dealing with a younger brother, Hunter, who was a free spirit. Hunter abandoned his bride and his brother Maxwell steps in to save face. Will this arrangement work or not. Maxwell is full of rules about this relationship and might possibly lose the best thing to ever happen to him. Great read I recommend this book,

[Darrell W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Despite a few inconsistencies, this is fantastic story from beginning to end. There is even a section for some tears. It was also a section where an opportunity was missed that would reflect more of a real life reaction in one of the characters. And instead of going home, why not go to cousin's house. They were like sisters and Skylar being a healer could naturally help with the pregnancy.
The love scenes were mild--not graphic--which I like.
Anyway, two thumbs up.
👍👍

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Scottish Romance is intriguing with compelling characters that had me connecting with them. When the Laird's brother jilted his wife leaving Maxwell to pick up the piece's things take an interesting turn. She is being forced into marriage, and the Laird is saving face for his clan. Will these two find happiness together along the way.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariella and Maxwells story was not your usual tale..
For a start Areilla was betrothed to Maxwells brother Hunter.. Unfortunately on their wedding day Hunter was nowhere to be found, so Maxwell stepped up to the plate, (you see where this is going)
But he has given a st of rules that Areilla must abide by, but as we all know rules are often broken ....
Maddie has woven a wonderful story here which was thoroughly enjoyable
5*+

[Ann Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am never ever disappointed in a book by Maddie MacKenna.

Wow, to be forced into an unwanted marriage then to end up with his brother takes on a whole new meaning. Headstrong Ariella does not bow to the beast- Laird Maxwell. What adventures these two have, like two bulls meeting in a closed pen. You will so enjoy reading their story.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure

An awesome adventure to read! The characters were amazing. All the characters made me laugh at times. Especially in the kitchen. The adventure was incredibly interesting and exciting. The battle was intense. You have written an incredible adventure. Thanks for sharing your story!!!

[Lois a Ruecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love conquers all

I loved this story! It had everything! Beautifully written. Kept me interested to the end. & had a happy ending which I was glad of! So many interesting characters. I would recommend to anyone who likes medieval historical romance stories! You won't be disappointed!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good story of how life in the Highlands can be. Arranged marriages and rules that new brides are supposed to keep. Maxwell was not ready for what upset came in his life when he married Ariella after his brother ran from the wedding. A Laird is always supposed to take care of all his people but sometimes they have too much duty to live their own lives.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living for Present

Excellent story of how a Laird who will not give up his way of thinking and comes to regret it. Maxwell doesn't understand Ariella and her way of thinking but sees changes that would have never happened before she came along. You will love it!

[Kim Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The strength of a woman

The strength of a woman truly comes through in her latest novel. Maddie MacKenna creates a wonderful tale that brings to light the quiet strength of the women of this era. Don't miss your chance to see what truly resides within a woman.

[Gwen Hight · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Highland Bride Jiltef

This is a good story about Arielle left at the alter. and married Maxwell the laird McNeil They grew to love each other and soon had a family and there was happiness

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had a lot of emotions in it. He had a lot of rules but refused to say why until the end. It was good to see how he could bend a little. This story had a different twist and feel to it. The extended epilogue is a nice finish.

[Kimberly Borup · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scottish Romance

An arranged marriage to save the clan goes awry when the bridegroom runs away in interesting take from the usual runaway stories. But Ariella, a lovely and strong female character, finds her way to happiness.

[Noreen Towers · Rating 5 out of 5]

deserving Family

Super story of fear and unworthiness. Starts with exciting wedding and keeps adventures coming. A great couple who find love together only after overcoming themselves. Read in one day!

[Joan Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story

A lovely story of Maxwell and Ariella, of. How he married her because his brother Hunter, jilted her on her wedding day. Great storyline and characters

[Deniese · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming love story

A heartwarming love story that begins with a marriage of duty and then becomes a loving relationship, it has a great storyline and I enjoyed reading it.