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.

I loved loved loved this book. Mostly because I loved loved loved Isabella. She might be one of my favorite main characters. I just loved (to many loveds I know) how she handled the whirlwind of an arranged marriage and settling into this new role she found herself in. I thought she was spunky and sweet and so forgiving. I also just ate up this world. Ugh all the other characters were just perfect. Like Anse?? And Noah??? I need MORE. I feel like that is my one complaint that it seems like this series is going in the other brides/highlanders (and okay I am excited for that broody highlander) BUT I want to stay here!! I want more of this cute little clan and I DON't WANT TO LEAVE.

Okay and Declan. I loved how their romance started and how they both handled being forced together. Then Declan does some 180 and is like oh no I don't want to help my bride anymore peace out. And well I didn't love that. Where did my knight in shining armor go?? But he does redeem himself and Isabella is happy so I'm fine. This is definitely an open door romance so warning if you aren't looking for that.

Overall I will probably devour any book Kara even if Anse isn't in it (BUT COULD HE BE PLEASE!!) because I could not get enough of this highland writing.

ARC Review of Bride Takes A Scot by Kara Griffin
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A fantastic historical romance read for those loving Outlander and want a highland lord to ravish them! Arranged marriage, murder, conspiracy, and a blooming family.

Declan was rotting in prison when the king gave him an out: marry a boarderland woman and he's right to go home with his charges dropped. He planned to take a wife, what he didn't plan for was a woman like Isabella.
Isabella is no push over. She loves her knowledge of healing, she's stubborn and has always wanted to be a wife and mother. It's quite difficult thought when her new husband is distant...on a few matters it would appear. Such as his estate...his family...his traumatised son...his murdered late wife...as well as the reason why he was locked up in the first place!
There is danger in the keep.
The truth is going to be dug up, and the threat hiding in the shadows is bound to leap out ready to strick!

Fantastic start to the series and am eager to read the rest! Love me a highlander!
Both FMC and MMC are fantastic! Stubborn and pushy and just begging to tear each other's clothes off!
We have our mystery. We hav ethat one guy and one chick we want to punch. We have the sweet angel who needs hugs and to heal. We have an arguement that leads to an AWESOME hot scene.
5 stars!
Loved it!

Usually not a historical romance reader but was so excited about this one! I found it so easy to emerge myself in the world Kara Griffin weaved and was very pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. Maybe I’ll convert into a historical girl!