This was not only a heart warming romance, but a great story! I really loved that the tension was about the happenings around the couple and not just unresolved conflicts between the couple. Graeme was the perfect brawny Scotsman and also quite vulnerable, and Sabrina was the perfect blend of refined lady and feisty heroine. The townsfolk helped lighten the mood when Graeme and Sabrina got into trouble with the local smugglers, and it made the perfect HEA ending for them. I am looking forward to the next installment of the Kendrick brood - hopefully, it's Grant's story!

Another Scottish Male lead in a Regency Romance that I loved? Shocking! But Grant Kendrick is my ideal man rolled up in a thunderous brogue that I could feel off of the page. More than that, I had so much fun reading this book. It had comical moments between the brooding and the pining and the confusion of feelings.

The dialogue in the book was well written and ran smoothly, making it believable. Even though I couldn’t stand the overuse of the word “Dearest” it was in line with dialogue of the time and understandable within the context of the time period.

My only critique, which is not a bad thing overall, just a personal preference, I found our female main character to be difficult to understand. She was saying she was one type of person while acting like another, and I didn’t see much of the defiant and independent woman she says she was known to be. She was hard to read and I wasn’t entirely sure I believed her as a character, but nor did I dislike her.

However, to compensate for this, we have her wild and reckless 16 year old sister who is headstrong and determined, finding herself firstly in love with a vicar, and then holding someone at gunpoint in the library. And the duchess, our main character’s close friend, was a treat! She was a wildfire of a good title mixed with a bloodthirsty nature with hidden knives threatening to shank anyone who crosses her.

Grant’s backstory was heartbreaking and I wanted to hold him in a tight hug and tell him it wasn’t his fault. Grant was serious and then quickly became an incorrigible flirt as he became more comfortable.

I definitely recommend this book! Was such a fun read with a little twist of adventure thrown in.

Vanessa Kelly does such a fabulous job with these characters. The reader truly feels a part of the book. Kathleen and Grant are a lovely couple. Grant is bored with his life and Kathleen cannot seem to stay out of trouble. The two of them soon learn the best thing for each of them is to be together. Readers will love this book. I couldn't put it down.

The Highlander's Irish Bride (Clan Kendrick, #4) by Vanessa Kelly
I have really loved this series and each book is better than the last.
This is Kathleen Calvert and Grant Kendrick's story. We catch up with many members of this wonderful family where there is laughter, love, tears, angst, mystery/evil, both H and h have some past hang ups to work through and also steamy stuff to get us to a HEA. I really hope this is not the end of Clan Kendrick.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Tear-jerker Unpredictable Wonderful characters Steamy Easy-to-read Romantic Entertaining Great world building Page-turner funny Action-packed Scary Happily Ever After

I had been looking forward to seeing what was in store for Grant Kendrick and was not disappointed! Kathleen is the perfect partner for the serious person circumstances forced on Grant at a young age and helps him to realize life is meant to be lived. They face down thieves, arsonists and attempted murderers on their way to their HEA. I thoroughly enjoyed this story in another wonderful series by Vanessa Kelly. Highly recommended.

3.5 stars

I wanted to like this story more. The premise was reasonable but for the first 60% of the book Grant came across as a straighlaced boring business man. Hardly the hero of a romance book. Kathleen was a bit more interesting. Her step mother seemed overly strict and her step sister such a teenage sulker. Why Kathleen feels the need to protect Jeanie from her one sided romances stumped me. First she latches onto Grant's younger brother and then David, the local vicar. It was fairly obvious who the baddie would turn out to be and even though Angus, Grant's grand father could be amusing, he became a bit tedious. Not sure I'll bother with the rest of the series as i rated book 2 even lower than this one.

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

Kathleen Calvert would rather be back in Ireland, not sent up to an isolated Scottish estate in an attempt to rein in her free spirit. Grant Kendrick knows he seems boring compared to Kathleen, after years spent being the serious, introspective twin. But escorting her away from the confines of Glasgow may just give him the opportunity to rediscover his own free spirit.

