Christmas in Kilts

Highland Fairy Tales

by Terri Brisbin, Bronwen Evans, Lecia Cornwall

Tis the season to fall in love! These five bestselling authors bring you great tiding of highlanders and romances this holiday season!

A HIGHLANDER'S HOPE by Terri Brisbin
A village harlot who would never dream she could have a different life meets a Highlander who visits for the holidays and brings with him an offer and hope.

A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS WAGER by Lecia Cornwall
When a snowstorm forces a charming lass hiding a broken heart to take shelter in a castle with three fine Highland lairds just days before Christmas, there’s a game afoot—who will be the first to win a kiss and maybe her heart.

A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen Evans
She's ready to embrace her life and future as a spinster, he's trying to have one last hurrah before he gives into his family's wishes and proposes marriage to his neighbor, but fate has other ideas when the lady and the Scot meet at a holiday house party in the wilds of Scotland.

LEFTOVER MISTLETOE by Lavinia Kent
What happens when a highlander finds himself stranded, maybe kidnapped, with an English lady around Christmas... maybe the mistletoe will help answer that question.

SWEET HOME HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS by May McGoldrick
An encounter between an English officer and a desperate aunt trying to keep custody of her young niece leads to a little magic during the holidays.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Anthologies, Christmas, Historical, Holiday, Scotland

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2017

About the author

Terri Brisbin is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of more than 50 historical, paranormal and fantasy romances and her books have been released in more than 20 languages and 25 countries around the world since 1998. She's been published by Berkley/Jove, Harlequin, Kensington Books, NAL/Signet, Dragonblade Publishing and Oliver Heber Books. Terri has also self-published her works and will have new books out through 2026!

When not living the glamorous life of a romance author in the southern NJ suburbs, Terri spends her time being a married mom, a grammy and a dental hygienist while plotting and planning future stories and trips to Scotland . For more info (more than you could possibly want or need to know) visit her website – www.terribrisbin.com .

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in Kilts is a 2017 Swerve publication.

Every holiday season, I sample at least one Christmas anthology. This one caught my eye, but as I was looking at the terrific authors featured, it occurred to me that it has been a very long time since I’ve read a Scottish/Highlander historical romance, and suddenly I felt a need to remedy that.

As usual, I choose one, maybe two, favorites in an anthology to feature in my review. But, to be clear, every book in the collection is very good, these were just the ones I enjoyed the most and wanted to spotlight.

A Highland Christmas Wager by Lecia Cornwall-

I loved this karma driven story featuring Meggie who, along with her grandmother, is forced to seek shelter from a snowstorm at Gleanngalla Castle, the last place on earth she wants to be.

However, with three Highlanders underfoot, things get a little prickly, when they agree to make a wager that could change the future for the two young ladies on the premises.

Despite Magnus MacVane’s confidence, things don’t exactly go as planned, when Charlie McKay and Hugh MacAulay put a wrinkle in his plans.

I really enjoyed the way this story turned out, and enjoyed seeing Meggie and Catriona get their much deserved HEA!


A Scot for Christmas by Bronwen Evans

Emma has loved Dougray since she was in her teens, but he married Francesca, who died tragically six years ago.

Dougray is still in love with Francesca, but realizes his duty to provide heirs. Therefore, he is beginning to think of remarriage and even has a prospect in mind. But, when Emma arrives with her brother, Dougray is stunned by her beauty and finds himself quite taken with her. But, when she approaches him with a scandalous proposition, his heart will face the ultimate test of courage.

This story pulls on the heartstrings, but has a wonderfully romantic and heartwarming ending. I was especially fond of Dougray- the brooding, tortured type I’m always a sucker for.


The remaining stories rounding out this star -studded anthology include:

The Highlander’s Hope by Teri Brisbin

Leftover Mistletoe by Lavinia Kent

Sweet Home Highland Christmas by May McGoldrick

Each novella is holiday themed and features super sexy Scottish Highlanders that will quicken your pulse and melt your heart!
4.5 stars

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas in Kilts is a collection of five separate novellas that all center around some sexy highlanders and the woman that win their hearts at Christmas time. Each being novella length they are short but sexy reads to heat up the holidays. The collection includes the following five stories...

A Highlander's Hope by Terri Brisbin - A determined highlander finds himself in love with a lady of questionable repute after spending time together and seeing just how she lives her life and what she does for others.

A Highland Christmas Wager by Lecia Cornwall - A snowstorm forces a young woman to take shelter with three highlanders where a bet is made for which will win her kisses and her heart.

A Scot for Christmas by Bronwen Evans - A single young woman is ready to hang up her hopes for finding the love of her life and embrace a life of spinsterhood but first she wishes to at least enjoy one night of passion to hold onto in her lonely nights to come.

Leftover Mistletoe by Lavinia Kent - A highlander and a lady find themselves stranded and fending for themselves in a remote cabin where things heat up with a promise of love in the air.

Sweet Home Highlands by May McGoldrick - A young woman is determined to find a husband so that she may keep her young orphaned niece that she loves dearly when the pair happen upon a ship's captain that both are soon smitten with.

As with most collections there were stories that I did like more than others but in the end I found the entire collection to be a solid sexy holiday historical read that I think romance fans will enjoy.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.5 Stars
A HIGHLANDER'S HOPE by Terri Brisbin - NEVER tell a Highlander he can’t follow his heart while following his leader’s orders because the heart knows what it wants and sees the beauty in a tarnished rose. A happily ever after romance that proves that labels do not define a person and some things are just meant to be!

A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS WAGER by Lecia Cornwall - Be careful what you wager, you may end up losing your heart, even as you win the greatest gift of all, in spite of yourself!

A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen Evans - You have to love a woman who knows what she wants and manages to get more than she ever dreamed of! Sassy, sexy and filled with touches of humor!

LEFTOVER MISTLETOE by Lavinia Kent - Love shows up when you least expect it, especially when circumstances are either the most inopportune. Were those moments happenstance or contrived? Definitely a fun read where everything that goes wrong ends up being so right!

SWEET HOME HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS by May McGoldrick - The wisdom of a child whose precocious antics never let up finds a way to create the family she wants and needs! Sweet, humorous and definitely a feel good story for the Holidays!

If the title didn't grab you, these short, sweet and romantic tales will! A wonderful way to warm up to the magic of the Holidays with just the right amount of spice!

I received an ARC edition from Swerve in exchange for my honest review.

Publisher: Swerve (October 31, 2017)
Publication Date: October 31, 2017
Genre: Holiday Historical Romance
Page Count: 300
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Jenny (Reading Envy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently, being part-English and female and ending up trapped by snow with a manly highlander-with-issues is a trope, because all five stories in this compilation have different flavors of this structure. Sometimes that Scotsman is grieving a dead wife, often he is trying to navigate expectations from the clan (including land ownership, marriage for alliances, etc.) and to find a wife! Luckily these women show up right as a snowstorm does....

All five authors contributing to this compilation write romance series featuring Scottish clans during their height of power. This volume would be a good way to get to know some characters and find a way in. And it's probably the best thing to read during a snowstorm.

Thanks to the publisher for indulging my attempts to read more romance, and providing me a copy through NetGalley

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthologies are tricky to rate and review.

A wee bit spoilery, so proceed with caution...

Deep down, I knew I shouldn’t have done it. I am the WORST anthology reviewer in the history of reviewers. But, that title, it grabbed me, wrapped me in a plaid and dragged me off to the highlands. I’m sorry to the authors in this anthology, but your bloody title, I just couldn’t resist. Unfortunately, I went in blind…

2 good reads out of 5 isn’t that bad, is it?!?!

