Cover Image: Enchanted by the Highlander

Enchanted by the Highlander

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Member Reviews

This is a forth book in a Highland Fairytale series in which our author bases her stories on some of our favorite fairytales, but setts them in the Highlands of Scotland, thus while the essence of the original fairytales can be glimpsed, the author never the less makes each story unique and her own.

Having read all of them, I thought this one captured the best parts of the original. I thought our heroine’s growth of character well portrayed and as she grew into her own, I just couldn’t help but like her. Her strengths and weaknesses made her more real to me.

As for our hero, I liked him from the start. He was one of those more complex heroes who’ve always done what’s good and honorable, yet there were things in his past that bothered him and he needed to work through them.

The romance was a bit sudden, but I still got on board because they were so likable and the because the love between the two was forbidden, she being Scottish and he English.

If you’re a fan of retellings of fairytales, I think you’ll like this fast paced and sweet romance.

Melanie for b2b

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Enchanted by the Highlander by Lecia Cornwall is a 2017 Swerve publication.

Captivating Scottish romance!

John Erly is an English Lord, banished by his father, who has relocated to Scotland. With a wild reputation to live up to, he flirts with all the ladies, but when the beautiful, but painfully shy, Gillian MacLeod arrives, he is warned to stay away from her.

But, while attending a masked ball, Gillian takes the bold step of stealing a kiss from the only man what makes her heart skip a beat.

John never learns the identity of the enchanting young lady until Gillian must be escorted home for her wedding. Thrown together in an uncomfortably awkward situation, the pair finds it hard to hide their true feelings for each other.

Along the way they will encounter much danger and intrigue, while falling deeply in love. But, Gillian’s father will never allow a marriage between his daughter and the rouge Englishman. Is the relationship doomed? Will Gillian be forced to marry a man she doesn't love?

It has been a good long while since I read a rousing Scottish romance and I had begun to miss those lovely Scottish traditions and fascinating superstitions and magic, along with the action, adventure and intrigue, plus with Valentine's Day right around the corner, I'm in the mood for a little romance.

This book has all those elements, along with a tortured hero, and strong female lead, who has the courage to take what she wants, to find a way to be with her true love, while remaining true to herself and blossoming into a respected heroine in the process.

Gillian’s quietness is misconstrued, with people drawing the conclusion she isn’t all that bright or does not wish to contribute. Nothing could be further from the truth and she surprises even those closest to her, when she steps out of her shell, proving her mettle, and quieting those who doubted her.

John’s backstory is unique, and I loved how he rose to the occasion to win Gillian, even though the odds are against him.

Naturally, there are a few battles to fight and there is also an interesting competition for the right to wed Gillian, which adds a spark of action and adventure, which is essential for a traditional Scottish romance, and kept me engaged, not only in the plot, but also for the characters.

There is a fairy tale quality to the story, which keeps things light amid the danger and angst. I enjoyed the fast pace, the characterizations, and the way Gillian and John fought so hard to be together.

This is a quick read, very enjoyable and is certainly entertaining. I always enjoy stepping back in time and letting myself get swept away by the beauty and tradition of Scotland, which is a nice refreshing change of pace after reading so many dark and serious novels in a row!


4 stars

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Loved seeing elements of the Cinderella story in this charming story! Pacing is fact, plot is action-packed, and the hero is delicious! The heroine is the only reason that this story doesn't get five stars. She has a tendency to be a doormat. There's plenty of twist and turns, witty moments, and chemistry between the characters. An enchanting read ;)

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Gillian MacLeod is one of twelve daughters in her family and is known as the shy one. Her sisters and father tend to talk over her and offer their opinions in place of her own, and she wants adventure and to marry for love. Because of this, at a masked ball, she decides to kiss John Erly, a disowned Englishman that serves as the captain of her brother-in-law's guard. He has to fight off his own attraction for her as well, believing himself unworthy of a laird's daughter, even if she chooses him as her husband.

Gillian is a fun kind of heroine because she is the overprotected girl that still manages to get skilled in various tasks that wouldn't be expected of her. She hunts small game and walks in the woods as a way to be alone and limit her stress when her sisters are too overbearing because she is withdrawn enough not to voice her own opinions. When she starts to, however, she's still talked over. It comes as a shock to others when she shouts and gives directions, which is amusing to the reader because we knew it was there all along.

John similarly isn't the heartless rogue that people gossip about, and his story makes you like him even more.

They're a great match in this, and both are stubborn in similar ways. Instead of a misunderstanding between the two of them that provides the wedge, it's the misunderstanding of others and their own principles. The happily ever after is sweetened up in an almost over the top way, but it fits Gillian and John well.

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An absolute lovely read. I have a special place in my heart for wallflowers and fairytale retellings. Lecia Cornwall is a talented author able to pull elements from a classic beloved tale and weave it into her own delightful world. What first appears as a straightforward story ends up being a journey wrought with twist and turns. Filled with enjoyable characters, Enchanted by the Highlander is worth the time if you are looking for a sweet historical read.

