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The Scottish Relic Trilogy #1
Much Ado About Highlanders
In the heart of Scotland, this Highlander is about to meet his match in a brand new romance from bestseller May McGoldrick.
Highland warrior Alexander Macpherson has lost his wife. When he agreed to take Kenna Mackay as his bride to advance his clan’s power in the north, he expected a bit of an adjustment. He didn't expect the sharp-tongued beauty to run away on their wedding night. Still, Alexander wants his runaway bride…and he has the sneaking suspicion that she wants him, too.
Kenna Mackay thought she was safe in a priory full of nuns learning the craft of healing, but when she is kidnapped by her own husband, the battle of wits begins anew. But even as passions ignite, a deadly secret from Kenna's past rises to the surface and put their new love in jeopardy. As a heartless villain closes in, two headstrong lovers find themselves locked in a struggle between evil and the power of undying love. And this time, Alexander is determined he will not lose his wife again.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
217 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
May McGoldrick
579 books503 followersMay McGoldrick, Nik James, and Jan Coffey are pen names for USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo Kafi and Jim McGoldrick. Together, they have crafted over fifty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical, contemporary, and Western novels, and two works of nonfiction.
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
https://www.facebook.com/MayMcGoldrick/
https://twitter.com/MayMcGoldrick
https://www.instagram.com/maymcgoldrick/
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
https://www.facebook.com/MayMcGoldrick/
https://twitter.com/MayMcGoldrick
https://www.instagram.com/maymcgoldrick/
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 101 reviews
March 27, 2024
This read like a graphic novel without the graphics. Lots of action/adventure with mindless violence, very little character development, magic stones, modern phrasing, and an abrupt “to be continued” ending.
Somewhat fun, but easily dismissed.
Somewhat fun, but easily dismissed.
April 26, 2016
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
I'm still a babe in the woods when it comes to Scottish Highlander historical romances. I've only read a few. But this book was so awesome, I know I'm going to be reading more and more!
Kenna was a great heroine. I think one of the reasons I love historical romances so much is because women can be kickass heroines without coming off as brutish or manly. Kenna could wield a knife with the best of them but there was never any mistaking that she was a lady through and through. She was never a damsel in distress in this book even though she was certainly in peril plenty! Her bravery and grit was so much fun to read and I really loved when she went toe to toe with the hero!
Alexander was everything you'd want a Highland warrior to be. Big, tough, sexy, and pretty much unkillable! He was occasionally a big oaf but I really loved that about him. He was funny and silly but had a big heart when it came to family and friends. I have to say that I didn't love Alexander right from the start (I was rooting for Kenna) but, just like with Kenna, he slowly won me over with his bravery and charm.
I was surprised at how sexy this book was. I mean, historical romances have to go a certain way, you know? But there was still plenty of Sexy Time and it was really hot. I loved the progression of the relationship between Kenna and Alexander. I love how he started off as a bit of a jerk but I never really disliked him. It's hard to explain but it was such good fun to get to know him. It was nice to see that Kenna and Alexander were better together than they were apart and even better to see them start to realize it too.
Overall, I seriously loved this book. I'm going to go find out when the next books come out and pre-order them. This is Book 1 in a new series and it looks like readers will see more of Kenna and Alexander in future books, which is fun. Anyway, this book was full of humor and excitement. Lots of little skirmishes and mini-battles. I was on the edge of my seat for some of this book, wondering if Kenna and Alexander would be captured. I think this book has a little bit of something for everyone so I highly recommend this one!
I'm still a babe in the woods when it comes to Scottish Highlander historical romances. I've only read a few. But this book was so awesome, I know I'm going to be reading more and more!
Kenna was a great heroine. I think one of the reasons I love historical romances so much is because women can be kickass heroines without coming off as brutish or manly. Kenna could wield a knife with the best of them but there was never any mistaking that she was a lady through and through. She was never a damsel in distress in this book even though she was certainly in peril plenty! Her bravery and grit was so much fun to read and I really loved when she went toe to toe with the hero!
Alexander was everything you'd want a Highland warrior to be. Big, tough, sexy, and pretty much unkillable! He was occasionally a big oaf but I really loved that about him. He was funny and silly but had a big heart when it came to family and friends. I have to say that I didn't love Alexander right from the start (I was rooting for Kenna) but, just like with Kenna, he slowly won me over with his bravery and charm.
I was surprised at how sexy this book was. I mean, historical romances have to go a certain way, you know? But there was still plenty of Sexy Time and it was really hot. I loved the progression of the relationship between Kenna and Alexander. I love how he started off as a bit of a jerk but I never really disliked him. It's hard to explain but it was such good fun to get to know him. It was nice to see that Kenna and Alexander were better together than they were apart and even better to see them start to realize it too.
Overall, I seriously loved this book. I'm going to go find out when the next books come out and pre-order them. This is Book 1 in a new series and it looks like readers will see more of Kenna and Alexander in future books, which is fun. Anyway, this book was full of humor and excitement. Lots of little skirmishes and mini-battles. I was on the edge of my seat for some of this book, wondering if Kenna and Alexander would be captured. I think this book has a little bit of something for everyone so I highly recommend this one!
June 12, 2016
A first for me from this author. The characters were lovable and the writing remarkable. I had a problem with the story. It just didn't work for me.
It had all i need when it comes to HR, the scots and magic . Usually i would enjoy it but not today. It ran in different directions, i was unsure of what thread of thought i had to follow. The sudden jumps from the MC's pov to the other secondary characters was exhausting. The PNR aspect to the story was weak at best, i didn't buy into it at all.
I'm giving 3 stars because it was engaging even though i had to sigh and shake my head a couple of times.
It had all i need when it comes to HR, the scots and magic . Usually i would enjoy it but not today. It ran in different directions, i was unsure of what thread of thought i had to follow. The sudden jumps from the MC's pov to the other secondary characters was exhausting. The PNR aspect to the story was weak at best, i didn't buy into it at all.
I'm giving 3 stars because it was engaging even though i had to sigh and shake my head a couple of times.
April 24, 2016
Thank you Netgalley.com for a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. I didn't like it, but I didn't dislike it. This is one of those books that could have gone either way, but just stayed neutral for me. The conflict was the same throughout the book. There really wasn't anything to break up the monotony of it. Each couple had experiences so similar, it was as if the writer just gave up trying to make the couples unique from one another.
I did like reading about the Relics and their powers, but there was very few scenes in which Kenna's relic was actually used. I wanted to scream I was so frustrated with this book. If you're looking for a romance story with a bit of something extra thrown in for the sake of a story line, then look no further. If you want a book that engages you and pulls you back to it each time you put it down, I suggest you pass on this book. Hopefully the next book in this series is better than this one, but somehow I doubt it will be.
I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. I didn't like it, but I didn't dislike it. This is one of those books that could have gone either way, but just stayed neutral for me. The conflict was the same throughout the book. There really wasn't anything to break up the monotony of it. Each couple had experiences so similar, it was as if the writer just gave up trying to make the couples unique from one another.
I did like reading about the Relics and their powers, but there was very few scenes in which Kenna's relic was actually used. I wanted to scream I was so frustrated with this book. If you're looking for a romance story with a bit of something extra thrown in for the sake of a story line, then look no further. If you want a book that engages you and pulls you back to it each time you put it down, I suggest you pass on this book. Hopefully the next book in this series is better than this one, but somehow I doubt it will be.
February 17, 2019
Un libro ingarbugliato.
Dopo tre romanzi della medesima autrice (o – meglio – della coppia marito/moglie che si cela dietro), posso dire di apprezzarne l’accuratezza nel creare le ambientazioni storiche, spesso mettendo in luce aspetti meno conosciuti.
In questo primo episodio della serie “ Scottish Relic", tanto sono vivide le scene storiche, che siano descrizioni, battaglie, usi del tempo, tanto è surreale e ondivaga la trama. Si passa da un prologo che incuriosisce e che poteva offrire notevoli spunti, al presunto rapimento di due giovani lady scozzesi che sfocia poi in un risvolto surreale.
Evito spoiler, ma davvero in un’epoca simile, dove le donne venivano comandate con uno schiocco di dita, ben due clan di indomiti highlander devono inscenare tutto ciò per ricondurre alla ragiona una sola fanciulla?
Mah. Se Alexander mi è parso abbastanza insipido e ininfluente (cotto era prima, e cotto rimane), un manzo in tartan messo lì perché era necessario il manzo in tartan (altrimenti il romanzo cadeva fuori genere), Kenna è risultata per almeno metà libro un’urlatrice e pure ottusa: non fa altro che sbraitare, scappare, ecc. Tanto rumore per nulla (visto che è l’unica nel clan che per orgoglio non apre gli occhi) e sinceramente annoia un po’.
Stavo quasi per prediligere Emily, ma pure a lei gli autori hanno fatto fare un doppio salto carpiato di personalità, aggiungendo ulteriore incredulità alla trama. Possibile, la dolce Emily che fino a cinque minuti prima era pronta ad accettare il suo destino con occhioni da cerbiatta???
La cosa migliore è quindi la sottotrama paranamormal che, però, rimane molto secondaria.
Alla fine, Evers il malvagio resta il personaggio di maggior spessore.
Dopo tre romanzi della medesima autrice (o – meglio – della coppia marito/moglie che si cela dietro), posso dire di apprezzarne l’accuratezza nel creare le ambientazioni storiche, spesso mettendo in luce aspetti meno conosciuti.
In questo primo episodio della serie “ Scottish Relic", tanto sono vivide le scene storiche, che siano descrizioni, battaglie, usi del tempo, tanto è surreale e ondivaga la trama. Si passa da un prologo che incuriosisce e che poteva offrire notevoli spunti, al presunto rapimento di due giovani lady scozzesi che sfocia poi in un risvolto surreale.
