Waiting for the Laird

Enjoyed this story very much and am looking forward to reading more by this author!

Enjoyed the way the author introduces the mysterious ghost to our characters. Very different approach and very intriguing. Thought the mystery and suspense scattered into the book was very well done and kept me riveted to the end.

A Highland haunted romance, with plenty of heart and passion. This is a fun one.

An old Scottish manor, Cairn Dubh, is owned by a widow, Lara MacLaren, and is under reconstruction to bring it back to its original glory as she and her husband had planned to do together before he died. The reconstruction is being done by a local, Ian Paterson. Lara is attracted to the contractor, but not able find out much personal information on him. Yet, she keeps overhearing people call him Baron. Obviously, Ian is drawn to Lara, too, and their feelings for each other seem timid and sultry at the same time.

During the reconstruction, Ian tells Lara the measurements of the rooms do not add up. Eventually, they find a walled-off section in the manor. Once they get through the wall, there are century old artifacts and memorabilia, including a huge portrait of a deer hound. The brass nameplate indicates the deer hound is called Fergus. Lara’s precocious twins have apparently already met Fergus, the ghost and made a friend of him. Fergus and the twins have a prominent place in the story and, Fergus in the history of the manor. Their antics are typical childhood entertainment.

Once Ian gets to know Lara and falls for her, he is wary of telling her of his connection to the manor and of his title. Although a bit predictable, this is still a charming story. When I first saw the cover on Net Galley, I did not care for it. Having now read the story, the cover has more meaning and is fitting to the story. Thank you Net Galley for sharing this story in exchange for an honest review.

Waiting for the Laird by Willa Blair is yet another fantastic Scottish Romance by this author! I adore her storytelling and was not disappointed in this intricately woven tale.

This is the story of young widow, Lara MacLaren and Ian Paterson, the handsome artitect she hires to help renovate her Scottish Inn, and Lara's mischievous young nine year old twins, Amy and Alexander. Set amidst the Scottish Cairn Dubh Manor. Steady paced with engaging characters and a uniquely intriguing storyline. Filled with secrets, a ghost, possibly, Scottish artifacts, Jacobite treasures, ancestry, second chances, romance and love.

A fun, heartwarming love story, that will capture readers hearts and hold them glued to the pages of this fabulous Scottish read. Lara's twins are a priceless addition to a magnificent story! Ian is afraid if he reveals his secret, he has an ancestry claim to the Manor, but will he lose Lara, her twins and the chance for a HEA and a family? Or will it destroy their budding romance? Can Ian convince Lara he loves her and the twins, that they're his future, or lose all he holds dear?

A magnificent story from start to finish! Willa Blair is a fantastic Scottish Romance storyteller! A must read for fans of Scottish Romance, Scottish history, and a delicious romance. Ms. Blair has a way of holding readers attention and capturing their hearts! A most enjoyable and satisfying Scottish Romance!

I received a complimentary copy.

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

Although I am familiar with Willa Blair's Highland historical romances, this is the first contemporary book of hers that I have read. Though I tend to prefer the historical reads, I did enjoy this one. After all, with a setting in an old Highlands castle, a treasure to be found, and a ghost dog,what's not to like? It has been a year since Lara's husband died suddenly leaving her with nine year old twins and a partially restored castle. Ian Paterson has been hired to complete the restoration. Ian has secrets, at least secrets he is keeping from Lara. What will those secrets cost Ian? Lara? Is Lara ready for a relationship after widow hood? And just how does Fergus, the ghost dog figure into all of this? As stated before I prefer historical reads, but really enjoyed this one. It is a shorter book so it is a fairly quick read.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. This is a sweet romance about a widow and the man renovating her home. Neither was looking for love but it happened. There is also a ghost dog who is a protector against a robber. The book is an easy read and could be read by most ages. There is a minimal amount of sex and it is very vanilla. It is a good read and I would recommend it.

This is my first book by Willa Blair

What I liked:
The writing style
The setting
Standalone
HEA

What I didn't like:
No chemistry between the main characters

I will try another book by this author.