I'm on a Clan Kendrick binge at the moment and this certainly did not disappoint. Grant and Kath had such wonderful dialogue! Any scene with the pair of them was a lot of fun (even when Grant was being "boring"). It's also rare to see a potential rival suitor who is actually a nice dude and not the villain of the piece. I'd say this is my second favourite book of the series (Graeme is my favourite twin - sorry, Grant!).

Thank you NetGalley and Zebra Books for providing me a copy of The Highlander's Irish Bride in exchange for an honest review.

For me this is a 3.5 Star read but I have decided to round up to a four.

The Highlander's Irish Bride follows Miss Kathleen Calvert (a walking scandal) and Grant Kendrick (Mr. Too Respectable). They meet at Grants family home when Kathleen arrives after being sent away from London to avoid a scandal. Unfortunately for her, scandal seems to follow her wherever she goes and her trip becomes more of a journey across the highlands. Grant is charged with escorting her due to his meddling family members that want to see him settled - unfortunately they are too meddling and may be why he is slow at making a move!

This was a wild ride of a book. So much seemed to be happening all the time much of it due to Kathleen's younger sister, Jeannie. Unfortunately I I found it hard to like Jeannie and ended up finding her a bit annoying. There were parts I audibly sighed when she caused another mishap. However, this lessoned by the end of the book as her character definitely started having some good moments. My only hint is that its in a library. But that was definitely the scene I went "I want to read your book!"

As leads both Kathleen and Grant were pretty strong. I honestly really liked Grant and I kind of wish his more playful personality was able to start earlier on in the story. I found too much happened in the first half that called him 'boring' that when he started showing a more open side to himself I felt it was a tad bit late. At that point I felt too caught up by the shenanigans of all the family and not as much in the actual romance.

Vanessa Kelly is very talented when it comes to giving her character their own unique voices. I really like how she writes dialogue . Grant and his twin brother though similar definitely had their edge to how they spoke. Furthermore, all the female characters were well thought out and had their own distinctive voices.

One thing I have to add, as a Canadian I really loved the discussions about Canada that were brought in throughout.

This was my first book with Clan Kendrick and all their associates- however I highly enjoyed it! Kathleen & Grant’s story was a whirlwind of circumstances and I was not sure how they were ever going to get their HEA. There was a lot going on in this story and at times I found myself wondering what debacle would happen next, what would Old Angus get up to, and how Kathleen’s half-sister, Jeannette, would shake things up. This doesn’t even take into account that Kathleen & Grant have their own obstacles to get through, including learning how to have an actual conversation with each other. Honestly I almost felt like there was too much drama and over-the-top situations in the storyline, that it detracted from the romance between the two MC. Admittedly this is my first book by this author as mentioned so maybe it’s just a writing style I have to get used to, the story may be more enjoyable if one reads the first books in the series and a few books from her other series. I think that would give more background on all the characters included along this adventure.

The story was saved for me when I got a solid epilogue—love those glimpses of HEA. If you enjoy strong, silent, fiercely protective highlanders and mischievous ladies, you will enjoy this story.


**links to come**

I must say this is the most enjoyable fun read I've had in ages! The Kendrick Clan is a hoot, each character with their own idiosyncrasies that blends in perfectly. As for grandda....oh, grandda, he made me laugh the most!! I loved revisiting this clan, they really do feel like home.

Grant, a twin to Graeme, is the quiet one but that's not to say he wasn't a hellion when he was younger! He just prefers immersing himself in his work above all else. That is, until Kathleen arrives and turns his whole world topsy turvy with her unnerving habit of always finding trouble! Between bandits, fires, kidnappings and thefts, there is not one boring moment in this story. Not to forget the swoon worthy moments between Grant and Kathleen!!

All in all, I absolutely loved this story, in fact I love this whole series!! Oh, by the way, "jinglebrain" is my new favourite word! lol

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

What a fun summer read!
I really enjoyed reading this book was cute had some adventure had some romance I was a perfect summer novels. Highly recommend

"what does a Scotsman wear under his kilt? nothing, if you're lucky".

when i requested this romance on netgalley, i wanted to ready a sexy but fluffy romance with a strong dreamy romance world setting (the need to escape the daily life is still very strong) and Vanessa Kelly delivered.

