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Clash of the Tartans #1
Kilty Secrets
Highlander adventure. Highlander Romance. Kilty secrets abound in this romantic comedy!
As the chief's second son, Ewan MacKinloch resents being offered up as the sacrificial lamb in a marriage arranged to end a 300-year feud with the MacCarrons.
Ewan trades places with a one-armed clansman in the hopes Shona MacCarron will refuse to go through iwth the wedding, but unbeknownst to him, Shona, too, has traded places with an aunt known as Lady Lazy-Eye so she can avoid the marraige arranged after the recent death of her father.
Confusion reigns when alchemy draws them to each other and they risk aiding the cause of factions ambitious to usurp the hereditary MacCarron chieftaincy.
Will each discover the other's KILTY SECRETS?
As the chief's second son, Ewan MacKinloch resents being offered up as the sacrificial lamb in a marriage arranged to end a 300-year feud with the MacCarrons.
Ewan trades places with a one-armed clansman in the hopes Shona MacCarron will refuse to go through iwth the wedding, but unbeknownst to him, Shona, too, has traded places with an aunt known as Lady Lazy-Eye so she can avoid the marraige arranged after the recent death of her father.
Confusion reigns when alchemy draws them to each other and they risk aiding the cause of factions ambitious to usurp the hereditary MacCarron chieftaincy.
Will each discover the other's KILTY SECRETS?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2017
298 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Anna Markland
238 books252 followersAnna Markland is a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. She writes historical romance about family honor, ancestry and roots. Her novels are intimate love stories filled with passion and adventure. Following a fruitful career in teaching, Anna transformed her love of writing and history into engaging works of fiction. One of the things she enjoys most about writing historical romance is the in-depth research required to provide the reader with an authentic experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 4, 2019
An adventurous romance with a comedic setup which sees feuding clans trying to seal a peace with a marriage.
Ewan Mackinloch and Shona MacCarron are setup for an arranged marriage that neither wants. The comedic situation occurs because both have the same idea, to pass off people close to themselves as the actual affianced, Ewan with his one-handed farmer companion Fynn and Shone with her similar-aged aunt with a lazy eye, Lady Jeannie. Hi-jinks ensue, followed by actual consequences when Shona is kidnapped.
Unfortunately this is very slight. Ewan and Shona have a bad case of instalove (as do their companions), and the bad guys are so bad at being bad guys that there's really no tension to the adventure side of the plot. The comedic setup doesn't make it past the first third of the book, and the setup is the only funny thing about it. As a romance, it doesn't work terribly well either as the leads are pretty much in love from the moment they meet, and nothing gets consummated until very close to the end.
Ewan Mackinloch and Shona MacCarron are setup for an arranged marriage that neither wants. The comedic situation occurs because both have the same idea, to pass off people close to themselves as the actual affianced, Ewan with his one-handed farmer companion Fynn and Shone with her similar-aged aunt with a lazy eye, Lady Jeannie. Hi-jinks ensue, followed by actual consequences when Shona is kidnapped.
Unfortunately this is very slight. Ewan and Shona have a bad case of instalove (as do their companions), and the bad guys are so bad at being bad guys that there's really no tension to the adventure side of the plot. The comedic setup doesn't make it past the first third of the book, and the setup is the only funny thing about it. As a romance, it doesn't work terribly well either as the leads are pretty much in love from the moment they meet, and nothing gets consummated until very close to the end.
October 11, 2017
Laugh your way into this comedic story, that is until you're holding your breath with terror!
Shona and Ewan, each from clans who’ve been feuding for hundreds of years have met their match. They must marry to mend the animosity between the clans, a bridge to peace.
Luckily, so thinks Ewan, he must only hand-fast the woman for one year and one day and his commitment is over. Who wants to marry the enemy, anyway? Shona isn’t willing to contemplate such a union. She’d just be spoiled goods after all is said and done. Neither want to do their duty.
