What do you think?
Rate this book
The Highlander’s Auctioned Bride
"I caught the attention of the monster then, my Laird?"
"Aye...And I'll make sure ye enjoy it."
Maisie caught the attention of the monster.
She never wanted to. In fact, she tried hard to avoid the auction to become his bride.
But it was inevitable.
When a monster like Laird James gets obsessed...No one can resist him. No one wants to.
***
Laird James doesn't care for a bride.
But when he sees the fiery lass running away from him, something snaps.
Now he wants to hunt...
And his good little wife-to-be better know how to hide.
Not that it matters.
This monster always feasts on his prey in the end.
*The Highlander’s Auctioned Bride is a steamy Scottish historical romance novel of 60,000 words (around 300 pages) written by Lydia Kendall and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
Get this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!
"Aye...And I'll make sure ye enjoy it."
Maisie caught the attention of the monster.
She never wanted to. In fact, she tried hard to avoid the auction to become his bride.
But it was inevitable.
When a monster like Laird James gets obsessed...No one can resist him. No one wants to.
***
Laird James doesn't care for a bride.
But when he sees the fiery lass running away from him, something snaps.
Now he wants to hunt...
And his good little wife-to-be better know how to hide.
Not that it matters.
This monster always feasts on his prey in the end.
*The Highlander’s Auctioned Bride is a steamy Scottish historical romance novel of 60,000 words (around 300 pages) written by Lydia Kendall and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
Get this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2025
389 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Kendall
104 books115 followersLydia Kendall has always been passionate about medieval romance. Having traveled to the Scottish Highlands several times as a young girl, she has always been drawn to their unparalleled beauty and history. A history that inspired stories of love and passion, mixed with tradition in the most appealing way for every hopeless romantic - much like herself.
Born in Denver, Colorado, Lydia Kendall has a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and over the last decade she has been writing non-stop for several clients - that is until she decided to start publishing her own work. When she isn't writing, Lydia loves spending her time in the beautiful outdoors with her loving husband and baby daughter.
Follow Lydia on this sensational journey of hot highlanders, bonny lassies, and fierce passion...and find sheer pleasure in the magnificent world of the Scottish countryside - one that will sweep you off your feet and keep you begging for more!
Born in Denver, Colorado, Lydia Kendall has a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and over the last decade she has been writing non-stop for several clients - that is until she decided to start publishing her own work. When she isn't writing, Lydia loves spending her time in the beautiful outdoors with her loving husband and baby daughter.
Follow Lydia on this sensational journey of hot highlanders, bonny lassies, and fierce passion...and find sheer pleasure in the magnificent world of the Scottish countryside - one that will sweep you off your feet and keep you begging for more!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 23, 2025
DNF 22%.
Yes I still rated it, bc it’s never going to be more than 3 stars. Writing is fine, but simple. There’s no anticipation, no clever turn of phrase, no emotional connection really. No intrigue and therefore I have no interest to continue.
Yes I still rated it, bc it’s never going to be more than 3 stars. Writing is fine, but simple. There’s no anticipation, no clever turn of phrase, no emotional connection really. No intrigue and therefore I have no interest to continue.
September 19, 2025
this was just the book I needed to cleanse my pallet. I love a good highlander story, and for me, this did not disappoint.
March 23, 2025
I wanted to love this one but James drove me up the wall!
PLOT:
The story follows Maisie, a girl who finds herself brought to the Laird's castle under false pretenses to compete for his hand. Upset about her father's lie and her lack of choice in the matter, she resolves to make sure he won't choose her. When she is chosen, they both have to navigate married life and threats on Maisie's life.
THOUGHTS:
- Maisie was a fun character, outspoken, smart and sassy. While I liked her a lot, it kind of felt like there was a bit of a "not like other girls" thing going on. Every other woman there is a brunette or kind of simple minded so yeah of course she stands out. I think it would have been better if the other female characters were intelligent and interesting as well. It just felt off that she's the smartest, most intelligent well read chess playing woman out there when she's a trader's daughter among ladies.
