Lively, diverting read!

Fun continuation of the Clan Kendrick series. Grant Kendrick, the quiet twin meets his match and then some with the visit of Miss Kathleen Calvert (Sabrina Kendrick’s cousin—his twin Graeme’s wife) to Glasgow. Kathleen’s enroute to Lochnagar Manor in the highlands to keep company with Sabrina.
Kathleen has been rusticated to Scotland by her rather rigid stepmother to wait out a scandal she’d perpetuated. Chariot racing at dawn on Hampstead Heath! Oops! Kathleen didn’t help herself with her stepmother, Lady Helen Gorey (the bane of Kathleen’s life), when she added fuel to the fire by retorting to the charge of “racketing about”, “Actually, Mother, it was more than racketing about. It was neck and neck, cracking the whip, just like the charioteers of Ancient Rome. I’m sure we broke all sorts of speed records.”
Only a couple of days into her journey Kathleen discovers her stepsister Jeannie, a staunch supporter of Kathleen, although she’s a rather twittery young girl who’s perpetually falling in love or rather fixating her attentions on unfortunate males.
Grant finds himself escorting the two women to Lochnagar after an unfortunate cricket match. Hmmm! Despite all he’s attracted to Kathleen but she seems to regard him as rather boring, although after being robbed near the Manor that just might change. The dangerous Grant comes to the fore!
An absolutely delightful read!

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change

I confess - I am a sucker for Clan Kendrick. There is something about the family full of growly teddy bears that just melts my heart to read. Add in feisty heroines, plus their eccentric grandfather Angus, and it's a recipe for success.

Grant and Kathleen are the perfect pair - both of them have had their fair share of scandalous behavior, and are trying very hard to reform. I loved everything about them - from their witty banter, to their delicious love scenes... just a wonderful story to read.

I enjoyed the 'mystery' aspect - even though I knew who the culprit was I still enjoyed the journey to find & bring them to justice.

Overall, a great book and a great addition to the series.

After a scandal Miss Kathleen Calvert’s reputation, her parents send her to a remote Scottish estate until the scandal dies down and she learns how to behave as a proper young lady. All Kathleen wants is to get away from her boring and handsome Scottish escort Grant Kendrick and return to her father’s horses. Grant use to be the most daring and scandalous of the Kendrick brother, now he’s the most successful and boring. Kathleen see him in a different light when she sees him in action and he saves them when they are ambushed by thieves. A captivating story filled with action, adventure and love as Kathleen gradually works her way into his heart, but now he needs to convince her that a life with him will be anything but boring. I voluntarily read and reviewed this extraordinary story.

I loved reading Kathleen and Grant’s amazing story in The Highlander's Irish Bride by Vanessa Kelly, book three in her Clan Kendrick series. This amazing story brings together two people who are perfect for each other; being exactly what the other needs. Kathleen Calvert just might be the daughter of an Irish aristocrat but she refuses to act like one. Kathleen, an independent, fun loving, free-spirit, wants a future where she raises horses and manages her father’s beautiful gardens. After a chariot race with a neighbor causes tongues to wag and the possibility of scandal, both threatening her reputation, her parents force her to travel to a remote Scottish estate, to visit a cousin. They are hoping that while she is there, she might finally learn the importance of behaving like a proper lady. Learning that her escort is a handsome Highlander, possibly the most boring man in all of Scotland, doesn’t make Kathleen any happier. As a youth, Grant Kendrick ran wild, partaking in dangerous and wild escapades with his twin brother. Becoming a successful businessman and the most respectful Kendrick brother definitely surprised his family. Deciding it doesn’t matter that the beautiful and free-spirited Kathleen thinks he’s a stodgy bore; he will get his chance to prove her wrong. Losing his heart to Kathleen, Grant will need to find a way to convince her that life with him will never be boring, but instead a love-filled adventure.