i never heard of this author before, none of my romance friends ever talked about the Clan Kendrick serie or about another book of hers so it was a bet on my side. i tried to go on more solo romance journey but i just love sharing feels and thoughts for romance books that it is very rare for me to not have a companion. i'd say that the bet was a win as i just adored the romance, the characters, the setting, the dialogue, the ridiculous drama but there were so many good lines that i highlighted and i just wanted to send them to someone to share the sparkles with. i guess, i'll just have to do it with this review.

the story starts with kathleen, with who london life doesn't agree. her wilderness, her spirited temper and her wish for her home Ireland doesn't go along with the london society and all the protocol and etiquettes. following one more "faux-pas" she is sent to Scotland to let the gossip die, along with a delightfully knife lover of a Duchess (i might read Gillian's story next because i am so intrigued and enamored by her already) and her young sister Jeannie (a bit of a rebel and a grand lover of love - or a very thirsty young lady). in Glasgow and then in the Highlands, the two sisters will flirt with Kendrick boys (Jeannie will try to kiss one boy and almost cause his death - HILARIOUS), drink a lot of whisky, be the victim of a robbery and of a fire attempt, will have pistols point at them and will also fall in love (one with a vicar (like all thirsty ladies do), one with a very soft and sexy highlander).

kathleen and grant were exquisite romance hero. if their first dialogues together were a bit of a disaster, they slowly warm to each other and offer delightful funny scenes as well as sparkly flirty ones.

"To return to the original point of our discussion, sir -
Would that be sneaking off to find a nice quiet corner?
No, you booby" she tartly replied
"Och, it's a hard lass, ye are" he said with a dramatic sigh.
"Mr. Kendrick -
Grant.
Mr. Kendrick, do not force me to whack you over the head with my fan".

honestly, isn't this gold romance comedy? i love them. the two of them starting from disdain to friendly scenes, then to flirty ones and to adorable hilarious romantic proposals just warmed my heart. they made me smiled, giggled and laughed and there is no better praise for a romance than to really offer you pure joy and a lovely romance. you do have to enjoy various accents (scottish and irish), which i do (i don't know however if they are cliché or not).

as a bonus, to these two the assemble cast brought even more smiles and laugh. all the kendrick clan with the granddad, the brothers, the wives were just so lively and funny. it has a strong bridgerton and ravenels vibes but make it scottish. it offers the funniest sibling scenes and all the good dialogues and that warmth of family love and adoration. and i will not forget our romance thirsty jeannie who was as annoying as she was hilarious : someone finds her a man and all the pets, she needs them...urgently.

i don't know if the other ones in the clan kendrick series are as good as this one, but it can fully be enjoyed as a stand-alone and it will romance you at first page, it's a promise.

I’ve so enjoyed reading this authors books and this one didn’t disappoint. I always look forward to reading their books. The storyline takes you along on the characters journey. I was captivated I couldn’t put it down I could almost see it playing out as I read

Helen is horrible.

Such overreaction!

Ha, famous last words.

He's a nice man.

Angus being Angus.

That was kind of hot. Get a life, Trim.

She should never have mentioned the key.

I guarantee you the captain is the gang ringleader.

Ugh, poor idiot David.

That's a horrible last memory to have.

Good for you, Jeannie. You fought back.

Huzzah, David! I'm sorry I called you an idiot.

Excellent acting, then, Graeme.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fourth book in the 'Clan Kendrick series' to be honest it is the first book I have read, but I will definitely be reading the other books in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this, it was both highly entertaining and the perfect historical romance. I don't think my enjoyment was affected but not reading the previous books but it would have helped with the background for other characters.

It took me a while to get into the story as I felt the first few chapters were slow to progress, however as soon as Kathleen starts her adventure to Glasgow and meets Grant I knew it would soon become a joy to read. The book is full of brawl highlanders and smart, beautiful lasses who drive the men to despair but the men relish in their feisty personalities.

Kathleen Calvert is a head strong young woman who dreams of nothing more than returning to her beloved Ireland and to live her life peacefully. After a near scandal scares her Father and step mother she is sent off to the Scottish Highlands to her cousin Sabrina to keep a low profile. Unbeknown to her, her youngest sister has hidden herself in her carriage backs and all hell is about to break loose.

I really enjoyed the relationship build between Kathleen and Grant, both are so sent in their ways that they deny their feelings until they can't help but give into temptation.