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Amazing book. You have an ex high society English man living in Scotland as his best friends Captain of the guard and a young Scottish woman born to high society who on all accounts appears to be shy. A series of events lead them to take daring steps and push the boundaries of what people think they are. Is she actually shy? or is she a mystery waiting to be unraveled? Does he have a dangerous past or was it a trap? Together, they must decide where they will go and whether they are willing to risk everything to be together.

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Gillian always stood in the corner away from others. She was typically overlooked but she is ready for an adventure. Just one that would remind she was still alive. Only one man could ignite the hunger that lies within. English John felt captivated with one look. Their attention would always seek out the other and make them finally feel complete. Will he provide her with the happiness she long observed in he shadows?

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I adore these clever twists on fairytales. Classic stories turned on their heads and Cromwell does it oh so very well!

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I do not know what it was about this book but I struggled to get through it. It was just too fairytale like for my taste.

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After a very slow and frustrating start this book this book became a great read. I wasn’t sure if i was going to Ike this book after reading the first 4 chapters and not being able to get invested. After the ball things seem to pick up speed. While i cant say this is one of my favourite reads, i cant say i enjoyed it. Gilly’s character wishy washy and annoying. I thought once she started to speak up she would remain that way but it wasn’t so. She was still a door mat with her father and sisters even after everything that happened to her. The action was great and thats the thing that kept me reading. I loved John. I loved the struggle he had with being disowned and the dark past he had However, right from the start you could see he was going to end up getting money. The author kept repeating how penniless he was and it gave it away. Not many surprises with the story but still enjoyable.

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I give Enchanted by the Highlander 3 stars. I would like to read the others in the series.

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Gillian MacLeod, in everyone’s opinion is shy and quiet, unlike all of her other sisters as such, her father has decided she needs a husband who will cherish and protect her, so he has selected a contemporary of his and even a bit older as someone who will do just that. However, what most people do not know is that Gillian is quiet because she couldn’t get a word in even if she tried when her other sisters are around. Plus, they just barrel ahead and speak for her.

After arranging a betrothal her father sends her on a journey to visit her sister who is expecting her second child. While there, Gillian notices John Erly, a Sassenach, disowned by his lordly father and starting a new life in Scotland. At a masquerade ball, Gillian does appear but not in the costume her sister selected for her but something entirely different feeling this was a last chance for excitement and adventure, she followed John Erly into a moonlit garden and experienced the kiss of her life, disappearing back to her room.

A year later it’s time for Gillian to wed and due to unforeseen circumstances her brother-in-law who was supposed to escort her to her wedding hadn’t returned from his last voyage and the Sassenach John Erly was tasked to escort Gillian to her wedding along with the knowledge that the glimpse he had of her reminded him of the mysterious beauty he’d kissed at the Masquerade ball in the garden a year before.

*** All I can say is WOW! The very shy and quiet Gillian was definitely not meek and mild. Along the ride they were attacked, Gillian captured, and John hurt while trying to rescue her. Surprise, surprise, Gillian ended up being the heroine after she rescued John and subdued 3 of her attackers, and yet it didn’t end there! By the time she got to her wedding she had an entire army of Highlanders singing her praises and songs of her bravery and strength. And John Erly plus three Lairds all wanting to challenge each other for her hand in marriage after she refused to marry her betrothed.

Bottom line: This was a tall tale but as splendid and enchanting as Gillian herself! Highly recommended!

Marilyn Rondeau

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This is the type of Romance book that will grow on you! I can't say I was much impressed with the main female character, but given a chance, she will grow on you! The book had a good story line ...the characters got developed and it was hot and steamy when needed! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it!

I would like to thank the author, the Publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for a honest review

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Gillian MacLeod's family has always spoken for her or just assumed that she needed them to. They just feel because she is quiet and keeps to herself that she is too timid to voice her own thoughts and opinions. Gillian only has herself to blame for not standing up for herself. When Gillian travels to her sister, Fia's, home, she is determined to do something bold and adventurous. An upcoming masquerade ball provides her that opportunity. Only one man interests Gillian there and Gillian musters up her courage, seeks him out, delivers a kiss he won't soon forget, and then makes her escape.

John Erly left everything he knew behind to come to Scotland after being disowned by his English father. He has carved out a pretty good life for himself there and works for a really good friend, Dair. Although John has a reputation for being a womanizer, which usually suits him fine, he is intrigued by Dair's sister-in-law, Gillian. John tries to forget about her and succeeds for a while after being kissed by a masked beauty, but both women soon disappear from his life. Upon Gillian's return, John comes to the realization that Gillian and the masked woman he kissed are one and the same. Unfortunately for John, Gillian has only returned to be escorted by Dair to her upcoming wedding. To make matters worse, Dair is gone so John is asked to step in and deliver Gillian to her husband-to-be.