Evito spoiler, ma davvero in un’epoca simile, dove le donne venivano comandate con uno schiocco di dita, ben due clan di indomiti highlander devono inscenare tutto ciò per ricondurre alla ragiona una sola fanciulla?
Mah. Se Alexander mi è parso abbastanza insipido e ininfluente (cotto era prima, e cotto rimane), un manzo in tartan messo lì perché era necessario il manzo in tartan (altrimenti il romanzo cadeva fuori genere), Kenna è risultata per almeno metà libro un’urlatrice e pure ottusa: non fa altro che sbraitare, scappare, ecc. Tanto rumore per nulla (visto che è l’unica nel clan che per orgoglio non apre gli occhi) e sinceramente annoia un po’.
Stavo quasi per prediligere Emily, ma pure a lei gli autori hanno fatto fare un doppio salto carpiato di personalità, aggiungendo ulteriore incredulità alla trama. Possibile, la dolce Emily che fino a cinque minuti prima era pronta ad accettare il suo destino con occhioni da cerbiatta???
La cosa migliore è quindi la sottotrama paranamormal che, però, rimane molto secondaria.
Alla fine, Evers il malvagio resta il personaggio di maggior spessore.
May 18, 2016
This story provides a fine blend of romance and action with strong characters. My rating 4.5.
This story picks up six months after Kenna fled her marriage. Kenna lost her mother as a young girl, after which her father gave her little affection. Once she reached marriageable age he arranged a favorable marriage with Alexander Macpherson. Kenna was not happy being treated as chattel and made plans to flee to a priory.
Alexander is the eldest of three young men who are known for their comradery, pursuit of women and adventure… as well as pranks. Alex was quickly struck with Kenna’s beauty and strength but wasn’t prepared for his bride to take off the night of their wedding.
Six months later Kenna and her cousin, Emily, are kidnapped by Alex’s younger brother, James. Alex and Kenna are shocked to come face to face and immediately start sniping at each other. A small band sets off to exchange Emily for other stolen property.
Alex and Kenna awaken the next morning to find they have been abandoned by the others. They soon discover they must work together and protect each other as they dodge English raiders being helped by brutal Scottish lowlanders. Kenna discovers that she has extraordinary skills beyond the healing techniques she has been taught. She possesses a stone passed on by her mother but someone evil wants to steal her gift.
A simple plan for romance goes awry and James and Emily find themselves at odds as well as Kenna and Alex. The reader gets to enjoy two growing and warming romances woven amid danger and intrigue.The story moves at a good pace with lots of action as well as the nice romances.
Kenna is a strong, feisty female willing to stand up for herself in a time when that is not expected. Alex is a handsome alpha male who is able to appreciate Kenna’s strength if only he can make her see that she can find love with him and acceptance in his clan. Their bantering is a fun part of the story adding to the romantic tension. I also liked the element of the stone pieces and the gifts they bring. I am hoping that the use for evil will be the downfall of the villain… maybe in the next story.
This is a very nice blend of sensual romance and action. Maybe not enough heat for some romance readers but nearly perfect for my tastes. Reading this reminded me why I have collected a handful of books by this husband and wife team. I recommend this to readers who like Scottish romances with spice and danger but not graphic sex. I would like to read the rest of the trilogy to find out what happens to the other women who have the gifted stone pieces.
I received this new release through NetGalley for an honest review.
This story picks up six months after Kenna fled her marriage. Kenna lost her mother as a young girl, after which her father gave her little affection. Once she reached marriageable age he arranged a favorable marriage with Alexander Macpherson. Kenna was not happy being treated as chattel and made plans to flee to a priory.
Alexander is the eldest of three young men who are known for their comradery, pursuit of women and adventure… as well as pranks. Alex was quickly struck with Kenna’s beauty and strength but wasn’t prepared for his bride to take off the night of their wedding.
Six months later Kenna and her cousin, Emily, are kidnapped by Alex’s younger brother, James. Alex and Kenna are shocked to come face to face and immediately start sniping at each other. A small band sets off to exchange Emily for other stolen property.
Alex and Kenna awaken the next morning to find they have been abandoned by the others. They soon discover they must work together and protect each other as they dodge English raiders being helped by brutal Scottish lowlanders. Kenna discovers that she has extraordinary skills beyond the healing techniques she has been taught. She possesses a stone passed on by her mother but someone evil wants to steal her gift.
A simple plan for romance goes awry and James and Emily find themselves at odds as well as Kenna and Alex. The reader gets to enjoy two growing and warming romances woven amid danger and intrigue.The story moves at a good pace with lots of action as well as the nice romances.
Kenna is a strong, feisty female willing to stand up for herself in a time when that is not expected. Alex is a handsome alpha male who is able to appreciate Kenna’s strength if only he can make her see that she can find love with him and acceptance in his clan. Their bantering is a fun part of the story adding to the romantic tension. I also liked the element of the stone pieces and the gifts they bring. I am hoping that the use for evil will be the downfall of the villain… maybe in the next story.
This is a very nice blend of sensual romance and action. Maybe not enough heat for some romance readers but nearly perfect for my tastes. Reading this reminded me why I have collected a handful of books by this husband and wife team. I recommend this to readers who like Scottish romances with spice and danger but not graphic sex. I would like to read the rest of the trilogy to find out what happens to the other women who have the gifted stone pieces.
I received this new release through NetGalley for an honest review.
April 25, 2016
Much Ado About Highlanders is a new book by May McGoldrick, and it is the first of a new series by this author. I finished this one and while there is a bit of a cliff hanger it can still be read as a stand alone with a good ending.
This book tells the story of Alexander MacPherson and his Bride Kenna Mackay, who has run away on the day of her wedding, after saying her vows. This book is really good and fast paced! The plot is great, and Alexander is going to have a hard time hunting down and capturing his bride, after she has holed up with a priory full of Nuns! But capture her he does, and the battle between these two stubborn Scots is quite intense at times, and dare I say hilarious!
What most people do not know is that Kenna possesses a unique gift, handed down from her Mother, who died in childbirth and never got the chance to explain to Kenna about this gift! However there are some very bad people after Kenna for this "gift" and it makes quite a satisfying read.
Check out Much Ado About Highlanders, you will be glad you did, I know I was and I really love historical fiction, have read a lot of it. However this one is like a jewel; it is really special! I also found out that this book is a spin off new series from the one before it called The MacPherson Clan series! So while I wait for book two of this new series to come out, I am going to go back and start this other series, because I know it will be good, and the writer has a wonderful style of writing that kept my interest throughout the whole book. In other words, I did not have to skim a few places until I got to the "good part" because the whole book was the "good part".
I gave this book 5***** Scottish Stars and look forward to the next book in this series. I look forward to reading more by this author also!
This book tells the story of Alexander MacPherson and his Bride Kenna Mackay, who has run away on the day of her wedding, after saying her vows. This book is really good and fast paced! The plot is great, and Alexander is going to have a hard time hunting down and capturing his bride, after she has holed up with a priory full of Nuns! But capture her he does, and the battle between these two stubborn Scots is quite intense at times, and dare I say hilarious!
What most people do not know is that Kenna possesses a unique gift, handed down from her Mother, who died in childbirth and never got the chance to explain to Kenna about this gift! However there are some very bad people after Kenna for this "gift" and it makes quite a satisfying read.
Check out Much Ado About Highlanders, you will be glad you did, I know I was and I really love historical fiction, have read a lot of it. However this one is like a jewel; it is really special! I also found out that this book is a spin off new series from the one before it called The MacPherson Clan series! So while I wait for book two of this new series to come out, I am going to go back and start this other series, because I know it will be good, and the writer has a wonderful style of writing that kept my interest throughout the whole book. In other words, I did not have to skim a few places until I got to the "good part" because the whole book was the "good part".
I gave this book 5***** Scottish Stars and look forward to the next book in this series. I look forward to reading more by this author also!
May 2, 2016
Two unruly cousins and two brothers have their tales told in this novel. Kenna and Alexander were married six months before their story is picked up in this book. Due to her impetuous nature and things she overheard she hared off to a convent before the nuptials were consummated. When they meet up again the find there might be a second chance for them to make it work BUT Alexander and Kenna, who reminds me of shrewish Kate from Shakespeare’s play, don’t have an easy time of it. While they are dealing with their own love story James and Emily have a side love story unfolding with some ups and downs of their own. I did get a bit tired of the same banter coming from the women and men and skimmed it after a while.
The bad guys are truly evil and I can hardly wait for them to get their comeuppance. Throughout the book there is murder, mayhem, kidnapping, wounding, fleeing and a whole lot of action. It was a brutal time and brutality does appear in this book.
I loved the introduction to the trilogy and wanted more information about the four that landed in Scotland originally. I don’t know if more will be told about them in the future or not. It was interesting learning how two of the four relics that arrived in Scotland work and I look forward to reading more about the relics and their owners in future books.
This is the first in a trilogy of books with the following information gleaned about their publication dates.
Much Ado about Highlanders (May 2016)
Taming the Highlander (September 2016)
Tempest in the Highlands (January 2017)
Thank you to NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press for the free copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
The bad guys are truly evil and I can hardly wait for them to get their comeuppance. Throughout the book there is murder, mayhem, kidnapping, wounding, fleeing and a whole lot of action. It was a brutal time and brutality does appear in this book.
I loved the introduction to the trilogy and wanted more information about the four that landed in Scotland originally. I don’t know if more will be told about them in the future or not. It was interesting learning how two of the four relics that arrived in Scotland work and I look forward to reading more about the relics and their owners in future books.
This is the first in a trilogy of books with the following information gleaned about their publication dates.
Much Ado about Highlanders (May 2016)
Taming the Highlander (September 2016)
Tempest in the Highlands (January 2017)
Thank you to NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press for the free copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2016
Synopsis:
In the heart of Scotland, this Highlander is about to meet his match in a brand new romance from bestseller May McGoldrick.
