Given to the Highlander

Earthside Brides #1

by Amelia Smarts, Susannah Shannon

Marisol Adams grew up aboard the space station which has served as humanity’s refuge since the great cataclysm, and when she is sent to join a recently established colony in the Scottish Highlands she quickly discovers that her new life will be quite different. Not only has she been given to the future clan chief as his bride, her new husband will have complete authority over her and will enforce that authority with a firm hand applied to her bare bottom as often as necessary.

Though it doesn’t take long for Marisol to find herself over the stern, handsome Scotsman’s knee for a sound spanking, she cannot help longing for his touch, even after her already bright red backside is paddled until she is well past tears. Her desire for him and her love for him grow with each passing day, but can she make a place for herself among the rugged people of this land?

Publisher’s Note: Given to the Highlander includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.

Genres: Science Fiction, Romance

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 29, 2021

About the author

Amelia Smarts is a USA Today bestselling author of fast-paced, steamy western romances with dominant cowboys, Dom/sub discipline, and heartwarming HEAs. Amelia holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in creative writing and English. She loves to read, which allows her writing to be influenced by many different genres in addition to romance, including mystery, adventure, history, and suspense. To learn more, sign up for her newsletter. You'll get an alert whenever Amelia releases a new book and exclusive content like free excerpts and giveaways. https://goo.gl/forms/VlnDVsYoSXCiN2hw1

Reviews

[Andria Potter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had such a fascinating concept but poor execution. A few things I liked, a whole lot I didn't. For example, why was Marisol automatically given to a society that was most definitely not her pick and heavily male dominated? This was very sexist and scream inducing rage at times with how Marisol is treated. I get this is sci-fi, but I expected her to put up far more resistance than she did. Yes humanity needs to be repopulated but that means she has the power to choose for herself who gets to be her mate, because if she says no then too bad humanity is doomed.

A lot of this seemed just an excuse to be abusive towards women. Yes I know this is smut in a futuristic setting but I just wished Marisol had a little more backbone. She just essentially rolled over and went "okay beat me I like it".

Maybe it's just me, but this book wasn't to my taste. The writing was good and the plot was intriguing but the relationship just wasn't for me at all.

Rated: 2.5 ⭐ rounded up

TW: spankings, sexism, and a worm got murdered by ants

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the concept of this story. Post-apocalyptic earth is being reestablished by gradually reintroducing human space colonies into ancient clans of earth, this one being the people of the highlands of Scotland. I also liked that the main character is a well educated, independent soul. I did not enjoy that she is purposely paired with a future clan leader and although she agrees to all the reasons for it (protection being primary), she is forced into being his submissive and losing the freedom to speak her mind within the relationship.

[Rosario Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marisol and Lennox’s is a very sweet one. Set in the future, it has a dystopian storyline, ut a different kind, which makes the novella interesting to read. Recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marcella · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this story, humans from Earth doing their best to survive in outer space, and women of age being sent to Earth to help repopulate it is both unique and intriguing. And the story is well written, but parts do not make sense. Why would the colony use a cottage outside of the castle fortress for any reason, much less as the place where Marisol readies herself to marry her chosen highland mate, when it is dangerous to be outside the castle grounds? It appears as simply a contrived part of the story so Lennox, her husband, will have a reason to spank her. And the story seems too short. As I reader I wanted to read more about Marisol and Lennox. They certainly were in a challenging situation, and life would have been so much more strange and harder to adapt to than it appears to be for Marisol. I would have liked to have seen more of those types of challenges explored.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louise Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its ok but

This book had a lot of potential but it was rushed and ended without warning. Books are supposed to be an escape. The story was totally unrealistic and implausible.

[Donna Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Customer Review
Donna L
4.0 out of 5 stars LOVE THE CONCEPT
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2021
This book surprised me as I don't usually enjoy futuristic tales. Despite
this, it only took me a few pages to realize that this was a well written
love story full of intrigue, danger, romance, new experiences, sizzling
chemistry, acceptance, and well-deserved punishments.

Endeavor Space Station was the only home that Marisol at ever known,
but her time had come to be sent to Earth as a bride. Marisol was
heartbroken at being sent to Scotland instead of the tropical paradise
that she had spent year's studying and dreaming about. Would all of
of her hard work and study be for nothing? She knew nothing about
Scotland or its culture except that it was a make dominated society.

