Enchanted by the Highlander


Gillian MacLeod is shy and quiet, the least likely of all her sisters to seek out excitement and adventure. But on a moonlit night at a masquerade ball, Gillian steals a kiss from a mysterious stranger, knowing she’ll never see him again.
John Erly, disowned by his noble English father, started a new life in Scotland. Most people are suspicious of the foreign mercenary and he does everything is his power to avoid romantic entanglements. But he can’t forget the bewitching beauty who kissed him in the dark, and stole his heart, even though he has no idea who she might be.
A year later, John is given the duty of escorting Gillian to her wedding and immediately recognizes her as the temptress he’s dreamed of for months. There’s not much he can do when she's promised to another man, but fate intervenes and this time, passion—and adventure—can’t be denied. Honor demands he stay away from the MacLeod’s enchanting daughter, but love has a very different ending in mind...

I love that the author has woven Scottish history and traditions into the story of Gillian and John. Each character you are introduced to come to life in the pages, especially Gillian's .... I enjoyed watching her come to life, a woman full of courage to stand up against and overcome what life throws her way.

This is book #4 in the series Highland Fairytale but it reads as a complete stand alone book. I am however looking forward to reading the others in the series.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you NetGalley!

I always give a fair and honest review as agreed for this ARC. Never underestimate a quiet or shy person, never underestimate determination and never, ever underestimate love. Gillian may be thought shy by her family but she has a backbone of steel and knows what she wants. Very nice read with some cheeky humour.

A fairly good historical romance. Story pits typical, brutish Highlanders vs English Sassenach. Young Scottish lass Gillian falls head over heels for Englishman John. Father strictly forbids anyone or anything English. Daughter defies dad; he wants father’s approval. In between there are kidnappings, fighting, near death and near rape scenes; more fighting all the while Gillian’s family and others think she’s witless. John knows she’s not and reader discovers this as the book unfolds.

Enchanted by the Highlander ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(A Highlander Fairy Tale #4)by Leica Cornwall

This is my first read for this author and I truly enjoyed it.
The word enchanted in the title certainly suits.
Gillian MacLeod one of the twelve daughters of TheMacLeod noted as the shy and quiet one surprises them all.

Gillian hardly spoke up for herself she just went along with the families wishes. It is while she is on a visit to her sisters Castle she spies John Erly. He as been disowned by father and is considered a mercenary soldier as Captain of her brother in laws troops. He is like a brother and best friend to her sister. Her sister warns her off him that he is a rogue.

Erly spots Gillian at dinner and is intrigued by her but he too is warned off her. It takes a year for them to meet again neither forgetting the other.

This story moves along so quickly. When John is enlisted to deliver Gillian to her betrothed the challenges begin. Gillian becomes a force to be reckoned with. Her bravery b comes legendary.

Yes this was a fairy tale but yes I loved it every page.

I really enjoyed the first of the series. Loved the second. The third became a favorite of the series…but no. I didn’t know the word “favorite” until this book. I swear this series just gets better and better. The fifth will kill me.

Lecia Cornwall presents a Cinderella retelling like you’ve never know. The novel starts with John Erly, an Englishman, and Gillian. who first meet by appearance only, but they’re instantly attracted to each other. John went through a lot in life and only sleeps with available widows and the such. So young, innocent Gillian if not his type…Except she is. There’s this sense of instant lust between them but her fierce highlander father and her sisters warns him away from her. John the Englishman is seen as no good to the highlanders, a rake who murders and plunders basically despite him being Deir’s captain of the guard. Gillian on the other hand is a meek, quiet girl who just goes along with what she’s told to do. Until they hold a masked ball. She wears a dress different from the one her sister picked out for her, and while masked, slips away with an unknowing John and they kiss before she flees in the night.

10 months later and Gillian is engaged to an older gentleman, someone her father picked out for her and she went along with because that’s how she is. This brings her face to face with John, who ends up tasked to bring the girl to her wedding and worse, give her away during the ceremony since timing and travel issues kept her brother in laws and father from doing it. When they do first come face to face, he instantly recognizes her eyes and body as the ones he’s been missing for the last 10 months. Crazy. Their journey sparks all sorts of romance and tingly feelings between the two. While the characters fall from attraction to love, the reader just falls in love with them together. Sides of Gillian come out that no one has seen before, and John just becomes more and more smitten with her.