I’m going to be brutally honest and a wee bit spoilery here, so either, step away from the review OR grab a cuppa, and here we go…

A HIGHLANDER'S HOPE by Terri Brisbin

First cab off the rank and I’m devastated. This highland tale does not start well for me. The hero is still in love with his wife who passed away 5 years previously. His nephew wants him to marry again and form alliances which he doesn’t want to do. For Christmas, his going to do his usual and visit another clan so he can hook up with the village whore. Hmmm…you’re sounding mighty appealing, Sir. Oh, it gets better, that’s his love interest. Now, I admit, I gave up at that point. The fact that he was referring to her as a whore made me perturbed.

A whore is a whore, who’s a whore, to be sure…

No offence to the heroine, but I can’t stand the judgement and condemnation they will face as a couple. No faith in their HEA, unfortunately.

A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS WAGER by Lecia Cornwall

Bloody Hell!! Ummm…Authors, I think it’s in your best interest to make the story seem appealing in the beginning. The first bloke I’m introduced to (who I accidentally thought was the hero) is the biggest Douchewaffle EVER!! He admits to being glad that his wife is dead because he didn’t like her and only married her for money. NICE!! Then, when the heroine is forced to take shelter in his house, he remembers that he took her virginity, promising her the stars…that he had no intentions of fulfilling. YUCK!!

After that stellar introduction, I gave up. Turns out he wasn’t the hero, but my stomach was already turned. Tip…Authors, make it clear that the Douchewaffles aren’t the heroes.

A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen Evans

Again, maybe I judged too early, but please “Hero”, don’t declare that your first wife is your only love and that you have to marry again JUST for heirs. Then, admit that you will only give the new wife your body, honour, but never your heart.

Yeah, yeah, I believe you.

Then, we find out that he’s having a house party for all his mates and their mistresses. NICE!! Oh, except one of his mates brings his sister…his very virginal, husband-hunting and innocent sister. His excuse for bringing the sister, she threatened to tell Daddy about his mistress if he didn’t bring her. Blah… I’m out…AGAIN!!

SHOULD I JUST GIVE UP??? Maybe, just one more…


LEFTOVER MISTLETOE by Lavinia Kent

WooHoo!! About bloody time. Now that’s what I’m talkin about….
I loved this one, and I wasn’t scared away in the first few pages.
Forced proximity. Stuck in a snowstorm. Snuggling for warmth. Yep, a touch predictable, a little too insta-love, but so bloody good. My heart was engaged and I loved seeing this couple connect and fall in love. Nothing bad that left me pulling out my hair and the introduction sucked me in. I finished with a big goofy grin…SUCCESS!!


SWEET HOME HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS by May McGoldrick

AND THE WINNER IS…Sweet Home Highland Christmas, with the most endearing additional character I’ve read in a long time.

This little tale was sweet, sexy and a wee bit funny. I was so sucked in by this story that I’m desperate to read more from this author duo.


So, this is where I struggle to review Anthologies. I loved 2 of the stories but I REALLY struggled with the other 3. Ok, now this is not an exact science, but this is how I calculated my rating.

5 stars for the last because it was my favourite.
4 stars for the second last because it was my second favourite.
3 stars for the third because I like the heroine and think she deserved better.
2 stars for the second because the author made a mistake for showing me the inner-thoughts of one of the biggest DOUCHEWAFFLES EVER!!
1 star for the first book because the “hero” accepted that his wife would not be welcomed into homes he would frequent because of her previous occupation.

5 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 15

15 / 5 = 3

So, there you have it. If, by some freaky chance, you see me tempted by an Anthology, please, pretty please (with sugar on the top), for the love of all my favourite reads, STOP ME!! The stress will do me in.

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.

[Rejane]

This is a excerpt from a good, honest reviewer “A”’ review. Beware of SPOILERS.
That’s what she said.
1. A Highlander’s Hope by Terri Brisbin - It is my sincere hope to never come across such an unappealing, unromantic relationship setup again, folks. The very popular Christmas shout-out of “Ho, Ho, Ho!” kept ringing in my ears as I was introduced to the heroine, who was a very popular “ho” that seems to have slept with every single man, at one point in time or another, within a hundred mile radius. I had no desire to get to know her myself, especially after having her mentally think about all the men she’s recently pleasured during the week as she awaits the hero’s yearly holiday visit to her doorstep, where he becomes her sole paying customer for several weeks. No...thank...you. Just not my ideal of romance.

#2. A Highlander’s Christmas Wager by Lecia Cornwall - Here we have a hero who years earlier deflowered the virgin heroine in her family’s hayloft while he was journeying to marry someone else. Why? Well, because she and her sisters had a reputation of being good, decent, morale women, therefore, a challenge to tup. With him happy as a lark his shrew of a wife is dead, he’s overjoyed this Christmas to have this former notch on his conquest list show up on his doorstep in the middle of a storm, where she’s obviously going to have to deal with two other lecherous lairds leering at her, as well. Again, No...thank...you. Just not my ideal of romance.

#3. A Scot for Christmas by Bronwen Evans - An uninvited heroine who shows up at the hero’s house party of ill repute hosted for his guy pals and their mistress ho girlfriends. On top of that, she’s always been in love with him, even after he married someone else years ago, who though deceased, he is still hopelessly/desperately still in love with. She wants a quick fling with him before she signs herself up for permanent spinsterhood. Again...No...thank...you...I’ll pass.

#4 Leftover Mistletoe by Lavinia Kent and #5 Sweet Home Highlands by May McGoldrick are the only two, IMHO, that are worth reading

[Sheila Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of five novellas with a Scottish theme.

A HIGHLANDER'S HOPE by Terri Brisbin -- Iain MacKillop is a widower who yearns for marriage and children, but intends on making his own choices this time. The one woman he can't stop thinking about is completely inappropriate. Robena MacKendimen is the village whore and while she too thinks about Iain, she knows that her status makes anything else between them impossible. This was a lot of story packed into a short novel. I really enjoyed the fact that this book doesn't flinch from the difficulties of a man falling in love with a whore. The story has a sweet aspect but also a serious one and there is no magic wand that resolves these issues which I really like. There are compromises and a will to make happiness happen. This is a novalla in the MacKendimen series. Rating: 3.5 stars.

A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS WAGER by Lecia Cornwall -- Meggie MacLeod is forced to take refuge at a castle where there are three lairds. One of the lairds is the man that Meggie fell in love with at the age of eighteen before he broke her heart by marrying another. A wager between the men as to who will be able to gain her kisses ignites a competition between the men. Hugh MacAuley needs an heiress in order to satisfy the elders of his clan. He has come to ask the sister of his host, but Meggie tempts him with her fire and her sweetness. I enjoyed this story as Hugh is a shyer hero than I expected and this book really deals with Meggie having lost her virtue and yet Hugh choosing her despite all the cultural reasons he shouldn't. The story is really sweet between Meggie and Hugh. Rating: 3.5 stars.

A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen Evans -- Dougray knows he must marry again to have an heir, but his love for his deceased wife means that he never intends to love a woman again. Instead, he will marry for companionship and children. Emma has loved Dougray since she was a child. At a houseparty, she challenges him to teach her about passion before she accepts her spinster existence. He is tempted to succumb to passion before choosing a life without deep emotions. I really enjoyed this story. Dougray and Emma are such nice people. Life and love has treated each of them with some difficulties. I liked how Dougray allows himself to be "convinced" by Emma but quickly realizes that there is more at work here than merely a spinster who wants to learn about physical love. This is one of the highlights of the set and a story I would read again. Rating: 4.5 stars.

LEFTOVER MISTLETOE by Lavinia Kent -- English Emma Spencer finds herself in a coach with James Barran. James is on his way to stop a wedding, but machinations leave him and Emma stranded at Christmas time at a cabin. I enjoyed this story which is focused intensely on the couple. The two being stranded allows them time to get to know one another even though the actual time period covered by the story. I liked the characters who are decent people who are trying their best to do the right thing. The story has a hot little element which I also enjoyed. Rating: 4 stars.