Thus begins their journey across the Scottish countryside together. It is not an easy one as they encounter brigands along the way. John and Gillian's men fight to keep her safe, but are outnumbered and the enemy makes away with Gillian. John fights hard to win Gillian back, but it is Gillian who saves the day. Being forced to spend time alone with her brings all his feelings back to the surface and it seems Gillian returns them. How will he ever be able to let her go now?

ENCHANTED BY THE HIGHLANDER is full of twists and turns with adventure around every corner. I really related to Gillian's character having come from a larger family. Sometimes you just get overlooked or drowned out by everyone around you. I love how Gillian forced everyone to take a second look at her and showed them she is not as soft as they thought. John complements her perfectly. He is just the man to bring out the strength and courage she has always possessed, but kept bottled up. The interaction between these two is something to witness, especially when they are forced to spend time alone together and confront their true feelings. There are just so many good things to say about this book. I could go on and on. ENCHANTED BY THE HIGHLANDER is a highly recommended read for fairy tale romance and highland romance fans alike! It is the first book I have read in this series, but the fourth in the series. I most certainly plan on checking out books one through three and of course, will read book five when it comes out.

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Your typical Highlander story, a young lass kisses a lad and they both fall in love, but neither knows who the other is. Later, as he is escorting her to her wedding, he realizes that she is the lass he kissed and fate takes over...will they find a way to be together? An enjoyable tale of love, intrigue and Scotland...aren't we all dreaming of a Highlander of our own?

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A little bit slow to begin with but once the action started I found it quite entertaining. I liked the romance between John and Gillian but the suspenseful action scenes kept me turning the pages.

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This book is well written I just had a hard time connecting with the heroine - she was a bit too much of a mouse for my tastse

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This is the first book in the Highland Fairytale series that I've read, but it was easy to just dive right into the book without feeling like I was lacking any information. I found it a little hard to connect with the heroine, Gillian, at first but she ultimately grew on me as she finally started to make her own decisions and actually voice an opinion about the life she wanted. John and his willingness to not only push Gillian but also give her the space that she needed to grow into the woman she has the potential to become was also refreshing to read.

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Enchanted by the Highlander was a delightful romance with a fairy tale twist that was full of adventure, a rakish and charming hero, and a heroine who comes into her own.

Gillian MacLeod is by far the quietest and shyest of her sisters and the one no one would imagine would long for adventure. However, wanting a taste of excitement and knowing she will never see him again, Gillian steals a kiss from a stranger during a masquerade ball. That stranger just so happens to be John Erly, a disowned Englishman who came to Scotland seeking a new life. John has dreamed of the mystery woman from that night for months and immediately recognizes Gillian as her when they meet again a year later. The only problem is Gillian is on her way to be married and John is assigned the task of escorting her to the wedding. Soon Gillian and John are off to deliver her to the wedding while ignoring their growing attraction when fate intervenes and pulls them down a new path.

Due to her quiet nature, Gillian is believed to be dim-witted when actually her rationale for being quiet is that by the time she’s asked for her opinion, one of her many sisters has already expressed the same idea. As her family thinks she’s not bright, they have a tendency to make decisions for her and Gillian usually lets them. Over the course of the book while away from her family, Gillian finally has the chance to express her opinion and learns that she wants to make her own decisions. I liked Gillian more as she became more assertive and grew into her own person.

John ended up in Scotland after his brother died and his father disowned him and he has spent his time there making a life for himself despite not being trusted by most due to his being an Englishman. John is an incredibly compassionate person and anonymously helps those less fortunate knowing they wouldn’t welcome his help if they knew the source. John harbors a lot of guilt over the death of his brother and over the course of the book works through that guilt. I liked that he had to work through the guilt and that it wasn’t something he instantly got over.

Gillian and John have an immediate physical connection, but due to the circumstances, their romance is definitely a slow burn. I enjoyed that the characters had time to get to know one another, which made their connection much more believable. When things do progress to the physical side, the scenes are well done and enjoyable to read. John is a bit slower to recognize that he has feelings for Gillian, but I do think it makes sense that he would be hesitant once you learn his history.

My favorite part of this book was while the characters were on their journey to get Gillian to her wedding. During the trek, various fun hijinks ensued and we got to meet a bunch of characters along the way. Plus I liked how it forced the main characters to interact more as they were alone most of the time. The competition at the end is also a ton of fun and I enjoyed the various tasks the characters needed to complete.

I did want to mention that despite this book being the fourth book in the Highland Fairy Tale series, it stands well on its own and you could start with this one if you wanted to. Personally, I will be going back to check out the previous books as I really enjoyed this installment.

Enchanted by the Highlander overall was a very fun read with the perfect mix of romance and adventure. I definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a romance with a bit of adventure.

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