No one from the MacKinloch clan wants to accompany Ewan to clan MacCarron. The only two who will, are Fynn Macintyre, who is minus one hand, and David, a stammering young man. Lest you forget, men are not, necessarily, what their appearances lead you to expect. Fynn and David are no exception. They lend a lot to the story.
Ewan and Shona come up with a plan. Shona will have her Aunt Jeannie (almost the same age) impersonate her, hoping her lazy-eye (the only flaw she has) will put off her suitor. Ewan decides to have his clansman, older and with a stump on his arm, impersonate him—uh, hoping the same as Shona.
Author Markland’s scene building is marvelous. She keeps me laughing through about half of the book with the silliness of the whole situation. You see, Ewan, is drawn to Shona, who is impersonating her aunt. He wishes life were not so cruel. Mayhap, she could be his leman? Ha!
Shona isn’t at all interested in Fynn, Ewan’s clansman, impersonating Ewan, of course. She’s drawn to the real Ewan. She’s thinking it might be nice to sample the stud before she has to hand-fast with her intended.
The story, at least this part, is hysterically funny. Ewan and Shona are so evenly matched and really perfect for each other. The “Fates had persevered to bring two reluctant soul mates together.”
Something bad has to happen, right? It does! Jeannie’s first husband, Ailig, banned from the MacCarrons’ land has a mission to accomplish. He wants the land and keep for himself. He will attempt anything and with his brother’s access to the keep, he could get away with murder. Shona explains it this way to Ewan.
“Ailig was a snake lying hidden in the grass, waiting to strike. The news ye were coming might have prompted him to act against Kendric sooner, but it’s evident he and his brother have been plotting to usurp the lairdship for a long while. They murdered my father before our betrothal was settled.”
The story turns from silly to horrifying. Ewan, Fynn and David take up the task to scour the keep and eliminate danger. A mangy dog and child do their best to help them.
It was a pleasure reading about Ewan, his growth in filling the shoes of a laird. Fynn, not only is loyal to Ewan, but a big asset in protecting the MacCarron clan. I loved how David became a man to respect and the comradeship which grew between Fynn and him, where none existed before.
An easy-read with plenty of page-turning action, and scenes where I felt the fear pump off the page, made this sweet, sexy, humorous romance the perfect read. Make sure to check out the ‘Historical Footnote’ section found at the end of the story. I suggest you read it first.
Shona and Ewan, each from clans who’ve been feuding for hundreds of years have met their match. They must marry to mend the animosity between the clans, a bridge to peace.
Luckily, so thinks Ewan, he must only hand-fast the woman for one year and one day and his commitment is over. Who wants to marry the enemy, anyway? Shona isn’t willing to contemplate such a union. She’d just be spoiled goods after all is said and done. Neither want to do their duty.
No one from the MacKinloch clan wants to accompany Ewan to clan MacCarron. The only two who will, are Fynn Macintyre, who is minus one hand, and David, a stammering young man. Lest you forget, men are not, necessarily, what their appearances lead you to expect. Fynn and David are no exception. They lend a lot to the story.
Ewan and Shona come up with a plan. Shona will have her Aunt Jeannie (almost the same age) impersonate her, hoping her lazy-eye (the only flaw she has) will put off her suitor. Ewan decides to have his clansman, older and with a stump on his arm, impersonate him—uh, hoping the same as Shona.
Author Markland’s scene building is marvelous. She keeps me laughing through about half of the book with the silliness of the whole situation. You see, Ewan, is drawn to Shona, who is impersonating her aunt. He wishes life were not so cruel. Mayhap, she could be his leman? Ha!
Shona isn’t at all interested in Fynn, Ewan’s clansman, impersonating Ewan, of course. She’s drawn to the real Ewan. She’s thinking it might be nice to sample the stud before she has to hand-fast with her intended.
The story, at least this part, is hysterically funny. Ewan and Shona are so evenly matched and really perfect for each other. The “Fates had persevered to bring two reluctant soul mates together.”