SWEET HOME HIGHLANDS by May McGoldrick -- Captain Gregory Pennington encounters a precocious child and her desperate aunt while waiting for travelers he is to accompany home. Freya Sutherland needs to marry someone immediately in order to keep her niece. I loved this story primarily because of the depiction of Freya's niece. She is adorable and really tied the story together. Penn and Freya are such nice, well meaning people that the niece is necessary to put some spice into the story. I was surprised at how much development was able to be done considering how few pages the authors had to work with. Penn is a gentleman who is looking for his purpose in life and finds it in a gentle woman and her strong willed, determined niece. Rating: 4.5 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com

[Patricia Wissore · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's stories I loved, some I like, then one I didn't like at all.
A Highlander's Hope- wasn't my cup of tea at all. I prefer stories that have a confirmed HEA with Everyone happy in the end (except the bad guy) and to me this one just didn't deliver on that. I enjoyed reading it until that point.
A Highlanders Christmas Wager- I really enjoyed. The story gave some background as it went on why the heroine felt the way she did and how she grew past those feelings was fun to watch. Her Grandmother was just the right touch. I loved how this turned out in the end!
A Scot for Christmas - was my favorite in the bunch. I love a strong heroine who knows exactly what she wants and isn't going to stop til she gets it!
Leftover Mistletoe - was a new to me author and I really liked her story. I normally don't like what I would consider a weak heroine, but this one was truly likeable and sweet in that she wasn't helpless, she just didn't know how/what she was doing, yet she still tried. She may have been innocent but her thought process was great!
Sweet Home Highland Christmas - what can I say, I LOVED Ella (the child)! It was fun watching how the H/h felt the instant attraction and how they both handled it while dealing with an extremely strong willed and voiced child. The ending was especially hilarious!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and these are my thoughts on the book!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great holiday collection, filled with passion, love and romance. Hot, brawn highlander’s, feisty, smart lasses make for some exciting reading.
Some of my favorite Historical romance authors. Each author brings her talents of storytelling to this fun holiday collection.
You don't wish to stop miss this exciting, intriguing and mesmizing collection. Well done, ladies!!
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own.

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR

[Patricia Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of novellas that revolve around the Christmas time of year. These are 5 of the best Scottish Regency writers and they didn't disappoint. Many times with novellas, they are either 2nd chance romances or love at first sight. These are almost all love at first sight novellas. I thought for the abbreviated format , they were all well written. You saw the relationship bloom. They each had their tender moments.
My favorite though was the last story by May McGoldrick, "Sweet Home Highlands". It was funny and romantic. Can't wait to see if Eleanor ever gets her own story. Loved her.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in Kilts is a wonderful way to get right into the holiday spirit—even, if like in my case, the holiday is still months away. The books inspire love and faith in love so fitting in this holiday season. These five books are really novellas, but together they flow into a solid book, filled with hunky men, who bring out romance, with a good mixture of love and lust, overcoming external and internal battles to reach the love they aspire to amid a myriad of difficulties. The language, settings and descriptions helped to sweep me away to the far, distant land where kilts and brogues are the norm. I have not read other books by these authors, but, after this one, I will add them to my list of must authors to look for in my search for good books. I recommend this book to those readers who enjoy good, lusty romances, who enjoy the thought of a lusty highlander who dotes on them, or who are looking for a delightful book to read this holiday season. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed This set of books you have 5 Authors who gave the best romance in Kilts no less. I could not put this book down at all. I just love each character. They each had there own thing going on. Like Freya who was raising her niece and had to find a way to keep her. So she was on her way to her niece grandmother so she can show she was getting married and would be able to provide and care for her niece. Just like anything in life anything that could go wrong went wrong. Freya would do anything to keep her niece, The love she has for her and vice versa was amazing. This story melts your heart. Each book is set in winter right around Christmas. So you wait to see what will happen how each one incorporates the holiday in there story. I was amazed and was really in the story. Thank you united indie book blog for allowing me to read this book. I look forward to reading more books from these authors.

review by Maribel

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good anthology – all the novellas have a nice Christmas type theme and I enjoyed all the stories, some more than others.

A Highlander’s Hope by Terri Brisbin – 3 stars – Iain is a widower and finally ready to remarry after losing his beloved wife 5 years ago. The woman he has his heart set on is Robena, he knows their joining will not be easy and will cause talk, because Robena is a prostitute. He met her years ago when visiting Rob and Anice, they became lovers and friends. He knows she is the woman for him, despite their age difference and her unsavory past. Now all he has to do is convince her. Robena has not had an easy life and she knows her place, she loves Iain, but refuses his offer for several reasons, primarily because she is barren and so far beneath him in station. Can these two get a Christmas miracle?

A Highlander’s Christmas Wager by Lecia Cornwall – 4 stars – Caught in a snowstorm, Meggie and her grandmother take refuge at the last castle in Scotland that Meggie wants to see. Home of Magnus, the man she believed she loved and loved her, until he married another. Magnus is elated to welcome Meggie into his home, he has been widowed for months and Meggie is just what he needs. Along with Meggie, Magnus has two other guests staying due to the storm, his brother in law Charlie (whom he hopes to match with his sister) and a neighboring laird, Hugh (who is there at his clan’s urging to marry Magnus’ sister). When the three men spy Meggie, they make a wager as to who can claim her kiss first. This is a sweet story with two HEA’s and an appearance by the fearsome McLeod!!

A Scot for Christmas by Bronwen Evans – 4 stars – Dougray is a widower who has grieved for his late wife for 6 long years but is finally letting go of her memory to fulfill a promise to his father to help a neighboring clan. Dougray will marry Fiona, the laird’s daughter to help the clan financially, as he will not accept help in any other way. Emma has loved Dougray for years and was heartbroken when he married, resigned to a spinster’s life, she tags along with her brother to Dougray’s house party with a firm purpose – to taste the passion her spinster life will not allow. Dougray is shocked to see Emma, she has grown into quite the beauty in their years apart and he is unwillingly attracted to her. So when she asks him to be her lover, he knows he should refuse, but his desire outweighs his common sense. Terrified to love again, he was not prepared for Emma and after an incredible night together, he tells her that is the end. Not ready to let him go, Emma goes to confront him, but overhears him talking to his cousin about marrying Fiona. Heartbroken, she runs away before hearing him declare his desire to marry Emma instead. This novella was by far the steamiest of the five and boasts 3 HEA’s!

Leftover Mistletoe by Lavinia Kent – 4 ½ stars – Emma is having a bad day, her maid has run off with her luggage and left this pampered and sheltered Miss alone to fend for herself on the mail coach. Her only traveling companion is a scruffy looking drunk who is snoring. James Barran is not have a good day either, his horse was stolen forcing him to ride in the coach and slowing him down. Time is of the essence because he has a wedding to stop! But when the coach stops, Barran realizes something is amiss, the horses and the driver are long gone and he finds a note from his best friend Robert, telling him to take shelter in the cabin and he will rescue him, once he has wedded and bedded Barran’s sister. Emma twisted her ankle exiting the coach and is bewildered as to why this is happening. She doesn’t want to go with Barran to the cabin, but what choice does she have? When they reach the cabin and he learns who she is, Barran knows what must be done, and he tells Emma they will have to marry. The rest of the story is them getting to know each other and some amusing mishaps (thanks to Emma). By the end of the story, I really believed that they would be happy together.

Sweet Home Highlands by May McGoldrick – 5 stars – this was my favorite novella in the book, it is the story of Gregory Pennington and Freya Sutherland. Freya is guardian to her niece Ella, but since her grandfather’s death, Ella’s grandmother has been questioning whether Freya is capable of caring for her. She has demanded Freya attend her and prove her worthiness. To prove her stability, Freya has agreed to marry her father’s heir, thus proving Ella a home and a financially stable future. She is not happy about the marriage, but the cost it worth it if it means Ella will stay with her. Her discontent grows once she meets their escort, Penn. These two have an instant chemistry, they sizzle! But Penn is not sure how he feels and has plans, plans that do not include a wife and child. And Freya has made a promise and she must marry. With a little help from Ella, these two finally get a HEA.
I thought this was a really good collection and would be happy to recommend it.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in Kilts is a fascinating yet sexy tale full of Highlander romances. Every story was as enticing as the previous one before it. I couldn't put this book down...too good. Heat, chemistry, and lovable characters. They pulled at my heart strings. Sweet, engaging, and funny, too. These writers have brilliantly captured my heart and soul with every page.

