Christmas is coming to the Scottish Highlands! Treat yourself to an early Christmas gift with this wonderful collection of five stories of love and everything that is Scottish! Five fabulous authors have shared beautiful historical romance stories to warm your heart. I highly recommend this book to perhaps introduce yourself to five authors and their stories! Grab a cup of tea and sit by the fire as you enjoy hours of reading fun!

Christmas in Kilts by Bronwen Evans, May McGoldrick, Lecia Cornwall, Lavinia Kent, Terri Brisbin will be available October 31, 2017 by St. Martin's Press. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

What wonderful stories these are. A man alone but wanting a woman every one thinks is wrong. A woman hurt eight years ago and never allowed herself to feel. A man who lost his wife six years ago and wants to keep her in his thoughts.. A lady afraid of losing her child.
I loved these stories, they were exciting and intriguing, each is unique. the recurring theme is Scots, the one thing they all have in common. The characters are great and so life like. Ella is a bundle of energy, sweet, and loving. So much is going on in these stories but they are all written by amazing and gifted authors. They keep your attention and there is a well written, easy flowing and concise book.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I couldn't have asked for a better anthology of historical Scottish Highland love stories than the novellas from these authors! Each love story is about people who are the last ones to ever believe they would be lucky or realistic enough to actually marry for love. Each story is so cute, tender, joyful and STEAMY that I couldn't put them down!

There are 5 short stories of highlanders warriors, men and women, who have to face some obstacles and along the way know the love of their lives.

Terri Brisbin brings the story of Iain MacKillop, widower, full of nephews, whose eldest nephew, Laird of the clan, suggests that his uncle should remarry. But Jamie's idea was for Iain to marry - much younger than Iain - daughter of the Laird of the MacLaren clan. Iain refuses because if he has to remarry, it will be with someone who makes his heart beat stronger, and this would happen to Robena MacKendimen.
But there was a problem: the kind of work that Robena had...

Lecia Corwall brings the story of Magnus MacVane, Laird of Gleanngalla, widower, and his friends. He had married without love, only because of his wife's dowry. She had died of fever, and now he wanted to marry again. His two visiting friends Charlie MacKay, Laird of Dunlinton (was Magus brother-in-law) and Laird Hugh MacAulay.
Christmas was approaching and some strangers arrived at the castle asking for lodging. One of the visiting women was known to Magnus.
Unlike what you imagine reading the beginning of this short story, the ending surprises.

Browen Evans brings the story of Earl of Lorne, Dougray.
He had married for love and his wife died in his arms. He was trying to take the courage to marry Fiona MacKenzie.
His cousin Angus wanted him to get a chance to find other women before he finally decided to marry again, and so he makes a list of guests whose presence of several women was guaranteed.
But one of the party's guests, Lord Thornton Duckworth, appeared with his sister Emma. He confessed to being blackmailed by her or she would tell their father that Thornton had a widowed lover who never had children, and their father wanted Thornton to marry someone who gave him heirs.
Dougray knew Emma but never imagined that she had become such a beautiful and stubborn woman.

Lavinia Kent brings the story of James Barran, who was on a carriage ride to try to stop his sister from marrying Robert, his rake best friend.
He had as a companion a lady who strangely traveled without her maid.

Emma Spencer lost her father and was going to visit her uncle, the Earl of Mounthaven. A setback caused her and her maid to be separated. Now she was without her luggage and in the company of a huge man, who took up almost all the space in the carriage, and still slept all the time.
The two are trapped when their carriage is sabotaged and they have to spend the night in a cabin.

And the last one, May McGoldrick brings the story of a fearless captain and a braver woman who struggles to keep her family together.
This short story is also a prequel to the author's next release.
4 stars

Looking for some Christmas fun... Like the idea of your own Highlander just for you...
Here are 5 different tales to take you away from your everyday.

Overall, given that I enjoyed the last two stories, this collection ranks a 3. But I wouldn't recommend it as a whole because I disliked the first three stories. Brief reasons below:

A HIGHLANDER'S HOPE by Terri Brisbin
This was just unrealistic and too focused on the fact that the heroine was a "whore" - she and others kept calling her this. The hero is literally paying her to have sex with him for the whole story. She's a prostitute, doesn't seem to have been forced into it, so I really don't care for her character. Prostitution is not romantic.

