Twelfth Knight's Bride

The Highland Handfasts

by E. Elizabeth Watson

Lady Aileana Grant just wants to help her starving clan at Christmastide. So she pilfers some vegetables from the bastard Laird James MacDonald--the Devil, they call him. When the Devil shows up and demands marriage as recompense for the thievery, Aileana can’t believe it when her brother agrees. Even if she’s able to negotiate a severance on Twelfth Night, that’s still two weeks to put up with the laird in enemy territory. She’s counting down the days, even if James isn’t quite the disgusting cretin she’d imagined.

James needs to marry an enemy bride in order to inherit his fortune. Cursed restrictions. He’d been unable to look away from Aileana’s untamed beauty ever since she squared off with him. He might as well handfast with the infernal lass. He’d get his money and perhaps some peace among the clans. He has a fortnight to win the heart of the lady with the voice of an angel despite her sharp tongue.

Twelfth Night is merry and bright as Aileana and James realize a true connection between them. But when Aileana discovers the reason the Devil forced her into marriage, how can she ever believe he truly wants her?

Genres: Historical Romance, Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Enemies To Lovers, Marriage Of Convenience, Historical

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2020

About the author

Greetings, readers!

Award-winning and Amazon bestselling author E. Elizabeth Watson is convinced life is better with good coffee, chocolate, and a pair of hiking boots. Ever since her elementary school librarian "published" her epic childhood tales--complete with laminated handmade covers--she's enjoyed exploring the world through literature and history.

A recovering archaeologist and biomed research coordinator, Elizabeth now spends her days penning heroes ranging from Scottish and Medieval warriors to Texas cowboys crowned with Stetsons. Whether in kilts or pearl-snaps, her heroes wear plaid.

Check out her backlist titles and upcoming releases at:
Entangled Publishing: https://entangledpublishing.com/autho...
Tule Publishing: https://tulepublishing.com/series/dix...
Dragonblade Publishing: https://www.dragonbladepublishing.com...


Watson lives on a mountainside in West Virginia with her husband, sons, and various pets. Always honored to hear from readers, make sure to follow her on social media below. Thank you for visiting, and enjoy my happily ever afters!

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/e-eli...

Newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/c-2zTn

Facebook: @Author.E.Elizabeth.Watson.

Twitter @AuthorEEWatson.

Reviews

[Amanda Hupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and E. Elizabeth Watson for the opportunity to read this book!

The holiday season is right around the corner and I have a weakness for romance novels that take place in Scotland and a Christmas Historical Romance? –SIGN ME UP! Twelfth Knight’s Bride by E. Elizabeth Watson brings together two warring clans, both suffering tragedy at the hands of the other. Lady Aileana is a fearsome thing to behold. Almost feral. Dressed as a lad, she sneaks off to the MacDonald lands to steal some food so her people don’t starve. The laird, James MacDonald manages to track her and in order to forgive her for her crime, he requests that she is given to him in a handfast marriage. This is merely supposed to be a punishment befitting the crime, but it turns out to be quite a bit more…

What a perfect book to kick off my holiday reading. I am having difficulty getting into the holiday spirit but this has helped. Aileana is a wild spirit and I adored her. She is naive but has some wonderful development. Even though she is fierce and doesn’t hold back there is a kindness in her that is just captivating. Then there is James. His development is the best. He has a tragic past that he must work through. Normally, it is the female heroine that helps the hero through that. But what I loved is that he had to work through it himself. Yes, Aileana inspired the work. But he is the one who transformed. And may I just say…that chemistry is FIRE. *fans self*

The major theme of this book is forgiveness. (Que Hamilton lyric: “forgiveness can you imagine…”) The clans have a history of vicious war and revenge on each other. Each is blinded to the other’s suffering. True peace comes when one acknowledges their part in such atrocities. I love how coming to peace in this book is very complex and forgiveness takes time.

Overall, this book is utterly charming and was able to grant me a little Christmas spirit. I will definitely be checking out more books by this author! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars and it is available TODAY!!

[Julie - One Book More · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate to feed her floundering and hungry clan, Aileana steals food from her most hated enemies. Certain they won’t miss the vegetables she took, Aileana is shocked when she is chased back to her castle by none other than Laird James MacDonald. The Devil, as he is widely known, believes he’s chasing a thieving boy back to his enemies castle. When he learns the identity of the thief is one of the Grant sisters, he demands a marriage to compensate for the theft.