A Highlander's Hope by Terri Brisbin was good. Her hero falls for a woman of different standing. One that was considered below everyone in the clan. A herlot. The woman protagonist came from a mother who was a herlot. Her backstory of being rapped broke my heart. I felt sympathy towards her. Despite her position in life, she had good friends who supported her as an equal. That made me like the characters even more. Terri Bisbin created a beautiful heartfelt tale of overcoming obstacles and finding happiness. I recommend her story to all.

A Highland Christmas Wager by Lecia Cornwall is funny and sweet. A young woman faces her past mistake from the age of eighteen. It haunts her still with the man who stole her virtue. He teases and pushes her in all the wrong ways. However, she's not interested. The lady has grown up since that encounter. Strong, smart, beautiful and caring as ever...her grandmother is betting on her getting a husband. Yet, she's determined not to wed. Tha was until a particular laird comes forth. Something about his kind eyes and listening speaks to her. Hishandsome features also make her heart beat faster. A few kisses in and both are wanting each other forever. Only, jealously and other problems get in the way. It was addictive to watch the characters fallhard and fast. I loved it. Lecia Cornwall can write well. Overall, I recommend her tale to all.

A Scot for Christmas by Bronwen Evans is fun and addictive tale. The woman protagonist leads her own fate. I found that quite interesting. Tired of waiting for what may never come, the lady goes after her heart's pleasure. It will cost her, her pride and maybe her friendship. But if she's successful, all may be well. Loving a man whose wife died, is hard. He can't let go. His wife never loved him and he only lusted after her. Not a great foundation for a marriage. Fate has brought two friends together in a way one of them never expected. Hot, sexy, and charming...Bronwen Evans delivers the most exciting Christmas journey ever. I recommend her story, A Scot for Christmas, to all.

Leftover Mistletoe by Lavinia Kent is full of innocent love. A young innocent English woman is stranded with a Scot. His large form intrigues her. Thinking he's asleep throughout the ride, she doesn't push away from him too much. But little does she know, the Scot is very aware of her and her beautiful frame. His friend ends up bribing the coachmen to leave the pair stranded nearby a cottage filled with food, water, and drink. Christmas is approaching and the Heat intensifies with every page. Sexy, hot, and sweet. Both characters were charming. Their dilemma was interesting. Captivated me from the beginning to end. I couldn't stop reading it. Lavinia Kent surely knew how to capture my full attention with every word. Overall, it was a perfect romance.

Sweet Home Highland Christmas by May McGoldrick is a stunning yet hilarious tale. A Scottish soldier and a young woman with her niece are brought together. But it wasn't by fate...the source that brought them together will surely surprise readers! I couldn't believe it...it was so cute. I fell in love with all the characters. The good ones anyway. Love, hope, and a lot of laughter are found on these pages. The entire tale made my heart melt. An aunt must marry in order to keep her sister's child. Or else lose her niece. An arrangement to marry a terrible cousin, she has no choice. Until a certain soldier comes into her life, making her dream of happiness. The niece loves the soldier...

I received the copy from the publisher. This, is my voluntary review.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Christmas in Kilts Christmas in Kilts is a box set with 5 different novellas by 5 different authors. Each with a Christmas theme background along with some hot highlanders men! I am a big fan of box sets because it gets me to get a chance to read other author's stories that I might not have taken the chance on. In addition they are usually quick reads that I can read while waiting around or when I need a quick story before bed. Loved this set!
A HIGHLANDER'S HOPE by Terri BrisbinA village harlot who would never dream she could have a different life meets a Highlander who visits for the holidays and brings with him an offer and hope.
A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS WAGER by Lecia CornwallWhen a snowstorm forces a charming lass hiding a broken heart to take shelter in a castle with three fine Highland lairds just days before Christmas, there’s a game afoot—who will be the first to win a kiss and maybe her heart.
A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen EvansShe's ready to embrace her life and future as a spinster, he's trying to have one last hurrah before he gives into his family's wishes and proposes marriage to his neighbor, but fate has other ideas when the lady and the Scot meet at a holiday house party in the wilds of Scotland.
LEFTOVER MISTLETOE by Lavinia KentWhat happens when a highlander finds himself stranded, maybe kidnapped, with an English lady around Christmas... maybe the mistletoe will help answer that question.
SWEET HOME HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS by May McGoldrickAn encounter between an English officer and a desperate aunt trying to keep custody of her young niece leads to a little magic during the holidays.
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[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A HIGHLANDER'S HOPE by Terri Brisbin
A village harlot who would never dream she could have a different life meets a Highlander who visits for the holidays and brings with him an offer and hope. An enjoyable story of not taking people at face value & seeing someone for the good in them
A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS WAGER by Lecia Cornwall
When a snowstorm forces Meggie Macleod to take shelter in a castle owned by Magnus MacVane the laird who stole her heart & her virtue eight years ago. Charlie MacKay & Hugh MacAulay are also staying with Magnus, they make a wager who will be the first to win a kiss. A delightful story of another MacLeod daughter finding love, very good characterisation & the story is well paced & I read it in a sitting.
A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen Evans
Emma's ready to embrace her life and future as a spinster, Dougray's still trying to come to terms over the loss of his wife but he realises that he must give into his family's wishes and proposes marriage to his neighbour, but fate has other ideas when the lady and the Scot meet at a holiday house party in the wilds of Scotland. A favourite author of mine & this novella didn’t disappoint & was heart-warming. The characters were full of life, the setting lovely, there was humour & of course romance
LEFTOVER MISTLETOE by Lavinia Kent
What happens when James Barran, a highlander finds himself stranded with Emma Spencer, an English lady around Christmas. James’ return home is hampered when his best friend arranges to leave him stranded, unfortunately for Emma she was in the coach so is stranded too. A engaging story of two people stranded in a small hut for Christmas, their attraction is obvious. Emma’s sheltered lifestyle causing some amusing moments when she tries to make tea.
SWEET HOME HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS by May McGoldrick
Gregory Pennington an English officer has been charged with seeing Freya Sutherland safely to his family’s Scottish estate for Christmas. Freya is desperate to keep custody of her young niece Ella & plans a marriage of convenience to her cousin to ensure this. Five year old Ella steals this novella she is delightful. Penn & Freya are immediately attracted but she plans to marry another & he’s going to go to Boston. Another well written novella that I read in a sitting
5 Christmas based novellas, I enjoyed some more than others, my favourite being A Scot for Christmas. The stories were all well written & together formed a very enjoyable box set. There was plenty of humour & some spice. Ideal for whiling away a few hours curled up in the warmth on a winter’s day

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Christmas In Kilts was an enjoyable and happy experience. Five talented authors contributed to this romantic anthology. I couldn't put this book down. Each of these stories is a gem. In A Highlander's Hope by Terri Brisbin. Iain MacKillop has decided that his next marriage will be for love. The woman he want is inappropriate. Robena MacKendimen is the village harlot. Can he change her mind and get her to marry him? I found their battle of wills amazing. The story has emotionally wounded characters who want a future together regardless of the odds. This story touched me. Lecia Cornwall's A Highland Christmas Wager is a tender and passionate romance. Meggie MacLeod finds herself snowbound with three suitors who have made a bet as to who will win her favor. One is a former lover who seduced her and then left. Older and wiser she rejects him. Instead she finds herself attracted to Laird Hugh MacAulay. I cared for this honorable man. Their romance made me feel good. Meggie and Hugh are the perfect couple. The appearance of the Fearsome MacLeod made me laugh. You don't want to mess with him. In A Scot For Christmas by Bronwen Evans, Lady Emma convinces her brother, Thornton, to take her to a party at the hunting lodge of the Earl of Lorne. She has always cared for Dougray, but he had married another. He's now a widower who needs to marry again. These two have so much in common. I liked when they are together. Their romance is sweet and passionate. They are perfect together. This is a feel good story filled with characters who pull you into their story. In Leftover Mistletoe by Lavinia Kent, after the death of her father Miss Emma Spencer lost her place in society. Now she's going to Scotland to stay with her Uncle. Another passenger is James. He's determined to stop his sister from marrying his friend, but the groom has arranged to stop him by leaving their coach stranded. James and Emma find themselves snowed in. Their attraction grows in these close quarters. Watching Emma try to cope with her change in status is both touching and humorous. Their passion made me sigh. I loved this story. May McGoldrick's Sweet Home Highlands is a sweet and touching story filled with love and dedication. Captain Gregory Pennington is escorting Freya and her orphaned niece to their destination. Freya needs a husband if she wants to keep Ella. Her intended is an objectionable man who wants her inheritance. Things change as she and Penn spend time together and their chemistry is amazing. Ella is a charmer. I loved that she plays matchmaker. I wanted a happy ending. They deserve it.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas in Kilts by: Bronwen Evans, Terri Brisbin, Lecia Cornwall, Lavinia Kent, May McGoldrick  
These highlanders set fire to the rain as they inspire faith in love. Christmas in Kilts is a plethora of lust, love and hot, sexy men. Terri Brisbin gives hope to a woman that never had a chance.  Bronwen Evans shares the pitfalls of instant love that was never part of the plan. May McGoldwick and Lecia Cornwall blend sentiment and seduction as they spark up a bit of romance while Lavinia Kent starts a bit of something, something in a tempting dance of chance.  Togetherness, temptation and seduction are found behind the kilt.  A spicy band of holiday fun.
 

[Andrea Way · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to St Martins Press and Netgalley for supplying this book for review. Even though I was gifted this book all my opinions are my own. I loved these novellas. Highlanders Hope by Terri Brisbin was my favourite but that's not a surprise as i adore all her books. If you love hunky men in kilts all sprinkled with Christmas charm then give these stories a read.

[Juliana Philippa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthologies are so difficult to rate! They're always a mix of good and bad (sometimes wonderfully good, and sometimes horrifyingly bad), but I can only choose one way to rate it! Argh. I chose 3 stars, but the ratings range from DNF to 4 stars—there were two stories that I very much enjoyed, one that had a lot of promise, and two that I strongly disliked. All of these authors were ones that I had never read before, so I knew it was quite risky going in, but I have a soft spot for Scottish HRs and couldn't help myself.

The Novellas and Their Individual Ratings.
Here is the breakdown of my ratings:
• "A Highlander's Hope" by Terri Brisbin (4 stars)
• "A Highland Christmas Wager" by Lecia Cornwall (1 star)
• "A Scot for Christmas" by Bronwen Evans (DNF)
• "Leftover Mistletoe" by Lavinia Kent (3.5 stars)
• "Sweet Home Highlands" by May McGoldrick (4 stars)
I wrote reviews below for each one (for some reason my first one is practically the length of the novella it's reviewing, but the others are shorter, I promise!! ;-).




"A Highlander's Hope" by Terri Brisbin
Dunbarton and Dunnedin, Scotland (the Highlands), Winter 1357

MAIN CHARACTERS. Ian MacKillop (40+ years) and Robena MacKendimen (mid-20s?)
• Ian is the uncle of the MacKillop chieftain in Dunbarton; his older brother was the previous chieftain before he died. He has been a widower for about 5 years, and though his first marriage was arranged, he loved and misses his wife, Elisabeth, and is a little lonely; they never had children, which he regrets, but she wasn't able to. He's being pressured by his nephew and others to get married again.
• Robena is the village whore in Dunnedin (to be blunt). Her mother was the village whore and she took on the same role. She lives alone in a cottage on the edge of the village, but is treated well by most all of the village/clan (except for the MacKendimen chieftain, Struan). She was childhood friends with Struan's natural-born son, Rob, who is now the heir to the clan; he and his wife, Lady Anice, are nice to Robena.

SUMMARY. Every winter since Elisabeth died, he goes to Dunnedin for the winter holidays, because he has too many memories tied to Dunbarton and Elisabeth. Rob is a very close friend of his and was raised by his brother for many years, so they trained together. Whenever he goes, he "takes up" with Robena, and there is a fondness there on both sides. The idea of marriage has been increasingly on his mind and though at first he tries to dismiss it, he grows more and more attached to the idea of taking Robena to wife. He knows what people's reactions will be, and that it would be a difficult situation for both of them, but he doesn't care. What he doesn't expect is that Robena herself will be the biggest obstacle to them getting what both their hearts' desire ...

MY REVIEW. This is my first book by Terri Brisbin and I really enjoyed it. She has clearly done her research about the time period and the region, the Scottish accent and phrasing is all well-done, and she is very good at setting the scene. I don't read many medieval romance novels, so some of the aspects of the times were a bit of an adjustment for me (age difference, what women had to deal with, etc.).

I was very wary going in, because I knew from the summary that the heroine was the "village harlot" and while you have some regency/Victorian HRs where the heroine is a mistress or high-priced prostitute, you don't have many. Life was very different then though, and Brisbin does a tremendous job of portraying Robena and allowing us to connect with this complex character; she's a sweet woman who hasn't had much luck in life, and she's not the caricature of a prostitute, while also not being an extreme self-hating one who abhors men and having sex with them.

I was surprised by how much I was able to quickly believe the special connection between Robena and Iain. Iain is a FANTASTIC hero—smart, hardworking, respectful, passionate, and quite sensitive (in terms of being in tune with and aware of others' feelings). Granted it's a novella, so Brisbin didn't have much time or space to employ any Big Misundertandings, but I still have to give her props for writing Iain the way she did; he is patient, understand's Robena's fears, and doesn't let some of her comments and actions to confuse him—he gets what is really driving her.

Overall, a really fantastic novella that I highly recommend. Very different from other romances I have read, but I'm glad for it. Also look forward to checking out some of Brisbin's other works and picking them up.

MISCELLANEOUS. Takes up 1%-19% of eBook. Includes an epilogue. Is part of the MacKendimen Clan series.

QUOTE.

Something was dangerously different between them already, and staying here would just confuse her—them—even more. The contentment she had in her life came from knowing who and what she was, and her place here in the MacKendimen Clan. To blur the lines and pretend to be something, someone, that she was not and could never be, would leave her wanting when he left. Nay, that was not the truth. She would miss Iain when he returned to Dunbarton, but it would be so much worse if she allowed herself to want more than she could have. If she wanted him.

"A Highland Christmas Wager" by Lecia Cornwall
Scotland, Highlands, December 1711

Brief Summary. Meggie and her grandmother get caught in a snowstorm and have to take refuge at a castle on the way. Owner of said castle is Magnus MacAsshole (... okay, maybe that's not reaaaally his name), who Meggie lost her virginity to 8 years ago (1 day before his wedding, though she didn't know it) and whom she hasn't seen since. He's a widower now and the two male visitors who already there are all attracted to Meggie and can't get over her hotness, though apparently our hero doesn't express it as ridiculously as the others, is able to look in her eyes and doesn't get stuck on her breasts, so Meggie feels that he understands her and sees past the flirt-wall she puts up. The three guys have made a wager that whoever kisses Meggie first will win items they've pooled together for the bet, and gets to marry her (by going to her father and telling her they've had sex, whether they have or not, so that the father forces the marriage to cover up any scandal). Yeah, they're a real bunch of Boy Scouts, let me tell ya'!

