The Laird's Kiss

Highland Lairds #2

by Eliza Knight

Highland warrior, Laird Ian Sinclair, longs for adventure. After a lengthy time north in the Orkney Isles, he agrees to undertake a rescue mission at his brother’s behest. Crossing the English border to retrieve Lady Rhiannon, is not going to be easy, and in fact could prove deadly. Eager for the daring challenge, Ian dodges the enemy’s sword in order to see his task through. What he doesn’t expect is the feisty, beautiful lady he’s charged with protecting, or the sudden strong desire to claim her…

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Audiobook

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2024

About the author

Eliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Escape into history for courageous heroines, irresistible heroes and daring escapades. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Novelists, Inc., the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and a co-host on the History, Books and Wine podcast. Eliza also writes contemporary women's fiction as Michelle Brandon.

While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.

CONFESSIONS OF A GRAMMAR QUEEN out now! LOST IN THE SUMMER OF '69 out June 9, 2026!

For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com

If you love history and want to dive in for some fun, visit Eliza's popular, award-winning blog:
http://historyundressed.com or her history podcast: https://historybooksandwinepodcast.bu...

To connect on social media, visit/follow Eliza at the following:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfi...
Instagram: @ElizaKnightFiction

Reviews

[Tracy Emro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Rhiannon Darce’s parents died when she was just a little girl and she was sent to live with her cousin Douglass at Appleby Castle, her uncle’s holding. But when Douglass went to Scotland to marry, Rhiannon’s brother Adam showed up at Appleby Castle while her uncle was away and took her back to her home, Darce Castle, and promptly demanded that she marry a man of his acquaintance, a merchant to whom Adam owed a great deal of money. When Rhiannon refuses to comply, he locks her up and refuses to out of her room until she agrees. Unbeknownst to Adam, Rhiannon manages to send three letters to Douglass begging for help, but when no help arrives, she figures she will just have to save herself. She manages to trick Adam into letting her out of her room for a walk, where she intends to get the lay of the land to plan her escape. Once outside the castle walls, she tests the guard with her by wandering deeper into the forest looking for her cat, it is there that she comes face to face with a handsome giant of a man, who has her cat and introduces himself as Ian Sinclair, brother-in-law of her cousin Douglass, and tells her he is there to take her to Douglass. Rhiannon isn’t sure she can trust him, but what choice does she have? And so starts an adventure unlike anything she ever imagined, one that could lead to either seeing her returning to her brother or finding the love of a lifetime.

Ian Sinclair is the second-born triplet of the Sinclair clan, a warrior, Laird of Balla Dorcha on Orkney Isles, and a confirmed bachelor because, unlike his brothers, Ian has no desire to set down roots and is always looking for his next adventure. This is exactly why he agreed to rescue Douglass’ cousin, but he had no idea the effect Rhiannon would have on him. As they race from England to the highlands while trying to stay ahead of her brother, the more he falls for her and begins to wonder if he could settle down for her. But before he can examine his feelings, he needs to get her to his brother’s holding, and with her brother nipping at their heels, and war with England brewing, it will be a miracle if they survive the journey.

This was a well-written, action-packed story with wonderful characters and lots of fun banter between Rhiannon and Ian. The story picks up where the previous book ends and is a non-stop adventure filled with sword fights, a treacherous ride, stolen kisses, danger at every turn, battles, confrontations with rival clans, steamy love scenes, a mischievous cat, and a HEA that didn’t seem possible. I loved Rhiannon and Ian and their journey to HEA was a fast, fun read. This is the second book in the series but it could easily be read as a standalone title with no problem. I would be happy to recommend this title to my fellow medieval Highlander readers and I’m looking forward to Alistair’s story.

4.5 stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: The Laird’s Kiss
Author: Eliza Knight
Series:Highland Lairds, #2
Publisher: Knight Media
Book Length: 234 Pages
Overall Rating: 5 stars
Blog Rating:5 Saltire Flags


Lady Rhiannon Dacre was raised to be a lady who would marry a titled man. Definitely not a blackguard merchant who runs a gambling hall! Rhiannon had been living peacefully at Appleby with her Uncle and cousin. Her cousin recently married one of the Sinclair triplets Noah. While her Uncle was away and thinking her brother she had not known living with different relatives thought it was to be a happy reunion not abducting her to use her as payment to settle his gambling debts. However with her Uncle away and being legal age he claimed she was her guardian. So no one at Appleby could save her. She did send letters to through trusted servants to send to her beloved cousin Douglass in Scotland of her dire situation.

