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The Penhallow Dynasty #2
The Laird Takes a Bride
Láska mu bude odmenou.
Alasdair Penhallow je zarytým starým mládencom. Staroveký zákon jeho klanu mu však káže oženiť sa, inak bude prísne potrestaný. Keďže dlho so ženbou otáľal, musí si teraz manželku nájsť za tridsaťpäť dní. Čas plynie, budúca nevesta nikde, a keď už pomaly stráca nádej, cestu mu skríži osud v podobe Fiony.
Neskrotná a svojhlavá Fiona vie, ako bolí sklamanie v láske, a zaumienila si, že svoje srdce už nikomu nedá. Manželstvo z rozumu s Alasdairom je pre ňu bezpečná voľba. Jedného dňa si však uvedomí, že odolávať manželovej odhodlanosti a vášnivej povahe je možno nad jej sily. Dovolí si opäť sa zamilovať? A čo ju to bude stáť?
Alasdair Penhallow je zarytým starým mládencom. Staroveký zákon jeho klanu mu však káže oženiť sa, inak bude prísne potrestaný. Keďže dlho so ženbou otáľal, musí si teraz manželku nájsť za tridsaťpäť dní. Čas plynie, budúca nevesta nikde, a keď už pomaly stráca nádej, cestu mu skríži osud v podobe Fiony.
Neskrotná a svojhlavá Fiona vie, ako bolí sklamanie v láske, a zaumienila si, že svoje srdce už nikomu nedá. Manželstvo z rozumu s Alasdairom je pre ňu bezpečná voľba. Jedného dňa si však uvedomí, že odolávať manželovej odhodlanosti a vášnivej povahe je možno nad jej sily. Dovolí si opäť sa zamilovať? A čo ju to bude stáť?
350 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 29, 2017
89 people are currently reading
1372 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Berne
7 books967 followersLisa Berne is a bestselling author of historical romance whose witty, heartfelt, beautifully written books are published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pan Macmillan and in translation throughout the world. Says BRIDGERTON author Julia Quinn: Lisa is “one of the most exciting new historical writers in a long time.” To learn more about Lisa and her delight in all things bookish (as revealed in her blog), you are cordially invited to visit her website, www.LisaBerne.com, and to sign up for her newsletter, too, so that you’ll never miss a new release or giveaway!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
June 8, 2025
Go figure! The first book in this series has a low rating and I loved it! This second book in the series, The Laird Takes a Bride, has a higher rating than the first book... and I didn't care for it at all.
The only thing that ruined it for me was the heroine. I actually loved the writing style that Lisa Berne uses, I loved the banter among all characters, the heroine’s propensity to always be making mental Things To Do lists, the heroine’s individuality... but she just came across as a shrewish bitch. If she could have been written a little less cold and snobby, I think this would have been a story that I could have loved.
I made it to about page 70 and decided I just disliked the heroine's personality so much, that I didn't care if she got a HEA or not.
The only thing that ruined it for me was the heroine. I actually loved the writing style that Lisa Berne uses, I loved the banter among all characters, the heroine’s propensity to always be making mental Things To Do lists, the heroine’s individuality... but she just came across as a shrewish bitch. If she could have been written a little less cold and snobby, I think this would have been a story that I could have loved.
I made it to about page 70 and decided I just disliked the heroine's personality so much, that I didn't care if she got a HEA or not.
December 3, 2017
Because of some Ye Olde Tymes Nonsense, Alasdair Penhallow is told he has 35 days following his 35th birthday to pick a bride from amongst the daughters of the clan chieftains. Fiona Douglass is one of the lucky bachelorettes! SPARKS, CAMERA,—a terrible accident that leaves Fiona as the only option??—CUE THE BONERS AND THE MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE, FOLKS!
1. I liked this: this was a pretty solid MoC book with decent relationship development and no Scots dialect even though it was set in Scotland. Bonus points for saving my brain powers for other things.
2. I liked Fiona; she was such a great ice queen heroine (even if she does 'thaw' through the Power of Love). Her development and pain/regret was so well done; I bookmarked a few passages that donkey-kicked me in the chest with feelings.
3. Alasdair was harder to get a read on, and that's partially because the latter parts of the book do not spend as much time with him. There is one section where he examines his Tragic Backstory and comes to the conclusion that he cannot love / will not love again. And that's ... traditional, I guess, for a romantic hero, but it also came very late in the book and left him looking like something of an asshole.
Especially when paired with his turnaround in the final two chapters. Like, he "considers Change" and then suddenly is OK with love and trying again. This is not a bad development, per se, it was just a little half-baked and rushed as it was. This pacing issue was also slightly more frustrating because so much of the development of the relationship was well done!
4. One thing I do want to talk about is the fact that this book did not pull punches: (minor) characters died. It's an interesting conundrum to introduce into romances: the lingering specter of death shadowing the larger happy ever after. That said, while Berne definitely addresses the loss of characters, there was something vaguely callous in how quickly the losses were "dealt with". (But then, how do you write a book that is objectively about falling in love while also realistically including patterns of mourning into it? Can it be done? I, as a loud-mouthed book critic, assume it can but obviously have no real clue.)
5. There's also some minor supernatural elements woven in through the presence of Sheila, a child who offers cryptic prophetic statements before going on to ask for dolls / cookies? This didn't throw me the way it did in the first book in this series, but it was present and ... something, so.
6. This was a good escape from the world for a few hours last night. It's not a perfect book, but it was perfect for me at the time. 3.75 stars.
1. I liked this: this was a pretty solid MoC book with decent relationship development and no Scots dialect even though it was set in Scotland. Bonus points for saving my brain powers for other things.
2. I liked Fiona; she was such a great ice queen heroine (even if she does 'thaw' through the Power of Love). Her development and pain/regret was so well done; I bookmarked a few passages that donkey-kicked me in the chest with feelings.
3. Alasdair was harder to get a read on, and that's partially because the latter parts of the book do not spend as much time with him. There is one section where he examines his Tragic Backstory and comes to the conclusion that he cannot love / will not love again. And that's ... traditional, I guess, for a romantic hero, but it also came very late in the book and left him looking like something of an asshole.
Especially when paired with his turnaround in the final two chapters. Like, he "considers Change" and then suddenly is OK with love and trying again. This is not a bad development, per se, it was just a little half-baked and rushed as it was. This pacing issue was also slightly more frustrating because so much of the development of the relationship was well done!
4. One thing I do want to talk about is the fact that this book did not pull punches: (minor) characters died. It's an interesting conundrum to introduce into romances: the lingering specter of death shadowing the larger happy ever after. That said, while Berne definitely addresses the loss of characters, there was something vaguely callous in how quickly the losses were "dealt with". (But then, how do you write a book that is objectively about falling in love while also realistically including patterns of mourning into it? Can it be done? I, as a loud-mouthed book critic, assume it can but obviously have no real clue.)
5. There's also some minor supernatural elements woven in through the presence of Sheila, a child who offers cryptic prophetic statements before going on to ask for dolls / cookies? This didn't throw me the way it did in the first book in this series, but it was present and ... something, so.
6. This was a good escape from the world for a few hours last night. It's not a perfect book, but it was perfect for me at the time. 3.75 stars.
February 6, 2021
Okay, really torn about my rating here. I did not enjoy this book at all, but I am also willing to concede that listening to it as an audiobook may have made this worse. Two stars is the absolute ceiling on this book for me though, so I'll be generous and land there but I reserve the right to come back and revise it down later.
I'll start with this: there was entirely too much food description here. When you're getting at times two and three meals in each chapter, and every dish is described, it's too much. The descriptions were on the levels of Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games, although at least here the food they were eating was more appetizing. That said, I am going to need at least twelve months before I ever hear or see the word "buttery" again. I am very serious on this point. In general, there was too much description happening here for me, and a lot of it just felt awkward. Some of it was the audiobook factor, but I think at least some of it was the prose just not working for me.
But this leads me to another problem: the description in general, and especially the food description, seemed to get way more focus than character development. And the characters here were either unlikeable or irritating or both, with the exception of Fiona, who was fine and deserved better. There was a lot here I should have liked, honestly, since I'm always a big fan of characters who get treated badly by a prior romantic interest moving on and finding someone better for them. But it was pretty difficult here to start because Fiona started the book still so stuck on Logan, nine years later, after he married her sister, and then Alasdair himself was such a mediocre at best romantic hero. I just really didn't care about his tragic backstory and how he Couldn't Love - it received so little focus overall, and I think in order to set this up in a way that works, he needed to be at least a little more sympathetic to start out. As it was, at every point where he started to "realize" more feelings for Fiona, it seemed like it was actually about him: surely, she MUST find me attractive, he thinks, after a week of bad sex; or surely, she MUST want to stay married to me, because she told me she loves me and even though I told her I could not love her, she couldn't possibly want anything more. ANYWAY, the point is: he sucks, and at the end of the book, I wanted Fiona to turn down both Alasdair and Logan and go find someone who would actually be good to her.
The side romance with the uncle and cousin Isabelle was also extremely stupid, in large part because the uncle character reallllllly sucked. The similarities between him and the uncle from the other clan who orchestrated the theft/kidnapping were pretty apparent, and sorry but the uncle realizing in his old age that it might be good to thank the people who work for him and he could be kind to other people just isn't enough of a character turn around for me to care about him.
The character of Sheila could have been entirely cut out here. I don't really love magic/mystical elements anyway, but you lose your ability to live in "vaguely annoying but forgettable child character" land when the heroine saves said child from being kidnapped and then the child forgets to tell anyone that the kidnappers took the heroine instead.