Living in in Scotland in 1500 AD was difficult for Marisol, and it did not take
long before she found herself over her new husband's knees. Lennox is a kind
man, but expects Marisol’s obedience. The concept was new to Marisol, it only
takes his hard hand placed on the right place for her to learn to adjust her
attitude.

Marisol was to be admired for her never give up attitude. She adapted
quickly to her new life and to being a wife. There were bumps along the
way that only made the story more appealing. Seeing the beauty of Earth
through Marisol’s eyes for the first time was endearing. I enjoyed reading
about the Scottish wedding traditions. This was a short but entertaining
read.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a simply wonderfully, cleverly written story, engaging and action packed
Marisol has never seen the earth having grown up in space on a floating people carrier that are very quickly running out of time and trying to ensure that all of the young brides are sent to new homes around the re-established settlements on the planet in an effort to rebuild their numbers.
However, she had believed that she would be going to the Hawaiian Islands and had learned everything that would be of use, unfortunately she was given the choice of Marrying a Scotsman living in a timeline similar to the 1700, in a farming environment.
When she accepts the position on the earning of her parents who know how dire their survival in space is she soon realises that there is much she can contribute to the community and she also finds that she is more than a little attracted to her husband.
This is a story filled with action and adventure, love and loss and also men that are willing to give their very lives to keep their families safe and sound. Once you begin reading this story you will not be able to put this book down until you reach the end.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marisol and Lennox

The story is a futuristic tale of creating life again on Earth after it was destroyed in 3010 and all the people who lived that were not living on starships. The year is 4000 A.D. and begins on Starship Endeavor. Marisol Adams has studied and is now ready to leave Endeavor and travel to Earth and become a bride. Her studies have been on Polynesia, but she won’t be assigned to that area. Instead, she is going to the 1500 Scottish Highlands.

Marisol will leave Endeavor and land in the Scottish Highlands and immediately be prepared to marry Lennox Ferguson. She also is informed that it is customary for men to be dominant and women submissive and that spanking is customary on Earth. When Marisol disobeys him, it is paramount, and she earns a spanking.

“Marisol, you do not make the rules. You have earned a spanking. The rest of it is up to me.”

The story also includes how Marisol’s studies are beneficial to the people even though not of her research area. The story has some mystery, suspense, danger, scenes of intimacy within marriage, and several spankings.

While this story isn’t touted as a series and doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, it does end where it can segue into a new story.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arousing and delicious romance with spanking and making-up. 😜
60,000 lightyears from Earth in the year 4000 A.D. we find Marisol Adams who lives on the Starship Endeavor but has interviewed to be accepted into the bride program to go to Earth for repopulation. Her studies and her dream have been to go to Polynesia. When she is accepted, she is ecstatic, but that ends quickly when she finds she will go to an entirely different colony because of her red hair. I love this character. She has just enough spunk and contrition to make the book feasible.
Marisol’s husband-to-be is Lennox Ferguson, son of the current chieftain of the Scotland Colony and future chieftain. Lennox is thrilled at his choice of bride but must give her the first of many “lessons” in behavior. Yep, this is a man’s world where spankings are expected for female mistakes.
This was a fast, well-written, intriguing and very steamy book. I want to know about the girl at the station in manacles going to the western colony and what about Marisol’s parents. Will they survive? I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and give it at least 5 steamy stars! Truly loved it.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a regency romance that is set in the future after everyone living on Earth is destroyed. The people that were living on starships are now being sent back to Earth to repopulate. Even though Marisol has studied about Polynesia, because of her red hair, she has been chosen to become the bride of a man from Scotland. As she reviews the information available for her proposed mate she is outraged to learn that he is allowed to spank her. She discusses with her parents and she agrees to the match and is sent to the Earth of the future. She is married as soon as she arrives and she finds herself attracted to her new husband. She also gets spanked on the first day. She works to make a place for herself in the colony as more than just a wife. There is discipline and a HEA. I think that this will be a series and this is a great first book.

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine Avakian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a tender but passionate love story about a girl, Marisol, who is sent to earth from an outpost in space to become a bride for a Highlander in 1500's Scotland. Lennox is enamored with his wife from the moment he sees her...as is she. As she tries to be relevant in the community, she realizes she doesn't know how to do anything. She is an educated girl, but, not in domestic chores as she grew up on a spaceship, but she's willing to learn. He has patience with her, but expects her to mind him.. for her own safety as she doesn't know anything about earth or the dangers that might present themselves...or he will discipline her and, of course, she tests his word.
Loved the book and loved Lennox. I am hoping there is a second book to continue Lennox and Marisol's story as well as her parents.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marisol wanted this chance to come to Earth. She studied for her destination but was shocked when they have decided to send her somewhere she knows nothing about. To live a life in the Highlands is not the life she knows but she will do it for her family. Once she lands, all the wonders of Earth are presented to her but will she be able to adapt to it and her new husband Lennox.