- James drove me nuts. I liked him at the beginning, he's self assured and domineering and fiercely loyal to his people but seriously??? This man could NOT communicate or listen. Maisie literally communicates what she needs repeatedly and he either resorts to sexing her up or exploding and lashing out. Like.... Just listen for two seconds and bond / spend time with her genuinely and everything would be golden. Also, the whole comment he makes about being surrounded by boring brunettes just makes it feel like he's only after Maisie because he desires her and she's blonde. Even when we get his POV, I'm not getting "oh she's so admirable and courageous and sexy" I'm getting "she's such a firecracker I can't wait to possess and master her" which did not work for me.
- the whole fainting this was a bit annoying tbh. We are told that she's never fainted before but anytime something stressful or overwhelming happens she's about to black out. Eh, it just didn't work for me and felt like they were trying to give her a "flaw" since she's smart beautiful and perfect otherwise.
- while the smut was pretty good, the romance itself fell flat for me. They go from being at each other's throats constantly to totally in love when her life is in danger? There's no real bonding or romance or time together that's not sexual and then they're totally into each other.
- the mystery was a pretty good element to the story and did keep things interesting.
PLOT:
The story follows Maisie, a girl who finds herself brought to the Laird's castle under false pretenses to compete for his hand. Upset about her father's lie and her lack of choice in the matter, she resolves to make sure he won't choose her. When she is chosen, they both have to navigate married life and threats on Maisie's life.
THOUGHTS:
- Maisie was a fun character, outspoken, smart and sassy. While I liked her a lot, it kind of felt like there was a bit of a "not like other girls" thing going on. Every other woman there is a brunette or kind of simple minded so yeah of course she stands out. I think it would have been better if the other female characters were intelligent and interesting as well. It just felt off that she's the smartest, most intelligent well read chess playing woman out there when she's a trader's daughter among ladies.
- James drove me nuts. I liked him at the beginning, he's self assured and domineering and fiercely loyal to his people but seriously??? This man could NOT communicate or listen. Maisie literally communicates what she needs repeatedly and he either resorts to sexing her up or exploding and lashing out. Like.... Just listen for two seconds and bond / spend time with her genuinely and everything would be golden. Also, the whole comment he makes about being surrounded by boring brunettes just makes it feel like he's only after Maisie because he desires her and she's blonde. Even when we get his POV, I'm not getting "oh she's so admirable and courageous and sexy" I'm getting "she's such a firecracker I can't wait to possess and master her" which did not work for me.
- the whole fainting this was a bit annoying tbh. We are told that she's never fainted before but anytime something stressful or overwhelming happens she's about to black out. Eh, it just didn't work for me and felt like they were trying to give her a "flaw" since she's smart beautiful and perfect otherwise.
- while the smut was pretty good, the romance itself fell flat for me. They go from being at each other's throats constantly to totally in love when her life is in danger? There's no real bonding or romance or time together that's not sexual and then they're totally into each other.
- the mystery was a pretty good element to the story and did keep things interesting.
February 14, 2025
I love these stories! It doesn’t matter how many times I read about a ‘monster’ laird who gives a woman little option but to be his bride, I always find them creative, exciting and entertaining. Maisie’s father informed her that his business was failing and fearing that he could no longer support her, he had arranged to have her marry Laird MacLennan. He told her that he was taking her to a betrothal celebration, but when they arrived it did not take Maisie long to realize that this was some kind of competition to win the Laird’s favor. Apparently the plan was that the five women in attendance would be asked specific questions while they dined with the Laird and their families. When they were done, the Laird would select his bride. James had previously encountered Maisie in the garden when she was looking for a way to escape and return home. Thinking that he was the Laird’s man-at-arms, Maisie made some rather derogatory statements about the Laird’s method for bridal selection. Needless to say, she was not pleased when she discovered who he really was. Determined not to be chosen, Maisie purposely gave answers contrary to the other four women, throwing a little sarcasm in for good measure. Imagine her surprise when James declared that she was to be his wife. None of the council members were thrilled with his choice and neither were the other four women. Maisie and James were married a week later, and that’s when the trouble really started. Loud disagreements, misunderstandings and rumors were one thing, but when there were attempts on Maisie’s life, James went berserk. This fast moving tale includes betrayal, deceit and misdirects, as well as strong emotions, surprises and steam. I love that the author threw in a pair of pining sidekicks….a unique and humorous touch. This is such a good story and the extended epilogue is just delightful!