Kathleen and Grant are definitely perfect for each other; one is Irish and one is Scottish, one is fiery and independent and the other quiet and a homebody. This story is not just a romance, as there are additional story-lines that move the tale along. Ms. Kelly provides plenty of fun along the way. We read about waywardly sisters, theft and kidnappings. Then there’s Angus, their grandfather who is not only a mischief-maker and matchmaker, but adds another layer to the story. I love how much family means to the Kendricks as well as how much they care for those adopted into the clan. All of the ladies are spit-fires, which I love; demonstrating that they don't necessarily need the men to complete them.

Ms. Kelly wrote a charming, clever, entertaining and amusing story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with humorous escapades, amusing banter, sizzling chemistry and endearing secondary characters giving Kathleen and Grant a chance to obtain all each desires. I highly recommend The Highlander's Irish Bride to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Vanessa Kelly is a new author for me but I have loved this series about the Kendrick clan and this one was no exception! While I dont think you have to read the others in the series first, it is really great revisiting this series. The hero and heroine are so fun and have amazing banter! I highly recommend this one.

'Miss Kathleen Calvert may be the daughter of an Irish aristocrat, but she has no intention of acting like one. All she desires is to return to her family's estate to raise horses and manage her father's magnificent gardens. But when a scandal threatens her reputation, her parents order her to a remote Scottish estate, hoping she will finally learn to behave like a proper lady. To make matters worse, her escort is a handsome Highlander who just happens to be the most boring man in all of Scotland...

After a youth of dangerous and wild escapades, Grant Kendrick surprised his family—and himself—by becoming a successful businessman and the most respectable Kendrick brother. But does that matter, when the beautiful and free-spirited Kathleen deems him a stodgy bore? Luckily, he gets the chance to prove her wrong when their carriage is ambushed by thieves. But it will take all his ingenuity to protect the beautiful lass who has stormed her way into his heart—and to convince her that a life with him will be a love-filled adventure...'
_____________________________

3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.

The Highlander's Irish Bride is the fourth book in Vanessa Kelly's Clan Kendrick series and is a historical romance with a mystery.

The villian of our mystery is cear fairly early on, but I enjoyed watching it unfold and the drama and danger it created. I liked Grant and Kathleen, I thought they were a sweet couple and a good balance for one another. But I feel like they were over-shadowed at many points during the book due to Jeannie and her dramatics. It took a good portion of the book for there to be any significant development between the two main characters and it's a slow-burning romance so that makes sense. But I feel like this was also due to the distraction of Jeannie.

Jeannie is supposed to be 16 years old, but she behaved more like an 8 year old. I know she was sheltered growing up, but the amount of sulking and temper tantrums was pathetic? And that's before you even add the many selfish and destructive choices she makes. I thought she may have been an amusing supporting character, but it very quickly changed to too much and she often distracted from the main characters. She never listens to the advice or wishes of those around her, she continues to make sneaky and dumb choices throughout the book that cause those around her a lot of trouble. The amount of leeway she was given by her sister and the others was crazy. I think I would have enjoyed the book more were Jeannie in the book far less or caused much less trouble.

You can read this book as a stand-alone, it won't impact your ability to follow the plot. There is a large cast of characters (Grant's family) that we have met through the previous book and which gives us some background information on the dynamics between the brothers. So you may want to read them in order, but you don't need to.

I love this series, but this has been my least favorite of the series thus far. I still enjoyed it, but certain plot points got in the way of my enjoying it more. I look forward to reading the next in the series though and reaidng the story of the youngest brother of the family.
_____

I would like to thank Kensington Books, Zebra and NetGalley for sharing an eARC of The Highlander's Irish Bride by Vanessa Kelly with me. This is my honest review.