A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS WAGER by Lecia Cornwall
Heroine was pretty weak and the hero was as well. Nothing to recommend in either character. BIG disappointment as I have loved Lecia's previous books.

A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen Evans
This story has been overdone and was entirely too predictable. Man's wife is dead, he goes he can never love again, but wait - in walks a gorgeous woman from his past to spark his fire. And she is of course a spinster, who wants him to pop her cherry so she can know what passion feels like. *rolls eyes*

LEFTOVER MISTLETOE by Lavinia Kent
Loved this one! I felt like both characters were relatable, strong, and their relationship was believable. Greatly enjoyed this story.

SWEET HOME HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS by May McGoldrick
My favorite of the bunch! The niece was hysterical, I can't wait to read more, since this is the start of a new series!

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas in Kilts is a delightful compendium of Christmas stories, all involving handsome Scots and feisty maidens, by the best of historical romance writers. A Highlander’s Hope by Terri Brisbin takes one by surprise as a lonely man decides to satisfy the requirements being placed on him to remarry by choosing the village harlot. This story touches the heart and I found myself rooting for Robena as Iain stood up to those in authority. Lecia Cornwall’s A Highland Christmas Wager had shades of light and dark as Meggie is forced to seek refuge from the one person she cannot trust. I felt her indignity when she discovers the wager that has been placed and was charmed by the outcome. Bronwen Evans is always a favourite of mine and I will read just about anything written by her. However A Scot for Christmas touched me as all her books do, as a heart sore Emma humbles herself to request Dougray’s help in solving a problem. There are other factors at play which neither party is aware of, and ultimately I was worried that the romance would not work out. However, neither Emma nor Dougray could deny their feelings for each other and I cheered Ms Evans once again. Left Over Mistletoe by Lavinia Kent had me smiling at the interaction between Emma and Barran. They were both tricked by people they should have trusted, which resulted in an unlikely alliance. There was humour and some pathos as the two sorted through the problems they have acquired. I loved Emma’s willingness to become self-sufficient under difficult circumstances and despite being something of a rogue, Barran is actually a charming gentleman. Sweet Home Highland Christmas by May McGoldrick had me laughing out loud at Ella’s antics and precocious behaviour, but despite the child’s outspoken manner she was nevertheless charming. Freya’s willingness to do anything to keep custody of her niece wins the reader’s respect, and Gregory is the hero we all want in our lives. Combined, this anthology of stories touch the heart and leave one with a warm feeling. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This book is a set of stories all taking place in Scotland and all involving strong handsome men and romance they weren't looking for.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This five author anthology was a great way to sample the work of several new-to-me writers. The five short stories/novellas are Christmas themed romances that take place against the snowy backdrop of Scotland in winter. Peopled with brave lasses and brawny lads, each of the stories presents complications that need to be overcome, but you can be assured of happy endings under the mistletoe.

Christmas in Kilts is a fantastic collection of five short romantic stories from some of the best writers in the business. Funny, heartwarming and hugely enjoyable, fans of Scottish set historical romances are simply going to adore this wonderful anthology!

Terri Brisbin is the undisputed queen of the Highland romance and her contribution to this collection, A Highlander’s Hope, should definitely come with a warning: keep a packet of tissues handy becomes this is a thrilling emotional rollercoaster ride that is so wonderfully written and moving it is in danger of severing your heartstrings!

Robena MacKendiman is a tragic victim of circumstance whose reputation had been cruelly tarnished after she had been used and abused and treated like a mere plaything whose sole purpose was to cater to the whims and base desires of a man who should have known better. Treated with disdain, her hopes of a better life are forever dashed, but could a visit from highlander Iaian McKillop, change her life forever and provide her with the happiness which has so far eluded her?

Although Iaian is well aware that Robena is a fallen woman, he is determined to make her his despite everyone else’s disgust and protestations. With so much opposition standing in their way, will Iaian and Robena’s love survive when the odds are stacked against them? Or are they doomed to a lifetime of misery and regret?

Terri Brisbin is a writer who gets better with each story she writes and this is a poignant, emotional and superbly told Highland romance that is sure to bring a tear to readers’ eyes. With wonderfully portrayed characters, evocative period descriptions and first-rate romance, A Highlander’s Hope is another triumph for this immensely talented writer.