The novel goes through two undefined parts here: John bringing her to her wedding (and them falling in love) and him competing for her hand to marry her. I was so entranced while reading that I didn’t care, but I realized afterward how the story’s arc went. And I appreciated the story for that. It wasn’t what I expected going into the novel and that made it all the better.

Lecia Cornwall succeeds in creating angst to the tenth degree. The whole ‘he loves her but has to give her away’ pulled my heartstrings so bad for them both. They went through so much, were finally together, but she was another man’s. Then they went through the honorable phase, where he just wanted what’s best for her. But when he realizes how dumb that is, thus brings the part where he now must fight her father for her. Which also adds a sense of realism. They spent so much of the book insinuating that the Englishman would be dissed and not allowed with her, and then that aspect was brought into the novel for the reader to see the struggle they had to go through to be together. I loved this. Of course, throw in some outsider villains to twist the story even more.

I wished these books were on paperback because I would love to have them on my bookshelf. I loved this one so much. I don’t know how she could possibly write a better romance than the one that took place between John and Gillian. Oh, the twists and tingles my stomach endured for this book… I hope there’s a number five and I suspect Callum may be the hero in it…

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

Gillian is one of the 12 beautiful daughters of the Laird of the MacLeods. The Laird rules with an iron hand. Gillian is shy and quiet. Before she can voice an opinion or respond to a question , someone else will answer for her. She is treated as though she is weak and shy and unable to take care of herself. So, when she has not been courted, her father betroths her to a man old enough to be her father. The consensus of opinion is the man will treat her like a delicate flower.

When Gillian is visiting one of her sisters, she meets English John. John is the son of a British earl. He saved the life of Gillian's brother-in-law. He is now the leader and trainer of the military for that clan. He is looked at with distrust by every Scotsman he meets. Everyone knows that English people have tails. But, in reality Gillian recognizes the fact that he is a man of honor and compassion. And he looks lovely too.

At a masquerade ball, Gillian kisses John. He is not sure who the woman is, but he is enamored. When he realizes who the masked woman truly is, he can think of no one but her. He has been warned to stay away from Gillian. She has been warned to stay away from John. He is a rogue and not for her. She is a delicate flower and not for him.

Ten months later, because of circumstances, John is tasked with escorting Gillian to her wedding. He is even asked to be the one who will give her away.

On the journey to Edinburgh, the party of Gillian, John and 5 of her father's men are attacked. Gillian becomes a heroine. She resists the bandits, even after being humiliated and beaten. She is the one who helps John recover from his injuries and she organizes their escape.

The MacLeod soldiers knew she was not a delicate flower. And now John realizes that too. The story of her heroics spreads all over the country.

Gillian declares her love for John, but he feels inadequate and is unwilling to step forward.

There is adventure and danger in this story. The villain is truly villainous and evil.

This is part of a series. I have read many of the books in the series and I have loved every one of the books. This may be the best so far.

Gillian is absolutely the most wonderful heroine. She has never stood up for herself because she was never given the opportunity. But, she has lived a secret life that gives her satisfaction. Not only is she lovely but she is intelligent and brave.

John is a true hero. He has had an unearned reputation as a rogue and a rake. He has pain and shame from his past and yet presents himself as a carefree man with nothing on his mind except fun.

Ms Cornwall is a really talented author. She creates human beings who would be wonderful to know. She creates plots that are fairy tales on steroids. Her humor and her humanity come through in every book.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.

Ok read. It had instant love at first sight. I got to feel bad for John because he always had to prove himself and he never felt good enough. He always seemed to get the short end even though he had a big honorable heart and was good man.

Gillian was interesting. She went from a quiet girl to something fierce.

Good read.