Highland warrior Alexander Macpherson has lost his wife. When he agreed to take Kenna Mackay as his bride to advance his clan’s power in the north, he expected a bit of an adjustment. He didn't expect the sharp-tongued beauty to run away on their wedding night. Still, Alexander wants his runaway bride…and he has the sneaking suspicion that she wants him, too.
Kenna Mackay thought she was safe in a priory full of nuns learning the craft of healing, but when she is kidnapped by her own husband, the battle of wits begins anew. But even as passions ignite, a deadly secret from Kenna's past rises to the surface and put their new love in jeopardy. As a heartless villain closes in, two headstrong lovers find themselves locked in a struggle between evil and the power of undying love. And this time, Alexander is determined he will not lose his wife again.
My Thoughts:
This is the first book I've read by this team of authors. I enjoyed the story very much and look forward to reading more by them. I realize only one name is listed as the author but I understand from the copyright it is a collaboration of a twosome.
Some of my favorite authors write Highland Romance and this is certainly an author that I'll look for in the future.
The only thing I found a little confusing was the second storyline of the English commander. I finally understood what was happening with that about halfway through the book.
I would give it 4.5 stars.
I received a Digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the heart of Scotland, this Highlander is about to meet his match in a brand new romance from bestseller May McGoldrick.
Highland warrior Alexander Macpherson has lost his wife. When he agreed to take Kenna Mackay as his bride to advance his clan’s power in the north, he expected a bit of an adjustment. He didn't expect the sharp-tongued beauty to run away on their wedding night. Still, Alexander wants his runaway bride…and he has the sneaking suspicion that she wants him, too.
Kenna Mackay thought she was safe in a priory full of nuns learning the craft of healing, but when she is kidnapped by her own husband, the battle of wits begins anew. But even as passions ignite, a deadly secret from Kenna's past rises to the surface and put their new love in jeopardy. As a heartless villain closes in, two headstrong lovers find themselves locked in a struggle between evil and the power of undying love. And this time, Alexander is determined he will not lose his wife again.
My Thoughts:
This is the first book I've read by this team of authors. I enjoyed the story very much and look forward to reading more by them. I realize only one name is listed as the author but I understand from the copyright it is a collaboration of a twosome.
Some of my favorite authors write Highland Romance and this is certainly an author that I'll look for in the future.
The only thing I found a little confusing was the second storyline of the English commander. I finally understood what was happening with that about halfway through the book.
I would give it 4.5 stars.
I received a Digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2016
This new serie is derivate from others series following Collin's brothers. One who is married to Kenna whom escape from her wedding and has some power of healing. The other is James who is a politician and to try to help his brother and his sister-in-law back together he comes to face with Emily Kenna's cousin.
Alexander and Kenna were fun and two hot heads who was in love with each other and were trying to deny. More Kenna's part. Alexander has no problem expressing his feelings both physically and speaking. I like how they respond to each other and Kenna has none shyness.
They come to terms to both try to understand each other. Alexander's family is fun and like to play tricks. Macpherson's family will give Kenna love that she never had from her father.
Emily and James were cute to but just a little less present. I was doubting if they would be a couple or not. Well damn like Alexander's James was in deny too. Especially after what he pass with Emily.
To the paranormal part I was a bit disapointed. The healing power was the major subject in the book and how Evers the villan was after this power that was given to Kenna on her wedding day. I was expecting a confrontation but was just a kidnnaped-Kenna's brothers- and Evers even face it them. And the ending.
I believe that the "big" battle will be on the last when all the others two will be find.
Alexander and Kenna were fun and two hot heads who was in love with each other and were trying to deny. More Kenna's part. Alexander has no problem expressing his feelings both physically and speaking. I like how they respond to each other and Kenna has none shyness.
They come to terms to both try to understand each other. Alexander's family is fun and like to play tricks. Macpherson's family will give Kenna love that she never had from her father.
Emily and James were cute to but just a little less present. I was doubting if they would be a couple or not. Well damn like Alexander's James was in deny too. Especially after what he pass with Emily.
To the paranormal part I was a bit disapointed. The healing power was the major subject in the book and how Evers the villan was after this power that was given to Kenna on her wedding day. I was expecting a confrontation but was just a kidnnaped-Kenna's brothers- and Evers even face it them. And the ending.
I believe that the "big" battle will be on the last when all the others two will be find.
February 15, 2019
«Prima di dare inizio a questa conversazione, vorrei sapere se intendi insultarmi o farmi un complimento.»
«Un complimento, naturalmente.»
«Ah, naturalmente. Ebbene, saprai che non sono abituata a sentire complimenti da te. Ma continua pure, prova a dire qualcosa di carino su di me.»
La sua risata la scaldò fin nel profondo del cuore. «Tanto per cominciare, non conosco molte donne che avrebbero affrontato tutto questo senza mai lamentarsi.»
«È un sollievo scoprire che sei così vecchio da non ricordare tutte le lamentele e gli insulti che ti ho indirizzato il giorno in cui hai rapito me ed Emily.»
Lui liquidò la cosa con un gesto della mano. «Era comprensibile. Non hai detto nulla che non avrei detto anch’io. Ma anche allora, ti sei dimostrata coraggiosa quanto bella.»
«Sì, certo, adesso mi sento davvero una gran bellezza. Però ti concedo il fatto di essere coraggiosa.»
«Grazie, moglie mia adorata.»
«Eppure continuo a pensare che tu sia un po’ tocco nella testa. Cosa ti è saltato in mente di metterti a litigare con quei tre? Il giorno prima, se ben ricordi, sei stato quasi sventrato come un pesce.»
Non avevo scelta, Kenna. Mi avevano aggredito alle spalle» la informò. «Ma torniamo a te. Fin dal nostro matrimonio, mi hai dato mostra della tua intelligenza…»
«Fermati qui» gli ordinò. «Questo già suona come un’offesa.»
«Davvero? E perché mai?»
«Perché io non sono intelligente e coraggiosa per dimostrare qualcosa a te. Resto la stessa, identica donna che ero ben prima d’incontrarti.»
«Stai cercando di dirmi che avevi una vita degna di questo nome anche prima di conoscermi?»
«Sì. E tornerò ad averla non appena troverò un precipizio abbastanza alto da buttarti giù.»
.
Il libro di cui vi parlo oggi è uno storico che ho trovato delizioso, Il segreto di Kenna, di May McGoldrick, che inaugura una trilogia che si prospetta davvero interessante, e che oltre a portarci nella magica Scozia, ci porta anche alla ricerca di quattro pietre magiche dai grandi poteri.
Il matrimonio di Kenna Mckay e Alexander Macpherson ha portato a una alleanza fra due grandi clan. Ma uno scherzo ideato dal fratello minore Colin, che pensava così di mettere in imbarazzo il fratello maggiore, ha permesso a Kenna di scappare la notte delle nozze e rifugiarsi in convento. Alexander è intenzionato a riprendersi la moglie, ma senza usare la forza, e attende il momento in cui la giovane avrà placato la sua ira. Tuttavia, il furto di una delle loro navi, da parte dello zio di Kenna, porta la ragazza a diventare la prigioniera del marito assieme alla cugina Emily, che sarà scambiata con il vascello. Una prigioniera tutt’altro che tranquilla, che non esiterà a legare una suora e calarsi dalla torre con una corda di lenzuola. Kenna infatti è una donna molto particolare, coraggiosa, non si tira mai indietro davanti alle avventure più folli, e con le sue parole è capace di fare un uomo a brandelli, e questo per Alexander è parte del suo fascino. Inoltre è molto nota per la sua abilità nel curare, che ha ereditato dalla madre morta dando alla luce i fratelli gemelli di Kenna. Una volta ripresa la fuggitiva, Alexander scopre che i fratelli li hanno lasciati soli e senza scorta, facendo in modo che riescano a chiarire i loro malintesi, così che il loro matrimonio possa finalmente iniziare. Ciò che purtroppo non sanno è che un losco inglese ha messo sulla testa di Kenna una enorme ricompensa: vuole la pietra che la madre le ha fatto consegnare il giorno del suo matrimonio. Una pietra che dopo qualche tempo si lega fino alla morte alla donna che la porta conferendole il potere di guarire qualsiasi male e qualunque genere di ferita, anche la più mortale. E per Alexander difendere la moglie diventa ora il suo problema più pressante.
Quattro sono le pietre che sono state portate ai quattro angoli della Scozia, una è già nelle mani di Evers ed è la pietra con cui ora può parlare con le anime dei morti, che non gli possono mentire. Le altre le hanno in custodia due donne lontane che dovranno ora trovare un protettore. Evers non si fermerà davanti a niente, conosce i loro nomi, vuole possedere tutte le pietre, riunirle così da ottenere un potere inimmaginabile.
Mi sono molto divertita con le schermaglie fra Kenna e Alexander, i loro battibecchi, i continui assalti della ragazza, che è ben lungi dall’avere paura del guerriero che tutti temono, e non esita un secondo a scappare alla minima occasione o tentare di pugnalarlo. È una ragazza che almeno inizialmente non sa di cosa sia capace la pietra e lo scopre solo nel momento in cui è disperata per il marito, ferito nel tentativo di difenderla. La sua fuga, scopriremo poi, è nata dalla paura di non essere abbastanza per quel futuro laird, che ha come madre la figlia del Re. Suo padre l’ha sempre trattata come cosa di cui disporre a piacimento, senza vedere il suo valore e dando importanza solo ai gemelli, per questo è cresciuta senza che nessuno si curasse di insegnarle come dirigere un castello. Quello che non sa è che gli uomini Macpherson non sono attratti da dame leziose ma da guerriere, donne che non si lasciano sopraffare e dal carattere tutt’altro che facile. Non per niente, dopo che il fratello Connor ha ideato lo scherzo che ha portato alla fuga di Kenna, la moglie Tess gli ingiunge di scusarsi o passare altre notti nella scuderia. Alexander poi è meraviglioso, passionale, sempre pronto a prenderla in giro, ma intenzionato a farle capire quanto lui la ritenga meravigliosa. È uno di quegli scozzesi che adoro: forti e protettivi.