Oh I really liked this book! I have read many books written by Vanessa Kelly and she never disappoints!
Miss Kathleen Calvert is the daughter of an Irish aristocrat. All she desires is to return to her family's estate to raise horses and manage her father's magnificent gardens. But when a scandal threatens her reputation, her parents order her to a remote Scottish estate. To make matters worse, her escort is a handsome Highlander who just happens to be the most boring man in all of Scotland...
After a youth of dangerous and wild escapades, Grant Kendrick surprised his family--and himself--by becoming a successful businessman and the most respectable Kendrick brother. But does that matter, when the beautiful and free-spirited Kathleen deems him a stodgy bore? Luckily, he gets the chance to prove her wrong when their carriage is ambushed by thieves. But it will take all his ingenuity to protect the beautiful lass who has stormed her way into his heart--and to convince her that a life with him will be a love-filled adventure...
I enjoyed this book a lot. Grant is an amazing hero. He is the perfect combination of sexiness and brains. Kathleen could be a free spirit, but she is loyal to her family and really sweet. The romance between this two is slow burn, but very very enjoyable. I have read all the previous books in this series and they are all good and funny. We see here a lot of Angus and the Kendrick family, what’s always a pleasure.
The story is sweet, romantic and emotional, but also funny and easy to read. My only issue was Jeannie, Kathleen’s sister. She was just to bratty and selfish and she behave like an eight-year-old kid, not a young lady of sixteen near her debut. Her personality seemed a bit off to me. But the rest was an amazing experience and one I highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What a delightful tale of a free spirited young woman who gets a taste of her own medicine when she unexpectedly find herself the guardian of her stow-away half sister. Suddenly the shoe is on the other foot and Kathleen Calvert has to keep her sixteen year old rebellious sister out of trouble during Kathleen's exile to Scotland after a very unadvised early morning carriage race with her old childhood friend. What a fun romp with Kathleen trying to keep her willful sister in line and stay out of trouble.

She is forced to become an adult with responsibilities when her young sister hides in the boot of her carriage when she and her family friend Duchess Gillian Leverton accompanies her to visit Victoria Kendrick.

Kathleen was raised in Ireland until her father remarried Helen. She ran loose on their estate and she was pretty much a tomboy with no mother for most of her childhood. Once they move to London after her father married Helen, Kathleen is expected to act like a lady and be an example to her two new younger sisters. To say it was difficult would be an understatement. She is sent to Scotland to winter with her cousin Sabrina until the scandal quiets down. She has the company of Duchess Gillian Penley, who is also a free spirit, who wants to visit her cousin Victoria Kendrick. Victoria is Sabrina's sister-in-law so it works out perfectly. Two days into the trip they discover her young sister Jeannie has stowed away to escape her strict mother Helen. Once we arrive at Victoria's we meet her brother-in-law Grant Kendrick, Graeme's twin. He's about as boring as can be now that he's a businessman for the Kendrick Shipping & Trade Company. There is something about the chemistry between these two that brings Grant to life once again.

I really enjoyed the interactions between Grant and Kathleen as they find love. Kathleen is struggling with controlling her willful sister and trying to stay out of trouble herself. Grant has been pushing his emotions away and trying to make up to his family since they lost their Dad in a terrible accident. Kathleen makes him feel and he has to find forgiveness within himself and all himself to be happy again. And all though this Grant & Graeme are trying to find a gang of thieves who are wrecking havoc throughout the area.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Miss Kathleen Calvert may be the daughter of an Irish aristocrat & all she desires is to return to her family’s estate to raise horses and manage her father’s magnificent gardens. But when a scandal threatens her reputation, her parents order her to a remote Scottish estate, hoping she will finally learn to behave like a proper lady. To make matters worse, her escort is a handsome Highlander who just happens to be the most boring man in all of Scotland. After a youth of dangerous and wild escapades, Grant Kendrick surprised his family and himself by becoming a successful businessman and the most respectable Kendrick brother. But the beautiful and free-spirited Kathleen deems him a stodgy bore Luckily, he gets the chance to prove her wrong when their carriage is ambushed by thieves. Then there are a number of ‘accidents’ around his twin Graeme’s estate.
The fourth book in the series & whilst I enjoyed Grant & Kathleen’s story I didn’t enjoy the amount of time that was spent on Jeanette Kathleen’s sixteen year old sister. I thoroughly disliked Jeanie & I would have stuffed her back into the carriage boot & sent her back to London, she acted like a spoilt three year old & threw tantrums like a three year old too. To think she could be having her debut in a year’s time – I shudder. I did enjoy Grant & Kathleen’s attraction & how they fell in love without realising, it took a thunderstorm whilst, yes you’ve guessed, searching for Jeannie for their relationship to shift. There’s also the mystery of the gang to be solved. An entertaining read which kept my interest.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

She's deemed him boring.