Boy if we have to go this far back to start anew, I don’t know if I could do it. I guess it feels like Outlander but no time travel. Marisol acted a bit bratty in the beginning but I think that was fear and uncertainty. When she finally learned about her new world, she started to settle. What a crazy life to be living on a ship in space that will be failing. Having to send the brides down to start anew on Earth is rather interesting. I love that Lennox was not a brute but a loving man that protected Marisol from all that was new to her. And she made friends and found a life.

[B. Koe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Headstrong women beware!

When Marisol Adams is sent to wed a man from a different settlement on earth tan for the one her studies have prepared her, she is nervous about her acceptance and whether or not she brings any skill that might be of use to the settlement. So different from what she has prepared and studied, the Highland Clan becomes a challenge, one that Marisol is unsure she can withstand and meet. Marisol is married to the very handsome son of the clan leader, Lennox, mere hours after her arrival. Faced with the realities of a book for which she is not prepared, marriage to a stranger, and the trouble she has already brought to her Highlands settlement; Marisol isn't sure if she up to the task! Written in an engaging, easy to read prose, GIVEN TO THE HIGHLANDER should be your next romance purchase. It has all the feels and so much more to offer to reader 18 years of age or older. A reading delight. Happy pages! 😉

[Sharlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. When I started reading it, I thought I would have a hard time because of the sciencey and futuristic concept of the story. But I didn't! I loved this book because of the underlying story of two people who can find love who live from different ways of life. Marisol has lived in space on the Starship Endeavor all of her life. She has been given the chance to become an Earth bride but is highly disappointed when she is sent to the Scottish territory and not where she has put forth her effort to study. Marisol marries Lennox, the future chieftain of his colony who has been waiting for Marisol. All is not lost for Marisol's knowledge because what she has learned helps the colony to continue growing crops. Well done for these two authors who wrote a believable story. This is a fast read that all will enjoy!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a little deceptive. At first you think it’s a story about the future, but really it’s a book about the past- at least in terms of how people lived. I loved this story and stayed up just to read it straight through. Reluctant bride Marisol thought she would get to live in a different community and when she ended up in the male dominated Highlands, she was not sure how to feel about it. But she could not deny her attraction to her new husband, Lennox. Lennox is attentive and loving, and firm, but fair. I loved the story between Lennox and Marisol because it was so sweet and sexy. I also really enjoyed seeing Marisol’s reactions to a new world and building new relationships in her new home. I’m wondering if this is going to be a series, and I’m totally hoping so! Loved it!!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant story indeed, Large Scottish men who protect the earthside brides. Large hands for spanking when the bride is very naive and thinks she knows best. A book you will thoughly enjoy and wont disappoint you in any way whats so ever.!

Marisol, is to become an earthside bride, but shes not going to where she thought she was, instead she is put in a capsule bound for Scotland. With promises to her father to find a thistle she is off in her pod. Only it lands nowhere near where they were expecting it to land, and Marisol is saved by her future husband. Who takes her over his knee for a spanking. Slowly they both come to love each other and Marisol can even put her knowledge to good use to help grow products which are slowly dying!!

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*’s. Who doesn’t like a dominant highlander.... Marisol and Lennox are matched in an effort to recolonize Earth. Watching Marisol navigate all the new experiences on earth as compared to her life. In space was interesting. Add to that figuring out how to deal with a bottom-paddling dominant spouse and finding a way to help the clan, Marisol had her hands full. In most instances , it felt like there was miscommunication between the couple or that Marisol was forced to learn the ground rules the hard way. I did enjoy the “warm” dynamics between this couple and the situations of suspense that quickly arose and were resolved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DD11 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars

I really liked the concept of this book it was interesting a original. Interesting that they sent people back to earth without technology and to fend for themselves. Strange what area they picked to settle. I wouldn’t think Scotland is an easy place to live with the climate and soil quality without technology. I also would think if you were going to send unsuspecting women there you would educate them more about how to eat with a fork and knife and clothes. I thought that was a tad ridiculous.

The ending was rushed and lots of topics skimmed over. The chemistry between them was t really there and we seemed to get more spanking then actual sex between them.

Not a bad read.

[Coline Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I just love a romance by Ameila Smarts, the characters are just so vivid, they just burst off the pages and into your imagination so you feel as if your standing their as the events in the story come to life. Marisol was expecting to become a bride for the Polynesian settlement and had trained degilently, but with her red hair the committee felt the Scottish settlement was a better placement even knowing she had no training for life there. This is the first time she had ever been off the space, ignorant to the culture she would need the firm but gentle guidance of her husband and future chieftain Lennox.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marisol has lived on the Endeavor her whole life. Now it's time to go to Earth and help repopulate. She can't believe they're not ssending her to the one place on Earth she knows about. Instead they're sending her to a Scotsman. She knows nothing about the people or their life. Much less about their land. She absolutely cannot believe that they physically correct their women. Luckily she has a handsome new husband to keep her safe and happy. Even though keeping her safe may well involve a blazing nottom.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the premise of this story.
Imagine after Earth was devastate thousands of years ago and the people escaped to a starship. Now, running out of oxygen, they have decided to re-populate Earth and they need brides sent to different colonies to marry and have children. Marisol has spent several years learning about the colony she will be going to but on the Eve of being accepted, she is told she is going to a different colony. One she knows nothing about. One where husbands are to be obeyed and wives can be punished if they don’t. .I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and will be reading it again soon. The descriptions from someone who had lived her whole life in a sterile environment with food only being about the nutrients to stay alive were wonderful. It made me think about if I was on earth for the first time. The taste of water, feel of a breeze, the view of trees and birds, as well as making food from plants and animals were all new to Marisol. Something as simple as watching an earthworm being attacked by ants was a completely new experience. Beautifully described and fabulous world building.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great entertaining story that once you start reading you don't want to stop. Marisol was ready to become a bride for the Polynesian settlement but the committee decided that with her red hair she should go to a Scottish settlement. She was given to Lennox the chieftain and because she didn't study the Scottish culture then she would need a firm hand to help guide her. The story had actin, adventure, submission, loss, love, spankings and steamy scenes. I had to admire Marisol as she never gave up and I loved her attitude. This is my first story by this author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very entertaining book. It was kind of a futuristic time travel to back in time book. Marisol knew many things but not many things in the time period she went back to, she did not know much about many things even from our time frame. There was some spanking which always make the story more interesting. The interacting between Marisol and Lennox was written very well. The obstacles that Marisol had to over come was interesting how it was written but it was written where it was believable. Great story. I was totally entertained, it was a quick read and I could not put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann Flint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marisol grew up on the space station.and is working to be a bride, sent back to re-populate earth.
She is upset that she is to be sent to Scotland.
Her husband will be Lennox, who will be the next leader.
Seeing daylight, touching earth even eating proper food is an adventure and huge learning curve.
Submitting to her husband, allowing him to protect her and being disciplined when she disobeys.
Was not sure I would like this book, but it hooked me from the start.
Great plot and loved the characters.
Really, really enjoyed it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BookKitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Marisol and her new life on earth in a farming village. The author did a great job of showing what it would be like to have read about earth for your whole life from a spaceship, never being able to actually experience it. When Marisol gets to earth and meets the man she was arranged to marry, he's not quite what she expected. Although Lennox is stern and demanding, he has a very soft, sweet, almost joyful side that is sometimes missing in alpha heroes. Great book!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a futuristic love story between Marisol and Lennox. She is heading back to Earth to help repopulate. She has prepared to go to one settlement but is sent to the Highland one instead. She is not prepared for the difference in the two. Marisol is also not ready for his dominance and punishments. This was a well written book with characters who are perfect for each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely well written story that is just the distraction for the times we live in. These two talented authors collaberate well. All the characters are well done, real. I liked Marisol, she is a bit headstrong but determined to make her place in her new world. Lennox is just who she needs, strong and steady. There are some erotic sexy scenes, dispilinary spankings and other elements to make this a page-turner. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I very highly recommend it. I hope that this is the first book in a series. Please.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

I really enjoyed reading this book. A group of people living on a space station send women down to earth to be brides. Madison is one of them. She must adjust to not only a new husband but a whole new world. The story was very good and the characters were really interesting. A different story than I usually read, but a good one. I'm hoping there will be others.

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Given to the Highlander, even though it did end a wee bit abruptly in my humble opinion. The thought process from point A to point B is obvious which a story like this requires. The characters all around were authentic for both the time frames involved. I can see a series evolve from this if the authors care to carry on!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.