Elizabeth Rose (3)

Summary
Gavin MacKeefe, a Highland Warrior, is banished from his clan along with several friends because they broke the rules in Cullim MacKeefe’s tavern. In order to be redeemed and allowed back into the clan, Gavin must go to town and assist the cordwainers daughter since her father is injured and unable to work. Gavin helps Davita when she desperately need it; work is far behind, her sister is too flirty and her brother is a thief. Gavin and his friends are sometimes are more work than worth, but they help Davita in their own way. Little does Gavin know that he will fall in love with Davita and her family.

Tropes: Virgin heroine, Class Difference, Medieval Era, Stuck together, Scotland, Highland Warrior

The Plot : Gavin and his friends make a mess of the clans tavern and Gavin’s punishment is to help the cordwainer’s daughter at her fathers shop. He knows nothing about shoemaking, but he does find other ways to help her around the house so Davita can focus on work. Poor Davita is dealing with taking care of her injured father, her rebellious sister, her brother thieving, the new cobbler harassing her, and the guilds upcoming inspection. They both helped each other grow: Gavin to mature and quit drinking and overindulging and Davita to rely on others to help her at home and at work.

The Heroine : Davita is strong and selfless, spending all her time and energy into helping keep her fathers business going while he injured. She struggles to be a mother to her rebellious siblings and also run the household. When Gavin arrives, he can tell she desperately needs someone to look after her! Although very mature when it comes to her responsibilities, Davita was very immature when it came to relationships and naive about men especially Gavin.

The Hero : Gavin was very immature until he arrived at Davitas home. Spending all his time fighting, drinking, or eating. But almost instantly upon seeing Davita, he turns into a relatively mature, protective man. Almost as if he just needed a reason to ‘grow up’ to be a responsible man. He definitely struggled with the changes, but he was very sweet and patient with Davita and her family.

The Steam : There was a scene or two but it wasn’t very steamy to me, more awkward.

Stand Out Moment : When Davitas brother runs away and Gavin searches to find him and we learn a lot more about Gavin’s story.

Who Would Like This : If you’re looking for a good factual history lesson with a little romance thrown in the mis.

Final Thoughts : It was a cute story, but I didn’t feel a huge connection between Davita and Gavin other than the need to take of each other, not a lot of passion.… (more)

THE REVIEW
After Nash MacKeefe and his friends cause a ruckus in the tavern, Cam and Gavin have completed their punishments and now it is Nash’s turn. He is to visit a neighboring clan, clan MacKenzie, to repair roofs after they sustained a raid from an enemy clan. Nash is also to marry the Chieftain’s niece to secure an alliance.

Clan MacKenzie was just devastated by the attack from the Sutherland Clan. Her aunt and cousins, the Chieftans wife and daughters, were killed in the raid, crops destroyed, homes burned and livestock taken. Kellina is the niece of the Chieftan and an excellent swordsman; she helped against the attack.

It’s always been understood that Nash’s parents were killed by the MacKenzies and that Kellina’s parents were killed by MacKeefe’s so when they were forced to marry, they (especially Kellina) brought a lot of anger and desire for revenge to the marriage. The book is about them trying to get past the anger and get to know each other. Some secrets are revealed that bring to light the real reason both their parents died and it actually unites them! This book the in the series was probably the best one in my opinion. It wasn’t as cheesy as the others in the series and a little more action.

TROPES
Historical Romance, Medieval Era, Scotland, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Highland Warrior Hero, Independent Heroine, Knife-Wielding Heroine, Orphan Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Marriage, Outdoor Steam, Delayed Consummation, Three Star, Two Flame… (more)

As with the first book in this series, I had a hard time getting into this book and believing the romance between Cam and Yvaine. She is an abused, pregnant woman who, in an effort to protect herself, she kills her husband and must flee to her brothers monastery for sanctuary. Cam's punishment is to escort her and stay at the monastery to atone for his sins. But, in a weird twist of fate, he finds out he has a daughter who's mother has died and left the daughter to Cam. He is a horrible father and wants nothing to do with his daughter, he is rude & lusty to Yvaine, and he and his friends are so, so immature. I just couldn't connect with any of the characters.