Ci sono delle belle scene passionali, battute divertenti, ma anche molta azione e una trama che risulta davvero avvincente, senza un attimo di noia, e questi personaggi mi hanno davvero conquistata. Come bonus poi vi è anche una seconda storia d’amore che ci permette una risata finale, il giorno del matrimonio, quando Alexander si prenderà una piccola rivincita. È una serie cominciata davvero molto bene, e spero di poter presto leggere la storia di Innes Munro, che custodisce la pietra che permette con un tocco di vedere il passato, e che è ignara di essere in grave pericolo.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS
«Un complimento, naturalmente.»
«Ah, naturalmente. Ebbene, saprai che non sono abituata a sentire complimenti da te. Ma continua pure, prova a dire qualcosa di carino su di me.»
La sua risata la scaldò fin nel profondo del cuore. «Tanto per cominciare, non conosco molte donne che avrebbero affrontato tutto questo senza mai lamentarsi.»
«È un sollievo scoprire che sei così vecchio da non ricordare tutte le lamentele e gli insulti che ti ho indirizzato il giorno in cui hai rapito me ed Emily.»
Lui liquidò la cosa con un gesto della mano. «Era comprensibile. Non hai detto nulla che non avrei detto anch’io. Ma anche allora, ti sei dimostrata coraggiosa quanto bella.»
«Sì, certo, adesso mi sento davvero una gran bellezza. Però ti concedo il fatto di essere coraggiosa.»
«Grazie, moglie mia adorata.»
«Eppure continuo a pensare che tu sia un po’ tocco nella testa. Cosa ti è saltato in mente di metterti a litigare con quei tre? Il giorno prima, se ben ricordi, sei stato quasi sventrato come un pesce.»
Non avevo scelta, Kenna. Mi avevano aggredito alle spalle» la informò. «Ma torniamo a te. Fin dal nostro matrimonio, mi hai dato mostra della tua intelligenza…»
«Fermati qui» gli ordinò. «Questo già suona come un’offesa.»
«Davvero? E perché mai?»
«Perché io non sono intelligente e coraggiosa per dimostrare qualcosa a te. Resto la stessa, identica donna che ero ben prima d’incontrarti.»
«Stai cercando di dirmi che avevi una vita degna di questo nome anche prima di conoscermi?»
«Sì. E tornerò ad averla non appena troverò un precipizio abbastanza alto da buttarti giù.»
.
Il libro di cui vi parlo oggi è uno storico che ho trovato delizioso, Il segreto di Kenna, di May McGoldrick, che inaugura una trilogia che si prospetta davvero interessante, e che oltre a portarci nella magica Scozia, ci porta anche alla ricerca di quattro pietre magiche dai grandi poteri.
Il matrimonio di Kenna Mckay e Alexander Macpherson ha portato a una alleanza fra due grandi clan. Ma uno scherzo ideato dal fratello minore Colin, che pensava così di mettere in imbarazzo il fratello maggiore, ha permesso a Kenna di scappare la notte delle nozze e rifugiarsi in convento. Alexander è intenzionato a riprendersi la moglie, ma senza usare la forza, e attende il momento in cui la giovane avrà placato la sua ira. Tuttavia, il furto di una delle loro navi, da parte dello zio di Kenna, porta la ragazza a diventare la prigioniera del marito assieme alla cugina Emily, che sarà scambiata con il vascello. Una prigioniera tutt’altro che tranquilla, che non esiterà a legare una suora e calarsi dalla torre con una corda di lenzuola. Kenna infatti è una donna molto particolare, coraggiosa, non si tira mai indietro davanti alle avventure più folli, e con le sue parole è capace di fare un uomo a brandelli, e questo per Alexander è parte del suo fascino. Inoltre è molto nota per la sua abilità nel curare, che ha ereditato dalla madre morta dando alla luce i fratelli gemelli di Kenna. Una volta ripresa la fuggitiva, Alexander scopre che i fratelli li hanno lasciati soli e senza scorta, facendo in modo che riescano a chiarire i loro malintesi, così che il loro matrimonio possa finalmente iniziare. Ciò che purtroppo non sanno è che un losco inglese ha messo sulla testa di Kenna una enorme ricompensa: vuole la pietra che la madre le ha fatto consegnare il giorno del suo matrimonio. Una pietra che dopo qualche tempo si lega fino alla morte alla donna che la porta conferendole il potere di guarire qualsiasi male e qualunque genere di ferita, anche la più mortale. E per Alexander difendere la moglie diventa ora il suo problema più pressante.
Quattro sono le pietre che sono state portate ai quattro angoli della Scozia, una è già nelle mani di Evers ed è la pietra con cui ora può parlare con le anime dei morti, che non gli possono mentire. Le altre le hanno in custodia due donne lontane che dovranno ora trovare un protettore. Evers non si fermerà davanti a niente, conosce i loro nomi, vuole possedere tutte le pietre, riunirle così da ottenere un potere inimmaginabile.
Mi sono molto divertita con le schermaglie fra Kenna e Alexander, i loro battibecchi, i continui assalti della ragazza, che è ben lungi dall’avere paura del guerriero che tutti temono, e non esita un secondo a scappare alla minima occasione o tentare di pugnalarlo. È una ragazza che almeno inizialmente non sa di cosa sia capace la pietra e lo scopre solo nel momento in cui è disperata per il marito, ferito nel tentativo di difenderla. La sua fuga, scopriremo poi, è nata dalla paura di non essere abbastanza per quel futuro laird, che ha come madre la figlia del Re. Suo padre l’ha sempre trattata come cosa di cui disporre a piacimento, senza vedere il suo valore e dando importanza solo ai gemelli, per questo è cresciuta senza che nessuno si curasse di insegnarle come dirigere un castello. Quello che non sa è che gli uomini Macpherson non sono attratti da dame leziose ma da guerriere, donne che non si lasciano sopraffare e dal carattere tutt’altro che facile. Non per niente, dopo che il fratello Connor ha ideato lo scherzo che ha portato alla fuga di Kenna, la moglie Tess gli ingiunge di scusarsi o passare altre notti nella scuderia. Alexander poi è meraviglioso, passionale, sempre pronto a prenderla in giro, ma intenzionato a farle capire quanto lui la ritenga meravigliosa. È uno di quegli scozzesi che adoro: forti e protettivi.
Ci sono delle belle scene passionali, battute divertenti, ma anche molta azione e una trama che risulta davvero avvincente, senza un attimo di noia, e questi personaggi mi hanno davvero conquistata. Come bonus poi vi è anche una seconda storia d’amore che ci permette una risata finale, il giorno del matrimonio, quando Alexander si prenderà una piccola rivincita. È una serie cominciata davvero molto bene, e spero di poter presto leggere la storia di Innes Munro, che custodisce la pietra che permette con un tocco di vedere il passato, e che è ignara di essere in grave pericolo.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS
May 9, 2016
Much Ado About Highlanders by May McGoldrick is Book 1 the "Scottish Relic Trilogy", a new and exciting Medieval Scottish Historical Romance with Scottish Paranormal elements. Set against the Scottish Highlands as a backdrop. Intriguing, with witty dialog, Highlanders, Lowlanders, secrets, passion, romance, a touch of magic, and a few twists and turns.
Mystery and suspense round out is exciting new Scottish Trilogy in a passionate, inquisitive romance. Well written with engaging characters and an intriguing storyline. While, this story had a satisfactory ending, it leaves many unanswered questions concerning the Scottish relic. Intense and emotionally charged. I look forward to the next installment. An enjoyable and satisfying Scottish read! My only complaint, not much Scottish brogue, otherwise, wickedly delicious!
Received for an honest review from Net Galley.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
Mystery and suspense round out is exciting new Scottish Trilogy in a passionate, inquisitive romance. Well written with engaging characters and an intriguing storyline. While, this story had a satisfactory ending, it leaves many unanswered questions concerning the Scottish relic. Intense and emotionally charged. I look forward to the next installment. An enjoyable and satisfying Scottish read! My only complaint, not much Scottish brogue, otherwise, wickedly delicious!
Received for an honest review from Net Galley.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
April 19, 2018
The writing flows well and the story arc is satisfying. I liked the hero; the heroine too, despite occasional irrational behaviour.
However, for such a whimsical title there’s a lack of humour to balance a great deal of darkness. Vivid descriptions of murder in a historical romance jarred. I found the characters to be fairly one dimensional and there was a lack of complexity in their motivations and behaviour at times. It was occasionally frustrating that the main characters responded to one other like teenagers.
However, for such a whimsical title there’s a lack of humour to balance a great deal of darkness. Vivid descriptions of murder in a historical romance jarred. I found the characters to be fairly one dimensional and there was a lack of complexity in their motivations and behaviour at times. It was occasionally frustrating that the main characters responded to one other like teenagers.
April 10, 2016
If Much Ado About Highlanders is any indication, this NetGalley reviewer feels like she just struck literary gold. This new-to-me author has me practically giddy at the prospect of exploring more of her historical Scottish romances. I found myself gasping in delight and blinking in appreciative disbelief at Ms. McGoldrick’s classy book covers and long list of previously written books. As someone who jokingly refers to herself as suffering from “visual ab fatigue book cover syndrome”, I always prefer class over skin on my romantic reads.
If Kenna MacKay, a bonny, feisty, untamed, willful Scottish lass, whose dirk is like another appendage, bravely escaping out of castle windows, plunging herself into dangerous rivers catches your fancy you might want to read this latest release. If that’s not enough to tempt you, surely the handsome, alpha protective, equally determined to keep her as his wife hero should definitely do the trick. You see, Alexander has had to do these exact same things and more just to protect/keep up with this courageous Scottish beauty.