Something bad has to happen, right? It does! Jeannie’s first husband, Ailig, banned from the MacCarrons’ land has a mission to accomplish. He wants the land and keep for himself. He will attempt anything and with his brother’s access to the keep, he could get away with murder. Shona explains it this way to Ewan.
“Ailig was a snake lying hidden in the grass, waiting to strike. The news ye were coming might have prompted him to act against Kendric sooner, but it’s evident he and his brother have been plotting to usurp the lairdship for a long while. They murdered my father before our betrothal was settled.”
The story turns from silly to horrifying. Ewan, Fynn and David take up the task to scour the keep and eliminate danger. A mangy dog and child do their best to help them.
It was a pleasure reading about Ewan, his growth in filling the shoes of a laird. Fynn, not only is loyal to Ewan, but a big asset in protecting the MacCarron clan. I loved how David became a man to respect and the comradeship which grew between Fynn and him, where none existed before.
An easy-read with plenty of page-turning action, and scenes where I felt the fear pump off the page, made this sweet, sexy, humorous romance the perfect read. Make sure to check out the ‘Historical Footnote’ section found at the end of the story. I suggest you read it first.
March 15, 2020
If you like alpha kilted warriors and strong young lasses you may enjoy this. I found it an okay read. There is an arranged marriage in which both parties put someone else in their place, attempted murders, and very stupid bad guys. I thought the mix-ups were lacking in the complexity that would have made them funny. There is no romance. Every couple is instantly in love. The drama is limited by the stupidity of the bad guys and goes on too long. I liked the premise a lot but I don't think it delivered.
October 10, 2018
This page turner immediately captures the reader’s attention and makes a solid connection. It’s as though the reader is watching the story unfold on the big screen.
Read full review in the 2018 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 14, 2019
SETTING: 2 clans have warred for 300 years. In order to bring peace, the 2 clan leaders agree (in secret) to handfast their offspring, MacCarron’s daughter to MacKinloch’s SECOND son, with the betrothed couple only to be told shortly before the handfasting ceremony. Understandably upset, Ewan questions why he and not his oldest brother was the sacrificial lamb! His clan loyalty forces him to abide by his father’s wishes, and he takes 2 unlikely defenders with him (the only 2 men who would willingly step into the lions’ den with him) a one-handed man and a man who stutters. As the story develops, their courage and their strength of character become central to Ewan’s success in assuming his place in the MacCarron clan.
For her part, Shona is no less upset than Ewan. She is the only child of the clan leader, whose sudden death has placed leadership onto his brother, who never expected to have to assume this role.
It is this uncle who informs her of the handfasting, which had been arranged by her father before his death. We watch as the couple employs subterfuge for the initial meeting, as a means to try to exert control over the inevitable.
CRITIQUE: Once again, Ms. Markland delivers a well prepared story with roots in history. The storyline is well developed and the characters rounded out. The bravery of the 2 seemingly mismatched defenders shines through, and is amply rewarded. Shona and Ewan mature during this story and come to appreciate why their fathers overcame clan hatred for the betterment of each clan.
For her part, Shona is no less upset than Ewan. She is the only child of the clan leader, whose sudden death has placed leadership onto his brother, who never expected to have to assume this role.
It is this uncle who informs her of the handfasting, which had been arranged by her father before his death. We watch as the couple employs subterfuge for the initial meeting, as a means to try to exert control over the inevitable.
CRITIQUE: Once again, Ms. Markland delivers a well prepared story with roots in history. The storyline is well developed and the characters rounded out. The bravery of the 2 seemingly mismatched defenders shines through, and is amply rewarded. Shona and Ewan mature during this story and come to appreciate why their fathers overcame clan hatred for the betterment of each clan.