Aileana and James handfast and return to his castle with the agreement that they will remain together for two weeks. Unbeknownst to Aileana, James needs to marry a Grant to inherit his fortune, and, like Aileana, plans for the union to end as quickly as possible. Neither expected to develop feelings for the other. Can these enemies put past grievances aside and admit their feelings? How will Aileana react when she finds out the real reason James married her? And how will these enemy clans with a long-standing feud ever accept a union?

Aileana and James have a fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance, and watching them go from suspicious and distrusting to captivated and besotted is lovely! Drawn to each other from the start, they are very attracted to each other, but they also connect on a deeper level. Some of my favorite parts are when the couple talks about their pasts, their families, and their clans. I think they learn a lot about each other and themselves, as well as the long-standing feud between their clan and how destructive it is.

Spending time together forces them to see the feud from each other’s point of view, and, by spending two weeks with James’ clan, Aileana sees first hand how the feud affected James’ people.
I think James and Aileana go through similar revelations, and once they start seeing each other and the clans as human beings and not just enemies, they change. I love how their respect and admiration grows, and their feelings slowly change. Plus, their chemistry is fantastic!

James is so different from the “devilish” rumors that surround him, and his devotion to his family and clan equals Aileana’s. Aileana, like James, is strong, smart, and bold. I love her free spirit, and her willingness to jump in when help is needed. Her actions, kindness, and thoughtfulness show everyone that she is as good a person and leader as James.

Twelfth Knight’s Bride is such a great historical holiday romance. I loved the characters, the enemies-to-lovers romance, and the messages of love, forgiveness, and moving on. Readers who enjoy swoon-worthy historical romance with fantastic characters and an epic love story will adore Twelfth Knight’s Bride! Thanks so much to Netgalley, Entangled Publishing, and E. Elizabeth Watson for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a dangerous time this was to live in! Constantly living with the threat of an attack from a nearby clan. This was such a good read, it had a good paced storyline, action and some heartfelt moments. Laird James MacDonald was all I could want in a hero, tall, handsome, fearless and brave but also with a softer side. Lady Aileana, was not afraid to speak her mind and she too was willing to do whatever was necessary to help her clan. James and Aileana are enemies but now they are together they must learn to trust and understand each other. I just loved how their relationship grew and was really hoping things worked out well for them. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[T’Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 Stars

📖THE STORY

One sentence summary: Laird of a warring clan sees and opportunity for recompense for stolen foods and securing his inheritance by marrying the sister of his enemy but neither of them expected that their union could bring peace to their lands.

In spite of the lack of fanfare and celebration, the impact of the moment rocked him. How brave of Aileana to commit herself to the unknown. What an arse he was for demanding it. His people were going to be stunned.

Tropes: warring clans, marriage to make peace

🚹Hero: Laird James McDonald is a man who has had to be tough. He was born a bastard but, as his father's only son, he was named his heir and has had to fight to keep his title. His enemies have come from within his family and from nearby clans. His stepmother resented him and tried to make his life as difficult as possible. He has had to defend his lands and has lead raids on those who are his enemies. His own bastardy and his sister's cruel marriage has made James gentle and careful with women. When he meets Aileana (or Allie as he calls her) he sees a strong woman who hides her vulnerability and he is immediately taken with her and struggles with his need of her to fulfill his inheritance and his want of her as he falls in love.

"I wanted - nay, needed - ye to be the same beast ye were when ye attacked Urquhart, with yer face covered in woad and mud, who cut down our sentries and breeched our curtain wall, so that I could remain shielded to ye. I didnae expect someone who feeds foxes and finds pleasure frolicking in the snow."

🚺Heroine: Aileana Grant is the sister of the laird and does what she can to help her poverty stricken clan. It's Christmas Eve when she dares to steal vegetables from James and when she is caught she agrees to be the wife he takes instead of her sister who she thinks is too delicate to handle the situation. The needs of her people have made her strong and capable and when the McDonald clan witnesses her skill they come to accept her but she struggles to enjoy herself when her own people are barely surviving. James (or Jamie as she calls him) is proud of her skill and never tries to hold her back and soon makes a big gesture to help her clan. Their union brings about an understanding that seemed impossible before.

