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moozamace's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
Not a lot of spice so great for those more subdued romance readers. Loved the plot - missing orphans and finding a murderer!
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction and Murder
shankl's review
3.0
A slow-burn regency romance. This installment is a mistletoe kiss for the holiday season. Hunky, kilt clad highlanders SOLD. The Highlander's Holiday Wife is entertaining but I'd beg for more romance between the love interests.
Thank you Kensington Books for the complimentary copy of this paperback.
Thank you Kensington Books for the complimentary copy of this paperback.
emma_caputi's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
fringebookreviews's review against another edition
3.5
✨He wears GLASSES.✨
This wasn’t too Christmasy, so I think you could read it at any time of the year. This is definitely a mystery heavy romance, but it was easy to follow, especially since it was book five in a series I haven’t read before. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration and obviously the accents 🤤
I think I am rightfully hurt that this was closed door because sex was referenced and the build up was hot and definitely not shying away from the act 😭 I needed that extra layer in their relationship because he said “I love you” pretty darn quickly (once everything went down).
Overall, I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. The mystery maybe overtook the romance a bit too much for my tastes, especially with it being closed door. I’d definitely consider reading more from the author if some of her older books had some steam (let me know any recs below!). If you’re already a fan of the author, I think you’ll love this one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶/5
Thanks so much to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for gifted copies of this book. All opinions are honest and my own.
This wasn’t too Christmasy, so I think you could read it at any time of the year. This is definitely a mystery heavy romance, but it was easy to follow, especially since it was book five in a series I haven’t read before. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration and obviously the accents 🤤
I think I am rightfully hurt that this was closed door because sex was referenced and the build up was hot and definitely not shying away from the act 😭 I needed that extra layer in their relationship because he said “I love you” pretty darn quickly (once everything went down).
Overall, I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. The mystery maybe overtook the romance a bit too much for my tastes, especially with it being closed door. I’d definitely consider reading more from the author if some of her older books had some steam (let me know any recs below!). If you’re already a fan of the author, I think you’ll love this one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶/5
Thanks so much to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for gifted copies of this book. All opinions are honest and my own.
plottrysts's review
3.5
3.5 stars for the HIghlander's Holiday Wife! It starts out as Braden Kendrick, pro bono doctor to Edinburgh's impoverished class, is attacked by an irate man on his way home from the slums. He's rescued by a mysterious duo comprised of a hulking man and a sword-wielding woman who communicate with each other in sign language.
Samantha Penwith is a woman on a mission: avenge her husband's death and solve the mystery of orphans gone missing from her foundling home. Rescuing Braden was just a throwaway good deed on her way home from investigating. Soon after their superhero-esque meet-cute they meet for real when Braden is asked to join the board of her foundling home. As they spend more time together, they learn that they have more in common than they expect.
Despite what seems like a bonkers premise, this is more of a gentle, low steam romance. Samantha and Braden are both highlanders, but it's more of a cultural affinity here rather than the alpha highlanders so prevalent in HR. Sure, there are a few kilts and references to whisky, but the Scottish setting feels more realistic here. We could have done with a little more Christmas spirit (give us Scottish traditions, mistletoe kisses, and extravagant gifts!), but the romance felt authentic and the mystery plot was well-executed. Pick this one up if you're looking for a relaxing holiday romance.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Samantha Penwith is a woman on a mission: avenge her husband's death and solve the mystery of orphans gone missing from her foundling home. Rescuing Braden was just a throwaway good deed on her way home from investigating. Soon after their superhero-esque meet-cute they meet for real when Braden is asked to join the board of her foundling home. As they spend more time together, they learn that they have more in common than they expect.
Despite what seems like a bonkers premise, this is more of a gentle, low steam romance. Samantha and Braden are both highlanders, but it's more of a cultural affinity here rather than the alpha highlanders so prevalent in HR. Sure, there are a few kilts and references to whisky, but the Scottish setting feels more realistic here. We could have done with a little more Christmas spirit (give us Scottish traditions, mistletoe kisses, and extravagant gifts!), but the romance felt authentic and the mystery plot was well-executed. Pick this one up if you're looking for a relaxing holiday romance.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
elspethm's review
4.0
There is a lot going on in this book, taking place in Scotland in I believe the Regency era. Samantha's husband died and she spends time trying to figure out who killed him and save missing children from the orphanage he ran. She is also trying not to rock the boat and cause her grandfather in law to take her sister in law away from her custody. The sister in law, Felicity, is not that young, but she is deaf and Samantha is worried her grandfather will basically institutionalize Felicity because she is not perfect.
Samantha meets Braden Kendrick, the local doctor also part of the famed Kendrick clan of gregarious highlanders. He helps her on her quest, to keep her safe, but is also interested in her. I felt the romance part of the book was a bit rushed, and could be very rated G (which is not necessarily bad but just not how many of the other current romance books that aren't religious themed are currently writing) yet there was constant discussion of the grandfather staring at the bosom of one of Braden's sisters in law, which was kind of gross.