To say their arranged marriage didn’t start off the way their bickering clans had hoped would be an understatement. Thanks in large part to a numbskull family prank and hateful, spiteful words spewed by the bride’s own father, you couldn’t really blame Kenna for becoming a runaway bride. Let’s just say, she takes Shakepeare’s advice of “Get thee to a nunnery” a little too literally, folks. The only surprise was it took six months for brooding Alexander to put his stubborn pride aside and finally do something about it.
With an ingenious twist I did not see coming and a kidnapping gone awry, these two equally matched, argumentative lovebirds are finally forced to be in each other’s presence long enough to let destiny and passion take over. Throw in some paranormal regarding Kenna’s healer abilities and two murderous villains after her, and you’ve got one riveting, engaging, suspenseful romantic read.
**spoilers possible**
Kenna wears one small piece of a mysterious missing tablet around her neck. A healing stone left behind as a wedding gift from her dearly beloved, deceased mother. Kenna has no idea of its true purpose. It is but one of a total of four broken pieces, each with unique powers. Every person who owns them are given a unique, special lifetime talent. Only upon the death of the bearer is the power transferred to someone else. One fragment grants the gift of prophesy, another allows you to see the past, the third makes you a healer who can bring an injured person back from the brink of death, and the remaining one allows the ability to speak with/command the dead. Unfortunately, a very evil man has discovered this secret and is determined to possess all four parts, by whatever means necessary.
Once they return to Alexander’s castle and Kenna officially becomes part of his clan, the romantic aspect of the book definitely takes a backseat to the murder and suspenseful plot revolving around the sinister, Ralph Evers and his sidekick, Maxwell, who are now hunting Kenna. I shouldn’t be surprised, but can’t help feeling a little disappointed, since it does takes take the focus away from the main couple’s romance.
There is also a secondary, on-going romantic subplot featuring Kenna’s cousin, Emily, and Alexander’s brother, James.
Will there likely be sequels to this book? Absolutely. The remaining women bearing the stones must now be found so the ultimate threat to Kenna can finally be laid to rest, preferably six feet under. That’s right, Evers will keep up his murderous rampage until he is the sole bearer of all four stones.
With writing that flows, several clever twist and turns, I thoroughly enjoyed this ARC e-book gifted to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. I happen to believe there is a very good chance you will like it verra, verra much, as well.
Title: Much Ado About Highlanders, Series: The Scottish Relic Trilogy, Author: May McGoldrick, Pages: not listed, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, HEA for the main couple with a to be continued ending, graphic, brutal villainous violence, some steamy scenes that do not hijack the storyline.
Future sequels: Taming the Highlander, Temptest in the Highlands
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, and Barnes & Noble.)
Merged review:
If Much Ado About Highlanders is any indication, this NetGalley reviewer feels like she just struck literary gold. This new-to-me author has me practically giddy at the prospect of exploring more of her historical Scottish romances. I found myself gasping in delight and blinking in appreciative disbelief at Ms. McGoldrick’s classy book covers and long list of previously written books. As someone who jokingly refers to herself as suffering from “visual ab fatigue book cover syndrome”, I always prefer class over skin on my romantic reads.
If Kenna MacKay, a bonny, feisty, untamed, willful Scottish lass, whose dirk is like another appendage, bravely escaping out of castle windows, plunging herself into dangerous rivers catches your fancy you might want to read this latest release. If that’s not enough to tempt you, surely the handsome, alpha protective, equally determined to keep her as his wife hero should definitely do the trick. You see, Alexander has had to do these exact same things and more just to protect/keep up with this courageous Scottish beauty.
To say their arranged marriage didn’t start off the way their bickering clans had hoped would be an understatement. Thanks in large part to a numbskull family prank and hateful, spiteful words spewed by the bride’s own father, you couldn’t really blame Kenna for becoming a runaway bride. Let’s just say, she takes Shakepeare’s advice of “Get thee to a nunnery” a little too literally, folks. The only surprise was it took six months for brooding Alexander to put his stubborn pride aside and finally do something about it.
With an ingenious twist I did not see coming and a kidnapping gone awry, these two equally matched, argumentative lovebirds are finally forced to be in each other’s presence long enough to let destiny and passion take over. Throw in some paranormal regarding Kenna’s healer abilities and two murderous villains after her, and you’ve got one riveting, engaging, suspenseful romantic read.
**spoilers possible**
Kenna wears one small piece of a mysterious missing tablet around her neck. A healing stone left behind as a wedding gift from her dearly beloved, deceased mother. Kenna has no idea of its true purpose. It is but one of a total of four broken pieces, each with unique powers. Every person who owns them are given a unique, special lifetime talent. Only upon the death of the bearer is the power transferred to someone else. One fragment grants the gift of prophesy, another allows you to see the past, the third makes you a healer who can bring an injured person back from the brink of death, and the remaining one allows the ability to speak with/command the dead. Unfortunately, a very evil man has discovered this secret and is determined to possess all four parts, by whatever means necessary.
Once they return to Alexander’s castle and Kenna officially becomes part of his clan, the romantic aspect of the book definitely takes a backseat to the murder and suspenseful plot revolving around the sinister, Ralph Evers and his sidekick, Maxwell, who are now hunting Kenna. I shouldn’t be surprised, but can’t help feeling a little disappointed, since it does takes take the focus away from the main couple’s romance.
There is also a secondary, on-going romantic subplot featuring Kenna’s cousin, Emily, and Alexander’s brother, James.
Will there likely be sequels to this book? Absolutely. The remaining women bearing the stones must now be found so the ultimate threat to Kenna can finally be laid to rest, preferably six feet under. That’s right, Evers will keep up his murderous rampage until he is the sole bearer of all four stones.
With writing that flows, several clever twist and turns, I thoroughly enjoyed this ARC e-book gifted to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. I happen to believe there is a very good chance you will like it verra, verra much, as well.
Title: Much Ado About Highlanders, Series: The Scottish Relic Trilogy, Author: May McGoldrick, Pages: not listed, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, HEA for the main couple with a to be continued ending, graphic, brutal villainous violence, some steamy scenes that do not hijack the storyline.
Future sequels: Taming the Highlander, Temptest in the Highlands
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
If Kenna MacKay, a bonny, feisty, untamed, willful Scottish lass, whose dirk is like another appendage, bravely escaping out of castle windows, plunging herself into dangerous rivers catches your fancy you might want to read this latest release. If that’s not enough to tempt you, surely the handsome, alpha protective, equally determined to keep her as his wife hero should definitely do the trick. You see, Alexander has had to do these exact same things and more just to protect/keep up with this courageous Scottish beauty.
To say their arranged marriage didn’t start off the way their bickering clans had hoped would be an understatement. Thanks in large part to a numbskull family prank and hateful, spiteful words spewed by the bride’s own father, you couldn’t really blame Kenna for becoming a runaway bride. Let’s just say, she takes Shakepeare’s advice of “Get thee to a nunnery” a little too literally, folks. The only surprise was it took six months for brooding Alexander to put his stubborn pride aside and finally do something about it.
With an ingenious twist I did not see coming and a kidnapping gone awry, these two equally matched, argumentative lovebirds are finally forced to be in each other’s presence long enough to let destiny and passion take over. Throw in some paranormal regarding Kenna’s healer abilities and two murderous villains after her, and you’ve got one riveting, engaging, suspenseful romantic read.
**spoilers possible**
Kenna wears one small piece of a mysterious missing tablet around her neck. A healing stone left behind as a wedding gift from her dearly beloved, deceased mother. Kenna has no idea of its true purpose. It is but one of a total of four broken pieces, each with unique powers. Every person who owns them are given a unique, special lifetime talent. Only upon the death of the bearer is the power transferred to someone else. One fragment grants the gift of prophesy, another allows you to see the past, the third makes you a healer who can bring an injured person back from the brink of death, and the remaining one allows the ability to speak with/command the dead. Unfortunately, a very evil man has discovered this secret and is determined to possess all four parts, by whatever means necessary.
Once they return to Alexander’s castle and Kenna officially becomes part of his clan, the romantic aspect of the book definitely takes a backseat to the murder and suspenseful plot revolving around the sinister, Ralph Evers and his sidekick, Maxwell, who are now hunting Kenna. I shouldn’t be surprised, but can’t help feeling a little disappointed, since it does takes take the focus away from the main couple’s romance.
There is also a secondary, on-going romantic subplot featuring Kenna’s cousin, Emily, and Alexander’s brother, James.
Will there likely be sequels to this book? Absolutely. The remaining women bearing the stones must now be found so the ultimate threat to Kenna can finally be laid to rest, preferably six feet under. That’s right, Evers will keep up his murderous rampage until he is the sole bearer of all four stones.
With writing that flows, several clever twist and turns, I thoroughly enjoyed this ARC e-book gifted to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. I happen to believe there is a very good chance you will like it verra, verra much, as well.
Title: Much Ado About Highlanders, Series: The Scottish Relic Trilogy, Author: May McGoldrick, Pages: not listed, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, HEA for the main couple with a to be continued ending, graphic, brutal villainous violence, some steamy scenes that do not hijack the storyline.
Future sequels: Taming the Highlander, Temptest in the Highlands
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, and Barnes & Noble.)
Merged review:
If Much Ado About Highlanders is any indication, this NetGalley reviewer feels like she just struck literary gold. This new-to-me author has me practically giddy at the prospect of exploring more of her historical Scottish romances. I found myself gasping in delight and blinking in appreciative disbelief at Ms. McGoldrick’s classy book covers and long list of previously written books. As someone who jokingly refers to herself as suffering from “visual ab fatigue book cover syndrome”, I always prefer class over skin on my romantic reads.