Aileana wasn't soft-spoken. He'd come to expect her forthright tongue lashings and, strangely, felt deprived of them since their arrival in Tioram the day before. Here, among his people and his wealth, he sensed her nervousness, and much of her confidence was now stripped.

THE ROMANCE

♥️Romance reasons: On Twelfth Night James turns 25 and his inheritance will go to the church unless he marries a Grant woman - since the clans have warred for centuries he never thought to gain his inheritance but Aileana's thievery on Christmas Eve provides him with an opportunity and he demands a wife as recompense. He almost immediately feels guilty for tricking her so he agrees to hand fast and return her by Twelfth Night unless she chooses to stay. As she spends more time with the McDonald clan she sees them and their laird in a new light and understands that both sides have suffered and committed wrongs.

Sexy times:

💋First kiss: 60%
❤️‍🔥When they have sex: 89% (she loses her virginity)
🍑Oral sex on her? nope
🍆Oral sex on him? nope
⛓Any kinks? nope
🛏Sex locations: a sheep byre

"Did I get under your skin, lass? Because I dare say, the moment I met ye glaring at me through Urquhart's portcullis, ye crawled right under mine, and I'm pleased to finally return the torment."

Spoilery thoughts: The secret of Jamie's inheritance is held on and I do think that Aileana overreacted when she found out. At that point she shouldn't have still thought it was all and act that he had feelings for her. There were some issues with the hand fasting ceremony (I'm not sure it was really intended to be a temporary thing) but the story was so enjoyable that I didn't mind!

If you liked this, you might like: The Laird's Bastard Daughter has a similar warring clan/forced marriage vibe

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelfth Knight’s Bride by E. Elizabeth Watson

In a time when one clan steals from another and the feud has gone on for centuries two enemies are handfasted over the stealing of a few vegetables. Sure, Lady Aileana Grant was only trying to secure a bit of food for her hungry people and hoped to tweak the nose of Laird James MacDonald but little did she realize she might end up married to a man she considers the devil. Will the two part in a few weeks or will they fall in love? Well, it is a romance so…odds are they will have a HEA eventually.

What I liked:
* Aileana: strong, independent, cares for her people, not afraid to work hard, open minded – eventually, loving and kind. She deserves happiness with James
* James: strong, caring, good leader, warmhearted, sees to his people, open to new ways of looking at situations. He deserves happiness with Aileana
* The writing, plot, and story
* The growth of both main characters from the beginning to the end of the story.
* That both main characters were open to seeing the world in a new light
* The setting
* The supporting characters – would like to hear more about them in the future
* That it was a holiday romance
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Knowing the feuds were devastating to both sides and seeing how over time everyone loses
* Saying goodbye to the characters in the story

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clan Grant is starving and Lady Aileana is willing to steal vegetables from Clan MacDonald. Taking them, she makes it back home to hide the evidence in the soup, but the Devil MacDonald, Laird James MacDonald, is hot on her heels. James sees an opportunity to fulfill a requirement to obtain his money. He will take one of Laird Seamus Grant's sisters to handfast until Twelfth Night. Aileana, never one to back away from a challenge offers herself. It will be her decision to stay as his wife or return to her family. He hopes he can convince her to stay. Neither one anticipated that what started as distrust and hard feelings, will end up as love for each other. A sweet highland romance with a little heat.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Netgalley.

[Sofie Sehested · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this historical highlander romance set in the Scottish highland in the year 1545 around Yuletide.

I was really surprised that I loved it so much because I had never read E. Elizabeth Watson before and sometimes I just really don’t vibe with Scottish historical romances. For me they can be very brutal and dark.
This story is dark and brutal too but the romance really won me over and the two main characters are very intriguing and they have this burning chemistry that you can’t seem stop reading about and loving.

The historical perspective in the story is very intriguing too. I learned a lot about how Christmas/Yuletide was celebrated in Scotland in the 14-hundreds but also about the clans and their rivalries and how they had to almost beg the King to get reimbursed for the things they lost after a battle with another clan to even survive.

I can definitely recommend this book if you are searching for an amazing swoon worthy highland Yuletide romance, a feud between two highlander clans, a strong stubborn but very lovable heroine, a very handsome stubborn brooding but very lovable highlander warlord, many great side characters, and a great historical background.

