While the premise of this story was something that sounded right up my alley, the execution of it fell flat for me. The writing and characters just felt bland and boring. Unlike other books in this genre with this kind of plot, it did not capture my attention immediately. A big let down considering I was actually in the mood to read something historical with an arranged / forced marriage trope. On to the next one, I guess.

If you're craving a swoon-worthy Scottish romance laced with political intrigue, emotional depth, and a brooding Highlander, thi story is sure to sweep you off your feet.
Laird Declan MacKendrick is a man wronged—falsely accused, unjustly imprisoned, and thrust into an arranged marriage he never asked for. Lady Isabella Forrester, his reluctant English bride, is equally shackled by duty, torn from everything familiar and plunged into the untamed Highlands. What begins as a forced alliance becomes something far more potent: a slow-burning romance where passion clashes with pride, secrets stir beneath the surface, and danger lurks in the shadows.
Isabella is a standout heroine—resilient, compassionate, and refreshingly independent. Her growing bond with Declan’s neglected deaf son adds heartfelt tenderness to the story, while her gradual integration into the wary Highland clan gives the narrative emotional weight. Declan, meanwhile, is everything you want in a tortured laird: noble, loyal, and absolutely smoldering when it comes to his wife.
The stakes intensify as vengeance and loyalty blur, culminating in a twist that will have you flipping pages late into the night. Though some plot points feel familiar within the genre, the emotional richness and well-paced character development keep the story compelling.
If you enjoy Highland historical romances with strong heroines, layered heroes, and stories where love blooms amidst betrayal and redemption, then this is the tale for you.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Suspenseful and Gripping! Bride Takes a Scot will keep you guessing as it takes you on a rollercoaster ride that brims with tension building twists and turns, trials and tribulations, danger, secrets and suspense that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. This is the first book that I have read by Kara Griffin and it is a well-written Medieval Highland story filled with flawed characters who manage to grow and yet retain their personalities which captivates you from the beginning until the very end, sizzling passion, and with great dialogue. With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid that brings the story to life and as the uncertainties escalates the suspense builds and danger abound which brings this read together perfectly.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion

The book started off strong and about halfway through it fell flat. The dialogue was a bit off for me and it seemed as though the relationship between the two MCs was forced

Scottish historical romance books are one of my favorite historical romance types and I was so happy to be able to read this one! It was amazing and the story was very interesting.

Declan Mackendrick is in prison for killing a man. The king has decided to help himself by having the clan leaders of the competition choose a wife. Declan picks Isabella Forrester who is happy. Things change when she arrives in the Highlands and she starts to find out that there is trouble in his clan. You find out who killed his wife and who set him up for the other killing as well. A very good book.

I love a good Scottish romance. This just wasn't my favorite. I didn't love the characters much or feel the chemistry. I wanted more tension and action -- and definitely chemistry between the main characters. I made it half way through and just didn't feel compelled enough to continue.

Scottish Historical Romance with Treachery and Intrigue

Marriage saved him from the king’s dungeon, but the treachery that took him there was still alive and well. Who accused Declan of killing his father-in-law? Would he discover the snake before he, or she, wreaked more havoc?

When he marries Isabella, Declan finds love. However, the past still haunts him, and there are those who intend to destroy him. Declan seeks vengeance against those who have wronged him, but does he know who his enemies are?

This story kept me turning the pages. There is romance, of course, but there is also mystery, treachery, intrigue, and plot twists you might not see coming. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like Scottish historical romance.

This was such an awesome read that I couldn't atop reading tell the end. The story line and characters pulled me in form the beginning and the word usage was done so well it made me feel like I was there watching the story unfold.

I rather enjoyed this read. I loved the fact that the MMC was not perfect, but turned out almost perfect for the FMC. I loved that the FMC fit the mold of the time period, but wasn't done as a damsel in distress. The title was a bit misleading as it was all arranged, but I suppose in the end it was true. I am pleased there was closure for this part of their lives, but also glad that there could be an opening for another book. I hope to hear more from this author. I would gladly recommend this and have it on my shelf.

Well written and a great book for anyone that’s likes a highlander romance. The characters are well rounded and very entertaining. There is romance and intrigue enough to keep you entertained from the first page. A battle of wits that keeps the ages turning.

Bride Takes a Scot by Kara Griffin is Medieval Highland story featuring Laiard Declan MacKendrick, who has been held by the king after it was reported that he killed his father-in-law. The king didn’t realize he was there and brought him out immediately and offered his freedom if he would agree to marry a border woman. The king was trying to lessen tensions between the two. There would be three additional grooms and four brides and there would be contests to determine which groom got to pick, in order. There was a ball at which they were to get to know one another a little and Declan saw his match in Isabella Forrester. Isabella is not in the least pleased with the king’s edict but saw it might be the only way she’s be allowed to marry. Her father was possessive. It all worked out and they were married and it looked like it might be good until they arrived at his keep where his stepmother was in charge and she didn’t want to let go of her power. Declan left almost immediately to deal with clan issues, leaving Isabella on her own. She did.

