Of the historical romances I've read recently, and there have been many, this one strikes a cord with me and will definitely be remember. Perhaps a top 10 of the year read...-Fly GirlOf the historical romances I've read recently, and there have been many, this one strikes a cord with me and will definitely be remember. Perhaps a top 10 of the year read...-Fly Girl

This story had me from the get go. Nothing like a good winter historical romance, when work was slow and there was more time by the fires. This one takes place around the Yuletide Holidays so it is even more festive. She really amped it up with sharing a lot of Scottish traditions with us and it was eye opening.

Aileana and James couldn't come from more different places in the world even though they are considered equals in the social status. Aileana has lived a very hard life for many years due to the skirmishes with James' family and the bad crop harvests. There has been little to eat and no extra money for the finer things afforded a nobleman in her life. This hasn't dampened here ability to live life to the fullest and try to extoll any goodness from it or to explore new things. Her heart hasn't been hardened.

James on the other hand has had things pretty good. Although he's been hit with raids by both Aileana's clan and others he's been able to recover quicker. His harvests have been good. He's had the coin for finer things. But not all has been good for him. As a bastard, he's lived with hate and doubt his whole life from his step-mother. This has made him leery of relationships and trust has been tough.

When James finds himself in a position to win the rest of his inheritance and gain a comely wife, he jumps on it and handfasts with Aileana. She thinks she's saving her family and especially her sister when she agrees to the handfasting. Good for her there is a twelfth night clause in it so if she doesn't find peace with James it will be annulled.

James actually takes the time to listen to her grievances and learns to understand her perspective of the life she's had because of the raiding. She learns to listen to James and his people about their grievances and between the both of them, they start to forge a friendship based on trust and hurt, and a willingness to see they are not their parents and the raiding has been for naught. Now they have to figure out how to get their families to do the same.

What stands out to me most in this novel is the sense of cooperation and the understanding that an individual should not be held responsible just because of their last name and what their brothers or fathers did. Also, James' generosity towards Aileana's family and her, even when she was thought of as the enemy. James treats her with care and compassion and he has a sense of honor based around his unfortunate birth so he never forces Aileana. The emotions were so true to my soul that I think in many of the situations I would have responded exactly the same whether it was a smile, laugh, or a tear. This one really touched my heart and if you love high emotion, this book is perfect. The Scots are known for high emotion and E Elizabeth doesn't disappoint.

This is the first book I've read by her and I'm in love and will definitely be reading more of her. Because it touched my heart, this will most likely make my Top 10 list for the year. I'm giving it 5 of 5.

This book was given to me as an ARC in return for my honest review.

I love books that has a woman disguised as a boy, and this book happens to have that! It's also a plus because this book falls into the trope of enemies to lovers. This book is also about forgiveness, letting go of the past, the feud, and the chaos so two clans could reunite as peaceful neighbors to build a alliance.  Her personality is spunky, daring, bubbly and brave. She's also a wild hellion. Eventhough coming from a noble birth she is not afraid to work and get dirty.  He is said to be the devil but deep down is just a family man. He is caring and the most sweetest person. His moniker doesn't even come close to who he really is on the inside. But no one ever comes close to witnessing that side of him. Only one person has seen that side of him and it's his sister. This is a slow burn but the writing and the plot makes it such a fun read.

Lady Alieana disguises herself as a lad, and steals vegetables from the MacDonald's to feed her hungry clan. Thinking nothing will be missed, she is chased all the way back to her castle by no other but than the laird, James MacDonald her most hated enemy. 

When he learns of her true identity...James demands a handfast marriage to compensate for the theft, and sadly her brothers agrees. She returns with James to his castle and they will remain together for a fortnight. She would be free to leave if she doesn't wish to stay married to him after the twelfth night.

Unbeknownst to Alieana he must marry a enemy bride to inherit his fortune. What he didn't expect was to find her so attractive.  So his plan is to woo her, in Hope's of winning her heart before the two week ends. What she didn't expect was to fall for him. They bicker, argue, and slowly come together for their people. While they both do this there is also cute banter between the two that will have you laughing. 

Through out this book you get to witness mistrust turned into assurance, enemies that become true friends, forgiveness, but most importantly hate turned into love.

I highly recommend this book. I will definitely read more from this author.

the thing i enjoy about watson's stories is that they take place outside of the usual historical time periods, this sixteenth century highland tale is a delight. i'm a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers story, and twelfth knight's bride is just the thing. 

set over christmas, james and aileana have to come to terms with their marriage and each other, seriously these two have chemistry in spades. overall this story is sweet and lovely with just the perfect amount of spark. 