[Ashley Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Author E. Elizabeth Watson, NetGalley, and publisher Entangled: Scandalous for giving me a free ebook arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This book makes for a quick holiday read! The author did a wonderful job of endearing the characters to the reader right away. Lady Aileana Grant was such a great heroine. I loved her sass, wit, and her heart for those she cares for. Laird James MacDonald, our swoon worthy hero, was such the alpha male, who found his match in every way in Lady Aileana Grant. They were so much fun! Their first encounter had me laughing out loud as well as their sweet moments of letting their guards down in order to create a real marriage rather than just one of alliance. What drew me to want to read this book was the premise of a romance set in Medieval Scotland. This was my first book that I have read by this author and it will not be my last. Overall, I recommend this book to those who want a quick yet sweet enemies to lovers Scottish romance.

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In an effort to help her starving clan at Christmastime, Lady Aileana Grant steals vegetables from the Devil Laird, James MacDonal. When James tracks her and demands marriage as restitution, Aileana can’t believe her brother would agree! The men negotiate a handfast, but Aileana is free to return on Twelfth Night if she doesn't want to stay married to James. What starts with animosity and suspicion, turns to acceptance and affection.

The cover is what drew me to this book. This is my first time reading this author and, while I liked the plot and characters well enough, I had trouble connecting with the writing. The dialog is written in a heavy Scottish accent and some of the word choices and spellings kept taking me out of the story.

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #TwelfthKnightsBride #NetGalley

[Carole Burant · Rating 4 out of 5]

With her clan starving, what else is Aileana to do but go steal food from an enemy clan! Unfortunately, the Laird of that clan, James, gives chase and before the day is over, they find themselves betrothed. A deal is set and they have until the Twelfth Night before Aileana can decide if she wants to stay with him or go back home. They have two weeks to get to know each other, put the past behind and not keep fighting like their ancestors before them.

A lovely and warm story with some sad parts and a slow burn that all takes place during Christmastide and Twelfth Night. I loved all the characters and their interactions with each other.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Aileana just wants to help her starving clan at Christmastide but when she takes some vegetables from Laird James, he demands marriage in recompense. James needs to marry an enemy bride before he can claim his inheritance and when he sees Lady Aileana, sparks fly. Will this turn into more than a sham of a marriage? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. Great characters with loads of depth, great world building and an entertaining story. I liked it.

[Megan Todaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 Stars

It’s been a while since I read historical romance so it did take me a little bit to get use to the writing with all the old English used. This was a fun easy ready centered around the Yuletide celebration. Different kinda of holiday read and I enjoyed it! I love a strong FMC in historical romance! Not very spicy but I enjoyed the slow burn!

[Orozcosl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book!

I loved this very well written story! The dialog and the description s of the land were so true to the country. I have been to Urquhart castle, even if I can't spell it! Thank you for sharing your writing with all of us.

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story!

But too short! I keep wondering what happens next! But this is a great holiday read and one you can finish pretty quickly! Great read!

[Elizabeth Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent prose with a plot set in the clan warfare of the 15th to 16th centuries when all the clans were trying to kill each other. Character development clear and plausible. Love an author who cares about historical context.

[TLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Aileana Grant wanted to help her starving clan during the holidays, but little did she know it would end with her handfasting their enemy’s laird. The conditions of their agreement allowed her to return to her clan in two weeks if she chooses. So, she only had to endure the enemy through the holidays before she could return home.
Laird James MacDonald must marry a Grant before his twenty-fifth birthday to receive his inheritance. Aileana’s thievery gave him a chance to receive it when he thought it would be lost. Aileana’s strength and courage make him want to win her heart and keep her.
This was an entertaining and fun holiday book to read. It’s the first book I have read by this author, but I look forward to reading more of her books after reading this one.

[The LitBuzz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The truth lies somewhere in the middle…
Medieval Scottish feuds might go on for generations to the point where neither side could recall how the wrongs began. Lady Aileana Grant, in Twelfth Knight’s Bride by E. Elizabeth Watson, is certain that the MacDonalds were the instigators in the years old feud that has left the Grants in a desperate state as the harsh winter unfolds. In a brash decision, while out in young boy attire hunting for rabbits to supplement the castle’s meager food stores, Aileana decides to steal a few vegetables from a MacDonald hunting party. Little does she realize but she is stealing from the young and dashing Laird, James MacDonald, and ends up leading him in a wild chase straight back to the Grant castle. When its revealed that the thieving lad is actually the untamed beauty Aileana, James makes his own rash decision, demanding a wife as restitution for the theft. As the two sworn enemies begin to see each other for who they really are, they realize that their blossoming love may be the key to burying the hatchet between the two clans.