October 11, 2017
Anna Markland has written another outstanding highland romance novel! The characters are meticulously designed, detailing their strengths as well as their weaknesses. She touches on physical as well as emotional disabilities of the characters and how these things can effect the characters if allowed to. You see how these characters grow and change in their confidence level and their inner strength. You see their maturity and calmness under duress grow exponentially. Each exhibited leadership qualities based on their own strengths and hardships. At the beginning of the story, they seemed to be an incompetent band of misfits. You see Shona, Ewan, Flynn, Shona’s Aunt lovely referred to as Lady Lazy Eye, David, and Moira all grow, become happier, more confident and successful throughout the novel. The plot was loosely based on some well researched historical references. This is a book you won’t ant to put down until the end. If you enjoy more than just a Historical Romance, you should really enjoy Kilty Secrets.
October 10, 2017
Silly, sexy secrets
This was a terrific story of two people from two enemy clans, Ewan and Shona, who were placed into an arranged handfasting against both of their wills. When introduced, both had friends for support, and a back up plan to avoid the event. But, even the best laid plans, as it's often said, go awry. When their plots to avoid their forced union fail, both comedy and intrigue take over.
The plot is interesting, the story has colorful characters and I read it from start to finish without putting it down. This was such fun. I enjoyed the banter, the romance had longing and the right touch of lust, and the history of the tale was engaging. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series!
This was a terrific story of two people from two enemy clans, Ewan and Shona, who were placed into an arranged handfasting against both of their wills. When introduced, both had friends for support, and a back up plan to avoid the event. But, even the best laid plans, as it's often said, go awry. When their plots to avoid their forced union fail, both comedy and intrigue take over.
The plot is interesting, the story has colorful characters and I read it from start to finish without putting it down. This was such fun. I enjoyed the banter, the romance had longing and the right touch of lust, and the history of the tale was engaging. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series!
April 2, 2018
Broderick Maxwell is unexpectedly thrust into leadership of his clan. He strives to resurrect his clan’s reputation at a time when change is sweeping over Scotland.
He must also take responsibility for raising his 11-year-old sister. Kyla MacKeegan is the daughter of a powerful Highland chieftain, and an accomplished sea captain who has plied the waters of the Hebridean Sea since childhood. You can’t help but fall in love with Broderick he is trying to raise his sister and overcome the stigma of his father. This was such a fun story, I loved how Broderick talked his eagle which is his confidante. This is a story of two people who are thrown together by circumstance and drawn to each other immediately. Great characters, fun story, I would definitely recommend this book!
He must also take responsibility for raising his 11-year-old sister. Kyla MacKeegan is the daughter of a powerful Highland chieftain, and an accomplished sea captain who has plied the waters of the Hebridean Sea since childhood. You can’t help but fall in love with Broderick he is trying to raise his sister and overcome the stigma of his father. This was such a fun story, I loved how Broderick talked his eagle which is his confidante. This is a story of two people who are thrown together by circumstance and drawn to each other immediately. Great characters, fun story, I would definitely recommend this book!
October 10, 2017
Unexpected Love
Two rival clans. Two people, Ewan from the clan Mackinlock and Shona from the rival clan MacCarron. These two people are to have a hand fasting ceremony. Ewan can bring two people with him but could only find two misfits. Not knowing each other Ewan decides to have his man to be him for awhile. Shona does the same using her aunt Jeanne to be her.
-When things are finally settled, trouble rears it’s ugly head and Ewan needs to help rid his new clan from evil. There is so much more things happening that it needs to be read.
Anna Maryland wrote a book that is hard to put down. I am looking forward to reading book two.
Two rival clans. Two people, Ewan from the clan Mackinlock and Shona from the rival clan MacCarron. These two people are to have a hand fasting ceremony. Ewan can bring two people with him but could only find two misfits. Not knowing each other Ewan decides to have his man to be him for awhile. Shona does the same using her aunt Jeanne to be her.
-When things are finally settled, trouble rears it’s ugly head and Ewan needs to help rid his new clan from evil. There is so much more things happening that it needs to be read.
Anna Maryland wrote a book that is hard to put down. I am looking forward to reading book two.