Isabella is a great character. No one is going to walk on her, including her husband. She told him so. He had some secrets and she discovered them one by one. She was such a pleasant, cheerful woman that it was not long before everyone liked her and the tension in the keep started to dissipate. She dealt with a dirty keep, a rude and obnoxious stepbrother-in-law, who seemed to be looking at her always, a son Declan had failed to mention, and more. Declan, being a man was a little oblivious. He knew he didn’t like his family. He wasn’t sure why, so he stayed away. The were characters meant for one another. It was a highly entertaining story. Full of heat and daily problems for the marriage. Fun read.

I was invited to read Bride Takes a Scot by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #KaraGriffin #BrideTakesAScot

This was a strong start to the Highland Vows & Vengeance series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the overall feel of this historical romance going on. The characters were everything that I wanted and enjoyed getting to read this. Kara Griffin has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

Fairly political and medieval and my brain just felt like mush reading the first quarter. Just not my taste.

This marriage by arrangement/forced marriage has basically everything I expect from a Scottish Medieval romance: twists, action, suspense, danger, intrigue, betrayal by unknown foes, passionate love scenes and actually likable main characters, but somehow I was disappointed. Perhaps because the Highlanders didn't really speak Scottish burr or because Declan was so focussed on his duties and revenge that he criminally neglected Isabella and his deaf-mute son. Isabella is an endearing heroine who is compassionate, strong, perhaps a tad too pragmatic, and determined to make the best of the situation. She longs for connection but is constantly met with rejection. My favorite character was definitely Anse, who showed more heart and understanding than anyone else in the book. Declan's son Noah was also endearing and it was lovely to see him and Isabella grow closer.

The widowed Laird Declan MacKendrick is falsely suspected of brutally murdering his father-in-law and is imprisoned in King Alexander's dungeon. The king offers him the chance to be released if he marries the daughter of a borderland lord. Declan agrees and chooses Lady Isabella Forrester. Isabella is not enthusiastic about having to marry a barbarian Highlander but she and Declan are attracted to each other from the very first moment. They marry and immediately travel to Declan's clan. But Isabella's arrival at her new home is hard, as she is despised and rejected by both Declan's family and the clan members, and Declan repeatedly leaves her alone because of his duties...

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

Isabella and Declan are forced to get married by the Scottish King. I really enjoy the marriage of convenience trope and how they they learn to get along. Isabella has her work cut out for her, to try to fit into the clan. She forms a heart warming relationship with Noah, Declan's son.
I received this book as a gift from the publisher. Opinions are my own.

This story has a lovely plot along with more than one villain which makes for a unique and interesting read. What caused me some discomfort was the overall length of the book and not really enough interaction between the two main characters. Both primary characters are lovely and well written, however I didn't feel the actual chemistry/connection building between the two of them. Isabelle just seems to want a relationship and works towards it yet Declan is always too busy unless he's in the mood. It's spicy and is the first in the series, so I'm looking forward to reading the next one hoping my opinion is misplaced.

Medieval Scottish kings certainly had a habit of arranging marriages to sort out Clan problems. Or so it seems.
This time a highlander is forced to marry a lass from the border region.
Our hero is only starting to solve his problems with this marriage. There is still a lot to fix.
Our heroine hopes to make the most from her marriage but a taciturn husband with secrets and unfriendly family members makes that difficult.
Adventure and danger will be ahead for all the characters. Guessing the person behind all the problems will last almost to the end.
Very exciting.

The plot of this book drew my attention and the cover was appealing, but the writing style was very hard to follow. It did not flow and the first sex scene was very stilted. I’m not sure. I have read another book where they actually called it the vagina during a sex scene. Nevertheless, I kept pushing myself to read the story so I could give an accurate review, but it was too painful so I stopped almost halfway through and moved onto another book.

Suspense runs through this novel like a river, leaving one anticipating danger and surprise attacks at any moment. Accursed of a crime that he did not commit, Laird Declan accepts the King's offer of unconditional freedom from his hellish prison in exchange for marriage to a young woman from the Border. In spite of having his choice of bride, it appears that the decision is made for him, but he is not complaining. Isabella has frustrating and irresponsible parents even though she knows she is dearly loved by them. However, after she gets over the initial shock of having to be presented to the King, she is grateful for the opportunity to have her own home, especially if it is to the quiet Scot with darkness in his eyes. Despite being the Laird's lady, Isabella waits to observe the hierarchy in Declan's home as his stepmother has been the chatelaine for some years. Receiving a less than warm welcome Isabella keeps herself busy by learning about her new home and when she meets her husband's mute son, her life takes on a new purpose. Unfortunately, Declan's accusers are angered by his release, causing unrelenting harassment and danger to his new wife. He is impressed by Isabella's ability to stay calm under duress, but when she is put in danger, he leaves no stone unturned to rid the family of the threats against them. The novel closes on a successful note, bringing hope for the future. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.