ANYWAY, there was a lot more I didn't like here, but I think I'm done talking about this book. I am very glad to be done with it, and I hope not to think of it ever again.
I'll start with this: there was entirely too much food description here. When you're getting at times two and three meals in each chapter, and every dish is described, it's too much. The descriptions were on the levels of Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games, although at least here the food they were eating was more appetizing. That said, I am going to need at least twelve months before I ever hear or see the word "buttery" again. I am very serious on this point. In general, there was too much description happening here for me, and a lot of it just felt awkward. Some of it was the audiobook factor, but I think at least some of it was the prose just not working for me.
But this leads me to another problem: the description in general, and especially the food description, seemed to get way more focus than character development. And the characters here were either unlikeable or irritating or both, with the exception of Fiona, who was fine and deserved better. There was a lot here I should have liked, honestly, since I'm always a big fan of characters who get treated badly by a prior romantic interest moving on and finding someone better for them. But it was pretty difficult here to start because Fiona started the book still so stuck on Logan, nine years later, after he married her sister, and then Alasdair himself was such a mediocre at best romantic hero. I just really didn't care about his tragic backstory and how he Couldn't Love - it received so little focus overall, and I think in order to set this up in a way that works, he needed to be at least a little more sympathetic to start out. As it was, at every point where he started to "realize" more feelings for Fiona, it seemed like it was actually about him: surely, she MUST find me attractive, he thinks, after a week of bad sex; or surely, she MUST want to stay married to me, because she told me she loves me and even though I told her I could not love her, she couldn't possibly want anything more. ANYWAY, the point is: he sucks, and at the end of the book, I wanted Fiona to turn down both Alasdair and Logan and go find someone who would actually be good to her.
The side romance with the uncle and cousin Isabelle was also extremely stupid, in large part because the uncle character reallllllly sucked. The similarities between him and the uncle from the other clan who orchestrated the theft/kidnapping were pretty apparent, and sorry but the uncle realizing in his old age that it might be good to thank the people who work for him and he could be kind to other people just isn't enough of a character turn around for me to care about him.
The character of Sheila could have been entirely cut out here. I don't really love magic/mystical elements anyway, but you lose your ability to live in "vaguely annoying but forgettable child character" land when the heroine saves said child from being kidnapped and then the child forgets to tell anyone that the kidnappers took the heroine instead.
ANYWAY, there was a lot more I didn't like here, but I think I'm done talking about this book. I am very glad to be done with it, and I hope not to think of it ever again.
July 24, 2017
The Laird Takes a Bride is my first book by Lisa Berne, but I was pleasantly surprised. A true Scottish historical (not a Regency disguising itself as Scottish), this marriage of convenience story definitely provides a different spin on the trope.
The Story-
Fiona has had her heart broken, and she has given up on love. Alasdair was enjoying the bachelor life, but when an old edict is uncovered, he's going to have to make a big change.
My Thoughts-
I really enjoyed the "Bachelor" set-up, but was disappointed at how quickly everything was settled. The characters are well developed, but they are both too stubborn to almost be believed. That being said, I couldn't quit turning pages because I absolutely had to know how it was that these two would end up falling for each other. The Scottish setting and daily life circumstances provide depth and a nice historical framework that isn't always achieved in books like this.
The Bottom Line-
I would read another book by Berne, especially if it is set in Scotland. An enjoyable historical read. 4 stars
The Story-
Fiona has had her heart broken, and she has given up on love. Alasdair was enjoying the bachelor life, but when an old edict is uncovered, he's going to have to make a big change.
My Thoughts-
I really enjoyed the "Bachelor" set-up, but was disappointed at how quickly everything was settled. The characters are well developed, but they are both too stubborn to almost be believed. That being said, I couldn't quit turning pages because I absolutely had to know how it was that these two would end up falling for each other. The Scottish setting and daily life circumstances provide depth and a nice historical framework that isn't always achieved in books like this.
The Bottom Line-
I would read another book by Berne, especially if it is set in Scotland. An enjoyable historical read. 4 stars
September 3, 2017
'The Laird Takes a Bride' by Lisa Berne is Book Two in "The Penhallow Dynasty" series. This is the story of Alasdair Penhallow and Fiona Douglass. I have not yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Fiona has lost her heart once and she swore she would never give it away again. Fiona is now a spinster at 27 years and would stay that way if not for her parents who ask her to go to Castle Tadgh where Alasdair has put in a request for near by Clans to bring their single daughters. Fiona agrees to go with her cousins but plans on giving a no care attitude toward this fate.
Alasdair has turned 35 and with that he should have been married and since he isn't he just has a number of days to get married of suffer death for it. Although at first he doesn't think Fiona will be a bride for him due to her attitude and them no easily getting along...fate has other plans.
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Fiona has lost her heart once and she swore she would never give it away again. Fiona is now a spinster at 27 years and would stay that way if not for her parents who ask her to go to Castle Tadgh where Alasdair has put in a request for near by Clans to bring their single daughters. Fiona agrees to go with her cousins but plans on giving a no care attitude toward this fate.
Alasdair has turned 35 and with that he should have been married and since he isn't he just has a number of days to get married of suffer death for it. Although at first he doesn't think Fiona will be a bride for him due to her attitude and them no easily getting along...fate has other plans.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
December 19, 2023
All the stars for this book, reluctant H and what appears to be a boring h. But she's a deep person, capable and very kind. She wants to be loved so accepts the less than heroic H who does not hide his lack of attraction. Of course he breaks her heart. A slow start, great writing, interesting characters and story and 10 super stars for NO BROGUE!
June 11, 2022
Alasdair Penhallow tiene que encontrar una esposa en poco tiempo y una de las candidatas es la exasperante Fiona Douglass que no parece ser la mujer que él está buscando. Fiona por su parte quiere volver a su rutinaria vida, tras un fracaso en su pasado no quiere volver a pensar en el amor.
Continúo con esta serie, la primera de las novelas no estuvo mal, pero le faltaron algunas cosas para mi gusto. No quería quedarme en una novela y darle otra oportunidad a esta autora.
Le toca el turno a Alasdair Penhallow del que pudimos saber en la primera de las novelas. Alasdair es un highlander que no soporta a los sassenachs, él vive en el castillo de Tadgh, en Escocia, junto a su tío. Lleva una vida libre de preocupaciones, continuas fiestas llenas de bebida y mujeres, que se ve amenazada por un decreto que lo obliga a buscar esposa. Las candidatas no faltan y asistimos a una pequeña competición de la que Fiona Douglass no quiere formar parte.
Alasdair es un hombre apuesto, con riquezas, si dejamos a un lado su lado mujeriego, pero Fiona no busca nada de eso, tras sufrir en el pasado el peor de los rechazos, solo busca una vida rutinaria, pues, no ha podido superar su amor por Logan Munro.
Esta segunda novela me ha gustado más que la primera, aunque todavía le faltan muchas cosas para conquistarme. La primera de ellas es la forma de escribir de la autora, no me termina de convencer, corta abruptamente y pasa a otra subtrama, introduce algunos personajes y no les da profundidad o explica la motivación... https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
Continúo con esta serie, la primera de las novelas no estuvo mal, pero le faltaron algunas cosas para mi gusto. No quería quedarme en una novela y darle otra oportunidad a esta autora.
Le toca el turno a Alasdair Penhallow del que pudimos saber en la primera de las novelas. Alasdair es un highlander que no soporta a los sassenachs, él vive en el castillo de Tadgh, en Escocia, junto a su tío. Lleva una vida libre de preocupaciones, continuas fiestas llenas de bebida y mujeres, que se ve amenazada por un decreto que lo obliga a buscar esposa. Las candidatas no faltan y asistimos a una pequeña competición de la que Fiona Douglass no quiere formar parte.
Alasdair es un hombre apuesto, con riquezas, si dejamos a un lado su lado mujeriego, pero Fiona no busca nada de eso, tras sufrir en el pasado el peor de los rechazos, solo busca una vida rutinaria, pues, no ha podido superar su amor por Logan Munro.
Esta segunda novela me ha gustado más que la primera, aunque todavía le faltan muchas cosas para conquistarme. La primera de ellas es la forma de escribir de la autora, no me termina de convencer, corta abruptamente y pasa a otra subtrama, introduce algunos personajes y no les da profundidad o explica la motivación... https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
June 13, 2022
Un romance donde las segundas oportunidades son las definitivas.
Sí, quiero, milord de Lisa Berne es la historia de dos corazones solitarios que llevan tiempo sin sentirse amados, una historia de nuevas oportunidades donde dos personas opuestas se atraerán desde el principio sin ellos imaginarlo, un amor que crecerá poco a poco hasta convertirse en uno para toda la vida.
Link de la reseña completa: http://florecilladecereza.blogspot.co...
Sí, quiero, milord de Lisa Berne es la historia de dos corazones solitarios que llevan tiempo sin sentirse amados, una historia de nuevas oportunidades donde dos personas opuestas se atraerán desde el principio sin ellos imaginarlo, un amor que crecerá poco a poco hasta convertirse en uno para toda la vida.
Link de la reseña completa: http://florecilladecereza.blogspot.co...