Douglass Sinclair received letters of Rhiannon’s dire situation where her cousin was also starving, Rhiannon’s brother barely giving her enough food to survive. Her cousin Douglass asked her brother-in-law the adventurer to rescue her cousin and dear friend from and free her from her forced imprisonment trying to force her into an unwanted marriage. Ian is more than happy to rescue this damsel in distress. Except after rescuing her he realizes she is more like an equal adventurer like himself. Furthermore she is an exceptional knife thrower, can ride a horse like the wind, plus a great kisser too!

However this trip to Scotland is not without a few obstacles whether it is enemy clans or enemy sassenachs! However besides fighting off enemies Ian and Rhiannon quickly fall in love, yet always seem very supportive of each other too. Will her evil brother catch her and sell her to the highest bidder to settle his gambling debts? Will Ian be able to settle with one lass when he loves the game of adventure so much? Read and find out.

Another wonderful read by my go to author Eliza Knight. Been reading her books since 2010 and never disappointed! It doesn’t matter if it is Scottish historical romance, Scottish regency or historical fiction… I always love them all. Another Series I highly recommend. If you love Scottish kilted lads you definitely don’t want to miss this one!

Highland Lairds Series b Eliza Kight

1.The Laird’s Prize
2.The Laird’s Kiss

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy from the author. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

[Roslynn Ernst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Rhiannon Dacre is locked up in her bedchamber no less by her own “loving’ brother. When Rhiannon begs her brother constantly to let her go, have much better sustenance or even let her see their cousin Douglass, he still wouldn’t release her. Rhiannon luckily had her cat Goosie to keep her company. When Rhiannon’s brother finally lets her out with a guard Goosie follows, so Rhiannon ventures farther in the forest when she comes upon Laird Ian Sinclair. Ian’s main purpose was to find Rhiannon and bring her to her cousin. Ian takes Rhiannon and her cat perilously to Scotland. The journey is fraught with danger and with the English very close on their heels. Ian wants to get Rhiannon to the safety of her cousin but risks losing his heart in the process. Rhiannon and Ian must learn to trust each other even with the threat of war coming between them.
What a wonderfully harrowing nail-biting adventure romance from England to Scotland that is such an enjoyable read! The story had some humor with all the near misses of both the hero and heroine being caught with an even mischievous cat to break up the scary journey. Also Ms. Eliza Knight just knows how to write a Scottish historical romance that is a captivating page-turning read! Even the characters including Goosie the cat wanted me to be part of the book too. Rhiannon was a great feisty intelligent heroine that could definitely hold her own. While Ian was just a drool-worthy magnificent book boyfriend hero too. Yes, even though this book is part of a series you can read it as a standalone without any problem but may want to read the others anyway because of relationships. Of course, I want to read the rest in series and do look forward to more!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Laird's Kiss
Highland Lairds #2
Eliza Knight
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Laird Ian Sinclair is the perfect highland warrior. He's the scond born triplit of the Sinclair clan. He's got everything he thinks he needs, but longs for one thing, and that is adventure. His brother asks him to go on a rescue mission. He is to find a woman and bring her to her cousin, where she will be safe from her brother.

Lady Riannon Dacre has been locked in her bedroom by her brother. He has taken her from her cousins home and holds her prisoner because she refuses to marry the man he wants her to marry. Her brother owes this man money and has traded his sister for his debt. Riannon is able to have three letters smuggled out, but when no answer comes to her letters, she realizes she may need to take matters into her own hands. Her cat keeps her company, and she uses this opportunity to slip away from her guards further into the forest. As she slips into the forest, she comes upon a man.

Ian Sinclair has just found the lady he's to rescue.