Twelfth Knight’s Bride is a succinct yet satisfying holiday themed read. Set in the medieval Scottish Highlands, this period romance has all the flavor and charm you’d expect from this beautiful and boisterous culture, and one of the reasons these books are so popular. While the plot follows a fairly predictable pattern, Watson brings the story to life with her vibrant characters and the palpable chemistry she creates between Ali and Jamie. While their attraction to each other is instantaneous, their enemies to lovers development is a gradual discovery of the good in each other that the rest of the world is too blinded by hatred to see. Seeing the other’s positive traits is the bedrock of their relationship and a tie that is needed to overcome centuries of hatred and violence between their clans.

I’m a fan of historical romances in general but get wearied by the enemies to lovers plot line when the relationship between the two main characters has such extreme swings of love and hate that it could be diagnosed as manic/depressive. I was pleasantly surprised at the nuanced approach that Watson took in nurturing the love between her two leading characters. Ali and Jamie were equally honest with themselves about both and each other regarding their ingrained hatred for the wrongs committed on them by the other family and the revelation of their own family’s atrocities in contributing to the long standing feud. It was this willingness to try to see the other’s side that kept their relationship moving in a forward progression in spite of the obstacles in their way. They both equally pushed and conceded as they fought through doubts and mistrust in a way that was refreshing and felt positive throughout the whole story. The result is an uplifting story that you will enjoy from beginning to end.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He was magnificent, not the beast she’d always conjured to mind when reliving the horrible day they had last been besieged, even if his face was filled with fury now. Her stomach twisted nervously as he managed the reins of cavorting destrier puffing steam into the air. Blast it, but she hadn’t expected handsome. Nor had she expected his gaze to hold hers as if she’d surprised him, too.”

Twelfth Knight’s Bride by E. Elizabeth Watson tells the story of two Scottish clans who have been at war with each other for generations. When her clan is starving, Aileana Grant dresses as a boy and steals food from their rival clan. When the head of that clan, Laird James MacDonald comes to the Grant castle to face the theif, he is surprised to learn that he was not robbed by a young man, but by one of the Grant daughters. He decides for recompense he wants to marry one of the Grant daughters. Aileana and her brother, the Laird fo the Grant clan, agree that Aileana will be hand fasted with James, but that she has the option to leave him and the marriage will never be official if she decides to on the Twelfth Night.

This story is so easy to fall for and it is the perfect holiday read. There is a lovely Christmas celebration as part of this story that is just so incredibly heartwarming. The chemistry and banter between James and Aileana was a delight to read. I also enjoyed so many of the side characters of this story, and would love for some of them to get their own books. I definitely recommend this warm and fuzzy romance and I will be keeping my eye out for other books by this author. I give this one 4 full stars.

[Kelly (AndKellyReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never really gravitated towards Highlander romances, but I'm coming to realize what a mistake that's been. James and Aileana were oil and water but it was perfection and just so much fun to watch them parry back and forth. I'm also becoming a huge fan of the whole Scottish brogue thing, and it's becoming easier and easier to work my way through while I'm reading.

Allie (his Allie, SWOON) was a spitfire. She was sharp-tongued and stubborn and just downright enjoyable. Jamie fell in love with her from the start and I think that was the best part. The two families had been enemies for so long, but the minute Jamie saw Allie up close, it was over. Plus he needed an enemy bride for his inheritance, so why not? Watching Allie realize there was more to Jamie than his "Devil" persona and slowly chip away at that tough exterior (not hard, he loved her) was a thing of beauty and it's always fun when one person slowly falls and then basically is slapped in the face with the realization.

These two were funny, they were sweet, they were emotional, and the story overall was just a lot of fun. I actually inhaled this book in a few hours and stayed up way past my bedtime because I just didn't want to leave the Highlands. One of the better Highland books I've read, and the addition of Christmastime and the Highland pastimes was all the more festive.

I now want a Yule Log.

Regardless, this book was enjoyable, it was full of holiday spirit, and it had two strong characters that I really enjoyed spending time with. I'll definitely be reading more of Watson's work in the future.