December 4, 2018
Kilty Secrets is a fabulous read by Anna Markland. Ms. Markland has given readers a well-written story filled with lovable characters. Ewan doesn't want to marry, especially a MacCarron. Shona doesn't want to marry any Mackinloch. Shona and Ewan's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and dirty tricks. This book kept me glued to my Kindle from start to finish. I enjoyed every page of Kilty Secrets and look forward to my next book from Anna Markland. Kilty Secrets is book 1 of the Clash of the Tartans Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
December 16, 2019
When King William decided that the Drummond and Blair Clans were going to stop years of fighting and killing members of each clan; the only way was by marriage between them. But the old lairds refused to listen to reason and the marriage never happened. However; the strange thing that happened was, love at first sight occurred with not one couple but two. So, as they plan how to make the marriages happen, not wanting to lose their lands, one of the betrothed disappears. Enter secret passages, ruined castles and a green ghost. What a wonderful, fun Kilty Party, Anna Markland has provided for us to enjoy.
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January 26, 2024Mischief, mayhem and marriage - great story!
I found this story to be at times humorous, chaotic and very endearing. Ewan Mackinloch, second son to the Laird of his clan is not happy to be sacrificed in an agreement with their enemy clan, the MacCarron's, to an unwanted marriage. Shona MacCarron, daughter of the recently deceased laird of her clan feels the same and both are determined not to agree to said marriage. Hijinx ensues as well as clan discord! Secrets are revealed along the way to Shown and Ewan's happily ever after. I recommend this enjoyable story that I read in two days!
I found this story to be at times humorous, chaotic and very endearing. Ewan Mackinloch, second son to the Laird of his clan is not happy to be sacrificed in an agreement with their enemy clan, the MacCarron's, to an unwanted marriage. Shona MacCarron, daughter of the recently deceased laird of her clan feels the same and both are determined not to agree to said marriage. Hijinx ensues as well as clan discord! Secrets are revealed along the way to Shown and Ewan's happily ever after. I recommend this enjoyable story that I read in two days!
October 10, 2017
I always enjoy a book in which the hero and heroine are so lovable, great supporting characters and it makes me laugh. Kilty Secrets has all that and more! Ewan and Shona are very strong willed-I couldn't decide which was the most stubborn! The plot is foiled by a chance encounter by Ewan with a lad and a dog in the stables. Unfortunately, someone is not pleased with the nuptials and the first plan is to steal away with the bride. The subsequent rescue of The Lady and revenge for their Laird, endears Ewan to her and her clan.
January 2, 2018
Fun and entertaining
This was a fun and entertaining romance with a highly likeable heroine and hero. The storyline had some humorous parts that made me laugh and the chemistry between Shona and Ewan really heated up the pages. The threat to their happiness seemed very real and I found myself immersed in the suspense from those threats. I found this to be a wonderful book filled with memorable characters and I highly recommend it.
This was a fun and entertaining romance with a highly likeable heroine and hero. The storyline had some humorous parts that made me laugh and the chemistry between Shona and Ewan really heated up the pages. The threat to their happiness seemed very real and I found myself immersed in the suspense from those threats. I found this to be a wonderful book filled with memorable characters and I highly recommend it.
January 3, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
I loved this book .
This is a straight forward Highland Romance ,with a little kidnapping and deception thrown in .
It’s a great no nonsense read , written in a simple straightforward way , no holds barred and very engaging.
WARNING . Not easy to put down once you start it .
I would be nice to see one of the secondary characters get a HEA too maybe a silverfox book if the future? (Kendrick)
💋💋
I loved this book .
This is a straight forward Highland Romance ,with a little kidnapping and deception thrown in .
It’s a great no nonsense read , written in a simple straightforward way , no holds barred and very engaging.
WARNING . Not easy to put down once you start it .