My Review. Practically no one was likable in this story. Maybe the grandmother. But that's it. There was also something about the story that I couldn't really put my finger on ... like it was just trying too hard, and so ended up being a caricature of an HR novella rather than an actual HR novella. The characters, in addition to being supremely unlikable and shallow, were also hugely inconsistent (in a way that was the author's fault). Example: Meggie has been angry with Magnus ever since she realized he deceived her, and she was an 18-year-old girl who thought herself in love ... but then at one point she considers marrying him and wonders if they'll still have a physical connection ... and then seeks to avoid him as much as possible. Ummm, what?? There are several other examples, but I won't bore you.

Bottom Line. Don't even bother. That sounds soooo harsh ... but I'm always committed to being honest in my reviews for readers, so there it is!

Miscellaneous. Takes up 19%-43% of eBook. Includes an epilogue.




"A Scot for Christmas" by Bronwen Evans
Scotland, December 1815

My Review. Don't have much to write, because I broke it off with this one pretty early. I'll admit I may have been swayed by one of my GR friends, Stacy, who had already reviewed them and whose reviews I saw right before reading this one. To be clear: I didn't like it and wouldn't have liked it regardless, but I listened to that feeling pretty early on and decided to cut my losses.

We start off with the hero lamenting his late wife—who died 6 years ago and whom he was married to for 2 years! Not that great love can't develop in 2 years, but ... his devotion and determination to never even try to find someone else, despite her encouragement to do so, seemed way over-the-top. Then Emily (or was it Emma?) walks through the door, and BOOM —"WOW SHE'S SO GORGEOUS, OMG, I'M IN LOVE AGAIN" (I'm paraphrasing). Calm down, buddy, she literally just walked in the door and you've seen her for a hot second (and not for the first time, she's the younger sister of a friend of his). Furthermore, what happened to all that til-death-devotion that you were so caught-up two minutes ago?

Miscellaneous. Takes up 43%-59% of eBook. Includes an epilogue.




"Leftover Mistletoe" by Lavinia Kent
Kilbirnie, Scotland, 1818

My Review. This was where things started to pick-up again—thankfully! I think my rating would have been higher for this had it been a full novel, because part of the hold-up for me was how quick James and Emma fall in love and connect. It wasn't too bad—that's something I'm always super sensitive to and dislike—but it toed that line for me. Both characters were enjoyable, I liked the dialogue between them, and the chemistry was really great!! There were also some very funny scenes ... one involving Emma, who has heretofore lived a very privileged life, trying to do an everyday mundane task, with some unforeseen consequences lolol; have to give her points for trying!

Main Characters.
Emma, the heroine, was extremely likable and I liked her backstory. She grew up the daughter of an earl, very privileged, and in a loving home, but when we meet her, she's been orphaned, her maid has run off with some of her belongings, as she's traveling to live with an uncle she never met because her cousin (and father's heir) kicked her out the only home she's ever known. She's not hoity-toity, though there is a definite sense of authority and aristocracy about her that James notices, but it's all completely logical—of course she's never made tea before, of course she doesn't know how to start a fire. The thing is, she tries to learn and tries to do those things, and that's what I really appreciated; she's trying to make the best of a shitty situation and come to terms with the changes that have taken place in her life.

James Barran is our hero, and he's a bit of a mysterious character at the beginning. He's a good guy though, and since it's surprisingly rare to have a hero who is, from the beginning, a decent fellow (lord, what does that say about us?? lolol), it made for a nice change. He's on his way to try and stop his sister and best friend from marrying, because his bff is a bit of a rogue and he is worried that he isn't truly in love with Catriona. He has a sad backstory and again—there was some really good material to work with here!! A novel would have been so nice ... But back to James: he's very respectful of Emma, very protective and caring, and also has a clear sense of responsibility (I don't mean that in the boring/staid way that may sound).

Miscellaneous. Takes up 59%-79% of eBook. Includes an epilogue.




"Sweet Home Highlands" by May McGoldrick
Scottish Highlands, December 1817

Brief Summary. Freya Sutherland (22) has taken care of her niece, Ella (5), practically since she was born, because her sister died one week after giving birth (father died at war and wasn't even able to ever meet her). Ella is like a daughter to Freya, and Freya will do anything she has to protect and care for Ella. Unfortunately, Ella's grandmother (her father's mother, so no direct relation to Freya), has all of a sudden taken an interest in Ella and has expressed concern about Freya always being able to provide for her and the stability of her home life, since they live with Freya's father, and once he dies Freya won't have much.

Captain Gregory Pennington (30) has been sent to meetup with Freya and party (Ella, nursemaid and servant) and accompany them the rest of the way. He is immediately drawn to both Ella and Freya, and as their journey together continues over the following days, the connection grows stronger and stronger. Unfortunately, Freya is determined to marry the cousin who is her father's heir, despite him being an asshole (and everyone knowing it), and Gregory had recently made the decision to retire as an Army Engineer and move to Boston.

My Review. This was supremely enjoyable and I can't wait to seek out more of McGoldrick's novels. Ella was such a fantastic addition! I really, really loved her. She added a lot of funny moments, and is also a great tool to be able to have a hero or heroine discover something about the other that the former was trying to hide (nice plot tool lol ;-). She's extremely precocious and her interactions with Gregory (and Freya) were very sweet and cute.

Although the story doesn't take place over too long a period, Gregory and Freya are traveling with one another and in such close quarters the whole time that they get to know one another, and that, plus their attraction and fantastic chemistry (loved it!!), made their relationship and story very believable for me.

Miscellaneous. Takes up 79%-100% of eBook. Includes an epilogue.

Quote.

"When you marry Captain Pennington and—"

"I am not marrying Captain Pennington," she corrected, ignoring the snort coming from the area of the nursemaid.

"When you marry Captain Pennington," Ella started again.

Freya frowned at her niece.

"Very well," the child said. "When you marry Gregory and get big in the belly like Mrs. Simpson, will you promise me not to die?"

AND THAT'S IT FOLKS! Those are all the stories. If you made it this far, thanks for reading!!! ;-)

This review is of an ARC provided by Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some changes and/or edits may be made to the final published version.

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a boxset by multiple authors. Out of the 5 authors in this set I have only heard of and read 2 of them. I wanted to read it for Bronwen Evans as I really like her books.

Book 1 is A HIGHLANDER'S HOPE by Terri Brisbin. Iain MacKillop is a widower who is being pressured to remarry for the good of his clan. He wants to make his own decisions so that he can not only be happy in his personal life but have the chance for a family that he didn't have with his previous marriage. But he has his head (and heart) hooked on a woman that he knows is completely inappropriate and that his clan will never accept. No matter how much he might wish differently. Robena MacKendimen is the village whore for a neighboring clan. This isn't necessarily the life she would have chosen but it is the life she has now. And she has made as much peace with that as she can. She cares for Iain but she knows that anything beyond what they have now is never going to happen. Or so she thinks. I really enjoyed this book. It not only shows us that what you would consider a hardened person really isn't but that they may have never wanted to actually be in that "profession" contrary to what history and other books may imply. She is so much more than just the hole she was shoved into and has so much more heart to her. And with what happened to her when she was younger? Heartbreaking! Then you throw Iain in there and OMG! For an older man you would think is completely set in his ways and would be heartless, he is so much more! I loved how he pushed his way through and shower Robena how much he truly loved her and wanted her, and then made it happen! Great read!

Book 2 is A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS WAGER by Lecia Cornwall. This one is about Meggie MacLeod and Hugh MacAuley. Meggie was traveling home with her grandmother and some clansmen for Christmas when they are caught in a snowstorm and forced to take shelter at the castle of the man who seduced and broke her heart at the age of 18. When she arrives Magnus (the jerk who seduced her) decides he needs another wife and he will seduce her again. And then a bet is made between him, Hugh, and another gentleman there for the holidays. Hugh is there because he is newly made lord of the clan and he needs a wife. His clan elders have decided he should marry Magnus's sister, even though he really wants to choose his own wife. I really didn't care much for this story. Parts of it were good but too many times did characters jump to conclusions or they were just plain mean. Some people may really like it, it just wasn't for me.

Book 3 is A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen Evans. This book is about Dougray, the Duke of Lorne and Lady Emma Thornton. Dougray has decided it is time to remarry after losing his wife many years prior. He has never been the same since she died in his arms. Lady Emma has been in love with Dougray since she was a teen but had given up once he married. Now at the age of 26 she has decided to accept she will always be a spinster due to her height and is planning to live at her grandmother's house that was left to her. But before she does that she wants to experience at least one night of passion with the man she loves. I absolutely loved this story! Not only do we see how hurt Dougray still is over his wife's death, but we get to see how he is trying to move on. Reading about the love that he develops for Emma and how they are together was beautiful. And then you throw in other couples getting their HEA's? Perfect!

Book 4 is Leftover Mistletoe by Lavinia Kent. This one is about Emma Spencer and James Barran. Emma has just lost her father and then when her cousin inherited, her home. She is on her way to her uncle but her maid deserted her along with stealing all her personal belongings that she had taken along with her. Barran (James) is on the road to try to stop his sister's wedding to his best friend. Little does he know that his best friend has set up deterrents to his catching them and stopping it. Emma gets caught in the crossfire of it all. This one was ok. It wasn't the best that I read but it wasn't bad either. The potential was there for it to be great, it just didn't meet it in my opinion. I didn't really care for how James treats Emma at first. He just seems to be a jerk and I didn't like that at all. Emma seems like an ice queen but then you figure out quickly that she is just trying to cope with everything that has been thrown her way in too short of a time. Like I said, it was great, but it was ok.

Book 5 is Sweet Home Highlands by May McGoldrick. This one is about Gregory Pennington and Freya Sutherland. Gregory has been tasked to escort a group of people back to his family's home. While he is waiting to figure out who exactly it is that he is escorting he meets young Ella, who is Fie's niece. Fie has raised her niece (with help from her father) since her birth. Her sister died in childbirth and her brother in law in war, so she has always been the parent to her niece and she loves her like her own. Now her brother in laws family is trying to force her to their demands in order to be able to keep her niece, after never having seen her or spoken to her. I absolutely loved this book! I had never heard of this author but this book made me love her! Ella is absolutely incorrigible and you can't help but love what she does to get Gregory and Fie together for her satisfaction and happiness! This one pretty much made the whole set for me, which really surprised me as this is an unknown author to me. Loved it! Great read!!

All in all, 4 stars because some of the stories I didn't necessarily like or they just weren't great but then there were 2 that I absolutely loved every bit of and couldn't put down! I would recommend as it was a great read overall!

[Diane Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just a review of the RITA finalist novella, Sweet Home Highland Christmas by May McGoldrick. It was a lovely little story that fills in some gaps in their series. Ship captain Gregory Pennington is assigned to escort Freya Sutherland and her precocious niece to a home in the Highlands. Freya is planning to accept marriage with a man she wouldn't choose in order to keep custody of the niece she has raised since birth. As they travel Gregory and Freya fall in love, bur complications put barriers in their way to a HEA.
A very nice story with likeable characters. I enjoyed it.

[Lori Meehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highlander’s Hope
Terri Brisbin
4*
(A MacKendimen Clan Novella)
Iain MacKillop has been a widower for five years, he loved his wife and mourned her loss. He has much to do as the clans commander but his life is empty. He and his wife were not gifted with children, something he’s always wanted. With the holidays coming he can’t bring himself to be in the Keep with all the clan and children. He will spend it with the MacKendimen clan as he has in the past and with Robena MacKendimen the only woman who has stirred in him the want to take a wife again. Can he convince her she is more then the village whore and they can have a good life together? Robena loves Iain but she knows there is no place for her except the one she has. Is she willing to let him walk away, or will he be able to prove her worth?

A Highlanders Christmas Wager
Lecia Cornwall
4*
Hugh MacAulay and Meggie MacLeod meet in the mist of a winter storm. Hugh is one of three Lairds (Magnus and Charlie) at the castle where Meggie and her grandmother seek refuge when the storm keeps them from making it home for the Christmas holidays. A bet between the lairds is made to win the hand of the beautiful Meggie, a kiss given freely.
A fun story of seeing past the walls put up to keep people out and a cute secondary romance.

A Scot For Christmas
Bronwen Evans
4.25*
Dougray Lorne widower for several years has decided he must remarry, but it will be for convenience not love. In a few weeks after his annual Hunting Lodge party he will offer for the daughter of his fathers best friend, who he promised to help before his father passed. Emma Duckworth had her heart broken at 18 when Dougray returned from Italy married. Now years later and firmly on the self she wants to experience passion and she’s chosen the only man she trusts, Dougray. For the first time in years Dougray feels interest in a woman when he see Emma. When she tells him what she wants he fights guilt, honor and his growing feelings for Emma.

Leftover Mistletoe
Lavinia Kent
2.75*
A very disjointed story. It had a great story line but it fell short on holding my attention.

Sweet Home Highlands
May McGoldrick
5*
I loved everything about this short story! The hero Captain Gregory “Penn” Pennington was asked to escort Freya “Fie” Sutherland and her five year old niece Ella to meet Ella’s paternal grandmother. Ella’s mother died basically at her birth and her father in battle years later. Freya will do what ever she needs to keep Ella even if it means marriage to her cousin a man she doesn’t like. Ella attaches to Penn the moment she meets him and declares that Fie should marry Penn and not their cousin. Penn and Fie are two very compelling characters with great chemistry but the shining star of the story is Ella. She is such a bright, sassy and sweet child you can’t help but fall in love with her.
I enjoyed this story so much that I downloaded Penn’s parents book Borrowed Dreams.

[Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five hot and steamy stories, five highly intoxicatingly sexy reads, all the romantic feels in one festive anthology. Yes, that's how I would describe this exciting set of romances from five equally talented authors.

I enjoyed each story in the book, and was surprised to learn more about highlanders and Scots and their traditions in the past centuries. I admit I don't read much highlander stories nor watched a series, but this anthology helped me a lot in learning about thy ways and whatnots.

In a Highlander's Hope, I liked Iain McKillop and his determination to win the woman he loved even though she wasn't the entitled lady that his family seeketh of. Robena was quite headstrong about her "personal services" and had even rejected Iain's claim on her, but in the end, I loved how fate worked in their favor. 

The second story, A Highlander Christmas Wager was fun to read. Getting stranded in the snowstorm with the one she hated the most, Maggie MacLeod resisted Magnus MacVane's charms and irresistible looks. A kissing wager might just be what Magnus needed to get the breathtakingly beautiful woman he had always wanted. Maggie and MacVane's story resonated with me and had me grinning all through the journey.

A Scot for Christmas was also a favorite of mine with mournful Dougray digging his way to Lady Emma's heart even if he didn't want to. Theirs was a charming and endearing love story that transcended time.

I also loved the love and hate relationship between James and Emma in Leftover Mistletoe and I think the best story was Sweet Home Highland Christmas as Gregory was the most swoon-worthy Highlander I've ever met.

If you're in for a highly erotic stories with full of romance and hope and silliness, then this book is for you! Don't expect lovey-dovey sweet escapades, though. Because Christmas in Kilts is too hot to handle, to fiery to subside and too scorching to extinguish. You have been warned. 

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scottish Love Stories at Christmas

A Highlander’s Hope by Terri Brisbin 5*
In 1357 Scotland Iain MacKillop, uncle of the chieftain and commander of the MacKillop fighting men, is thinking the unthinkable - taking to wife the village whore! Thought-provoking story with a HEA.