Eliza Knight is one of my favorite go-to authors. This author is absolutely phenomenal. I've never read a book that I didn’t like from Ms. Knight and this one didn’t disappoint either. It picks up off from where the last book left off. This book is action-packed, and there is never a dull moment. I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down. If you enjoy action with a wonderful happily ever after, then look no further because this is the book for you. Ms. Knight, thank you for taking me back through time to the very place I enjoy being.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't love this one. To be fair, I barely remembered anything about the first book in this series when I read this one, so maybe I was forgetting some important info about either of these two that would've helped me, but generally I feel that their relationship was rushed, every obstacle they faced was too easily and quickly overcome, and I don't feel like I know who these two characters are individually, let alone why they're together. Their connection felt like insta-lust mistaken for love. I didn't even really understand much about whatever was holding either of them back. No other characters get much attention, besides the cat with the most ridiculous name ever, and the plot was.... basic? boring? unbelievable? Yes to all. Okay, so this is a 2.5* book but if you want to read about a hot highlander who's instantly enamored but fighting against his passion for the FMC, this should do the trick well enough. If you want a decent story, character development, or tension, look elsewhere.

[Nancy Yohe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sworn bachelor meets his match.

Ian Sinclair is one of the Sinclair triplet sons. Each is laird to their own lands. Ian is tasked by his brother Noah to travel to England and rescue his wife’s cousin and bring her to Scotland. Rhiannon is being held captive by her own brother until he can marry her off to his friend to pay off a gambling debt. Rhiannon’s escape to Scotland with Ian is not an easy one. There is a lot of trouble along the way as Ian and Rhiannon must depend on each other to stay safe. All the while there is a passion growing between them.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Very Very Good Story!!

Again now to wait another year for Alistair’s story 😩😩😩 This was such an enjoyable read. Quite a few laughs. I loved the ending. Can’t imagine what the next story will be about. I loved the characters and storyline so much. Except for Adam and Mr. Merchant 😂😂 I adored Rhiannon and Goosie and Ian. I laughed that they had the nerve to come back and fight again. On to my next book. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊

[Graceson Gerber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet highland love story

Good story by Eliza Knight. It was filled with adventure and typical love story you would expect from her. However, I only gave it four stars, because I felt like it needed more adventure and battle scenes versus love scenes. The love scenes were satisfying and hot and steamy like all of her stories.

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ian and Rhiannon

Another Eliza Knight gem. Rhiannon's brother has taken her to his castle to sell her to a man to settle his gambling debt. Her cousin has sent her brother in law Ian to rescue her and bring her back. He finds her and rescues her but their journey back is full of danger and love. And just wait til you meet Goosie, a heart stealer for sure!!

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Ian Sinclair, the middle triplet. He has been tasked to rescue Lady Rhiannon, cousin to Lady Douglass. Rhiannon is rescuing herself when Ian finds her. Her brother Adam is marrying her off to settle his gambling debts. Love strong, fierce women and the Banter is all there lol.
The audio is fabulous.

[N Dent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set Me Free
Rhiannon only wanted to escape her brother and her prison! Now that Ian had rescued her she wants more time with him. Ian’s internal struggle fought for adventure, but her lips fought him. Will they win this race together and find happiness?

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I really enjoyed the playful way Ian and Rhiannon fell for each other. It was really sweet. I would say this was probably a cozy romance more than anything since the conflict was mostly resolved quickly. I hope the series includes stories about the Sinclair sisters as well.

[Deborah Froelich · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun story

I enjoyed this book but felt too much time was spent on the sexual scenes. The book would have better with more development in the fighting or relationships. Hence the reason for four stars.

[Debra Loewen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I love this author. Her stories are some of the best I have enjoyed. Always a pleasure to get lost

[Nora Griswold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love This Story

So glad to get to read about Ian and Rhianna. I remember the first book and this one was highly anticipated. It did not disappoint! More please!

[Tiki Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. 7 typos.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. There are plenty of adventures and sizzling romance along with visiting with characters in the first book. If you enjoy Scottish romps, you will love this book.

[Abbey Laird · Rating 3 out of 5]

i had a good time! they had insane chemistry, and this was adventurous and passionate and fun.

[Elizabeth L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the first actually.