I would be nice to see one of the secondary characters get a HEA too maybe a silverfox book if the future? (Kendrick)
June 16, 2018
Loved the book
Absolutely love this book it had everything you could ever hope for in a well written exciting adventurous romantic book I loved it I truly loved it characters were wonderful mean it really made me happy to read this book author is extremely good storyteller I’ve read many of her books and I’ve never been disappointed if you read this book you won’t be disappointed either it’s wonderful
Absolutely love this book it had everything you could ever hope for in a well written exciting adventurous romantic book I loved it I truly loved it characters were wonderful mean it really made me happy to read this book author is extremely good storyteller I’ve read many of her books and I’ve never been disappointed if you read this book you won’t be disappointed either it’s wonderful
October 11, 2017
Yet another "I can't put it down" stories. I have yet to find a book by this author that does not hold my attention from start to finish. Humor, peril, less than "perfect" secondary characters who you fall in love with almost from the start. This is not a plastic princess world, but a gritty, imperfect one full of strife. I can't wait for the next one.
December 8, 2018
When a 2nd son is ordered to marry a daughter of a clan that has had a 300 year fued running with the Mackinloch clan, the young man is miffed.
When the young woman of the other clan, is told that she is to marry the enemy, to bring peace, she is equally put out.
The story of their unorthodox romance is comical and amusing reading.
Yes, a very good read.
When the young woman of the other clan, is told that she is to marry the enemy, to bring peace, she is equally put out.
The story of their unorthodox romance is comical and amusing reading.
Yes, a very good read.
November 22, 2019
Great story
Ewan and Shona are meant to handfast to ease an age-old feud between their clans. But some of her clansmen mean to lead, da*n what the masses want. Ewan proves his mettle to Shona and her kin, winning her heart and their loyalty. A great start to the series. Minor editing issues.
Ewan and Shona are meant to handfast to ease an age-old feud between their clans. But some of her clansmen mean to lead, da*n what the masses want. Ewan proves his mettle to Shona and her kin, winning her heart and their loyalty. A great start to the series. Minor editing issues.
November 18, 2017
Captivating
Just when you think you know where the story is going, it veers off to the left. As you think the end is in sight a new path arises and a new adventure. This book will provide several hours of intrigue and romance.
Just when you think you know where the story is going, it veers off to the left. As you think the end is in sight a new path arises and a new adventure. This book will provide several hours of intrigue and romance.
January 13, 2018
A Laird's second son sent with only two companions to marry into a rival clan to end a feud; a bully who feels the woman should be his; a man banished from the clan seeking revenge and the lairdship. What a great set-up, and what an enjoyable story. Loved every minute of it.
April 13, 2018
romance, heroes, laughter. No better combination to make a great story! She says no! he says no! but when they meet, sparks fly but will they explode in fireworks when they finally give in?? Don'T miss this one!
May 23, 2018
Loved the story of Shona and Ewan! Both were leery of exposing themselves in the beginning but that quickly changed! Their "lust at first site" grew quickly into love! Plus a kick butt Heroine, what can I say!!!
May 13, 2019
I did enjoy this book but I didn't feel the connection between Shona and Ewan that I did with the other characters in the rest of the series. I just thought the 2nd and 3rd books were better. Still a good read though.
November 3, 2023
It says here on Goodreads that it is a romantic comedy. It was as funny as my mother-in-law (not at all). Not a bad book overall. But the fact that 3 guys have fallen in love in a space of a few days with 3 women that were actively avoiding them was painfully implausible.
October 12, 2017
I don't know why, But I cant stop laughing while reading this novel.
October 12, 2017
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this tale very much
I would agree that this author does actually bring history to
Check it out
I enjoyed this tale very much
I would agree that this author does actually bring history to
Check it out
January 9, 2018
This was a cant put down book. The characters jump off the page and into your head. Wild ride with lots of fun twists and turns.
January 15, 2018
Good read
This book is a good read. I liked the characters and the plot. I look forward to the next book in the series.
This book is a good read. I liked the characters and the plot. I look forward to the next book in the series.
March 19, 2018
This book was fun and exciting. I loved how they each pretended to be someone else. It made the book funny as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews