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.

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.

The idea of a Laird being called the Devil had me wanting to read it immediately and it didn't disappoint. I personally love an enemies to more book so it ticked that box.
Aileana was a strong heroine who had her own mind and didn't have the stereotypical falling in love then forgetting who she really is that happens sometimes.
Is James really the devil or is there more to the story? Read to find out!

This is my first time reading anything from this author but it won't be the last.

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

Thank you NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and E. Elizabeth Watson for the opportunity to read this book!

The holiday season is right around the corner and I have a weakness for romance novels that take place in Scotland and a Christmas Historical Romance? –SIGN ME UP! Twelfth Knight’s Bride by E. Elizabeth Watson brings together two warring clans, both suffering tragedy at the hands of the other. Lady Aileana is a fearsome thing to behold. Almost feral. Dressed as a lad, she sneaks off to the MacDonald lands to steal some food so her people don’t starve. The laird, James MacDonald manages to track her and in order to forgive her for her crime, he requests that she is given to him in a handfast marriage. This is merely supposed to be a punishment befitting the crime, but it turns out to be quite a bit more…

What a perfect book to kick off my holiday reading. I am having difficulty getting into the holiday spirit but this has helped. Aileana is a wild spirit and I adored her. She is naive but has some wonderful development. Even though she is fierce and doesn’t hold back there is a kindness in her that is just captivating. Then there is James. His development is the best. He has a tragic past that he must work through. Normally, it is the female heroine that helps the hero through that. But what I loved is that he had to work through it himself. Yes, Aileana inspired the work. But he is the one who transformed. And may I just say…that chemistry is FIRE. *fans self*

The major theme of this book is forgiveness. (Que Hamilton lyric: “forgiveness can you imagine…”) The clans have a history of vicious war and revenge on each other. Each is blinded to the other’s suffering. True peace comes when one acknowledges their part in such atrocities. I love how coming to peace in this book is very complex and forgiveness takes time.

Overall, this book is utterly charming and was able to grant me a little Christmas spirit. I will definitely be checking out more books by this author! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars and it is available TODAY!!

Twelfth Knight’s Bride by E. Elizabeth Watson

In a time when one clan steals from another and the feud has gone on for centuries two enemies are handfasted over the stealing of a few vegetables. Sure, Lady Aileana Grant was only trying to secure a bit of food for her hungry people and hoped to tweak the nose of Laird James MacDonald but little did she realize she might end up married to a man she considers the devil. Will the two part in a few weeks or will they fall in love? Well, it is a romance so…odds are they will have a HEA eventually.

What I liked:
* Aileana: strong, independent, cares for her people, not afraid to work hard, open minded – eventually, loving and kind. She deserves happiness with James
* James: strong, caring, good leader, warmhearted, sees to his people, open to new ways of looking at situations. He deserves happiness with Aileana
* The writing, plot, and story
* The growth of both main characters from the beginning to the end of the story.
* That both main characters were open to seeing the world in a new light
* The setting
* The supporting characters – would like to hear more about them in the future
* That it was a holiday romance
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Knowing the feuds were devastating to both sides and seeing how over time everyone loses
* Saying goodbye to the characters in the story

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

Lady Aileana just wants to help her starving clan at Christmastide but when she takes some vegetables from Laird James, he demands marriage in recompense. James needs to marry an enemy bride before he can claim his inheritance and when he sees Lady Aileana, sparks fly. Will this turn into more than a sham of a marriage? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. Great characters with loads of depth, great world building and an entertaining story. I liked it.

Oh man, I loved this book. Sassy, sexy, and Scottish, count me in. Great for the holiday season, especially if you don't want something overly Christmassy. Great characters with great dialogue. They are both fierce and passionate and care greatly for their families. Really well written. I could gush forever. Did I mention sexy, Scottish laird?

If you are a fan of enemies-to-lovers stories and in the mood for a seasonal medieval romance set in Scotland, Twelfth Knight’s Bride may be just the ticket.

As Lady Aileana Grant is forced into a handfasting with the laird of a rival clan as a result of her own brash but well intentioned actions, she soon finds herself struggling to remember that James MacDonald is her hated enemy. And as she slowly wins over his people along with his heart, Laird James MacDonald finds himself torn over honoring his promise to release her by Twelfth Night and the personal consequences to his finances and his heart.

With their self doubts and ingrained hostilities from a centuries old rivalry, this is a fun read with the added interest of medieval Twelfth Night traditions. It does feel a bit overlong at times and the surprises are few, but then a moment will come along like Aileana and James’ snowball fight and those issues fall away as the spark between them grows.

I voluntarily read a digital galley of this book through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and these are only my own honest opinions. Open door romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the e-galley of this title.

Twelfth Knight's Bride by E. Elizabeth Watson is a fun way to get some holiday spirit if you want to venture outside small town USA. In the novel you journey into the Scottish Highlands and meet two warring clans, the Grants and the MacDonalds.

Lady Aileana Grant's clan is starving so she takes the desperate measure of stealing from the MacDonald's, the clan that put the Grant's in their current state of poverty. Laird James MacDonald shows up and demands a bridge as repayment.

And so starts an enjoyable journey of two people realizing that in a feud that has spanned two centuries, maybe things aren't quite black and white.

I really enjoyed this book a lot. I loved the journey into the Scottish Highlands and learning about the various holiday activities. I also liked how the two main characters communicated and were open to each other.

If you are a fan of highland romance, I think this is a good one. It would also be a great choice for someone wanting a holiday story that is a little different. I'd say this is a low-medium steam book, but that it is easy enough to skip if that is not your thing.

If the accurate synopsis appeals to you, my fellow Scottish historical romance book loving friends, then I think there is a verra good chance this entire book will, as well. The classic story line plays out pretty predictable, but that was fine by me. I still enjoyed getting to know this main couple and watching these two feisty enemies fall for each other one hard stare and fluttering heartbeat at a time.

Two sides to every coin comes to mind as sassy, spitfire Aileana and alpha protective, loyal, good guy Laird James dance around one another as they start to see the past and present through their enemy clan’s eyes. They eventually realize pain, suffering, and loss knows no borders or clan colors. Their instant attraction is like a magnet that keeps pulling them together despite the bad blood and history that has flowed between their people for years.

This new to me author did keep the words flowing, as well, right down to the inevitable, romantic conclusion. I started it at bedtime and found myself up during the wee hours of the morning wanting to see them seal this deal permanently. That only happens, folks, when I feel a genuine, emotional connection between the main couple.

Title: Twelfth Knight’s Bride, Author: E. Elizabeth Watson, Pages: 150, pub date: 11/16/20, stand-alone, HEA, from enemy clans to in love, instant attraction, some clan fight violence, alpha good guy hero who isn’t a man ho, sassy, spitfire, healer, virgin heroine, romance safe IMHO.

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, NetGalley, or PR firm.)

The truth lies somewhere in the middle…
Medieval Scottish feuds might go on for generations to the point where neither side could recall how the wrongs began. Lady Aileana Grant, in Twelfth Knight’s Bride by E. Elizabeth Watson, is certain that the MacDonalds were the instigators in the years old feud that has left the Grants in a desperate state as the harsh winter unfolds. In a brash decision, while out in young boy attire hunting for rabbits to supplement the castle’s meager food stores, Aileana decides to steal a few vegetables from a MacDonald hunting party. Little does she realize but she is stealing from the young and dashing Laird, James MacDonald, and ends up leading him in a wild chase straight back to the Grant castle. When its revealed that the thieving lad is actually the untamed beauty Aileana, James makes his own rash decision, demanding a wife as restitution for the theft. As the two sworn enemies begin to see each other for who they really are, they realize that their blossoming love may be the key to burying the hatchet between the two clans.

Twelfth Knight’s Bride is a succinct yet satisfying holiday themed read. Set in the medieval Scottish Highlands, this period romance has all the flavor and charm you’d expect from this beautiful and boisterous culture, and one of the reasons these books are so popular. While the plot follows a fairly predictable pattern, Watson brings the story to life with her vibrant characters and the palpable chemistry she creates between Ali and Jamie. While their attraction to each other is instantaneous, their enemies to lovers development is a gradual discovery of the good in each other that the rest of the world is too blinded by hatred to see. Seeing the other’s positive traits is the bedrock of their relationship and a tie that is needed to overcome centuries of hatred and violence between their clans.

I’m a fan of historical romances in general but get wearied by the enemies to lovers plot line when the relationship between the two main characters has such extreme swings of love and hate that it could be diagnosed as manic/depressive. I was pleasantly surprised at the nuanced approach that Watson took in nurturing the love between her two leading characters. Ali and Jamie were equally honest with themselves about both and each other regarding their ingrained hatred for the wrongs committed on them by the other family and the revelation of their own family’s atrocities in contributing to the long standing feud. It was this willingness to try to see the other’s side that kept their relationship moving in a forward progression in spite of the obstacles in their way. They both equally pushed and conceded as they fought through doubts and mistrust in a way that was refreshing and felt positive throughout the whole story. The result is an uplifting story that you will enjoy from beginning to end.

This one is a bit of a slow burn but so worth it in the end!
Lady Aileana Grant steals some vegetables to help her starving clan at Christmastime. She just happens to have stolen them from Laird James MacDonald. Her clans enemy. He shows up demanding the thief be turned over to him. When he figures out it was Lady Aileana he demands her hand in marriage to repay the debt. And she can't believe it when her brother agrees but they also agree to give Aileana two-weeks to decide whether to stay or come back home.

James has to marry a Grant woman in order to inherit his fortune. But he wasn't counting on finding her attractive. So he handfasts her and hopes to win her heart before the two weeks are over.