Kathleen is young, very lively and chatty. The book overall, is pretty chatty.
Grant is her escort while Kathleen is sent off to rusticate after the toga incident.
She decides he's boring. He's not, merely reformed a tad.
I liked Grant but Kathleen felt very young and immature at times.

Kathleen Calvert continues to shock London with her scandalous behavior. Off to Scotland to visit family with her younger sister until the gossip dies down. Along the way she meets the twin brother of her cousin's husband, Grant Kendrick and his grandfather Angus. Escorting the ladies further north to Lochnager, they are stopped by thieves. So begins a series of events that could destroy everything Grant and his twin Graeme have worked for to be prosperous. A young sister who tends to fall in love at the drop of the hat doesn't help. Bloodyidiots, canoodling, and nincompoops are just some of the descriptive terms. Looking for thieves, trying to thwart their destruction does not stop Kathleen and Grant from falling love. A non-stop adventure with the Kendricks. Never a dull moment!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. 4 1/2*STARS*

Another fun entry in the Clan Kendrick series. This is the story of Graeme Kendrick's (The Highlander's English Bride) twin brother, Grant. Though Graeme and Grant were hell-raisers when they were younger, both have changed and matured. Grant took to the family business and surprised everyone with his success. Much to their dismay, however, Grant shows no interest in marriage, seemingly content with his bachelor status. He occasionally feels that his life lacks something, though he isn't sure what. That is, until the day a feisty Irish visitor arrived.

Kathleen is the daughter of an Irish baron who longs to return to Ireland and the family estate, horses, and gardens. Instead, she's stuck in London, bored stiff by Society activities. Her latest attempt to relieve that boredom, carriage racing on Hampstead Heath, landed her in the midst of scandal. Her parents decide to send her to her cousin Sabrina in the Scottish highlands to let the scandal die down and hopefully expose Kathleen to more ladylike behavior. Accompanied by her friend Gillian, Duchess of Leventon, they stop in Glasgow to visit Gillian's cousin, Countess of Arnprior. The trip becomes more complicated when they discover that Kathleen's sixteen-year-old stepsister, Jeannie, stowed away.

From the moment Kathleen and Grant met, the sparks between them were obvious. However, their first impressions of each other don't bode well. Kathleen thinks he is boring and humorless, and Grant believes she is flighty. Besides, neither is looking for a relationship; they are too different. Kathleen intends to return to Ireland as soon as possible, and Grant isn't interested in marrying. Grant's family thinks they are perfect for each other and find every opportunity to throw the pair together. It isn't long before Kathleen and Grant start to see each other differently, but they still fight their feelings.

When another scandal accelerates Kathleen's departure to Sabrina and Graeme's home, Grant is tagged with ensuring Kathleen and Jeannie arrive safely. Grandfather Angus goes along to help and spends much of the trip telling stories about Grant's past exploits. Shortly before their arrival, highwaymen rob the coach, and Kathleen sees yet another side of Grant.

I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Kathleen and Grant started with dislike, then moved to friendship. I liked their time in Glasgow as they began to get to know each other. Their visit to Castle Mugdock with Jeannie and Grant's youngest brother Kade was hilarious as they teamed up to keep Jeannie out of trouble. But their changing relationship hits its stride when they arrive in the highlands. Grant agrees to stay to help Graeme track down the men who robbed them but worries about his ability to resist his attraction to Kathleen. His fears are well-founded as he finds himself more and more drawn to her. Kathleen discovers that returning to Ireland holds less appeal than it used to, displaced by the vision of a life with Grant.

I loved the teasing, light-hearted banter, and flirting between them as the feelings they tried to resist take over. Some Jeannie-induced drama accelerated their attraction, while Kathleen battled fears about the future. I loved seeing her work things out in her mind and then explain them to Grant. His reaction was fantastic, and his understanding of her fears was terrific. The library distraction scene made me laugh out loud a couple of times and ended perfectly. There's a dangerous foe to face before they get their happy ending. The epilogue was a grand wrap-up.