My idea of the perfect historical romance, a dash of history, song family values and dynamics, rugged highlanders and head strong lasses. Mix this in with a dash of sculduggery and lots of romance you have the perfect book to snuggle up and get lost in.

Thanks you to Netgalley and Kensington publishing for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Expected publication date July 27th 2021.

As someone who loves everything related to Scotland, I enjoyed all of the Kendrick Clan books. This was a pleasant one, too! Just like on the other books, I enjoy the author's lovely description of the Highlands, and the Scottish brogue peppered in the conversations. I especially love Angus, the crazy but loving Grandda :)
This books is about Grant, one of the twins, and Kathleen, an Irish lady who was "banished" to the Highlands to avoid scandal. The way their relationship developed was fun to read, and I also liked the relationship between Kathleen and her immature yet still somewhat lovable younger sister Jeannie. Don't wanna give any spoilers, but the book also has an adequate amount of suspense to keep you going as a reader. Overall, a good read!

A fast paced story full of romance, intrigue and steamyness. Vanessa is an amazing writer who knows who to capture your interest fro the start.

I received "The Highlander's Irish Bride" from Netgalley and voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Vanessa Kelly is an author extraordinaire. This is another beautiful story about one of the Kendrick family members. Kathleen Calvert has to leave her father and step mother's home after an incident that she was involved in, which could have escalated to create havoc in their lives. She is sent to her cousin,  Sabrina's home in Scotland. She ends up in the Kendricks' family home first  where she meets Grant Kendrick. What ensues is a tale of attraction and uncertainty of feelings and emotions. Grant seems to be too staid and boring for Kathleen's vivacious full of life personality... yet, their worlds collide and they both learn to appreciate the other's differences in characters. A beautiful read!

The Highlander’s Irish Bride, by Vanessa Kelly. My fellow readers I had so much fun reading this comical and passionate love story. Kathleen and Grant are brilliant together. Mrs. Kelly pulled off a wonderful love story for her readers. From the very comical moments to the passionate loving moments between Kathleen and Grant, the writer tossed in a little suspense that had me guessing to the end.
I didn’t pull all the clues together until the last hint. The book has so many exciting moments, I absolutely new that this story wouldn’t bore me. The dialogue among the characters didn’t stop. The conversations ran between the chapters with ease. As the reader I didn’t get lost in where the writer was leading me.
I also didn’t find the conversations boring or long winded. Each character had something to offer to the story. The story definitely had realistic moments to it. From the details and the thorough descriptions of the lands, the castles and the in between scenes, the writer offered me a story that played to my imagination. I found the drama was astounding. I was absolutely hooked to every detail in the book.
From the stowaway. The agonizing trip by Carriage from London to Scotland. Being highjacked by highwayman. Swapping insults with anyone that crossed their paths. Breaking out in fist fights at a game we now call baseball.
Duchess’s Threatening to shank supposed nobleman of the ton with hidden daggers on their person. With finally, a 16 year old holding people and a Vicar and a spy at gun point in a library. I say that I had a bang up good time reading this book. Let’s not forget a half crazed Grandda, Angus is his name, going around causing trouble any where that he placed his bum.
With all this happening it was left to Grant and his twin brother Graem to bring order to the Kendrick household. I also must tell you how very romantic Grant was to Kathleen. This was the best part to the story. He was so devastatingly handsome and attentive to Kathleen. He set his sites on her and didn’t stop his prowling until he surrendered to the ecstasy that he so desperately wanted to give to Kathleen.
Grant was all Highlander when it came to seducing Kathleen. Kathleen held up her own too. I always love it when the writer gives a strong male leading character, a strong, smart, confident leading female love interest. My fellow readers... with the laughs, the giggles and the enjoyment of reading the chaotic lives of the Kendrick clan, I had a jolly good time. Until next time my fellow readers... read on!

The Highlander's Irish Bride follows Kathleen, a self proclaimed spinster who is banished to her cousin's home in the Scottish Highlands after a scandal threatens to her stepbrother's match. There she meets Grant, a quiet Scot.

The chemistry between these two was excellent. While the story took a bit to start, once I got into things by the middle I was hooked. It was a great read for the romance.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.