February 18, 2025
James & Maisie—Can they learn to love?
It’s pretty good and kept my attention. I liked it better than some of Ms. Kendall’s earlier books. Maisie is smart, thinks outside the box, and eventually learns how to help James effectively. James grew admirably in his beliefs about Maisie, balance, treating others with more respect, & about the value of having a wife in general.
I wasn’t impressed by Maisie’s father for a good bit of the book, but he was mostly redeemed by the end. I was only a little suspicious of the actual villain throughout most of the book. Many of the other characters were loyal, which I appreciated. Another positive is virtually no swearing. Bedroom scenes were not ridiculously graphic & (mostly) took place within marriage. Some BD, not SM, also not over the top, thank goodness.
The negative: Proofreading... It abounds with punctuation errors, but at least the spelling & usage is mostly correct!
I’ll probably read one by Lydia Kendall when I’m ready for another Scottish Highlander romance.
It’s pretty good and kept my attention. I liked it better than some of Ms. Kendall’s earlier books. Maisie is smart, thinks outside the box, and eventually learns how to help James effectively. James grew admirably in his beliefs about Maisie, balance, treating others with more respect, & about the value of having a wife in general.
I wasn’t impressed by Maisie’s father for a good bit of the book, but he was mostly redeemed by the end. I was only a little suspicious of the actual villain throughout most of the book. Many of the other characters were loyal, which I appreciated. Another positive is virtually no swearing. Bedroom scenes were not ridiculously graphic & (mostly) took place within marriage. Some BD, not SM, also not over the top, thank goodness.
The negative: Proofreading... It abounds with punctuation errors, but at least the spelling & usage is mostly correct!
I’ll probably read one by Lydia Kendall when I’m ready for another Scottish Highlander romance.
February 17, 2025
Can love come from his choosing her?
A really enjoyable story of a Laird choosing a wife unconventionally as directed by his clan.
Not wanting to be married as he is far too busy to set aside time for his wife to be, their union is to only be for the sake of bearing a child.
Maisie taken to the Lairds castle by her father is furious once she finds out why she is there.
This starts the beginning of the story of Maisie and her “Monster” and the many clashes they have. Also the attraction they both have for each other as the story progresses.
There is mystery, danger, misunderstandings, steamy scenes, betrayals and a love that can not be denied.
An entertaining story that held my interest until the end.
A really enjoyable story of a Laird choosing a wife unconventionally as directed by his clan.
Not wanting to be married as he is far too busy to set aside time for his wife to be, their union is to only be for the sake of bearing a child.
Maisie taken to the Lairds castle by her father is furious once she finds out why she is there.
This starts the beginning of the story of Maisie and her “Monster” and the many clashes they have. Also the attraction they both have for each other as the story progresses.
There is mystery, danger, misunderstandings, steamy scenes, betrayals and a love that can not be denied.
An entertaining story that held my interest until the end.
June 8, 2025
An ok read, but.....
Personally I thought having to sign up to read what was basically the beginning of this book was somewhat peculiar... perhaps the author would be better served letting readers decide if they want to sign up with her *after* they've finished the book and include it in the beginning of the book as you would expect.... I found that quite irritating.