The suspense of this story involved a gang of bandits terrorizing the area. From their attack on the carriage that brought Kathleen to the final confrontation, I could feel the frustration as Grant and Graeme fruitlessly searched for their hideout. From thievery and vandalism to arson, the growing threat created fear and tension among the villagers. I began to suspect the truth near the end, a suspicion that proved to be horrifyingly true. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, and I certainly never suspected who would be responsible for the capture. That scene was intense but also had some unexpected moments of humor.

As for secondary characters, I enjoyed catching up with other members of the Kendrick family. Kade was one of my favorites. He was kind to Jeannie despite her over-the-top actions. I felt terrible for him when she cornered him at Mugdock, but he handled it well. Grandfather Angus is always a hoot with his matchmaking attempts, conveniently revised memories, and willingness to interfere in almost anything. The secondary character with the most prominent part was Kathleen's sister Jeannie. I still have mixed feelings about her. For most of the book, she was a brat. She refused to listen to anyone who disagreed with her desires, putting herself and others into awkward and sometimes dangerous situations. While she supposedly hero-worshipped Kathleen, that certainly didn't translate to listening to her advice. She did redeem herself in the end, but it was a close-run thing.

My only question now is: will there be a story for Kade?

I really enjoyed Kathleen and Grant's story. FYI... it's also a delicious slow-burn with plenty of adventure. And if you've read any of the other Kendrick clan books, you'll enjoy revisiting with some familiar characters.

Following her latest scandalous act, Kathleen Calvert is whisked away to Scotland in order to avoid ruining her brother's engagement. She was ready to return to Ireland but her friend Lady Gillian has plans to take her to Scotland to spend the winter with her cousin Sabrina and her husband Graeme.

Grant Kendrick, is the most respectable Kendrick brother spending most of his time helping the family business grow. But he's growing bored and longs to spend some time at the family's ancestral home.

One look at Kath and Grant is a goner. Now he has to convince her that he's more than the stuff man she thinks he is.

Thanks so much to the author, Kensington, and Netgalley for this ARC to review.

Book: The Highlander’s Irish Bride
By Vanesssa Kelly

Series: Clan Kendrick , Book #4

Publisher: Zebra Books

Release Date: July 27, 2021

Book Rating: 5/5 stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Stars

London, England
Glasgow, Scotland
September 1823


Kathleen Calvert ‘s latest unladylike behavior and scandalous stunt was absolutely appalling, according to her prudish and snobbish stepmother, Lady Helen Gorey! This will harm and cause their Irish noble family an embarrassing scandal! Also it will ruin their reputation so her stepmother claimed! Now her father Lord Gorey allowed his second wife to punish his daughter and gave the discipline reins to her. She even insults Kathleen’s perfect looks, telling her to use lemon juice to fade her adorable freckles! On top of that, telling Kathleen she is lucky she doesn’t have red hair like most Irish women, something her dead biological mother had! It is no wonder she detests her fathers second wife!

Now Kathleen’s latest escapade could possibly harm her brother Richard’s chances for a betrothal, to Lord Bevington’s daughter, Melinda. Now her friend the Duchess of Leverton, Gillian Penley, (My Fair Princess) comes to the rescue and agrees that Kathleen should remain out of sight for awhile to keep tongues from wagging . Kathleen automatically thinks she will return to the country of her birth and go to Ireland. A place she misses so much as all she cares about Ireland, horses, and her best friend Denny. It is decided Kathleen must go convalescent in Scotland, however she will assist her newly married cousin Sabrina, her husband Graeme Kendrick, ( The Highlander’s English Bride) to assist them with their newborn bairn. Now Kathleen is happy to see her cousin, but absolutely horrified to help them care for their newborn bairn! Kathleen has always been uncomfortable around bairns and terrified she might drop them or not cradle their head correctly. In addition their slippery bodies feels like a fish out of water! At least Kathleen’s friend the Duchess, will provide as her companion to Glasgow. Plus Gillian had always wanted to meet her cousin Vicky Kendrick, countess of Arnprior (The Highlander’s Princess Bride). This will be before Kathleen has to go to the cold, isolated, highlands.Except days later they realize that Kathleen’s sixteen year old stepsister Jeannie is a stowaway in a hidden luggage compartment on their carriage. Now her dragon of a stepmother will definitely blame Kathleen, even though she had no inclination of this crazy plan her stepsister made!