I am a huge fan of the wonderful Lecia Cornwall and her fabulous MacLeod family saga and in A Highland Christmas Wager, she has once again penned a humorous, romantic and highly enjoyable tale which touched my heart and made me laugh out loud!

When a snowstorm forces Meggie Macleod to seek refuge and take shelter from the elements, she never imagined that she would end up holed up in a castle with three Highland lairds just days before Christmas – or that she would end up being the prize of a wager! With the three lairds vying for a kiss – and possibly her body- Meggie is absolutely determined to keep her feelings under lock and key and her dignity intact. But little does she realise that she will end up losing her heart in the process…

Will Meggie end up getting her heart’s desire this Christmas? Or is a happy ending simply not possible for her this Yuletide?

Lecia Cornwall is as fantastic as ever in A Highland Christmas Wager. With a spirited heroine, a gorgeous Highland Laird and high jinks, passion and searing intensity galore, this talented storyteller has penned another irresistible romance that has got keeper written all over it!

Bronwnen Evans’ A Scot for Christmas is a spellbinding and terrific read guaranteed to hold readers in thrall from start to finish!

When he had lost his wife after just two years of marriage, Dougray never imagined that love would ever have any place in his life ever again. Having buried his heart alongside with his wife, Dougray needs an heir and the only option available to him is a marriage of convenience. Dougray thinks that a dull, staid and uneventful marriage is all that is in store for him, but fate – in the form of Lady Emma – seems to have other ideas.

Spinsterhood beckons for Lady Emma, but she is not about to let this shape her life or let it make her unhappy. Having been madly in love with Dougray, her brother’s best friend, for years, Emma is determined to stop being a wallflower and have some fun for a change. When Emma and Dougray are propelled into one another’s path by chance, sparks quickly begin to fly. When Emma proposes a marriage of convenience, Dougray is determined to keep thing strictly platonic between them, but giving into temptation soon proves inevitable!

A stellar novella from a writer I’ve added to my must-buy list, A Scot for Christmas is a funny, sexy and scandalous read I found impossible to resist! Skilfully blending rib-tickingly humor, red-hot passion and moving romance, A Scot for Christmas is a brilliant tale from a wonderful writer!

Lavinia Kent will have you chuckling from the very first page of her delightful short story Leftover Mistletoe!

Poor Lady Emma Spencer thinks that things couldn’t possibly get any worse for her. After being banished to Scotland and left orphaned and penniless, poor Emma is then robbed by her maid and left to fend for herself with only a brooding Highlander for company! With a snowstorm coming and no inns in the immediate vicinity, Emma has got no other option but to seek shelter in an old cottage with a total stranger!

Holed up with enigmatic Highlander James Barran, Emma quickly finds herself drawn to the dangerously attractive Scotsman. With nothing to do, James and Emma soon begin to grow closer and closer. Could this be the beginning of a special relationship? Or will this burgeoning love end up melting in the cold light of day?

Sweet, sexy and impossible to read without a great big smile on your face, Leftover Mistletoe is an engaging and delightful romantic read with lots of appeal for historical romance fans! With a sexy hero, a terrific heroine and humour, passion and heart, Leftover Mistletoe is a fabulous read readers won’t forget in a hurry.

In the final short story of this collection, Sweet Home Highland Christmas, the fabulous May McGoldrick is on top form with this mesmerizing romantic read.

Freya Sutherland will do absolutely anything she can in order to ensure that she doesn’t lose custody of her young niece – even marriage! In danger of losing her beloved charge, Freya will go to any lengths to keep the child with her, but with time being of the essence, finding a husband becomes of paramount importance. A chance encounter with Captain Gregory Pennington could be the answer to all of her prayers, but Freya hadn’t counted on falling head over heels in love with her convenient husband!

Will some unexpected Christmas magic give Freya the ready-made family she has always dreamed about? Or will happiness continue to be out of reach for her?

May McGoldrick can always be relied on to deliver an intelligently written, highly emotional and wonderfully uplifting historical romance rich in humor, pathos and charm and Sweet Home Highland Christmas is certainly no exception! A joyous and uplifting romance that will make readers smile as well as shed a tear or two, Sweet Home Highland Christmas is another triumph for this terrific storyteller!

I really enjoyed this sweet holiday collection of highlander romances. This is a nice mix of stories that are sure to melt your heart. Each is filled with love, heady bedroom scenes, and brawny Highlanders. Who doesn’t love a brawny Highlander?