**twelfth knight's bride will publish on november 17, 2020. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (scandalous) in exchange for an honest review.

Looks can be deceiving! Aileana is outspoken and daring for a woman, she thinks James from a rival clan is the Devil, she learns however that you cant judge someone based on hearsay. The entire storyline is very well done. This was a very entertaining and fast paced story, sometimes with too many nonessential details but overall very well written, holds your attention and takes you on a journey while giving an important lesson. 
I recommend it. I received an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

This is part of an anthology and i absolutely loved the historic drama and characters, from the first page i was hooked.

Loved this story of clan loyalty. The characters are very likable. James is a bastard laird,  Aileana is the sister of the Laird of the neighboring clan. These clans have feuded for years! 

I wonttell you the story here and spoil it for you, but it's a beautiful tale of couage and trust.

Sucha. Sweet shot feeling story about things are never what they first appear and never judge a book by its cover

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two warriors face off for the good of their clan. Aileana is a spitfire who is willing to go to battle to help her clan survive. She is a fiery character. James is a warrior and the leader and protector of his clan. Together these two have some fierce discussions as they disagree on most things. They use their shared history and experiences to find common ground that eventually leads to a lesson in love.

This is a medieval Christmas romance. I loved the atmosphere of the clans and castles, and Scotland of course. I also enjoyed the Romeo & Juliet inspired love story. Allie and James compliment each other so well. While Allie is a fearless woman, James is a thoughtful gentleman. Both are fiercely loyal and protective of their people. Their relationship stems not only from attraction but friendship which I love. 
The side characters certainly add to the story but don’t overshadow the main two. I liked that it took awhile for James’s clan to warm up to Allie, it made the story more realistic. 
The pacing worked for the story. My main issue was that it could be overly descriptive at times. 
Otherwise this was a sweet, delightful  medieval Christmas romance.

I enjoyed this historical Christmas romance of Lady Aileana Grant and Laird James MacDonald. And all the rest of the characters.

Lady Aileana Grant is wanting to help her brother's clan they are hungry and need food. So she decided to steal from an enemies clan. She hopes that they won't notice a few vegetables missing. But luck is not on her side and they take action and come after her. 

Laird James MacDonald has followed a young lad that has stolen from his clan. He is surprised to find out the identity of the thief. 

This Christmas Highlander book was very charming. It was a hard book to down with all the different things happening in the story. 

I received a complimentary copy for Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

A Scottish Romeo and Juliet but with a happier ending. 2 clans fighting for 200 years over the lands and castle near loch lomond finally have a chance to make peace, after stealing vegetables to feed her people the youngest daughter of the Grant clan is married to the Devil laid of the rival clan, a punishment he forces to claim his inheritance. 
This beautifully written romantic story charts the two weeks tgat she must remain with him before making her decision to stay with the enemy or return to her family, During this time she learns the truth about the Devil l aird and they each learn the truth of the impact of the continued feud on both of their clans. Can Christmas as a married couple really bring peace and maybe even love? Loved it so much I read it in one sitting

In 16th century Scotland, Lady Aileana steals vegetables from a rival clan out of desperation. Her people are starving, thanks to that clan's raid two years earlier. But when the laird tracks her home and demands compensation, he doesn't have money in mind. James needs a wife in order to claim an inheritance, and this sharp-tongued, intriguing woman will do.

The two strike a bargain to handfast until Twelfth Night, and then part. But after a rocky start, it seems like they might in fact be a perfect match.

I haven't read a lot of romance set in this time period, and I enjoyed learning about their holiday customs. Aileana and James are well-matched and fun to watch as they navigate their new relationship. A sweet and unusual holiday story.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review.

Wow, this was such a great book! I loved the plot, the characters, and the writing. The book was well-written and the writing was smooth, descriptive, and sucked me in from the start. The plot had twists and was sad but sweet. The characters were well-written and had great personalities and their romance was sweet and swoonworthy. This was an amazing historical romance and I enjoyed it a lot. It's a must-read! I would most definitely recommend this and can't wait for more from this author.

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

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. In this one we have Aileana who decides to steal some food that is much needed by her clan from an enemy clan. James is needing a wife in order to gain his inheritance and when opportunity knocks he makes a deal and gains a wife well a temporary one. I did enjoy the story I wish we could have gotten a bigger glimpse into the future of the couple though.

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

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

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

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

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

I now want a Yule Log.  

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


Thanks to Entangled and Netgalley for the review copy!!

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