It is decided Grant Kendrick will be Kathleen’s guard and escort to the highlands from Glasgow. He is the twin of his brother Greame,and has become a very worthy and prosperous businessman and he is definitely unstoppable where it comes to making money! Now his matchhmaking family can’t seem to keep their noses out of his life! They all love him and feel Grants needs more out of life than just work! He is very disagreeable with this concept even though he and his brother were wild rogues in the past. Grant Kendrick is also the dullest man in Scotland in Kathleens’s eyes. Yet after they are attacked by highwaymen he plans to show her a different side of himself and open his heart. Will Grant be able to tame this wild tiger Kathleen?As they say opposites attract, but are they really all that different?As the attraction is instant they both feel the moment they meet. Readers will feel the chemistry between dull and boring money maker Grant and Kathleen, the non conformist, free thinking lass, who just wants to spread her wings and fly! Will Grant be able to tame this free spirited Lass and open his heart? Read and find out

Again Vanessa Kelly pens another Kendrick novel that totally captured my heart. I loved the free spirited heroine that follows her own tune and couldn’t care less about society and their suffocating rules. I was also captivated by her tender heart for the ones she loved. She knew she was being a wee bit naughty, but would never hurt anyone in the process. She was only enjoying life to the fullest degree, that some closed minded individuals would call a kook, eccentric, or crazy. People called Albert Einstein by these same exact names! Of course the Kendrick’s are hilarious again, especially the matchmaking Grandfather Angus who I always adore and is a definite scene stealer in every Kendrick book! Jeannie reminded me of myself as I too was bratty and self absorbed as many teenagers are. My mother always told me she wanted to give me away when I was fifteen, so her antics I thought were hilarious and was a great addition to this tale.

The heroine, Kathleen just wanted to take life by storm and enjoy every wonderful moment life has to offer. This was so beautiful and eloquently written in a articulate manner, which is also impressive, that was absolutely extraordinary. The chemistry between Grant and Kathleen was like a moth to a flame, which was truly beautiful. I absolutely could not get enough of the story and highly recommend it,

Clan Kendrick Series by Vansssa Kelly

1)The Highlander Who Protected Me

2)The Highlander’s Christmas Bride

3)The Highlander’s English Bride

4)The Highlander’s Irish Bride

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy and an advance reader copy from Kensington publishers . I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

#netgalley #KensingtonPublishers #VanessaKelly #ZebraPublishers


Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Highlanders-Irish-Bride-Clan-Kendrick-ebook/dp/B08MBG4B94/ref=nodl_

https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/The-Highlanders-English-BrideVanessa-Kelly/1132868180?ean=97814201470

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/The_Highlander_s_Irish_Bride?id=TzoGEAAAQBAJ&hl=en_NZ&gl=US

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-highlander-s-irish-bride

https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-highlanders-irish-bride/id1553354925

This was a really exciting book by one of my favorite authors. Ms Kelly writes highland romance like nobody's business. She writes such a lively book that has lots of funny scenes and adventure. The characters seemed real with thought and feelings of their own. It was a lovely romance between one spirited lass and one hard headed highlander. The fun begins at first page and never lets up.
Kathleen Calvert is one woman who likes things her way, but when she gets in another scrape, her parents send her to Scottish estate to learn some manners. Kathleen being a Irish diplomat daughter wants only to return to her family's estate and be with her horses. But when scandal touches the family, off she goes.
Kathleen is being escorted by a highlander who is boring and grouchy from the start. She tries to get the man's attention, but he's no one's fool.
When they are attacked on the way to Scotland, Grant Kendrick finds himself the one who protects the willful lass and proves he can act like a Highlander from old. He will prove his love, if only Kathleen will believe in him.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