Tropes
Historical Romance, Scotland Romance, Forced Proximity, Low Steam, Rake Hero, Illegitimate Hero, Highland Warrior, Widow/Widower, Working Class, Damaged Heroine
… (more)

Twelve Days of Christmas in a Highlander's Arms: a Yuletide collection of Medieval historical romances by various, very talented storytellers.

'Discover an embroidered partridge fuelling revenge, two turtle doves sealing an ill-fated match, a feathery Yuletide tale, the betrothal of a reluctant songbird, five golden rings forged in forbidden love, a pet goose who represents a second chance, a swan taking flight, a dairymaid with murder on her mind, nine ladies dancing in the moonlight, a duty-bound laird and a wayward lady, a beautiful piper, and a ghostly drummer playing matchmaker."

A complication of fabulous storytelling, using the theme
"12 days of Christmas " song. WOW! What awesome stories told through the voices of various talented author. A sweet, witty, sometimes dangerous, stories. Medieval Scottish Romance fans, are sure to delight in reading these amazing stories! All of these stories are novellas, easy to read, steady paced and romances that will warm your heart with all the Yuletide magic...

****

My thoughts.....

Brenna's Yuletide Song - by Cathy MacRae is a short read,and written with as complete Scottish Romance.
Fun, hilarious at times, a bit of danger, lots of twists and beautifully written. A heartwarming, tale of love set against a Medieval Scottish background. With, intrigue, adventure and a bit of yuletide magic. An absolute delight to read!

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Loving Her Highland Enemy - by Samantha Holt is a delightful story. Enemy- to- lovers tale with an obsession for revenge, depicted in this passion filled tale. Enjoyable and satisfying read.

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Highland Dove - by Elizabeth Rose is yet an another Yuletide magic tale of an imprisoned Scott, due to betrayal. Can he escape the English prison, to find his everlasting love.

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The Kitchen Maid’s Tale - by Hildie McQueen is a wonderful tale of a maids' embarrassing tale, riding in the back of a cart, in a cage with, what else, three chickens, how much more mortifying, could things yet. Fabulous tale....

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Ringing in Yule - by Sky Purington Is a tale of a forbidden love. Can Tessa and Tavish find their HEA before it's too late. An exciting, enjoyable read.

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Highlander's Christmas - by Mariah Stone is an exciting tale of a goose, a secret child, and HEA, if they don't get killed first. A second chance romance that brings Yuletide magic.

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Highland Swan - by Anna Markland is an intriguing tale of a doctor, Dr. Pendray, who must choose between saving his patients' life, which could cost him the woman he loves. A holiday tale. Enjoyable and satisfying read!

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The Lady's Guide to a Highlander's Heart - by Emmanuelle de Maupassant is an interesting tale of revenge, and Yuletide magic. Well done!

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The Laird's Midnight Dancer - by Ashe Barker is a tale of Yuletide magic involving a bewitching dancer, moonlight and a sacred stone circle. What an exciting tale!

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An Angel at the Highland Court - by Celeste Barclay is a steamy, exciting Christmas tale of innocence, experience, and mistakes. Can fire and ice find each other and their HEA? Great read!

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The Piper - by Lily Baldwin is a tale of a tragic past, a wounded Laird and a beautiful piper, whose music soothes the battle- weary laird. Will they find their forever HEA, and mend their tragic past to find a future at Yuletide.

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Scot Under the Mistletoe by Caroline Lee is a hilarious romp during Yuletide, to find a second-chance romance. A ghostly drummer, whose not a ghost. A mysterious little plant, and a chance at a HEA. Well written and well excuted. Steady paced. A heartwarming story!

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WOW! Complete stories featuring, the 12 days of Christmas theme. Each story is written by a talented author, in their own writing style. An absolute delight to read! Pick up a copy of this endearing, Yuletide collection of Medieval historical romances set against a Scottish background, you will be delighted you did.

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Sweet to mild
Reviewer: AprilR… (more)