Thanks to Entangled and Netgalley for the review copy!!

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her clan is starving because of the constant reaving going on between the two clans. MacDonald has followed her tracks home and she is very surprised. They fed MacDonald exactly what they are eating and he feels bad and guilty.
Aileana Grant is very outspoken and puts up with very little. Laird James Moidartach MacDonald wants reparation for the few vegs she stole. Her brother agrees, he really has no choice. So he leaves it to his two sisters who will go with him. Ailean knows her sister is not strong enough, she volunteers.
The handfasting will only last until twelve night and then James will bring her home. When she gets there she feels uncomfortable because they are enemies but they have food and the castle looks nice.
So many things happen as they get to know each other. He orders new clothes for Aileana and she has her own room.
She is gentle and a healer and if something needs to be done, she does it. She hates to sit idle. The people in the MacDonald clan are beginning to give her a chance. She does not feel like she is a loner. The characters are great and so very gentle. Little Maudie is so cute. He does not want her to leave. I felt for them, it seems a lot of anger went with the reaving and some people never forget. It has its up and downs but it is an excellent read and I think you would enjoy it.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelfth Knight's Bride is like a Hallmark Christmas movie set in 1500s Scotland. We get the holiday romance vibes with the more serious subjects of clan rivalry and battles. I really enjoyed this book. I'm a fan of historical romance and I liked this book because it had so much cultural information woven into the story from the customs and foods to the clothing and language.

As I've said before, I love a strong, independent female character who does not follow the societal norms and Lady Aileana Grant is all of those things. She cares deeply about her people and will do what she needs to do to protect them and care for them.

I love a strong, protective male character who appreciates his love interest for who she is and doesn't try to change her. Laird James MacDonald is thought to be this ruthless warrior but Aileana sees the softer side of him and realizes that things aren't as black and white as they seem.

This is a unique historical romance and I felt transported to the Christmas season in Scotland in 1545. The author does such a great job of creating a vivid picture of their lives at that time. There were so many characters that I feel in love with so I hope there will be other books in this series.

My one complaint is that I firmly believe that every romance book NEEDS an epilogue! Otherwise, I absolutely loved this book.

Thanks to Entangled Publishing for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Talie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the e-galley of this title.

Twelfth Knight's Bride by E. Elizabeth Watson is a fun way to get some holiday spirit if you want to venture outside small town USA. In the novel you journey into the Scottish Highlands and meet two warring clans, the Grants and the MacDonalds.

Lady Aileana Grant's clan is starving so she takes the desperate measure of stealing from the MacDonald's, the clan that put the Grant's in their current state of poverty. Laird James MacDonald shows up and demands a bridge as repayment.

And so starts an enjoyable journey of two people realizing that in a feud that has spanned two centuries, maybe things aren't quite black and white.

I really enjoyed this book a lot. I loved the journey into the Scottish Highlands and learning about the various holiday activities. I also liked how the two main characters communicated and were open to each other.

If you are a fan of highland romance, I think this is a good one. It would also be a great choice for someone wanting a holiday story that is a little different. I'd say this is a low-medium steam book, but that it is easy enough to skip if that is not your thing.

[Debra Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Aileana Grant never thought she'd get caught as she stole a few vegetables from a traveling MacDonald crew, but Laird James MacDonald chases down the lad or so he thinks back to the castle. When he learns the identity of the thief he demands her in marriage as recompense. A deal is made that Aileana was handfasted to James for a fortnight only at which time she'd be returned to her clan unharmed. Neither James or Aileana could ever foresee what two weeks in each other's company can do.