I'm loving this series, Clan Kendrick, with it's hunky Scottish men. The entire family seems to be filled with good looking people. A family reunion would be a sight to see. Grant is the twin of Graeme from the 2017 book The Highlander's Princess Bride, and again in The Highlander's English Bride as his HEA. Grant is the extremely serious brother in this story. He's a business man and darn good at it. The problem, according to his family, is he has no personal life but he's fine with the status quo. Enter Kathleen Calvert, a sort of Cinderella with nice step-sisters and an evil step-mother. Her father's given up & doesn't argue. Poor Kathleen is hit with a scandal that sends her to stay with relatives in Scotland, not heaven on earth to her. She's lucky to have relations who look after her. She's stubborn and has a HEA dream of her own & it involves going home to Ireland. The HEA comes along with a dramatic scene that was a doozy of ending. You'll like these two, they're copy of this story.good together but it's the journey that'll keep you up late determined to finish the book. A bonus is the grandfather, Angus, he's delightful but also a matching pro.

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader

#TheHighlander'sIrishBride #ClanKendrick #VanessaKelly #historicalromance #ZebraBooks #Netgalley

The Highlander's Irish Bride by Vanessa Kelly (Clan Kendrick #4) 3.5 stars

When I reviewed "The Highlander's English Bride" I hoped that the next book would be Grant, Graeme's twin brother. Well, my wish was fulfilled... I just wished I liked the book better. The book was pretty slow for me. The main couple, Grant Kendrick and Kathleen Calvert were fairly strong characters. Both their pasts shaped who they are in the book. The romance was like two reluctant individuals trying to fight their mutual attraction because it didn't fit in with their plans. The addition of some of the side characters provided some comic relief, especially Angus, the clan elder. What cut some the enjoyment down was Kathleen's little sister, Jeannie. I started to dread reading about her antics. I managed to finish the book, but I don't think I would read this again.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.

The Kendrick Clan full of loud brawny Scots is back in the fourth book called The Highlander’s Irish Bride by Vanessa Kelly. This particular novel is about Grant Kendrick, the businessman of the Kendrick Clan. He was focused on making the business strong for the family. He worked long hours and didn’t have time for anyone or anything.

Miss Kathleen Calvert was full of energy and life. She was a scandal waiting to happen and would dare to do things that the ton would not accept. After her latest prank, she is shuffled off to Scotland to save her reputation and that of her sister’s marriage prospects. Visiting family in Scotland was just the thing. Until she and the others played cricket in the middle of the square. She is sent off into the wilds of Scotland and Grant escorts them. That is when the strange happenings start to happen with them being held up by bandits.

Kathleen and Grant are made for each other - if they could just really ‘see each other’. The Highlander’s Irish Bride by Vanessa Kelly was a fun addition to the Kendrick Clan Series.

The Highlander's Irish Bride is the fourth book in the Clan Kendrick series by Vanessa Kelly. A captivating historical romance that is sure to sweep you away to another time, another place. The characters are well-written with captivating backstories that make The Highlander's Irish Bride a lovely story to get lost in.

While I love this series and the last book of the previous series leading to Clan Kendrick, I was not in love with this book. Vanessa has her usual funny moments. She writes funny like no one else. I actually laugh out loud. I also love the family dynamics and Grandda (he might get on some people’s nerves but I think he is cantankerous and loving and just plain hilarious). This is very slow burn frenemies romance. Grant (remember he is one of the terrible twins) has turned way to staid. While I really liked Kathleen, she is outgoing and says what she thinks, she could not carry the story alone. It is a little too slow for me. I know you are saying “but Vanessa does write slow burn romance with minimal sexual situations” and that is okay and I usually love her stories but this story is just so slow. Unfortunately, we also have Jeannie who quite frankly was a bit of a brat and was too immature for a sixteen year old. I am looking forward to the last book of the youngest sibling, Kade. He is terribly sweet and kind.