If Kenna MacKay, a bonny, feisty, untamed, willful Scottish lass, whose dirk is like another appendage, bravely escaping out of castle windows, plunging herself into dangerous rivers catches your fancy you might want to read this latest release. If that’s not enough to tempt you, surely the handsome, alpha protective, equally determined to keep her as his wife hero should definitely do the trick. You see, Alexander has had to do these exact same things and more just to protect/keep up with this courageous Scottish beauty.
To say their arranged marriage didn’t start off the way their bickering clans had hoped would be an understatement. Thanks in large part to a numbskull family prank and hateful, spiteful words spewed by the bride’s own father, you couldn’t really blame Kenna for becoming a runaway bride. Let’s just say, she takes Shakepeare’s advice of “Get thee to a nunnery” a little too literally, folks. The only surprise was it took six months for brooding Alexander to put his stubborn pride aside and finally do something about it.
With an ingenious twist I did not see coming and a kidnapping gone awry, these two equally matched, argumentative lovebirds are finally forced to be in each other’s presence long enough to let destiny and passion take over. Throw in some paranormal regarding Kenna’s healer abilities and two murderous villains after her, and you’ve got one riveting, engaging, suspenseful romantic read.
**spoilers possible**
Kenna wears one small piece of a mysterious missing tablet around her neck. A healing stone left behind as a wedding gift from her dearly beloved, deceased mother. Kenna has no idea of its true purpose. It is but one of a total of four broken pieces, each with unique powers. Every person who owns them are given a unique, special lifetime talent. Only upon the death of the bearer is the power transferred to someone else. One fragment grants the gift of prophesy, another allows you to see the past, the third makes you a healer who can bring an injured person back from the brink of death, and the remaining one allows the ability to speak with/command the dead. Unfortunately, a very evil man has discovered this secret and is determined to possess all four parts, by whatever means necessary.
Once they return to Alexander’s castle and Kenna officially becomes part of his clan, the romantic aspect of the book definitely takes a backseat to the murder and suspenseful plot revolving around the sinister, Ralph Evers and his sidekick, Maxwell, who are now hunting Kenna. I shouldn’t be surprised, but can’t help feeling a little disappointed, since it does takes take the focus away from the main couple’s romance.
There is also a secondary, on-going romantic subplot featuring Kenna’s cousin, Emily, and Alexander’s brother, James.
Will there likely be sequels to this book? Absolutely. The remaining women bearing the stones must now be found so the ultimate threat to Kenna can finally be laid to rest, preferably six feet under. That’s right, Evers will keep up his murderous rampage until he is the sole bearer of all four stones.
With writing that flows, several clever twist and turns, I thoroughly enjoyed this ARC e-book gifted to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. I happen to believe there is a very good chance you will like it verra, verra much, as well.
Title: Much Ado About Highlanders, Series: The Scottish Relic Trilogy, Author: May McGoldrick, Pages: not listed, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, HEA for the main couple with a to be continued ending, graphic, brutal villainous violence, some steamy scenes that do not hijack the storyline.
Future sequels: Taming the Highlander, Temptest in the Highlands
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
April 25, 2016
Western Coast of Scotland, 1544
A beautifully written story about a second chance romance. In this story the is about the independent willful outspoken Kenna MacKay. Who didn't like the idea of her heartless father who never paid any attention or affection until he could barter her off for the good of the Clan and marry her off to the best alliance. In this case is was The Macpherson Clan. So Kenna had been making plans to runaway and of course her new husband going to a harlot's bed the on her wedding night just made he her plan ideal. She ran away to the priory feeling safe with the nuns learns the art of healing. She had been in the village to help midwife with a local mother at a birthing and afterward she and her cousin are kidnapped!
The kidnapping was for Kenna's cousin Emily, whose father stole a Macpherson ship the plan was to ransom Emily! The irony is she is Kenna is kidnapped by her own husband, highland warrior Alexander MacKay! The couple are like oil and vinegar at first both having been estranged, betrayed, hurt and resentful, but soon realize that this arranged marriage is more then that. Soon the course changes and the sparks fly and passions ignite. Plus there is a secret magical healing relic stone passed down from the women in Kenna's family she only recently learned about and has not shared with anyone. This also puts a target of Kenna's back and in danger, as there are treacherous villain's searching for her and will do anything to obtain this relic stone! These villains will murder, maim and kill the ones she loves to obtain this power, to use for evil and darkness! So danger lurks everywhere and the only one who can save and protect her is her highland warrior husband, they dint kill each other first and iron out all their differences and truly open their hearts!
A beautiful enchanting, fast paced riveting magical story that will leave readers totally spellbound. I love stories about second chances in love. Another beautifully written story by May McGoldrick the will take your breathe away as the characters will slide off the pages and right into your heart!
May McGoldrick new series the Highland Relic Trilogy is absolutely spectacular! It's a historical novel with some paranormal aspects and so much fun to read. Readers will fall in love with the braw highlander Alexander Macpherson is charming, witty, brave, honorable and everything that will make a lass swoon!
You can read this as a stand alone of course especially since it's a first in this new magnificent trilogy. If your like me you have been reading May McGoldrick's books for many years you will love to revisit with some familiar characters. Like Alexander's parents Alec and Fiona from "Angel of Skye", Tess and Colin, from "Tess and the Highlander" both from the Macpherson Clan series. I was exhilarated as this is a favorite series of mine ! I love the MacPherson family, so I was thrilled to hear of this new Scottish Relic Series was being released! I can't recommend it enough and can't wait for the next one coming out this summer! Be prepared to fall in love, I know I did!
The Scottish Relic Trilogy by May McGoldrick
1) Much Ado About Highlander - TBR May 3, 2016
2) Taming The Highlander - TBR August 2016
***I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review through netgalley.com***
A beautifully written story about a second chance romance. In this story the is about the independent willful outspoken Kenna MacKay. Who didn't like the idea of her heartless father who never paid any attention or affection until he could barter her off for the good of the Clan and marry her off to the best alliance. In this case is was The Macpherson Clan. So Kenna had been making plans to runaway and of course her new husband going to a harlot's bed the on her wedding night just made he her plan ideal. She ran away to the priory feeling safe with the nuns learns the art of healing. She had been in the village to help midwife with a local mother at a birthing and afterward she and her cousin are kidnapped!
The kidnapping was for Kenna's cousin Emily, whose father stole a Macpherson ship the plan was to ransom Emily! The irony is she is Kenna is kidnapped by her own husband, highland warrior Alexander MacKay! The couple are like oil and vinegar at first both having been estranged, betrayed, hurt and resentful, but soon realize that this arranged marriage is more then that. Soon the course changes and the sparks fly and passions ignite. Plus there is a secret magical healing relic stone passed down from the women in Kenna's family she only recently learned about and has not shared with anyone. This also puts a target of Kenna's back and in danger, as there are treacherous villain's searching for her and will do anything to obtain this relic stone! These villains will murder, maim and kill the ones she loves to obtain this power, to use for evil and darkness! So danger lurks everywhere and the only one who can save and protect her is her highland warrior husband, they dint kill each other first and iron out all their differences and truly open their hearts!
A beautiful enchanting, fast paced riveting magical story that will leave readers totally spellbound. I love stories about second chances in love. Another beautifully written story by May McGoldrick the will take your breathe away as the characters will slide off the pages and right into your heart!
May McGoldrick new series the Highland Relic Trilogy is absolutely spectacular! It's a historical novel with some paranormal aspects and so much fun to read. Readers will fall in love with the braw highlander Alexander Macpherson is charming, witty, brave, honorable and everything that will make a lass swoon!
You can read this as a stand alone of course especially since it's a first in this new magnificent trilogy. If your like me you have been reading May McGoldrick's books for many years you will love to revisit with some familiar characters. Like Alexander's parents Alec and Fiona from "Angel of Skye", Tess and Colin, from "Tess and the Highlander" both from the Macpherson Clan series. I was exhilarated as this is a favorite series of mine ! I love the MacPherson family, so I was thrilled to hear of this new Scottish Relic Series was being released! I can't recommend it enough and can't wait for the next one coming out this summer! Be prepared to fall in love, I know I did!
The Scottish Relic Trilogy by May McGoldrick
1) Much Ado About Highlander - TBR May 3, 2016
2) Taming The Highlander - TBR August 2016
***I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review through netgalley.com***
April 10, 2016
** I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in return for my honest evaluation**
WOW! That is all I can say -- just WOW! I don't often give a book 5 stars, but this one sure rated it. This is my first time reading this author's work, but I can assure you it won't be the last. This series has it all!!! mysticism, highlanders, romance, battles and a real slug of a bad guy
This is book 1 in The Scottish Relic Trilogy. Basic trilogy story is: There was a really powerful tablet (evidently fairly small) that was split into 4 pieces and taken to the four corners of Scotland where they are looked after by a descendant of the original holder. Each of the 4 pieces has a different power: One allows the user to speak to the dead -- and the dead must answer truthfully. Another has the power for healing; a third allows the holder to know a person's entire life history just by touching their skin. I didn't find out what the fourth stone does in this book. Maybe in the next one!!! This one isn't even published yet and I'm already antsy for the next one!
In this first book you get two great love stories and two 'stone' stories for the price of one. You sure can't beat that one. I know the books synopsis doesn't mention the 2nd romance, but it is there and quite prominent.
The 'main' romance is between Alexander Macpherson and his wife (Kenna MacKay) through an arranged marriage. Kenna runs away directly after the marriage ceremony and goes to help the nuns at a priory. Kenna is a healer like her mother. I won't give spoilers here but -- they grow to love each other through a harrowing, life-threatening journey across Scotland.
The secondary romance is between Alexander's brother James and Kenna's cousin Emily. They fall for each other while they are trying to get Kenna and Alexander back together. The snag in their romance is that Emily has an arranged betrothal to a lowlander. Now tell me -- what highland lass would settle for a lowlander!!!!!!
You'll love the Macpherson's -- the whole family is wonderful.
The 'back' story in this book is about the first two runes I mentioned above. The English king has some soldiers and some mercenaries who are supposed to be harassing the border area. One of the leaders is a real slug with more ambition than his head can hold. So, he takes off further north burning villages and killing entire clans. In one of those he finds a stone and discovers that he can speak to the dead. He goes to the body of the owner of that stone and questions him. Through him he learns of all of the stones and the names of those who are currently holding them. One of those people is Kenna, so he is off through Scotland trying to find Kenna so he can get her stone.
The next book to come out will be about the third stone mentioned above. Can't wait for that one!
WOW! That is all I can say -- just WOW! I don't often give a book 5 stars, but this one sure rated it. This is my first time reading this author's work, but I can assure you it won't be the last. This series has it all!!! mysticism, highlanders, romance, battles and a real slug of a bad guy
This is book 1 in The Scottish Relic Trilogy. Basic trilogy story is: There was a really powerful tablet (evidently fairly small) that was split into 4 pieces and taken to the four corners of Scotland where they are looked after by a descendant of the original holder. Each of the 4 pieces has a different power: One allows the user to speak to the dead -- and the dead must answer truthfully. Another has the power for healing; a third allows the holder to know a person's entire life history just by touching their skin. I didn't find out what the fourth stone does in this book. Maybe in the next one!!! This one isn't even published yet and I'm already antsy for the next one!
In this first book you get two great love stories and two 'stone' stories for the price of one. You sure can't beat that one. I know the books synopsis doesn't mention the 2nd romance, but it is there and quite prominent.
The 'main' romance is between Alexander Macpherson and his wife (Kenna MacKay) through an arranged marriage. Kenna runs away directly after the marriage ceremony and goes to help the nuns at a priory. Kenna is a healer like her mother. I won't give spoilers here but -- they grow to love each other through a harrowing, life-threatening journey across Scotland.
The secondary romance is between Alexander's brother James and Kenna's cousin Emily. They fall for each other while they are trying to get Kenna and Alexander back together. The snag in their romance is that Emily has an arranged betrothal to a lowlander. Now tell me -- what highland lass would settle for a lowlander!!!!!!
You'll love the Macpherson's -- the whole family is wonderful.
The 'back' story in this book is about the first two runes I mentioned above. The English king has some soldiers and some mercenaries who are supposed to be harassing the border area. One of the leaders is a real slug with more ambition than his head can hold. So, he takes off further north burning villages and killing entire clans. In one of those he finds a stone and discovers that he can speak to the dead. He goes to the body of the owner of that stone and questions him. Through him he learns of all of the stones and the names of those who are currently holding them. One of those people is Kenna, so he is off through Scotland trying to find Kenna so he can get her stone.
The next book to come out will be about the third stone mentioned above. Can't wait for that one!
May 6, 2016
I received this ARC ebook from NetGalley for an honest review.
My introduction to historical Scot romance was from reading the husband/wife of May McGoldrick and is the reason why I love the Scottish historical genre. Though it has a while since I read those first books, I was thrilled to have a chance to read and review Much Ado About Highlands or Macphersons, the Next Generation. It was wonderful catch up on the characters from Angel of Skye, Heart of Gold, others, and their children. Alexander Macpherson and Kenna McKay have been married for six months but have remained separated when Kenna left him on their wedding day. The Macphersons had a ship stolen by the McKays, supposed to be a part of Kenna' s cousin's dowry. They decide to kidnap Emily in order to regain their ship. Unfortunately (or by design) they also kidnap Kenna, forcing the fighting newlyweds to be together. Passion flares but of course at first they deny it. Enter the villains in the form of English Sir Ralph Evers, and his lowland Scot mercenary, Donald Maxwell. In trying to conquer Scotland for Kng Henry, they come across a story of four tiles. Each have their own power but together they create even more power for the holder. Sir Evers goes "off the grid" wanting that power for himself. Since Kenna is in possession of the healing tile, she is in grave danger. Scot warriors, danger, and love stories; all make for a great read. You must read this one to find out if Alexander and Kenna can lay aside their differences. How does the under story between James (Alexander's brother and Emily) turn out? What role do the villains play? Not all is resolved at book's end, making me very anxious for the next book in the series. The excerpt only wets my curiosity about how it will all turn out. I have a few of the in between books loaded on my kindle; will be reading them sooner than later.
My introduction to historical Scot romance was from reading the husband/wife of May McGoldrick and is the reason why I love the Scottish historical genre. Though it has a while since I read those first books, I was thrilled to have a chance to read and review Much Ado About Highlands or Macphersons, the Next Generation. It was wonderful catch up on the characters from Angel of Skye, Heart of Gold, others, and their children. Alexander Macpherson and Kenna McKay have been married for six months but have remained separated when Kenna left him on their wedding day. The Macphersons had a ship stolen by the McKays, supposed to be a part of Kenna' s cousin's dowry. They decide to kidnap Emily in order to regain their ship. Unfortunately (or by design) they also kidnap Kenna, forcing the fighting newlyweds to be together. Passion flares but of course at first they deny it. Enter the villains in the form of English Sir Ralph Evers, and his lowland Scot mercenary, Donald Maxwell. In trying to conquer Scotland for Kng Henry, they come across a story of four tiles. Each have their own power but together they create even more power for the holder. Sir Evers goes "off the grid" wanting that power for himself. Since Kenna is in possession of the healing tile, she is in grave danger. Scot warriors, danger, and love stories; all make for a great read. You must read this one to find out if Alexander and Kenna can lay aside their differences. How does the under story between James (Alexander's brother and Emily) turn out? What role do the villains play? Not all is resolved at book's end, making me very anxious for the next book in the series. The excerpt only wets my curiosity about how it will all turn out. I have a few of the in between books loaded on my kindle; will be reading them sooner than later.
May 14, 2024
It wasn't poorly written, it just didn't engage me. I think the blurb for this book completely misled me as well, so I was disappointed for the majority of the story.
The blurb makes it sound like this story begins at the wedding of the main couple; Kenna absconds in the night, Alexander chases after her immediately, sparks fly, yada yada yada, you've got an electric love story about a feisty runaway bride and a stubborn groom who will do anything to win her back. That's what I thought the blurb was setting me up for. I was wrong.
This story picks up SIX MONTHS AFTER the aforementioned wedding. Tempers have cooled and people are thinking more rationally, etc. That's great I suppose, but not quite the story I wanted. I wanted more spirit and passion in this story I guess.
There's also a B plot about a magical relic that I didn't find particularly interesting, and I found myself skimming or outright skipping those parts. The C plot romance between Emily and James was okay. I think I would have preferred if more time was given to that plot and the B plot was thrown out altogether. This is marketed as a romance novel; it should focus more on romance! Not every story needs a MacGuffin to make it interesting! I think this story would have been more interesting if the authors just focused on the two couples.
I feel bad because the writing quality was pretty good for the most part. This story just didn't deliver what I wanted or thought it was going to be.
The blurb makes it sound like this story begins at the wedding of the main couple; Kenna absconds in the night, Alexander chases after her immediately, sparks fly, yada yada yada, you've got an electric love story about a feisty runaway bride and a stubborn groom who will do anything to win her back. That's what I thought the blurb was setting me up for. I was wrong.
This story picks up SIX MONTHS AFTER the aforementioned wedding. Tempers have cooled and people are thinking more rationally, etc. That's great I suppose, but not quite the story I wanted. I wanted more spirit and passion in this story I guess.
There's also a B plot about a magical relic that I didn't find particularly interesting, and I found myself skimming or outright skipping those parts. The C plot romance between Emily and James was okay. I think I would have preferred if more time was given to that plot and the B plot was thrown out altogether. This is marketed as a romance novel; it should focus more on romance! Not every story needs a MacGuffin to make it interesting! I think this story would have been more interesting if the authors just focused on the two couples.
I feel bad because the writing quality was pretty good for the most part. This story just didn't deliver what I wanted or thought it was going to be.
April 24, 2016
This was a very good read and I enjoyed it very much. The author has done a very good telling of two stubborn people who don't give an inch. Highland warrior Alexander MacPherson is a handsome man who lost his wife on their wedding night. His brother thought it would be funny to put another woman in Alex's room for the night. When Kenna Mackay finds out about her husband Alex, she goes to a priory to live with the nuns. Since she didn't have a say in her marriage, she kinda rebels against her father to have some control on her life.
After six months of marriage and no wedding night, Alex knows he must get his ships back, but he didn't figure his men would mess things up. He is one angry man when he finds out that his wife as well as the cousin have been kidnapped. His leverage was the cousin, but now things have gone from bad to worse.
You have lots of adventure, a mad man looking for Kenna, and of course romance. Alex wants his wedding night, and he will do anything to accomplish it. Lots of kisses and of course love.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
After six months of marriage and no wedding night, Alex knows he must get his ships back, but he didn't figure his men would mess things up. He is one angry man when he finds out that his wife as well as the cousin have been kidnapped. His leverage was the cousin, but now things have gone from bad to worse.
You have lots of adventure, a mad man looking for Kenna, and of course romance. Alex wants his wedding night, and he will do anything to accomplish it. Lots of kisses and of course love.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
May 7, 2016
Much Ado About Highlanders is a fast-paced passionate romance that drew me in from the first page. This story is a perfect combination of romance, danger and the paranormal. Kenna MacKay is a runaway bride. She ran because she felt that she will be a disappointment to her new husband. When her mother died, her father became cold and remote. Now she's married to a man she doesn't know. Enough is enough. This fiery lady fights back. I loved her fierce spirit and wicked tongue. Alexander is a proud Highlander. He wants his wife back, but he doesn't want to appear weak. As these two fight for their future, evil men are seeking the relic Kenna possesses. Can they escape their enemies? I love the wild Highland setting. It's the perfect backdrop for these lovers. The magic tablet that Kenna possesses adds to the excitement. The characters are amazing. I liked them all. Alec's brothers are a rollicking bunch. They made me smile or shake my head at their stubbornness. May McGoldrick left me wanting more. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
Read
October 23, 2018.
I quite enjoyed the narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, and highly expected to come to know these characters, discovering more about the intriguing stones, one of which helped the heroine heal the hero, and journeying with them for the entire series, which I had already obtained.
After 4-5 hours into listening to the audio version of this reading, I developed a disinterest in this book based on the evil villain and his unreasonable mass killings, the descriptions of sexual experiences that can be skimmed over, and the unnecessary profanity being introduced.
I was very tempted to cease completing the book after the third offense but gave it another shot. I prefer clean reads, which this book is not. So when it repeated things that do not appeal to me personally, the lack of captivation made it easy to turn off the book and look for something more interesting that includes attributes I enjoy, such as humor, wit, and clean adventure. There are many more choices available that will whisk me away to places that will bring a smile to my face.
Sorry, May McGoldrick, this series seems to have earned a high rating from many readers. It just is not my cup of tea.
I quite enjoyed the narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, and highly expected to come to know these characters, discovering more about the intriguing stones, one of which helped the heroine heal the hero, and journeying with them for the entire series, which I had already obtained.
After 4-5 hours into listening to the audio version of this reading, I developed a disinterest in this book based on the evil villain and his unreasonable mass killings, the descriptions of sexual experiences that can be skimmed over, and the unnecessary profanity being introduced.
I was very tempted to cease completing the book after the third offense but gave it another shot. I prefer clean reads, which this book is not. So when it repeated things that do not appeal to me personally, the lack of captivation made it easy to turn off the book and look for something more interesting that includes attributes I enjoy, such as humor, wit, and clean adventure. There are many more choices available that will whisk me away to places that will bring a smile to my face.
Sorry, May McGoldrick, this series seems to have earned a high rating from many readers. It just is not my cup of tea.
May 9, 2016
this was actually a very confusing book the first time i read it. i had to fully understand the first part before i go on. but as read it along, it was really enjoyable. the scenes were funny, but it had the consistency of being in the right flow. the part of the villain and the part of Kenna and James love story was written beautifully. the places in the book? it was to die for! especially the part of the cave.
i was saddened by the deaths of so many in this book. as i progress, i was on the verge of killing Evans myself. and as the book comes to an end, i wonder what will happen to the rest of the people who holds the stones...
i look forward in read the rest of this series!
i was saddened by the deaths of so many in this book. as i progress, i was on the verge of killing Evans myself. and as the book comes to an end, i wonder what will happen to the rest of the people who holds the stones...
i look forward in read the rest of this series!
May 2, 2016
I liked this Scottish version of "taming the shrew" because both Alexander and Kenna were funny and the plot was not bad, and in way I have a penchant for Higlanders, so I have to read a book with them involved from time to time.
Mi é piaciuta questa versione scozzese de "La bisbetica domata", perché sia Alex che Kenna erano due bei personaggi e la trama reggeva, inoltre io ho un debole per gli Highlander, quindi di tanto in tanto, devo leggere un libro che li preveda :)
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND ST.MARTIN'S PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW!
Mi é piaciuta questa versione scozzese de "La bisbetica domata", perché sia Alex che Kenna erano due bei personaggi e la trama reggeva, inoltre io ho un debole per gli Highlander, quindi di tanto in tanto, devo leggere un libro che li preveda :)
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND ST.MARTIN'S PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW!
April 14, 2016
Alexander sure thinks highly of himself and his talents, “I’m telling you now, lass, sex between us will make the Highland storm seem tame, make the summer lightning only a pale flash of light. And you don’t even know where my fancy can take us.” I really liked this book I loved Alexander and Kenna's banter.
May 2, 2016
I absolutely LOVED this book. I love Kenna and her strong personality. She has a soft side she hides but it's a dominant part of her also. It makes for a great character and the author did a great job developing her and the other characters in this book. I loved the action and plot twists and the romance is perfection! Highly recommend and I CAN NOT WAIT for the next book!
February 17, 2019
3.5 stars this was my first book by this author and I liked it. my only negative would be the predictability of the plot. I did like the dual storyline of secondary characters, James and Emily. I am not sure I like the supernatural nature of the book, but the plot wasn't too strange so it worked out.
May 18, 2016
I enjoyed this story. Who doesn't enjoy hot Highlanders? At some point I thought this should be classified as erotica. Mind you - I'm not complaining! But this is more than just a love story - or two. There is an on going mystery here, but thankfully no cliff hangers.
February 18, 2018
Pretty typical "lustful, Scottish based romance" novel. But not interesting enough to want to continue the series.
But that said, the narration was wonderful.
But that said, the narration was wonderful.
April 14, 2025
1.5 Stars - DNF @ 47%
Meh. Major meh vibes. It sounded sooo interesting but the execution was underwhelming. I expected too much from the writing and didn't enjoy how the story was told tbh.
The scene and POV transitioning was rough and abrupt. The multiple POVs into the bad guys (yeah multiple ones) heads as well as the MCs cousin and and brother were just so overwhelming. They weren't all that enjoyable and quite frankly became more annoying to trudge through the further I read. I just wanted more with the MCs not the cousin or the brother, even if that's somehow a secondary romance taking place. I just didn't care.
Aside from those issues for me was the MCs themselves. While mostly likeable at the beginning I found it difficult to like the FMC Kenna at first, which considering her combative attitude and endless insults at the it was understandable I found her hard to like. As we go on I found her more tolerable but hard to understand. There was just so much going on around the MCs that we didn't get to properly explore why Kenna ran six months prior on their wedding night. We really only knew the MMC Alexander thought it was due to one thing but quickly realized she had planned to run all along so it had no impact on her running away. Eventually Kenna's insecurities about being the type of wife he needed and her father's abuse to her own confidence seemed to be the main contender for her motivation to run away from her marriage. But honestly it still felt so vague and silly tbh. Especially considering even in the beginning despite Kenna's endless spewing of ridiculous insults and threats and wishes for Alexander's demise right to his face she was thinking how attractive he was and how he'd be the only man she'd ever want. Like, what? So you did want to be his wife but ran anyway??
As I said it felt silly and paper thin as far as excuses go, and that was before they actually had a proper discussion about it, if they ever did.
I did like that the MMC Alexander was smitten with Kenna. Seemed he had been since they first met before their marriage, and he had wanted her to be his wife. And that he appreciated her wildness and independence. I didn't quite understand why he found her childish name calling and weak attempt at acting like she hated him attractive but whatever.
Otherwise I didn't care much about either character. Especially because the MMC felt a little too good to be true many times with saying just the right thing and it felt odd to me that he'd be so easy going and understanding towards the FMC considering she hurt him by running. He truly felt like he was written for the FMC not as his own individual character if that makes sense.
Didn't help at all that by the time I quit they'd finally "made love" which was underwhelming and very random timing imo. And then there we had the FMC Kenna claiming she loved Alexander in her thoughts. Yeah, that was totally believable....😒🙄
The mystical or magical plot about the broken tablet pieces was fascinating and could have been special but it was just yet another thing lost in the shuffle of about ten different plot strings being pulled.
Overall this one was just disappointing for me. There was just too much noise surrounding the actual MCs and the story I wanted to read on top of underwhelming writing that was a bit too modern at times.
Meh. Major meh vibes. It sounded sooo interesting but the execution was underwhelming. I expected too much from the writing and didn't enjoy how the story was told tbh.
The scene and POV transitioning was rough and abrupt. The multiple POVs into the bad guys (yeah multiple ones) heads as well as the MCs cousin and and brother were just so overwhelming. They weren't all that enjoyable and quite frankly became more annoying to trudge through the further I read. I just wanted more with the MCs not the cousin or the brother, even if that's somehow a secondary romance taking place. I just didn't care.
Aside from those issues for me was the MCs themselves. While mostly likeable at the beginning I found it difficult to like the FMC Kenna at first, which considering her combative attitude and endless insults at the it was understandable I found her hard to like. As we go on I found her more tolerable but hard to understand. There was just so much going on around the MCs that we didn't get to properly explore why Kenna ran six months prior on their wedding night. We really only knew the MMC Alexander thought it was due to one thing but quickly realized she had planned to run all along so it had no impact on her running away. Eventually Kenna's insecurities about being the type of wife he needed and her father's abuse to her own confidence seemed to be the main contender for her motivation to run away from her marriage. But honestly it still felt so vague and silly tbh. Especially considering even in the beginning despite Kenna's endless spewing of ridiculous insults and threats and wishes for Alexander's demise right to his face she was thinking how attractive he was and how he'd be the only man she'd ever want. Like, what? So you did want to be his wife but ran anyway??
As I said it felt silly and paper thin as far as excuses go, and that was before they actually had a proper discussion about it, if they ever did.
I did like that the MMC Alexander was smitten with Kenna. Seemed he had been since they first met before their marriage, and he had wanted her to be his wife. And that he appreciated her wildness and independence. I didn't quite understand why he found her childish name calling and weak attempt at acting like she hated him attractive but whatever.
Otherwise I didn't care much about either character. Especially because the MMC felt a little too good to be true many times with saying just the right thing and it felt odd to me that he'd be so easy going and understanding towards the FMC considering she hurt him by running. He truly felt like he was written for the FMC not as his own individual character if that makes sense.
Didn't help at all that by the time I quit they'd finally "made love" which was underwhelming and very random timing imo. And then there we had the FMC Kenna claiming she loved Alexander in her thoughts. Yeah, that was totally believable....😒🙄
The mystical or magical plot about the broken tablet pieces was fascinating and could have been special but it was just yet another thing lost in the shuffle of about ten different plot strings being pulled.
Overall this one was just disappointing for me. There was just too much noise surrounding the actual MCs and the story I wanted to read on top of underwhelming writing that was a bit too modern at times.
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