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

4 1/2 stars for Enchanted by the Highlander (A Highland Fairytale, #4) by Lecia Cornwall This is the 4th book in the series and since there are twelve sisters there will be a few more. I plan to go back and read the first three. This is Gillian (Gilly) and John's (English John) story. There is a lot of adventure and action and so many feels.. I received this book through NetGalley and am happy to give it a fair and good review. I am looking forward to more books in this series and other by this author.

I love the Highland Fairytale Series. It is centered around Laird Macleod and his 8 daughters. Each story is about a different daughter. Each daughter is different in personality and looks (due to their father being married several times in trying to conceive his heir.) This is the story of Gillian. She is the shy, bookish one, who doesn't speak up and let's her sisters make all the decisions for her. They pick her wardrobe and are even picking out her future husband.
That is until she meets English John. The this quiet little mouse becomes a beautiful warrior fighting for what she wants. Never giving up. Surprising everybody. Everyone except English John. He sees the true person within, but feels he's not qualified, not good enough for Giilian. Besides he knows her father would never approve of him because he's a Sassenach. Gillian knows what and who she wants and devises a way in which to get it. .
This is another great story by Lecia Cornwall. I highly recommend it.

Nice Scottish historical romance, not to over the top. Almost believable. Good heroine Gillian is smart, witty,skillful and real. Our hero, John a
Former bad boy rogue is so charming you must like him. Nicely and warmly written.

I don't normally read Scottish/Highlander historical romances (I'm more of a Regency England kinda gal) but DANG, am I glad I made an exception! This book is AMAZING. I still don't think I'm much of a fan of clans and plaids and claymores and what-all, but the writing is spectacular and the characters are just… JUST. Words can't even. I know it's cliché, but I really DID stay up way past my bedtime because I just could not put this book down. I'd tell myself "one more chapter… ok, one MORE chapter… just ONE more, for real this time…"

I love Gillian's character. She's quiet and everyone says she's so shy, and maybe she is a bit but it seems she's more soft-spoken in a crowd of eleven sisters (eleven!!), all who seem to have no trouble ploughing right over them. When she's apart from her father and sisters (who speak for her in a well-intentioned way that Gilly tolerates but I would end up snapping eventually) she is pretty much the embodiment of Shakespeare's line "Though she be but little, she is fierce."

John is also great, a little bit broken, a whole lot of misunderstood, and thoroughly a good man.

It wasn't until about 75% of the way through the novel that the "fairy tale" part of the series name ("A Highland Fairy Tale") came to light, but when it did I was so delighted. It's a tale I don't see much of in romantic retellings, and it's worked into the story in a way that's totally believable. I won't say more than that so you can be pleasantly surprised.

This book is the fourth in Lecia Cornwall's A Highland Fairy Tale series. I felt like I wasn't missing too much by not reading the other books in the series first, though there are definitely spoilers for the earlier books just judging by some of the backstory of Gillian's sister Fia and her husband. If that kind of thing bothers you, definitely read the series in order. I'm going to go back and start with the first book now, and I've added all of Lecia Cornwall's books to my To Read list.

This was a very sweet tale. Gillian appeared to be shy, introverted and maybe not too smart. She was anything but. She was sent with her sister Fia and her husband to meet an eligible husband and she barely talked to any of them. She just wasn't interested. On the way home she sees English John and is immediately interested. John is an outsider in Scotland and likes the ladies quite a bit. She is warned off him, but is still intrigued. John is equally intrigued, but knows he could be killed for pursuing her. They finally share a kiss in the dark (he does not now who she is at that point) but she does. A year later, she is going to her wedding to an older gentleman and he is one of her guards. They are attacked, but escape. It takes about a third more of the book for him to realize he is worthy of her. This book is very entertaining. Lots of action, misunderstandings, a bad guy who won't die. Through it all, you realize that Gillian is a very strong young woman who knows exactly what she wants and goes after it. A funny moment in the book is when it is revealed that her father has had NINE wives and has 12 daughters. Oh My! A very good read.