Pick up your copy now; you don’t want to miss out on this entertaining collection.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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

These five novellas focus on romance at Christmas time all which are set in historical periods. Each story is quite different although with some similar elements including women at the mercy of society and convention of their time besides the obvious holiday connection. So if romance with a handsome Scotsman is your thing, then take this anthology for a spin.

A HIGHLANDER'S HOPE by Terri Brisbin
3 stars
Robena is known as the village harlot though she helps the midwife as well. She and Iain MacKillop, a widower, have long had an arrangement when he is visiting her village from another clan. He decides that Robena means more to him than a dalliance setting out to win her for keeps this time. Perhaps my least favorite of the group, the continual use of the word whore is disturbing. I understand that this woman was forced into her position; however, I got tired of seeing the word over and again.

A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS WAGER by Lecia Cornwall
3.5 stars
Meggie and her grandmother are traveling home for Christmas when a Highland snowstorm sends them to the castle of a former lover for shelter. Magnus MacVane, Laird of Glengalla Castle welcomes theme with an eye to replace his dead wife. Two other gentlemen in the castle also want the beautiful and well-connected Meggie so they devise a contest to win her hand. Charlie MacKay and Laird Hugh Macaulay have their own reasons for wanting Meggie, but of the three, only one man is honorable.

A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen Evans
4 stars
Another widower who is looking for a new wife, Dougray has decided to marry a woman he has no real interest in order to have heirs. Before he can put those plans into motion, Lady Emma Duckworth shows up with her brother, his best friend, Thornton. Emma has loved Dougray for years. Since she has not married and does not intend to now, she has a proposition for Dougray. These first three stories all included widowed men which adds a bit of sadness to the book as a whole for me.

LEFTOVER MISTLETOE by Lavinia Kent
4 stars
Emma Spencer has lost her father and, consequently, her home. She traveling in the depth of winter to an Uncle’s house as she has no other choice. Emma and her traveling companion, a big, burly Scot named Barran, find themselves stranded after being waylaid by his best friend. Barran was trying to prevent a marriage, but perhaps all is not lost for either of them. Sometimes a gentleman will sacrifice much to save a lady’s reputation.

SWEET HOME HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS by May McGoldrick
4 stars
Captain Gregory Pennington has been sent to escort a young woman and her niece in order to meet the little girl’s imperious grandmother. Afterwards, he is planning to seek his fortune elsewhere from Scotland in the new year. Fiona desperately wants to keep custody of Ella even if it means marrying her odious cousin. Both of Ella’s parents are gone and as a woman, Fiona cannot inherit the family estate from her ageing father. As they journey towards the meeting, Gregory discovers he might just have a change of plans and of heart.

Christmas in Kilts are 5 standalone novellas that all end with a Happy Ever After.Each book is unique, and the Scottish brogue is throughout all 5 novellas.

Only one stands out as being too over the top, and being English with family from Aberdeen, it's just a little too cliche. But I did not let that stop me from enjoying the sweet romance, and learn something from almost every story.

In A Highlanders hope, you will learn that you should never let the prejudice of others hold you back from what you want.

In A Highlanders Christmas Wager, sometimes you have to set yourself a challenge, to get what you truly want.

In Sweet Home Highland Christmas, you learn that sometime you have to trust in others to truly get what you want.

In A Scot For Christmas, you learn that even when you think your dreams have no hope, and you resign yourself to a life alone, you should never set your plans in stone, because you never know what fate has in store.

Leftover Mistletoe was a difficult book for me, it didn't flow how I would have liked, and I struggled with the plot, so for me, that was my only distraction from the whole book.

I give Christmas in Kilts 4 stars.

Christmas in Kilts is an anthology of short historical romances written by five well known authors in this field. Each of the stories are standalones but are part of some of the authors ongoing series. Each of the hero is in kilts and its set during the holiday season. What more can a reader ask! The female characters are also quite memorable and a bit unorthodox so another plus! This is a great way to be introduced to each author if its the first time you've encountered them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ok I will admit I was a little sceptical as to how good this would be when I discovered that it was not a collaboration novel but separate smaller stories. As a whole it was really well written and I did enjoy it. I do wish they were all their own separate stories so that way they could go on longer but oh well. I will say however that there was only one mini story that I did not like however I think it is a great late light mini read.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2155269936