A Highland Christmas Wager by Lecia Cornwall 4*
The year is 1711 and Meggie MacLeod and her grandmother, accompanied by clansman are travelling to Glen Iolair for Christmas. Heavy snow necessitates seeking refuge at Gleanngalla home to Laird MacVane, the man who seduced and abandoned her, eight years before. Magnus MacVane, still as handsome as ever and now widowed takes one look at Meggie and decides he will have her again but the two other visitors, young and unmarried, are also attracted to her, and so an infamous wager between the three men is struck. Hugh MacAulay grew upon me and I enjoyed the way the author wove The Twelve Days of Christmas into the celebrations.

A Scot for Christmas by Bronwen Evans 5*
In 1809 Dougray lost his wife after only two years of marriage but six years later, still heartsore he knows he must do his duty and remarry in order to produce an heir. He is firmly decided on a marriage of convenience which will not affect his heart until Lady Emma, his best friend’s sister, re-enters his life. Lovely story with a courageous heroine.

Leftover Mistletoe by Lavinia Kent 5*
In 1818 Lady Emma Spencer is orphaned and homeless. On her way to her Uncle ‘s home she is robbed by her maid and finds herself on the common stage with a strange man. This however is not the worst of it, the driver abandons the coach, taking the horses and leaving her with said stranger with a snowstorm coming. There is no inn in sight merely an old cottage, how will the two of them fare? Is marriage the only outcome now she has been compromised?

Sweet Home Highlands by May McGoldrick 5*
1817 is the year in which this story is set and five going on twenty five, Ella Dacre steals the show in every scene. She is an orphan being raised by her aunt and grandfather but her wealthy paternal grandmother, who she has never met, suddenly decides to take an interest and wants assurance that her granddaughter‘s future is secure. For Miss Freya Sutherland this means she has no option but to accept her disreputable cousin’s hand in marriage. Once Captain Gregory Pennington meets the little girl and her aunt, he soon decides that such a marriage is unacceptable.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful anthology. I liked some of the novellas better than others but overall 4.5 stars rounded to 5.

A Highlander’s Hope by Terri Brisbin is a lovely second chance at love story. Iain, a 40ish widower, wants to marry Robena, a younger woman he loves. Robena, the town whore, was abused by her Laird’s son and feels unworthy to be a wife to any man. Can Iain convince her he’s serious?

A Highland Christmas Wager by Lecia Cornwall is part of the Highland Fairy Tale series. Each book is a different sister’s story so you do not have to have read them to enjoy Maggie’s story. Maggie and her grandmother are headed to her father’s castle but are caught in a snow storm near the MacVane castle. Maggie met MacVane years ago and is not happy to be stuck staying at his castle. But Laird MacAulay is also staying there and he interests her.

A Scot for Christmas by Bronwen Evans finds Dougray at his hunting lodge waiting for his friends to arrive. As a young man he visited Italy, and married a girl he met there. She died several years ago and he is planning on remarrying as he needs an heir. Surprise! His friend Thornton arrives with his sister Emma. Emma says she wanted to see a highland loch, but she has loved Dougray since she was 16. Will she get what she wants for Christmas? There is also a secondary story going on with his cousin Angus.

Leftover Mistletoe by Lavinia Kent sees Lady Emma Spencer on her way to her uncle’s house in Scotland due to her father’s death. A cousin inherited the title and her home. Unfortunately, her maid ran off with her valise and money so she is travelling alone through Scotland. The public coach has one other occupant, a sleeping man. Soon the coach stops in the middle of nowhere. The sleeping man is James Barran, injured war hero, who is trying to get to Glasgow to stop his sister from marrying his best friend. Fortunately, the coach stopped near a hunting cabin he knows of so they have some shelter from the winter weather. Will it be her best Christmas ever?

Sweet Home Highlands by May McGoldrick finds engineer Capt. Greg Pennington thinking of retiring and moving to Boston. For now, he’s escorting Freya, her 5-year-old niece Ella and their servants to the estate next to his parents. Ella’s paternal grandmother wants to meet her and maybe take her away from Freya. Ella’s mother died soon after having Ella and Freya has raised her. Freya plans to marry a cousin to have a better chance of keeping Ella, but will that happen? Ella is a marvelous character, 5 going on 25 and determined to get what she wants.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. It’s a wonderful Christmas book.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas and highlanders…enough said! These stories are all so good. You have second chances at love, longing love, strangers in the night, and a child who loves her aunt. The one downfall, they are too short. I could have read whole novels of each of these couples. So grab your tea and get ready for lots and lots of smiling.

Terri Brisbin – A Highlander’s Hope – This story should come with a warning – tissues needed but in the very best way. A heartwarming story of Robena and Iain. Everyone deserves loves, no matter their age.

Lecia Cornwall – A Highland Christmas Wager – This is a two-for-one romance with sweet and lovable Hugh and equally sweet and loveable Meggie and the other with the happy-go-lucky Charlie and shrewish Catriona. Ahhh, I loved both of their stories. Honestly, I would have loved more of Charlie and Catriona. And boys, stop wagering. It never gets you anywhere with the ladies.

Bronwen Evans – A Scot for Christmas – Spinster with a Cause! Emma is desperately in love with Dougray but he cannot let go of his deceased wife. Emma proposes a scandalous arrangement and Dougray cannot help but give in…men, right, hehe?!? But who knows where love will come next. Lovely story.

Lavinia Kent – Leftover Mistletoe – James and Emma are quite a pair. Foiled in their plans, they have to settle for shelter to weather out the storm. It is nice to see how they each learned something during their stay.

May McGoldrick – Sweet Home Highland Christmas – A wonderful romance that develops over the story. Captain Pennington and Freya are genuinely nice people. Normally I am not a child in the story book lover but Ella is just so precocious and bloody cute.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this set of Highland-based Christmas stories. Every story gave me the feel of the holidays and left my heart feeling warm and fuzzy. The writing was superb, and each author brought their own distinctive flair and flavor. Although not linked in characters or plot, all of the individual stories successfully fit together to make a cohesive collection. And, I LOVED the cover!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this story collection through NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas In Kilts is a collection of 5 highlander Christmas stories by different authors. This is a fabulous collection!!

A Highlander's Hope by Terri Brisbin is first up. This is Iain and Robena's story. Iain is the uncle of the MacKillop clan and Robena MacKendimen is basically the prostitute of her clan and is visited by Iain whenever he visits the MacKendimen clan. This story is loaded with drama, sizzle, sadness and suspense. The characters are amazing and perfect for this story.

The next book, A Highland Christmas Wager by Lecia Cornwall is another fantastic read. Meggie and her grandmother are forced to take shelter at Gleanngalla. There she unknowingly becomes the prize of a bet between three lairds. I love the humor in this story. There is also plenty of drama, spice and fantastic characters.

Book three of this collection is A Scot For Christmas by Bronwen Evans. Emma has been in love with her brother's best friend, Dougray, for years. Their story is full of humor, sexy bits and drama.

The fourth book of this collection is Leftover Mistletoe by Lavinia Kent. I confess, the first page of this book had me laughing out loud. James and Emma were stranded when the coach they were traveling in was left on the side of the road. There is plenty of humor, drama and heat in this story to keep readers turning the pages.

The last book of the set is Sweet Home Highlands by May McGoldrick. Gregory was tasked with escorting a group of people to Baronsford. Included in the group are Freya and her niece Ella. I have to say, Ella stole the show in this book, everyone needs a little Ella in their life. The drama, sizzle and antics of Ella will keep readers glued to their ereaders. I love the humor. Kudos to Ms McGoldrick on the characters and dialog.

All of these books were fun, fast holiday reads. They were well-written and perfect for the Christmas season. Of course, if you're like me, you'll enjoy them no matter what time of year it is.

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley.

[Vickie Raynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful collection of short stories. Each book was better than the next. They each had a whirlwind romance with some of the most heated passion ever. The build up of the impending love was timeless in each story. A better culmination of Author’s could not have been made.