Enchanted by the Highlander is a sweet romance novel that was fun to read. In this novel, we have Gillian who is thought of as shy and quiet, someone who always has to have someone else make a decision for her. But the truth of the matter is, she is full of ideas and thoughts but no one stops to listen to her. Many times she tries to voice her opinion but her family ignores her. They talk right over her without realizing she has a bright, kind and brave heart that is aching to be released.

Enter John, a disgraced English noble (which is why I found the title odd as he isn't quite a Highlander). He escapes to the highlands with a Scottish noble after saving his life. He meets Gillian but doesn't really see her for who she is, he only sees the beautiful but painfully quiet girl on the outside.

A chance and brave encounter, leave Gillian longing for more and John not quite sure who his mystery lady is! After being separated for over a year, these two must decide whether they can break apart from the roles their family have placed on their heads and embrace a future together or to deny feelings and live apart.

This book was a light, romantic and fun read from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every moment.

This is the first time for me to read this author. This was a well written book. Everyone in her family believes Gillian is shy,but are they wrong. Who can compete with 11 other sisters? Her Father arranges a marriage for her and she is to be escorted to her wedding by John who is captain if her brother-in-laws guard. Gillian has had enough and has decided to do thing her way. This is a fun read and enjoyed it very much.

I've read the other books in the series and this story was about Gillian MacLeod, the shy one, or so her family thinks. Being surrounded by 11 other boisterous sisters, Gillian finds it easier to keep quiet than to try and compete against their voices. When her father arranges a marriage for her with an older Scotsman, he thinks he's doing what she wants, but he never consults her about it. Gillian has her own ideas about the man she wants to marry and it's Englishman John Erly who she kissed during a masquerade ball. He's to accompany her to Edinburgh for her wedding and it gives them more time to get to know each other. Can they prevail against all odds or will Gillian's opinionated family decide her fate?

This was a sweet story although I would have liked to have Gillian speak up a few times during the story and not just at the end. Ms. Cornwall gave the reader a glimpse into both Gillian's and John's thoughts and witness their growing attachment to each other. I did enjoy seeing Gillian finally asserting herself and was eagerly turning the pages to see how it ended. Fans of Scottish romances will certainly enjoy this book.

Having now read several of the stories of the twelve daughters of the Fearsome Donal MacLeod, I see how Ms. Cornwall has used her gifted writing to weave very different stories of each sister. Enchanted by a Highlander is unique, interesting, yet threads the lives of the family to keep the characters feeling as though you know them personally. Sweet, quiet, biddable Gillian wants to break out of her shy reserve and live life to its fullest, it is just not in her personality until she bursts with the need to be herself. Even then, she slips back into her ‘normal’ quiet self as a sort of defense mechanism. But, when push comes to shove, she does what it takes to wait for English John Erly.

Gillian is another of the beautiful daughters of the Fearsome MacLeod. John is a disowned son of the Earl of Clive. Gillian has lived a life of ease while still being raised to protect herself when necessary. John has lived a life of pain and hurt blaming himself for his brother’s death and his father’s anger.

Their story is one of love that overcomes tremendous odds. John is English and the first Englishman to step onto MacLeod land leading to possible loss of his life and the MacLeod’s hands. He is thrown into their jail before he is allowed to say much. Before he even gets that far, so much happens to keep Gillian and John apart, that when John finally goes after her, it is almost too late.

You will love this ongoing tale of the MacLeod family and one of its daughters. There is a lot happening, but you never lose sight of how strong the MacLeods are as a family, how much they support each other and how much they love each other. Although a stand alone book, I have enjoyed reading the series in sequence and encourage you to do so, too.