I enjoyed the characters and the mystery ended up being compelling and almost a majority of the story, but the romance was most definitely front and center. I think I'd give it a 4- rather than a 3+ due to the epilogue which was a nice HEA for the main couple.
Samantha meets Braden Kendrick, the local doctor also part of the famed Kendrick clan of gregarious highlanders. He helps her on her quest, to keep her safe, but is also interested in her. I felt the romance part of the book was a bit rushed, and could be very rated G (which is not necessarily bad but just not how many of the other current romance books that aren't religious themed are currently writing) yet there was constant discussion of the grandfather staring at the bosom of one of Braden's sisters in law, which was kind of gross.
I enjoyed the characters and the mystery ended up being compelling and almost a majority of the story, but the romance was most definitely front and center. I think I'd give it a 4- rather than a 3+ due to the epilogue which was a nice HEA for the main couple.
jlee76's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Highlander’s Holiday Wife is an effervescent, refreshing romance with plenty of intrigue, mystery, and action. I have read other books in this series, and I had to get accustomed to the writing style. These books are plot based; they are page-turners full of excitement. This does not take away from the vivacity and depth of the characters. This is a slow-burn romance but well worth the wait.
Dr. Braden Kendrick is the most sensible brother in the rowdy, wonderful Kendrick family. Braden has hidden regrets and tragedies. Lady Samantha Penwith has vowed to avenge her husband’s murder. I love how Braden and Samantha have such pain and sadness in their past, but together they can heal and love. Both have loved before but find that the heart can heal and still remember. The couple collides in a battle of wills and passion.
Both Braden and Samantha are fierce, independent, intelligent characters. I love how Braden doesn’t try to stop Samantha’s quest for justice; he listens and assists her. Braden is the voice of reason when Samantha wants to jump headfirst into trouble. He gives her breathing room and time to adjust to their burgeoning relationship. When the two realize their intimate connection, it is powerful just in a few kisses. I also adore grandfather Angus; he is a bright spot in this series.
The Highlander’s Holiday Wife is the fifth book in the Clan Kendrick series. Vanessa Kelly writes adventurous, mysterious, vivacious romances that capture your imagination and heart. The more I read this series, the more I enjoy each book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
heathermollauthor's review
2.0
In 1826 Edinburgh, physician Braden Kendrick visits patients in dangerous Old Town. But when he runs into an old enemy, he’s saved by two strangers, one who’s a young woman who signs with her partner. Braden is intrigued and follows their trail.
Lady Samantha Penwith is running her late husband’s orphanage and has sworn to find the assailants who murdered him and find kidnapped children. On her latest excursion, she interrupts Braden’s assault, and then fears the doctor will realize who she is, especially as they being to work together on the board of her foundation.
Braden is kind and dedicated to his profession, and his family struggles to understand his busy life. It was tough to see an adult be lectured by his family. His family took up too much page time, even for a romance series. Braden and Samantha needed that page time. Samantha is determined, but she either trips or reveals too much when nervous in order to progress the plot and it makes her seem stupid. Their relationship felt very forced. They spent more time talking about past loves than their own relationship.
The language was distractingly modern. Bottle rockets were even referenced.
This was both slow and all over the place. Both mystery plots were lost when Samantha’s grandfather-in-law interfered with her sister-in-law. The romance is very rushed. Too much of the mysteries’ progress was managed off page, often by the Kendricks clan. It was a mess and the villains were obvious, but their motivations and clues were never set up for the reader to discover. Everything was just told to you.
2.5 I received an arc from NetGalley
Lady Samantha Penwith is running her late husband’s orphanage and has sworn to find the assailants who murdered him and find kidnapped children. On her latest excursion, she interrupts Braden’s assault, and then fears the doctor will realize who she is, especially as they being to work together on the board of her foundation.
Braden is kind and dedicated to his profession, and his family struggles to understand his busy life. It was tough to see an adult be lectured by his family. His family took up too much page time, even for a romance series. Braden and Samantha needed that page time. Samantha is determined, but she either trips or reveals too much when nervous in order to progress the plot and it makes her seem stupid. Their relationship felt very forced. They spent more time talking about past loves than their own relationship.
The language was distractingly modern. Bottle rockets were even referenced.
This was both slow and all over the place. Both mystery plots were lost when Samantha’s grandfather-in-law interfered with her sister-in-law. The romance is very rushed. Too much of the mysteries’ progress was managed off page, often by the Kendricks clan. It was a mess and the villains were obvious, but their motivations and clues were never set up for the reader to discover. Everything was just told to you.
2.5 I received an arc from NetGalley
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