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Watson and I really enjoyed it. The bits of history she interweaves in the story is interesting and makes the book more engrossing. I really liked James--he was so honorable and lived up to his part of the bargain at great personal loss for him. When Aileana jumped into action to help wounded soldiers when the MacDonald stronghold is attacked won her the approval of the clan. Both James and Aileana grow and learn to disregard previously held beliefs against the other's clan. With a few twists and turns this book winds down to a happily ever after ending.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Aileana Grant just wants to help her starving clan at Christmastide. So she pilfers some vegetables from the bastard Laird James MacDonald--the Devil, they call him. When the Devil shows up and demands marriage as recompense for the thievery, Aileana can’t believe it when her brother agrees. Even if she’s able to negotiate a severance on Twelfth Night, that’s still two weeks to put up with the laird in enemy territory. James needs to marry an enemy bride in order to inherit his fortune. He’d been unable to look away from Aileana’s untamed beauty ever since she squared off with him. He might as well handfast with the infernal lass.
A well written engrossing read that I was drawn into from the first page & captivated until the last. I loved the feisty Aileana who was caring & generous, she was willing to help her new clan even though they were less than welcoming & I loved how she won them over. Jamie was nothing like his moniker & was loving & caring. The banter between the pair was a treat & their attraction grew & grew as did their feelings for each other.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Fizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's one of the best historical romance I have read this year. The story is so well-written, and both the main characters are brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for good historical fiction to read.
Can two clans that are always fighting find peace? Lady Aileana Grant didn't know what to expect from the 'devil' of the clan MacDonald, but she surely didn't expect kindness. Or is it just some elaborate scheme James concocted to overpower her clan? She needs to know before it's too late.
James didn't expect to like Aileana. She isn't anything like the enemy he considers her to be. But can he keep his heart intact?
The two of them are forced to marry, but now, it's up to them to find a way and make this marriage work. Not only for themselves but also for their clans. There has already been too much loss on both sides, and the feud needs to end now.
A well-paced story that will keep you entertained throughout. I enjoyed every minute of it!
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. The review represents my honest opinion.

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in mid sixteenth century Scotland, Twelfth Knight’s Bride draws loosely from historical events that took place in the highlands, a time and place where clan quarrels and raids were common. I thought the story was beautifully woven into and around the history of the time.
Both heroine Aileana Grant and hero James MacDonald are strong characters who only want the best for their clans. Their enemies to lovers story had me entranced. I loved Aileana’s strength of character and the fact that she’d do anything to protect her people, even steal vegetables to save them from starvation. I loved that Jamie, a warrior through and through, also had a soft spot for animals and small children. I also loved that through her forced handfasting to Jamie Aileana learned that the MacDonald people had suffered just as badly at the hands of her brother’s raiding parties as her people had suffered from raids by Jamie and his father. This story is thoroughly entertaining and really I couldn’t put it down.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, enjoyable read that occurs during the Christmas season, bringing enemies together in an unlikely way. Aileana detests the MacDonald clan with a passion, believing everything she has been told about them. She is strong and stubborn in her ways. However, an act of stealing to which she gets caught has her hand fasted to the laird himself. James has his own agenda when he becomes hand fasted to Aileana, but it quickly changes as he comes to know her. James is more than he appears, for he may be a Devil on the battlefield, but he has a kind and gentle soul. Both care for their people and will do what they can to keep the safe. However, secrets James is keeping will greatly affect Aileana's feelings towards him, for does he really love her or just what he gain from her?
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a bit of a slow burn but so worth it in the end!
Lady Aileana Grant steals some vegetables to help her starving clan at Christmastime. She just happens to have stolen them from Laird James MacDonald. Her clans enemy. He shows up demanding the thief be turned over to him. When he figures out it was Lady Aileana he demands her hand in marriage to repay the debt. And she can't believe it when her brother agrees but they also agree to give Aileana two-weeks to decide whether to stay or come back home.

James has to marry a Grant woman in order to inherit his fortune. But he wasn't counting on finding her attractive. So he handfasts her and hopes to win her heart before the two weeks are over.

[Amanda Lavelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
Well friends, if you like a lot of fizzy sizzling chemistry then this is the book for you. If you like a bit of historical Scotland, warring clans, flowing tartans, a snowy Christmas, a marriage of convenience and lots of snuggling under furs- then you’re in for a real treat!
I’ve absolutely spend through this book and really enjoyed it. The writing is fast paced and the characters are well formed. The romance takes its time to pay off though but the tension created by this is fantastic.
And just a special mention for the cover - how wonderful is that bright red dress- very festive and eye catching. Highly recommend to historical romance readers.

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for my honest review.

This is my first book from E. Elizabeth Watson and I loved it. The meeting and how they get together is a unique spin on how the two main characters meet up from most historical romances that I have read. I enjoyed how Ailene and James get to know each other and see how their families fighting over the past hundred some years has really effected each clan. The whole book is a wonderful reflection on the difference between two clans and yet how much they have experienced the same situations/ problems.

Defiantly worth the read if you are looking for a cozy HEA winter/ yule time romance.