4 Stars!! This was a cute historical Scottish romance. This is the first book from this series that I’ve read & it can definitely be read as a standalone. I’ve never read any of this authors previous books & this one wasn’t bad! I was very annoyed & frustrated by Gillian & how painfully shy she was! How does someone fall in love with a person who hardly speaks & even than only to whisper! John was also very annoying & frustrating! Always feeling unworthy & letting it stop him from being with the person he loves, made me want to punch him & tell him to knock it off!! But it was a gripping story & had me telling myself “just one more chapter”, over & over again! The ending was great! You can guess how it ends since it is a ‘happily ever after’(HEA) ending. Gillian’s Dad was a jerk at times & never listens to Gillian! I felt bad for Gillian since she was pushed around by her sisters & no one ever let her answer for herself! She needs to stick up for herself! (That was yet another thing that annoyed me!) Although I got frustrated & annoyed with the characters in the book, it was a good story! It got me interested enough to get annoyed and frustrated with the characters & those are the books I like, where it pulls me in & gets my emotions involved!! I’m going to have to go back & read the rest of the books in the series!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!*

I enjoyed this romance between John and Gillian. They had an adventurous romance and their HEA was hard won. Their romance was full of passion and the connection they possessed was apparent. I love tales of rogues who are tamed and a heroine who comes out of her shell and this story had both of those elements. This story was a page turner for me and was one I'd recommend.

Gillian MacLeod is shy and quiet, the least likely of all her sisters to seek out excitement and adventure. But on a moonlit night at a masquerade ball, Gillian steals a kiss from a mysterious stranger, knowing she’ll never see him again.

John Erly, disowned by his noble English father, started a new life in Scotland. Most people are suspicious of the foreign mercenary and he does everything is his power to avoid romantic entanglements. But he can’t forget the bewitching beauty who kissed him in the dark, and stole his heart, even though he has no idea who she might be.

A year later, John is given the duty of escorting Gillian to her wedding and immediately recognizes her as the temptress he’s dreamed of for months. There’s not much he can do when she's promised to another man, but fate intervenes and this time, passion—and adventure—can’t be denied. Honor demands he stay away from the MacLeod’s enchanting daughter, but love has a very different ending in mind...

Gillian is fascinated by John Erly, an Englishman and the Captain of her brother-in-law’s army. Gillian has always been quiet and shy and because of this she has let her family think and speak for her for her whole life. When Gillian has the opportunity at a masquerade ball to be an unknown she takes the opportunity to seek out John. He soon is enchanted and takes her into the garden. They kiss and it’s amazing! When people start entering the garden Gillian is afraid it will be her family and takes off, leaving only her mask behind.

Gillian leaves with her father the next day and doesn’t return for almost a year. Though she has never forgotten the amazing kiss with John but she returns now so that her brother-in-law can take her to Edinburgh to get married. She knows she can never marry John (because he’s English and her father would never allow it) so she has accepted the marriage proposal from a man who’s older than her father.

John has never forgotten the kiss he shared with the mystery woman and it’s haunted him for the many months since. When he sees Gillian again he figures out she was the one he kissed. He vows to stay away from her as he knows she’s betrothed. When circumstances change and John is asked to take Gillian to Edinburgh to be married he can do nothing but agree. Events cause the two to be together by themselves and they finally admit to themselves they’re in love. Of course with Gillian getting married John isn’t about to stand in the way of her future but…things have a funny way of working out for the best – it’s a fairy tale after all!

This was another great fairy tale inspired romance in the Highland Fairy Tale series. This one was loosely (and I do mean loosely) inspired by Cinderella. Gillian drops her mask after she kisses John and gets back to her room at midnight. That about covers the similarities. Despite that it was a great story.

Gillian, as I said before, had let everyone think and talk for her all her life. I have no idea why as she was smart and funny. Yes, shy, but her family just drove right over her time and again – even when she did want to talk. I was happy that when it came down to what she truly wanted (John) she opened her mouth and stood up for herself and their relationship.

John was a good man who had had a rough life but had settled into his duties as Captain in Scotland. It wasn’t what he had planned for his life, but he did his job well. He never expected to fall in love with a highland lass but when he did he tried to do the honorable thing. I had to admire the guy and his scruples. I was also happy when he finally put his and Gillian’s happiness first – that was pretty great.

If you haven’t read this series, and you like fairy tales, then you should definitely pick up one of these great books.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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This book was truly enchanting. I was taken to another place and time and learned about honor and love, and overcoming immense difficulties. I am getting skilled at skipping over the strong sexual content, which was necessary in this case. Other than that 'Enchanted by the Highlander' was magnificent.