July 24, 2022
4,5⭐
✨Este es el segundo libro de la serie de los Penhallow⠀
🏴Cada libro nos habla de la historia de uno de los primos y en mi opinión se pueden leer de forma independiente porque a penas se menciona a los protas del primero😊✨Esta narrado en tercera persona y aunque me suele costar más meterme en la historia en este caso no ha sido así,lo he disfrutado desde el minuto uno🤩⠀
🏴Alasdair es el señor del castillo Tadgh y según las leyes de su clan al cumplir los 35 años tiene 35 días para conseguir una esposa ✨Para ello reúne a las mujeres solteras de los otros clanes y las invita a su castillo⠀
🏴Una de esas mujeres será Fiona, que va única y exclusivamente para no desatar la ira de su padre pero no tiene el mas mínimo interés en contraer matrimonio🙈 ⠀
✨Ambos sienten desde el principio una animadversión que es de lo más divertida...ver esos piques y como se retan es genial 🤩⠀
🏴Veremos cómo se van conociendo y como evoluciona su relación.La verdad es que ha sido un viaje maravilloso🥰⠀
✨La ambientación en Escocia me ha flipado...los castillos,los paisajes,los Clanes y sus leyes...es lo primero que leo de este estilo y ya quiero leer más😍⠀
🏴Fiona es una mujer fuerte y valiente pero también tiene muchos miedos e inseguridades que la frenan y no la dejan ser feliz⠀
✨Alasdair en apariencia es un hombre hosco y un mujeriego pero poco a poco iremos viendo que esconde mucho más en su interior⠀
🏴Los dos evolucionan muchísimo y juntos son perfectos y también lo es el ritmo de su relación...todo se cuece a fuego lento y pasan por muchas etapas que van quemando para llegar a donde deben estar⠀
✨Hay personajes secundarios maravillosos,destaco a Duff,Isobel y Sheila🥰⠀
🏴Hay un giro de trama que no me esperaba y me gustó mucho🤩aunque es cierto que el final se me hizo apresurado para el buen ritmo que llevaba la novela🙈
✨Si les gustan los romances de época, con protagonistas carismáticos y que evolucionan muchísimo y cuya relación se forja a fuego lento,les recomiendo esta historia🥰
✨Este es el segundo libro de la serie de los Penhallow⠀
🏴Cada libro nos habla de la historia de uno de los primos y en mi opinión se pueden leer de forma independiente porque a penas se menciona a los protas del primero😊✨Esta narrado en tercera persona y aunque me suele costar más meterme en la historia en este caso no ha sido así,lo he disfrutado desde el minuto uno🤩⠀
🏴Alasdair es el señor del castillo Tadgh y según las leyes de su clan al cumplir los 35 años tiene 35 días para conseguir una esposa ✨Para ello reúne a las mujeres solteras de los otros clanes y las invita a su castillo⠀
🏴Una de esas mujeres será Fiona, que va única y exclusivamente para no desatar la ira de su padre pero no tiene el mas mínimo interés en contraer matrimonio🙈 ⠀
✨Ambos sienten desde el principio una animadversión que es de lo más divertida...ver esos piques y como se retan es genial 🤩⠀
🏴Veremos cómo se van conociendo y como evoluciona su relación.La verdad es que ha sido un viaje maravilloso🥰⠀
✨La ambientación en Escocia me ha flipado...los castillos,los paisajes,los Clanes y sus leyes...es lo primero que leo de este estilo y ya quiero leer más😍⠀
🏴Fiona es una mujer fuerte y valiente pero también tiene muchos miedos e inseguridades que la frenan y no la dejan ser feliz⠀
✨Alasdair en apariencia es un hombre hosco y un mujeriego pero poco a poco iremos viendo que esconde mucho más en su interior⠀
🏴Los dos evolucionan muchísimo y juntos son perfectos y también lo es el ritmo de su relación...todo se cuece a fuego lento y pasan por muchas etapas que van quemando para llegar a donde deben estar⠀
✨Hay personajes secundarios maravillosos,destaco a Duff,Isobel y Sheila🥰⠀
🏴Hay un giro de trama que no me esperaba y me gustó mucho🤩aunque es cierto que el final se me hizo apresurado para el buen ritmo que llevaba la novela🙈
✨Si les gustan los romances de época, con protagonistas carismáticos y que evolucionan muchísimo y cuya relación se forja a fuego lento,les recomiendo esta historia🥰
August 26, 2017
I liked this book so much better than the first! Can't believe this is just a second novel for an author!
I honestly don't remember Alasdair much from the first book but I know I was excited to see he'd be getting his own HEA. He was a great guy that respected Fiona and her wishes even if he didn't particularly like her. At first.
The real star of this show, to me, however, was Fiona. She is SUCH a stick-in-the-mud for part of the novel and it was fantastic to see her transformation. And I didn't see the event that brought that about coming.
I felt like, for the most part, the novel was a nice blend of plot and emotion rather than being driven by one alone. I don't really remember any major slow spots and I had trouble stopping reading at the end of a chapter.
This was a great title and I can't wait for the next!!
I received an eARC from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly don't remember Alasdair much from the first book but I know I was excited to see he'd be getting his own HEA. He was a great guy that respected Fiona and her wishes even if he didn't particularly like her. At first.
The real star of this show, to me, however, was Fiona. She is SUCH a stick-in-the-mud for part of the novel and it was fantastic to see her transformation. And I didn't see the event that brought that about coming.
I felt like, for the most part, the novel was a nice blend of plot and emotion rather than being driven by one alone. I don't really remember any major slow spots and I had trouble stopping reading at the end of a chapter.
This was a great title and I can't wait for the next!!
I received an eARC from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2017
Tonally, this was really different from the first book - much more serious & character vs shenanigans focused - but I very much enjoyed and was almost surprised by how much. I don’t normally like quieter marriages of conveniences, but this had just the right balance of drama and romance, and I loved watching the characters grow to love each other - seriously a great book.
February 13, 2019
Oh boy, this was a challenge to finish. Both characters were so stubborn and I felt like they were consistently going around and around in circles.
August 7, 2017
4 helms
Please follow me on my blog :) Review originally posted on Vellum Voyages
(www.vellumvoyages.com)
Surprisingly I really enjoyed this one! Why was I surprised? Firstly, Lisa Berne is a relatively new author....this is her second book and it's not often I like newer authors, as I seem to prefer the writing style of older romances. Secondly, it was full of historical anachronisms....yeap all throughout the book and this is a massive pet peeve for me, but the story had already drawn me in so I didn't seem to care and lastly, I liked the H/h almost instantaneously. It's nice to be surprised in a genre you have been reading for over 10 years!
Alisdair Penhallow, the Laird of Castle Tadgh has a reputation and not a very good one! The Lowlands and the Highlands have heard rumours of his rakish ways, but this all comes to a sudden stop on the day of his thirty fifth birthday, where clan law decrees that if the Laird is thirty-five and unmarried, he is required to marry within thirty-five days or be hanged, quartered and beheaded as a warning to others, that he did not perform his duty of producing an heir. To escape his potentially gruesome fate, Alisdair pens letters to all corners of Scotland where eligible daughters of other Lairds are invited to meet with Alisdair and spend time with him and potentially get chosen to be his bride.
Fiona has loved and lost before and she doesn't plan on giving her heart away ever again. As a spinster at twenty-seven, she has attended a multitude of weddings and none of them her own. She is ordered to travel to Castle Tadgh by her parents and try her hand at becoming a bride. Fiona reluctantly travels with her cousin into Castle Tadgh purely to satisfy her parents' wishes and demonstrates no interest in getting to know Alisdair. Annoyed by her nonchalant attitude, Alisdair writes her off as a potential bride right from the beginning but is too respectful to dismiss her immediately. Fate had other plans for them. Finding themselves married to each other is a destiny neither of them wanted or predicted, but have to accept. To their surprise, the more they learn about each other they realise that they are suited for one another after all IF they can both see past their stubbornness!
The Bachelor style scenario was quite interesting and I was wondering how long this would have continued within the book...Thankfully it was tastefully done and interesting enough! Alistair and Fiona were characters with pasts that won't let them let their guards down so it was good to see them happy at the end! I wouldn't call this a light hearted read even though it can be deceptively perceived as one. There are things that happen that are quite serious but are dealt with in a light hearted tone, so the book doesn't come across as too intense but I did find myself surprised at the tone regardless of the seriousness of some events. All the characters were likeable right from the beginning and I also think this is due to Lisa Berne's writing style. The secondary characters were also quite likeable and had their own little ending which was also lovely. The book was effortless to read and had a really good flow which I normally struggle to find being a slower reader. I would recommend this story for a time when you are in a slump and looking for something different and don't want something written in an intense and emotional manner! Don't underestimate the book though as I found myself quite touched from this sweet tale.
*Thank-you Lisa Berne, Edelweiss & Avon for the ARC.
Please follow me on my blog :) Review originally posted on Vellum Voyages
(www.vellumvoyages.com)
Surprisingly I really enjoyed this one! Why was I surprised? Firstly, Lisa Berne is a relatively new author....this is her second book and it's not often I like newer authors, as I seem to prefer the writing style of older romances. Secondly, it was full of historical anachronisms....yeap all throughout the book and this is a massive pet peeve for me, but the story had already drawn me in so I didn't seem to care and lastly, I liked the H/h almost instantaneously. It's nice to be surprised in a genre you have been reading for over 10 years!
Alisdair Penhallow, the Laird of Castle Tadgh has a reputation and not a very good one! The Lowlands and the Highlands have heard rumours of his rakish ways, but this all comes to a sudden stop on the day of his thirty fifth birthday, where clan law decrees that if the Laird is thirty-five and unmarried, he is required to marry within thirty-five days or be hanged, quartered and beheaded as a warning to others, that he did not perform his duty of producing an heir. To escape his potentially gruesome fate, Alisdair pens letters to all corners of Scotland where eligible daughters of other Lairds are invited to meet with Alisdair and spend time with him and potentially get chosen to be his bride.
Fiona has loved and lost before and she doesn't plan on giving her heart away ever again. As a spinster at twenty-seven, she has attended a multitude of weddings and none of them her own. She is ordered to travel to Castle Tadgh by her parents and try her hand at becoming a bride. Fiona reluctantly travels with her cousin into Castle Tadgh purely to satisfy her parents' wishes and demonstrates no interest in getting to know Alisdair. Annoyed by her nonchalant attitude, Alisdair writes her off as a potential bride right from the beginning but is too respectful to dismiss her immediately. Fate had other plans for them. Finding themselves married to each other is a destiny neither of them wanted or predicted, but have to accept. To their surprise, the more they learn about each other they realise that they are suited for one another after all IF they can both see past their stubbornness!
The Bachelor style scenario was quite interesting and I was wondering how long this would have continued within the book...Thankfully it was tastefully done and interesting enough! Alistair and Fiona were characters with pasts that won't let them let their guards down so it was good to see them happy at the end! I wouldn't call this a light hearted read even though it can be deceptively perceived as one. There are things that happen that are quite serious but are dealt with in a light hearted tone, so the book doesn't come across as too intense but I did find myself surprised at the tone regardless of the seriousness of some events. All the characters were likeable right from the beginning and I also think this is due to Lisa Berne's writing style. The secondary characters were also quite likeable and had their own little ending which was also lovely. The book was effortless to read and had a really good flow which I normally struggle to find being a slower reader. I would recommend this story for a time when you are in a slump and looking for something different and don't want something written in an intense and emotional manner! Don't underestimate the book though as I found myself quite touched from this sweet tale.
*Thank-you Lisa Berne, Edelweiss & Avon for the ARC.
September 9, 2017
Tears, oh so many tears!!!
Such real complex emotions! Truly beautiful!
Such real complex emotions! Truly beautiful!
August 13, 2017
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
The Laird Takes A Bride is the second book in the Penhallow Dynasty and this is where we have Alasdair's book so I was pretty eager for this one, because I adored his character in the first book "You May Kiss The Bride".
In The Laird Takes A Bride we have a story that begins with our heroine. Fiona has witnessed multiple marriages of her family members and clansmen and women, but has never found a marriage of her own. She has had to watch a man she once loved be her sister's husband. Fiona is well learned and independent and strong willed. She is really the glue that keeps her family's home together. But when her father hears of a group of women being gathered to win the hand of Alasdair Penhallow, he forces her to go along with it. From the start Aladair and Fiona are at odds with each other. Fiona really has no desire to win over Alasdair's affections especially when there are many women that want him more than she does. Then fate deals its hand, and Fiona finds herself married to Alasdair.
In The Laird Takes A Bride we have a story that I liked but I won't say that I loved it, in fact there were times I really struggled with this one. The story line was solid and as individuals I become endeared to these characters. Both Alasdair and Fiona were fantastic characters that you want to cheer for. But I have one complaint that really could make the story drag in the first half. The Angst in this book was not my cup of tea. Now many who know my taste in romance, understand I love some good angst in romance. However in this book it felt a bit off and not quite what I was expecting. It disrupted the flow of the story at times and I really had a hard time getting into this one. Thankfully, once you reach the middle of the story, then it starts to level off and we really get to the heart of the romance and this is where it really blossomed. If you like the way that Lisa Berne handled the angst in her writing, thanI definitely feel you won't have any problems with this one. But for some reason, I struggled with it. Once we get past the angsty part of the story, then it gets really good and I couldn't put it down.
There were many other elements that had me really enjoying this story. I did like seeing Alasdair and Fiona work through the issues that had been building in the first half of the book. We see them come to terms with it, accept it and just embrace their new life together. And on the plus side we have a side romance involving Alasair's uncle and Fiona's companion and they were so cute together. They added some charm to the story which I found very appealing.
Overall The Laird Takes A Bride is a story that is humor filled, an full on angst romance that brings together two that bridge the gap between love and hate....a romance to capture your attention!!
How do you feel about Angst romance? Do you love or hate it?
What are some of your favorite highlanders to read?
[foogallery id="43270"]
The Laird Takes A Bride is the second book in the Penhallow Dynasty and this is where we have Alasdair's book so I was pretty eager for this one, because I adored his character in the first book "You May Kiss The Bride".
In The Laird Takes A Bride we have a story that begins with our heroine. Fiona has witnessed multiple marriages of her family members and clansmen and women, but has never found a marriage of her own. She has had to watch a man she once loved be her sister's husband. Fiona is well learned and independent and strong willed. She is really the glue that keeps her family's home together. But when her father hears of a group of women being gathered to win the hand of Alasdair Penhallow, he forces her to go along with it. From the start Aladair and Fiona are at odds with each other. Fiona really has no desire to win over Alasdair's affections especially when there are many women that want him more than she does. Then fate deals its hand, and Fiona finds herself married to Alasdair.
In The Laird Takes A Bride we have a story that I liked but I won't say that I loved it, in fact there were times I really struggled with this one. The story line was solid and as individuals I become endeared to these characters. Both Alasdair and Fiona were fantastic characters that you want to cheer for. But I have one complaint that really could make the story drag in the first half. The Angst in this book was not my cup of tea. Now many who know my taste in romance, understand I love some good angst in romance. However in this book it felt a bit off and not quite what I was expecting. It disrupted the flow of the story at times and I really had a hard time getting into this one. Thankfully, once you reach the middle of the story, then it starts to level off and we really get to the heart of the romance and this is where it really blossomed. If you like the way that Lisa Berne handled the angst in her writing, thanI definitely feel you won't have any problems with this one. But for some reason, I struggled with it. Once we get past the angsty part of the story, then it gets really good and I couldn't put it down.
There were many other elements that had me really enjoying this story. I did like seeing Alasdair and Fiona work through the issues that had been building in the first half of the book. We see them come to terms with it, accept it and just embrace their new life together. And on the plus side we have a side romance involving Alasair's uncle and Fiona's companion and they were so cute together. They added some charm to the story which I found very appealing.
Overall The Laird Takes A Bride is a story that is humor filled, an full on angst romance that brings together two that bridge the gap between love and hate....a romance to capture your attention!!
How do you feel about Angst romance? Do you love or hate it?
What are some of your favorite highlanders to read?
[foogallery id="43270"]
September 25, 2017
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-Dl
Fiona Douglass has just watched another of her sisters get married. At the age of twenty-seven, she’s considered a spinster, and is happy to be so. Her one venture into romance ended disastrously for her. She was in love with, and all but engaged to Logan Munro, when her younger sister presented an opportunity for Logan to have a larger dowry. He seized the opportunity and became Fiona’s brother-in-law, breaking her heart, and causing her to swear off marriage. In the intervening years, she has managed to chase off all suitors, and has become a formidable and prickly woman. Her solitary existence is disrupted when she is ordered to journey to Castle Tadgh, as a potential bride to the laird.
Laird Alasdair Penhallow is a good leader to his clan, and is enjoying all the benefits of being a handsome, wealthy, powerful, and single young man. That’s all about to change, as an obscure clan law is brought to his attention – now that he’s thirty-five years old, he must marry immediately under penalty of death. Though he has no desire to wed, Alasdair will follow the law. He summons the four most eligible unmarried ladies to his castle, and from them will choose his bride.
Three of the four ladies are most eager to become the laird’s wife, and their personalities and actions create some of the lighter moments in the book. Fiona is sure she won’t be chosen, and makes no attempt to be civil or pleasant to Alasdair. She’s just impatiently waiting for this “contest” to end, so that she can return to her normal life. To Alasdair’s credit, he behaves as a gentleman, and makes several attempts to treat Fiona with courtesy, which she rebuffs. Alasdair has no liking for Fiona, and doesn’t find her attractive, so they are both dismayed when fate sends the other three ladies away, leaving only Fiona. Knowing their duty to the law, they are most unhappily married.
There is no magical transformation of their feelings or instant desire. Their physical joining is brief, perfunctory, and unsatisfying. Still, the ever pragmatic Fiona goes about her duties as laird’s wife, and begins to find purpose for her life, as well as making great improvements in Castle Tadgh. Slowly, Alasdair begins to notice and appreciate her value, and surprisingly, he begins to find her more attractive. Both he and Fiona start to wonder if maybe they can bring more joy and happiness to their bedroom. The catalyst happens when Fiona is kidnapped, then rescued by Alasdair. They both admit to wanting more from each other physically, and their lovemaking takes on a new dimension, which spills over to their other interactions. Everything is so much better now – time for a happy ending, right? Not so fast……..
An even more obscure clan law is discovered that negates their marriage as if it had never happened. Ever proud, and certain that Alasdair would not choose her voluntarily, Fiona elects to go home. Alasdair, feeling that he can’t stand in the way of her desire to leave him, lets her go without a fight. I ended up liking both these characters, though at times they didn’t make it easy for me. Fiona was a very strong and determined woman, except for her continued mooning over her lost love, Logan, even after nine years. Her stubbornness and defensiveness unfortunately often came out in the form of caustic remarks and a cold demeanor. Still, I could sense her vulnerability and kindness, and I really wanted her to find love and happiness so that she could reveal the softer side of herself to the world. Alasdair also had walls around himself, and while he was not so outwardly abrasive as Fiona, he was quite able to give back as good as he got.
Fiona’s and Alasdair’s separation was painful, yet it turned out to be very good for them. They both had time to reflect on their lives with and without each other. Their reconciliation was tender and sweet, yet not unrealistic for them. I found THE LAIRD TAKES A BRIDE to be a very enjoyable read, filled with some heartbreak, some pain, some awfully silly laws, a strong willed couple, and a realistic romance with a satisfying happy ever after.
Fiona Douglass has just watched another of her sisters get married. At the age of twenty-seven, she’s considered a spinster, and is happy to be so. Her one venture into romance ended disastrously for her. She was in love with, and all but engaged to Logan Munro, when her younger sister presented an opportunity for Logan to have a larger dowry. He seized the opportunity and became Fiona’s brother-in-law, breaking her heart, and causing her to swear off marriage. In the intervening years, she has managed to chase off all suitors, and has become a formidable and prickly woman. Her solitary existence is disrupted when she is ordered to journey to Castle Tadgh, as a potential bride to the laird.
Laird Alasdair Penhallow is a good leader to his clan, and is enjoying all the benefits of being a handsome, wealthy, powerful, and single young man. That’s all about to change, as an obscure clan law is brought to his attention – now that he’s thirty-five years old, he must marry immediately under penalty of death. Though he has no desire to wed, Alasdair will follow the law. He summons the four most eligible unmarried ladies to his castle, and from them will choose his bride.
Three of the four ladies are most eager to become the laird’s wife, and their personalities and actions create some of the lighter moments in the book. Fiona is sure she won’t be chosen, and makes no attempt to be civil or pleasant to Alasdair. She’s just impatiently waiting for this “contest” to end, so that she can return to her normal life. To Alasdair’s credit, he behaves as a gentleman, and makes several attempts to treat Fiona with courtesy, which she rebuffs. Alasdair has no liking for Fiona, and doesn’t find her attractive, so they are both dismayed when fate sends the other three ladies away, leaving only Fiona. Knowing their duty to the law, they are most unhappily married.
There is no magical transformation of their feelings or instant desire. Their physical joining is brief, perfunctory, and unsatisfying. Still, the ever pragmatic Fiona goes about her duties as laird’s wife, and begins to find purpose for her life, as well as making great improvements in Castle Tadgh. Slowly, Alasdair begins to notice and appreciate her value, and surprisingly, he begins to find her more attractive. Both he and Fiona start to wonder if maybe they can bring more joy and happiness to their bedroom. The catalyst happens when Fiona is kidnapped, then rescued by Alasdair. They both admit to wanting more from each other physically, and their lovemaking takes on a new dimension, which spills over to their other interactions. Everything is so much better now – time for a happy ending, right? Not so fast……..
An even more obscure clan law is discovered that negates their marriage as if it had never happened. Ever proud, and certain that Alasdair would not choose her voluntarily, Fiona elects to go home. Alasdair, feeling that he can’t stand in the way of her desire to leave him, lets her go without a fight. I ended up liking both these characters, though at times they didn’t make it easy for me. Fiona was a very strong and determined woman, except for her continued mooning over her lost love, Logan, even after nine years. Her stubbornness and defensiveness unfortunately often came out in the form of caustic remarks and a cold demeanor. Still, I could sense her vulnerability and kindness, and I really wanted her to find love and happiness so that she could reveal the softer side of herself to the world. Alasdair also had walls around himself, and while he was not so outwardly abrasive as Fiona, he was quite able to give back as good as he got.
Fiona’s and Alasdair’s separation was painful, yet it turned out to be very good for them. They both had time to reflect on their lives with and without each other. Their reconciliation was tender and sweet, yet not unrealistic for them. I found THE LAIRD TAKES A BRIDE to be a very enjoyable read, filled with some heartbreak, some pain, some awfully silly laws, a strong willed couple, and a realistic romance with a satisfying happy ever after.
February 16, 2018
I really appreciated a heroine who is very thin. I feel like there are more and more plus-sized heroines, which as a plus-sized gal myself I really love and appreciate. I don't see many books featuring a heroine at the opposite end of the spectrum, so I loved that Fiona is almost painfully thin despite having a very healthy appetite. As someone who struggled with depression, I also really connected with Fiona and her own struggles with what I interpreted as depression and possibly OCD. What a fantastically multi-layered and non-traditional heroine!!
The house party/competition aspect of the plot was great, and reminded me a bit of Lenora Bell's How the Duke Was Won. Again I found myself loving Fiona, with her vast practical knowledge and rather dry wit. The other "competitors" were more caricatures than real characters, but that sure made for fun reading! I love that Fiona and Alisdair don't have the insta-love or even insta-lust that you see in so many romance novels, but instead have a slow warming toward each other, with several set-backs due to understandings and insecurities. The last quarter or third of this book had tears just streaming down my cheeks and my heart aching in my chest, which I love in a romance novel (as long as there's a HEA at the end!). I love the vulnerabilities of both main characters, their journies and their growth. And then there is this:
Well swoon, Alisdair.
This is the second book in The Penhallow Dynasty series, but it can be read as a stand alone. The first book is about a distant cousin of Alisdair's and has only a very brief passing mention in this book. There are no spoilers for the first book, You May Kiss the Bride, in this book, so you're also totally safe to go back and read book 1 spoiler-free.
The house party/competition aspect of the plot was great, and reminded me a bit of Lenora Bell's How the Duke Was Won. Again I found myself loving Fiona, with her vast practical knowledge and rather dry wit. The other "competitors" were more caricatures than real characters, but that sure made for fun reading! I love that Fiona and Alisdair don't have the insta-love or even insta-lust that you see in so many romance novels, but instead have a slow warming toward each other, with several set-backs due to understandings and insecurities. The last quarter or third of this book had tears just streaming down my cheeks and my heart aching in my chest, which I love in a romance novel (as long as there's a HEA at the end!). I love the vulnerabilities of both main characters, their journies and their growth. And then there is this:
"But fear, I know, isn't always a rational thing." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. "If you wish, I'll teach you. If you trip, I'll catch you. And if you prefer not to, I won't persist."
Well swoon, Alisdair.
This is the second book in The Penhallow Dynasty series, but it can be read as a stand alone. The first book is about a distant cousin of Alisdair's and has only a very brief passing mention in this book. There are no spoilers for the first book, You May Kiss the Bride, in this book, so you're also totally safe to go back and read book 1 spoiler-free.
June 28, 2022
✨Si, quiero, milord✨de Lisa Berne
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En esta nueva entrega nos encontramos con otro personaje de los Penhallow, concretamente hablamos de Alasdair, un primo lejano del protagonista de la primera historia Gabriel, que se verá en serios apuros para conseguir casarse en 35 días.
Fiona no ha tenido buena suerte en el plano amoroso, cuando estaba a punto de casarse, con el anillo casi en el dedo, su pretendiente acabó casándose con su hermana, este hecho la dejó el corazón roto, por lo que no desea pasar otra vez por ese trámite, hasta que le llega una carta en la que dice que debe presentarse en el castillo Tadgh, donde el laird Alasdair, convoca a los clanes más importantes para encontrar esposa.
Alasdair ha llevado una vida bastante libertina, y pretende que aunque se case, pueda seguir llevando la misma vida, pero con lo que no cuenta, es que entre todas sus pretendientas va a elegir a la más respondona y con carácter de todas.
Juntos comenzarán un camino en el que deberán aprender a convivir, y ya sabéis el roce hace el cariño… no digo más.
❣️Opinión personal❣️
Es la segunda vez que leo a la autora y me tiene encandilada con sus historia de época. Me ha encantado de principio a fin, tiene una pluma muy sencilla, y esto facilita mucho la lectura, tanto que casi ni te enteras de que te has bebido, literalmente, la historia.
El lugar elegido para desarrollar esta novela, no podría ser más perfecto, Escocia, y el personaje de Alasdair, aunque parece serio y reservado, tiene detrás una coraza forjada por la pérdida de su familia, por lo que ver como esa coraza e va resquebrajando, ha sido maravilloso.
Un acierto si os gustan las novelas de época, donde el amor sea el ingrediente principal, y sobre todo, donde los personajes sean fuertes y exista pasión entre ellos.
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En esta nueva entrega nos encontramos con otro personaje de los Penhallow, concretamente hablamos de Alasdair, un primo lejano del protagonista de la primera historia Gabriel, que se verá en serios apuros para conseguir casarse en 35 días.
Fiona no ha tenido buena suerte en el plano amoroso, cuando estaba a punto de casarse, con el anillo casi en el dedo, su pretendiente acabó casándose con su hermana, este hecho la dejó el corazón roto, por lo que no desea pasar otra vez por ese trámite, hasta que le llega una carta en la que dice que debe presentarse en el castillo Tadgh, donde el laird Alasdair, convoca a los clanes más importantes para encontrar esposa.
Alasdair ha llevado una vida bastante libertina, y pretende que aunque se case, pueda seguir llevando la misma vida, pero con lo que no cuenta, es que entre todas sus pretendientas va a elegir a la más respondona y con carácter de todas.
Juntos comenzarán un camino en el que deberán aprender a convivir, y ya sabéis el roce hace el cariño… no digo más.
❣️Opinión personal❣️
Es la segunda vez que leo a la autora y me tiene encandilada con sus historia de época. Me ha encantado de principio a fin, tiene una pluma muy sencilla, y esto facilita mucho la lectura, tanto que casi ni te enteras de que te has bebido, literalmente, la historia.
El lugar elegido para desarrollar esta novela, no podría ser más perfecto, Escocia, y el personaje de Alasdair, aunque parece serio y reservado, tiene detrás una coraza forjada por la pérdida de su familia, por lo que ver como esa coraza e va resquebrajando, ha sido maravilloso.
Un acierto si os gustan las novelas de época, donde el amor sea el ingrediente principal, y sobre todo, donde los personajes sean fuertes y exista pasión entre ellos.
May 11, 2020
well this was a big improvement from the first book. this book would have been perfect if it weren't so rushed in the last few chapters.
July 6, 2022
Vanilla_91 - per RFS
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Tremate lettori perché Fiona Douglass è il terrore di tutte le famiglie basate sul patriarcato e sul maschilismo, l’incubo di ogni uomo che considera la docilità e la sottomissione doti fondamentali in una donna e indispensabili per una moglie.
Quanto potevano essere forti e totalizzanti questi concetti nella Scozia del 1800? Direi talmente tanto da farci tirare un bel sospiro di sollievo per aver avuto la sorte di nascere nella “parte fortunata” del mondo e in un tempo in cui, seppur ancora con notevoli difficoltà, la parità dei sessi pare un concetto sufficientemente affermato.
La nostra protagonista è un bel peperino, la primogenita di un capo clan delle Highlands interessata più alla gestione della servitù e del bestiame, che ai merletti e al ricamo.
Sarà per il suo carattere spigoloso, per la lingua affilata o per l’intelligenza e la scaltrezza che non ha voglia di nascondere, ma alla veneranda età di ventisette anni Fiona non è ancora sposata, con grande rammarico del padre.
Quando, contro la sua volontà, la nobildonna si trova a “concorrere” per diventare la moglie del laird del castello di Tadhg, Alasdair Penhallow, è costretta ad ammettere che forse il matrimonio può essere anche qualcosa in più di doveri scomodi e comandi a cui sottostare.
Fenici, ho poco o nulla da recriminare a questo romanzo.
È una favola d’amore raccontata con una chiave molto ironica, ricca di momenti simpatici ma anche di passione. Alasdair e Fiona sono due protagonisti dal carattere forte, che intrattengono il lettore con battibecchi e scontri di volontà, ma al contempo ci regalano una storia in cui il sentimento cresce in maniera lenta e ponderata. Abbiamo un giusto mix di romanticismo, erotismo e ironia… elementi che non stonano mai.
Dalle pagine emerge il notevole lavoro di analisi che l’autrice ha svolto sui suoi personaggi, in particolare su Fiona. Gli atteggiamenti, le decisioni e le reazioni delle varie figure vengono scandagliate e analizzate con cura, ciò non sempre accade nei romanzi rosa dove a volte la caratterizzazione di protagonisti e comprimari pecca un po’ di superficialità o di ovvietà.
Certo non aspettiamoci un saggio freudiano, stonerebbe totalmente con i canoni del genere, che invece il libro rispetta totalmente.
L’unico piccolissimo difetto che ho notato è stato l’epilogo un po’ accelerato. Il punto di svolta arriva grazie a un movente un po’ debole e “il vissero per sempre felici e contenti” si concretizza in maniera un po’ semplicistica. Che posso farci se amo le storie travagliate?
In sostanza, trovo che Il lord prende moglie sia un’ottima “lettura relax”, un bel libro da poter gustare sulle spiagge calde sognando la frescura delle Highlands e sexy scozzesi muscolosi.
P.s. Vi ho detto che Alasdair ha degli splendidi capelli rossi? Adoro questo dettaglio.
.
Tremate lettori perché Fiona Douglass è il terrore di tutte le famiglie basate sul patriarcato e sul maschilismo, l’incubo di ogni uomo che considera la docilità e la sottomissione doti fondamentali in una donna e indispensabili per una moglie.
Quanto potevano essere forti e totalizzanti questi concetti nella Scozia del 1800? Direi talmente tanto da farci tirare un bel sospiro di sollievo per aver avuto la sorte di nascere nella “parte fortunata” del mondo e in un tempo in cui, seppur ancora con notevoli difficoltà, la parità dei sessi pare un concetto sufficientemente affermato.
La nostra protagonista è un bel peperino, la primogenita di un capo clan delle Highlands interessata più alla gestione della servitù e del bestiame, che ai merletti e al ricamo.
Sarà per il suo carattere spigoloso, per la lingua affilata o per l’intelligenza e la scaltrezza che non ha voglia di nascondere, ma alla veneranda età di ventisette anni Fiona non è ancora sposata, con grande rammarico del padre.
Quando, contro la sua volontà, la nobildonna si trova a “concorrere” per diventare la moglie del laird del castello di Tadhg, Alasdair Penhallow, è costretta ad ammettere che forse il matrimonio può essere anche qualcosa in più di doveri scomodi e comandi a cui sottostare.
Fenici, ho poco o nulla da recriminare a questo romanzo.
È una favola d’amore raccontata con una chiave molto ironica, ricca di momenti simpatici ma anche di passione. Alasdair e Fiona sono due protagonisti dal carattere forte, che intrattengono il lettore con battibecchi e scontri di volontà, ma al contempo ci regalano una storia in cui il sentimento cresce in maniera lenta e ponderata. Abbiamo un giusto mix di romanticismo, erotismo e ironia… elementi che non stonano mai.
Dalle pagine emerge il notevole lavoro di analisi che l’autrice ha svolto sui suoi personaggi, in particolare su Fiona. Gli atteggiamenti, le decisioni e le reazioni delle varie figure vengono scandagliate e analizzate con cura, ciò non sempre accade nei romanzi rosa dove a volte la caratterizzazione di protagonisti e comprimari pecca un po’ di superficialità o di ovvietà.
Certo non aspettiamoci un saggio freudiano, stonerebbe totalmente con i canoni del genere, che invece il libro rispetta totalmente.
L’unico piccolissimo difetto che ho notato è stato l’epilogo un po’ accelerato. Il punto di svolta arriva grazie a un movente un po’ debole e “il vissero per sempre felici e contenti” si concretizza in maniera un po’ semplicistica. Che posso farci se amo le storie travagliate?
In sostanza, trovo che Il lord prende moglie sia un’ottima “lettura relax”, un bel libro da poter gustare sulle spiagge calde sognando la frescura delle Highlands e sexy scozzesi muscolosi.
P.s. Vi ho detto che Alasdair ha degli splendidi capelli rossi? Adoro questo dettaglio.
October 4, 2017
My mother won this as a giveaway on Goodreads and I promptly borrowed it before she had a chance to read it.
This book. Ahhhh. I never expected it to be this good. I just finished it and I'm sniffling from the crying I did a bit ago. It make me so happy at the end, but sad to see it go. I haven't had a book in a while that sucked me in so splendidly. This book was so much more realistic than most other romance novels I've read and it only made it better.
I loved the characters - fully formed as they were. The relationships and emotions were all so real. This story took me on an emotional journey right along with Fiona and Alasdair.
I have to also say though that she could have used fewer commas - there were a lot of times they were both unnecessary and grammatically incorrect. Also, there were a lot of times the big words were unneeded and sort of detracted from the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author. Although, if I could, I'd have an entire book about each of their happy lives together - even the smaller characters.
This book. Ahhhh. I never expected it to be this good. I just finished it and I'm sniffling from the crying I did a bit ago. It make me so happy at the end, but sad to see it go. I haven't had a book in a while that sucked me in so splendidly. This book was so much more realistic than most other romance novels I've read and it only made it better.
I loved the characters - fully formed as they were. The relationships and emotions were all so real. This story took me on an emotional journey right along with Fiona and Alasdair.
I have to also say though that she could have used fewer commas - there were a lot of times they were both unnecessary and grammatically incorrect. Also, there were a lot of times the big words were unneeded and sort of detracted from the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author. Although, if I could, I'd have an entire book about each of their happy lives together - even the smaller characters.
August 28, 2018
This was one of the best romance books I have ever read. My only complaint was some plot stuff was rushed, but otherwise, it was so good!
October 29, 2019
So many twist and turns it was hard to keep up. Lots of death.
March 26, 2021
See review of series in general in Penhallow #1.
Alasdair Penhallow is the Scottish relation of Gabriel (book #1) and Hugo (book #3). He has no interest in marrying, even though he is 35. Fiona Douglass is one of 4 daughters of the leader of the Douglass Clan. She has always been in love with the man who became her sister's husband, Logan monro, and has no desire to marry anyone, esp. at the advanced age of 27. She is definitely a "doer" who has lots of lists, knows her way around repairing things, shooting, riding etc. She *almost* seems like someone who is neurodivergent- always thinking about things, making lists, telling herself not to think of things.
Alasdair learns from the old wise woman of the clan who is the most familiar with the Clan's big book of clan law that he must marry within 35 days of his 35th birthday. (Or else the clan will have to kill him, yes, kill him). And he will need to chose among the qualifying daughters of the 8 clans. There are only 4 daughters which qualify, (and if they don't go THEIR penalty is also death,, really?)of which Fiona is one - because she is not yet 28. Fiona is ok with her current life where she is close to her three (all married) sisters and her mother. Her father has a pretty bad temper, and it seems that her mother might be physically abused, but she is definitely emotionally abused, although she doesn't see it that way.
The 4 ladies come for the competition to be Alasdair's wife - they are all very different: a prim "princess" (Mari macIntyre) a woman who wants to live in London and marry a Lord who throws very badly pronounced fresh phrases around (Wynda Ramsay) a woman who lives for adventures, and has very permissive parents (Janet Reid)- a bad decision maker and Fiona. Alasdair is actually very gentlemanly with all of them. Janet ends up being very reckless and getting killed (yes, really dramatic for a romance) when she falls off on a horse she can't handle when the castle is under attack. Fiona also went out to protect her horse against Alasdairs orders, but she ends up saving Alasdair's life (she's a Crack shot) when he is trying to rescue Janet. So the he ends up marrying Fiona.
Fiona is somewhat of an odd duck - her approach to being intimate with Alasdair is very clinical without any feelings. She also has insomnia. She always stayed awake to make she her sisters were safe from her father, who had threatened to beat them.
Alasdair is always tortured by the memory of when his brother, Gavin (somewhat cocky) took a boat out on the loch in not so great weather with his parents and it sank and they all drowned. He has nightmares about the event.
Other events happen,, Fiona is kidnapped by the rogue men from another clan. When alasdair rescues her,, she explains to him that the men and their clan are starving and in desperate straits. Unlike most Scottish Lairds, he helps the men and their clan regain their land and livilihoods.
So then Fiona and Alasdair have some annoying back and forth when they learn that the original passage in the clan tome pronouncing that Alasdair must marry or DIE was rendered null and void in a later time (now SERIOUSLY?) so now their marriage is null and void and any children are bastards. Soooooo Fiona goes back home where she learns her sister has died so Logan monro is now free and somewhat interested.
In the meantime, Fiona has started liking herself and wants to be reunited with A, who has realized the same thing and comes to her. And they get married again.
I ended up going with 3 and skipping through the end of the book, mostly because Fiona and her poor sense of self drove me bananas. That said Ialso liked her character because she just took care of whatever needed to be done.
Alasdair Penhallow is the Scottish relation of Gabriel (book #1) and Hugo (book #3). He has no interest in marrying, even though he is 35. Fiona Douglass is one of 4 daughters of the leader of the Douglass Clan. She has always been in love with the man who became her sister's husband, Logan monro, and has no desire to marry anyone, esp. at the advanced age of 27. She is definitely a "doer" who has lots of lists, knows her way around repairing things, shooting, riding etc. She *almost* seems like someone who is neurodivergent- always thinking about things, making lists, telling herself not to think of things.
Alasdair learns from the old wise woman of the clan who is the most familiar with the Clan's big book of clan law that he must marry within 35 days of his 35th birthday. (Or else the clan will have to kill him, yes, kill him). And he will need to chose among the qualifying daughters of the 8 clans. There are only 4 daughters which qualify, (and if they don't go THEIR penalty is also death,, really?)of which Fiona is one - because she is not yet 28. Fiona is ok with her current life where she is close to her three (all married) sisters and her mother. Her father has a pretty bad temper, and it seems that her mother might be physically abused, but she is definitely emotionally abused, although she doesn't see it that way.
The 4 ladies come for the competition to be Alasdair's wife - they are all very different: a prim "princess" (Mari macIntyre) a woman who wants to live in London and marry a Lord who throws very badly pronounced fresh phrases around (Wynda Ramsay) a woman who lives for adventures, and has very permissive parents (Janet Reid)- a bad decision maker and Fiona. Alasdair is actually very gentlemanly with all of them. Janet ends up being very reckless and getting killed (yes, really dramatic for a romance) when she falls off on a horse she can't handle when the castle is under attack. Fiona also went out to protect her horse against Alasdairs orders, but she ends up saving Alasdair's life (she's a Crack shot) when he is trying to rescue Janet. So the he ends up marrying Fiona.
Fiona is somewhat of an odd duck - her approach to being intimate with Alasdair is very clinical without any feelings. She also has insomnia. She always stayed awake to make she her sisters were safe from her father, who had threatened to beat them.
Alasdair is always tortured by the memory of when his brother, Gavin (somewhat cocky) took a boat out on the loch in not so great weather with his parents and it sank and they all drowned. He has nightmares about the event.
Other events happen,, Fiona is kidnapped by the rogue men from another clan. When alasdair rescues her,, she explains to him that the men and their clan are starving and in desperate straits. Unlike most Scottish Lairds, he helps the men and their clan regain their land and livilihoods.
So then Fiona and Alasdair have some annoying back and forth when they learn that the original passage in the clan tome pronouncing that Alasdair must marry or DIE was rendered null and void in a later time (now SERIOUSLY?) so now their marriage is null and void and any children are bastards. Soooooo Fiona goes back home where she learns her sister has died so Logan monro is now free and somewhat interested.
In the meantime, Fiona has started liking herself and wants to be reunited with A, who has realized the same thing and comes to her. And they get married again.
I ended up going with 3 and skipping through the end of the book, mostly because Fiona and her poor sense of self drove me bananas. That said Ialso liked her character because she just took care of whatever needed to be done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2017
Set in the early 1800s Scotland, this is a very readable romance. Fiona Douglass is now 27 and she has attended so many weddings that she tends to just daydream through them (as well as compose her latest 'to do' list). Fiona is a competent woman who has given up on romance ever since she was jilted at 18 by a man who fell in love with her sister. Life at home gives her many outlets for her formidable organizing skills and a way for her to talk herself into ignoring her yearning for something more.
Alisdair Penhallow, the Laird of Castle Tadgh has turned 35, spending the past 15 years (since his parents and older brother drowned) living the good life. He's a good steward of his land and his dependents but he's not at all interested in settling down and having a wife and children. However, now that he's 35 & unmarried he is informed that clan law requires him to choose a bride within 35 days or suffer the consequences: being hanged and quartered and beheaded as a warning of a chieftain who did not perform their duty of producing an heir.
Fiona isn't the only young lady invited to Castle Tadgh to be inspected and - perhaps - win the prize. She is the only one who isn't really interested in marrying Alisdair (or anyone). This was a fun book that kept you reading and also encouraged me to look up Ms. Berne's previous Penhallow romance.
Alisdair Penhallow, the Laird of Castle Tadgh has turned 35, spending the past 15 years (since his parents and older brother drowned) living the good life. He's a good steward of his land and his dependents but he's not at all interested in settling down and having a wife and children. However, now that he's 35 & unmarried he is informed that clan law requires him to choose a bride within 35 days or suffer the consequences: being hanged and quartered and beheaded as a warning of a chieftain who did not perform their duty of producing an heir.
Fiona isn't the only young lady invited to Castle Tadgh to be inspected and - perhaps - win the prize. She is the only one who isn't really interested in marrying Alisdair (or anyone). This was a fun book that kept you reading and also encouraged me to look up Ms. Berne's previous Penhallow romance.
August 21, 2017
Alasdair Penhallow was enjoying his careless, roguish, fun-filled life until one fine day – or rather, it had been fine until that moment – when he learned of a decree saying that the Chieftain, Alasdair himself, had to marry thirty five days after reaching his thirty-fifth birthday, which was now. Alasdair had no intention of obeying the ancient decree, but with the punishment if doesn’t obey being death, well, it doesn’t leave one much choice, does it? But his Uncle Duff MacDermott tells Alisdair that even with a wife, nothing needs to really change. Fiona Douglass was firmly on the shelf. Once she had thought she would be a bride, but her suitor, Logan Munro, chose her younger, prettier sister, and although Fiona never resented her sister, Fiona no man could ever compare to Logan. Fiona could settle for a decent man, someone who liked her for who she is, but her hopes have once again been thwarted when she is told that she is amongst four eligible candidates to marry Alasdair Penhallow. She doesn’t want to go, but if she doesn’t, it will literally be the death of her. However, Fiona is not worried, Alasdair won’t pick her anyway; and when Fiona sees her competition, she knows she is secure in her spinsterhood. Unfortunately, Fate has decided otherwise, and when a most unexpected event occurs, Fiona and Alasdair have no choice but to marry. Neither is pleased, not at all.
And if you think you’ve read it all before, read on. Lisa Berne gives the marriage of convenience trope clever, unforeseen, and fabulous twists: Alasdair and Fiona do not like each other, there is no combustible and immediate attraction, they loathe the situation, and they refuse to make the slightest effort to make the forced marriage work, and the wedding night is a complete disaster, and not a funny one either; I found it so refreshing, I almost applauded! Alasdair is sometimes unkind, aloof, Fiona is entirely unyielding, and very independent; they could have been exceedingly unpleasant characters, yet they are not. Ms. Berne knows exactly where to draw the line, because the dynamic between Alasdair and Fiona shifts several times, it all feels genuine, and it’s enthralling to watch them be, basically.
Fiona doesn’t suffer fools gladly, and the competition between the four brides-to-be was something to behold: the dialogues are absolutely splendid, and the barbs exchanged are at times vicious; always entertaining, and oftentimes quite funny. Lisa Berne’s prose is spectacular: lush and sumptuous, the dialogues are impeccable, the descriptions of Scotland are breathtaking, and the characterisations are so sharp, that I could all visualise them clearly. One minor character in particular made a rather strong impression on me, Crannog Sutherlainn, and I wonder if we will encounter him again in future instalments, and I also loved little Sheila.
THE LAIRD TAKES A BRIDE is a rollercoaster of emotions: I laughed, I cried, I worried, I suffered for both characters, but mostly for Fiona, and just as Alasdair and Fiona seemed to have resolved their issues, well… one of them hasn't. Lisa Berne has written a perfectly fabulous book, intelligent, unusual, and unique; THE LAIRD TAKES A BRIDE is not to be missed!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
And if you think you’ve read it all before, read on. Lisa Berne gives the marriage of convenience trope clever, unforeseen, and fabulous twists: Alasdair and Fiona do not like each other, there is no combustible and immediate attraction, they loathe the situation, and they refuse to make the slightest effort to make the forced marriage work, and the wedding night is a complete disaster, and not a funny one either; I found it so refreshing, I almost applauded! Alasdair is sometimes unkind, aloof, Fiona is entirely unyielding, and very independent; they could have been exceedingly unpleasant characters, yet they are not. Ms. Berne knows exactly where to draw the line, because the dynamic between Alasdair and Fiona shifts several times, it all feels genuine, and it’s enthralling to watch them be, basically.
Fiona doesn’t suffer fools gladly, and the competition between the four brides-to-be was something to behold: the dialogues are absolutely splendid, and the barbs exchanged are at times vicious; always entertaining, and oftentimes quite funny. Lisa Berne’s prose is spectacular: lush and sumptuous, the dialogues are impeccable, the descriptions of Scotland are breathtaking, and the characterisations are so sharp, that I could all visualise them clearly. One minor character in particular made a rather strong impression on me, Crannog Sutherlainn, and I wonder if we will encounter him again in future instalments, and I also loved little Sheila.
THE LAIRD TAKES A BRIDE is a rollercoaster of emotions: I laughed, I cried, I worried, I suffered for both characters, but mostly for Fiona, and just as Alasdair and Fiona seemed to have resolved their issues, well… one of them hasn't. Lisa Berne has written a perfectly fabulous book, intelligent, unusual, and unique; THE LAIRD TAKES A BRIDE is not to be missed!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 22, 2017
Despite finding Lisa Berne’s first book, You May Kiss the Bride, lackluster, I picked up the second book in the series. And I found that I had the same reaction to this one. And while it had its good points, the romance wasn’t really “there” for me.
I think the first mistake was having this book be about Alasdair, who I don’t even remember being a big part of the first book, than about Hugo, who interested me much more. And with his character, I didn’t get the sense there was anything new being brought to the table, as he’s just another angsty, broody hero, who won’t fall in love because he was heartbroken over the woman he loved marrying his brother, and then losing his parents, brother, and sister-in-law after they drowned in the loch. And with Fiona, while I did feel bad for her, as she had such a difficult life at home, I had a hard time believing that she would fall in love with Alasdair, especially since these two ADULTS have constant miscommunications.
I did enjoy that Berne endeavored to immerse us more fully in Highland culture than any other book I’ve read before, setting the book entirely in Scotland with an entirely Highland Scottish cast of characters, imbuing what their perspective might have been at the time. And though I don’t know a lot about clan history and relations, I found the concept of the Tome and the laws within intriguing.
And despite my two disappointing experiences reading Berne’s work, I do hope to see what she produces in the future. From what I have heard from her about Hugo and his book, he is someone who is funny and lighthearted, and much more my speed.
I think the first mistake was having this book be about Alasdair, who I don’t even remember being a big part of the first book, than about Hugo, who interested me much more. And with his character, I didn’t get the sense there was anything new being brought to the table, as he’s just another angsty, broody hero, who won’t fall in love because he was heartbroken over the woman he loved marrying his brother, and then losing his parents, brother, and sister-in-law after they drowned in the loch. And with Fiona, while I did feel bad for her, as she had such a difficult life at home, I had a hard time believing that she would fall in love with Alasdair, especially since these two ADULTS have constant miscommunications.
I did enjoy that Berne endeavored to immerse us more fully in Highland culture than any other book I’ve read before, setting the book entirely in Scotland with an entirely Highland Scottish cast of characters, imbuing what their perspective might have been at the time. And though I don’t know a lot about clan history and relations, I found the concept of the Tome and the laws within intriguing.
And despite my two disappointing experiences reading Berne’s work, I do hope to see what she produces in the future. From what I have heard from her about Hugo and his book, he is someone who is funny and lighthearted, and much more my speed.
October 14, 2017
I really wanted to like this book but, like this author's first book, it moved VERY slowly. There were long passages and chapters where nothing really happened or were focused on people or events that had, really, nothing to do with Alasdair and Fiona. Truly, I felt like large portions of the book could have been removed and the story would still be in tact and would have moved faster.
The beginning was fun and interesting, like The Bachelor, Scottish edition. But then that ended rather, er, badly, and then we had a whole section of the book where Fiona was very standoffish for no good reason that I could tell. In fact, I didn't much like Fiona. She ran either hot or cold, with no good in between.
Also, it appeared the whole plot/storyline was being planned/manipulated by a 7-year old seer, who didn't even know when she was setting things up as she would just spout strange sayings, and then turn back into a little girl and not remember what she said.
Finally, I don't understand what has this has to do with the first book in the series. The characters in the first book were only mentioned briefly, and really the name Penhallow doesn't seem like it would be Scottish at all. To me, if feels as if this was a completely unrelated story and the author was told to make them go together so the clan's name was changed to Penhallow.
At this point, I'm not sure I will pick up another story in this series unless it gets a good review.
The beginning was fun and interesting, like The Bachelor, Scottish edition. But then that ended rather, er, badly, and then we had a whole section of the book where Fiona was very standoffish for no good reason that I could tell. In fact, I didn't much like Fiona. She ran either hot or cold, with no good in between.
Also, it appeared the whole plot/storyline was being planned/manipulated by a 7-year old seer, who didn't even know when she was setting things up as she would just spout strange sayings, and then turn back into a little girl and not remember what she said.
Finally, I don't understand what has this has to do with the first book in the series. The characters in the first book were only mentioned briefly, and really the name Penhallow doesn't seem like it would be Scottish at all. To me, if feels as if this was a completely unrelated story and the author was told to make them go together so the clan's name was changed to Penhallow.
At this point, I'm not sure I will pick up another story in this series unless it gets a good review.
June 13, 2022
Nos trasladamos a Escocía🏴, Alasdair👨🏼🦰 el protagonista, primo lejano de Gabriel el protagonista de la primera parte, que al cumplir 35 años es obligado a casarse en 35 días todo para cumplir una ley o de lo contrario morirá.
Es entonces cuando aparece nuestra protagonista Fiona👩🏻🦱, que no es el tipo de mujer que le gusta a nuestro laird, y que es una mujer ya con veintisiete años y que sufrió un desamor💔 que le dejó huella y es por eso que no quiere casarse. Pero Alasdair👨🏼🦰 convoca a las doncellas de los cuatro clanes más importantes y uno de ellos es al que pertenece Fiona👩🏻🦱.
Alasdair está acostumbrado a vivir haciendo lo que quiere, con quien quiere, y decide casarse👰🏻♀️💍🤵🏼♂️ por el decreto con Fiona pero sin dejar la vida que lleva y sólo se casa para procrear y dejar un heredero, no todo es lo que parece y las cosas no tan fáciles como él las piensa, y todo puede dar un vuelco.
Ambos protagonistas son fuertes💪🏼, pero esa fortaleza la utilizan como coraza que esconde una fragilidad que en realidad tienen los dos y que les hará vivir una segunda oportunidad con este matrimonio💖, que les hará conocerse y las cosas cambiarán entre ellos. ¿Os gustan las historias de highlanders? ¿Y el romance histórico? Si queréis saber más cositas, la reseña completa está en nuestro blog.
Es entonces cuando aparece nuestra protagonista Fiona👩🏻🦱, que no es el tipo de mujer que le gusta a nuestro laird, y que es una mujer ya con veintisiete años y que sufrió un desamor💔 que le dejó huella y es por eso que no quiere casarse. Pero Alasdair👨🏼🦰 convoca a las doncellas de los cuatro clanes más importantes y uno de ellos es al que pertenece Fiona👩🏻🦱.
Alasdair está acostumbrado a vivir haciendo lo que quiere, con quien quiere, y decide casarse👰🏻♀️💍🤵🏼♂️ por el decreto con Fiona pero sin dejar la vida que lleva y sólo se casa para procrear y dejar un heredero, no todo es lo que parece y las cosas no tan fáciles como él las piensa, y todo puede dar un vuelco.
Ambos protagonistas son fuertes💪🏼, pero esa fortaleza la utilizan como coraza que esconde una fragilidad que en realidad tienen los dos y que les hará vivir una segunda oportunidad con este matrimonio💖, que les hará conocerse y las cosas cambiarán entre ellos. ¿Os gustan las historias de highlanders? ¿Y el romance histórico? Si queréis saber más cositas, la reseña completa está en nuestro blog.
February 5, 2019
I am compelled to write a review for this book. This has been, thus far, the hardest historical romance book for me to read. There was zero chemistry between Fiona and Alasdair from the beginning. Their “courtship” consist of them taking one step forward and two steps back. It seems at their ages of 27 and 35, they have both been emotionally scarred enough that they are both wary of starting a new chapter in their lives.
While I liked how Lisa Berne wrote her characters, the love story itself was painfully slow and painful to read. Only at the end do you see both characters change and seeing the other person in a different light. However, we we not privy to see how/why they changed. When, exactly did Fiona realize she was in love with Alasdair? And how did Alasdair realize he had to properly court Fiona?
One thing that I do like about the book, though, is that it’s written in English and not Scottish dialect, like how Scottish setting romances are usually written. So for that, and the strong characters itself, I give this book 2.5 stars.
While I liked how Lisa Berne wrote her characters, the love story itself was painfully slow and painful to read. Only at the end do you see both characters change and seeing the other person in a different light. However, we we not privy to see how/why they changed. When, exactly did Fiona realize she was in love with Alasdair? And how did Alasdair realize he had to properly court Fiona?
One thing that I do like about the book, though, is that it’s written in English and not Scottish dialect, like how Scottish setting romances are usually written. So for that, and the strong characters itself, I give this book 2.5 stars.
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