It was an ok read, have pretty much read it all before... Lillian was a confusing character, was she manipulated or was she a psychopath, I dunno I wasn't convinced.... So if book 2 is her tale I may give it a miss.
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book and I have to pay for the subscription)
Personally I thought having to sign up to read what was basically the beginning of this book was somewhat peculiar... perhaps the author would be better served letting readers decide if they want to sign up with her *after* they've finished the book and include it in the beginning of the book as you would expect.... I found that quite irritating.
It was an ok read, have pretty much read it all before... Lillian was a confusing character, was she manipulated or was she a psychopath, I dunno I wasn't convinced.... So if book 2 is her tale I may give it a miss.
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book and I have to pay for the subscription)
February 18, 2025
Reckless heroine.
James, Laird MacLennan needs to marry and his council has convinced him to invite eligible young women to his clan to answer three questions. He would then choose the winner who would become his bride. Maisie wanted nothing to do with the contest or him and purposely answered questions in a way that she would not be chosen. But that didn’t work. After they married, someone made 2 attempts on her life. The two had to stop their bickering and find out who was behind it. I enjoyed the story. But for an intelligent woman, Maisie did some really stupid, reckless, dangerous things.
James, Laird MacLennan needs to marry and his council has convinced him to invite eligible young women to his clan to answer three questions. He would then choose the winner who would become his bride. Maisie wanted nothing to do with the contest or him and purposely answered questions in a way that she would not be chosen. But that didn’t work. After they married, someone made 2 attempts on her life. The two had to stop their bickering and find out who was behind it. I enjoyed the story. But for an intelligent woman, Maisie did some really stupid, reckless, dangerous things.
March 22, 2025
The author has a way to make the reading of this book go quickly
I love it when an author uses her words to make a story go quickly but while you really enjoy The depth and emotion she gets in her stories. You not only read about the characters you see their inward feelings I enjoyed the beginning of the book with the surprise of the auction for the marriage. I think I need to read more of this author's books because I like the way she writes I like the story lines she writes And I can really get into her books.
I love it when an author uses her words to make a story go quickly but while you really enjoy The depth and emotion she gets in her stories. You not only read about the characters you see their inward feelings I enjoyed the beginning of the book with the surprise of the auction for the marriage. I think I need to read more of this author's books because I like the way she writes I like the story lines she writes And I can really get into her books.
February 15, 2025
Highlander is smitten from the start!
A fun and captivating story of a highland laird who chooses his bride in a competition. Said bride is not impressed by his methods but Maisie and James come together in a beautifully written story of two very headstrong people who learn to depend on each other. I couldn't put it down I had to find out what happened next! Complete with a nasty villain and a mystery this book was phenomenal! Highly recommend!
A fun and captivating story of a highland laird who chooses his bride in a competition. Said bride is not impressed by his methods but Maisie and James come together in a beautifully written story of two very headstrong people who learn to depend on each other. I couldn't put it down I had to find out what happened next! Complete with a nasty villain and a mystery this book was phenomenal! Highly recommend!
February 22, 2025
A Bride for the laird.
It was not happened she had been picked to marry the liard. She was not happy because not every one wished her well. But she also had duties to do and she was learning her duties. All the time of learning her duties she had to contend with her husband. Who was crazy about her but didn't know the best way to show it. Just wait till someone tries to kill her.
It was not happened she had been picked to marry the liard. She was not happy because not every one wished her well. But she also had duties to do and she was learning her duties. All the time of learning her duties she had to contend with her husband. Who was crazy about her but didn't know the best way to show it. Just wait till someone tries to kill her.
May 19, 2025
A plan backfired........
When her father brings her to the castle for dinner, telling her the Laird wishes to pick a bride, Maisie answers his questions bluntly, hoping not to be picked. Stunned when she is.
James is marrying, but his loyalty is to his clan, not his bride, or is it.
When a scheme threatens them, will they come out one the other side together?
This is a stand-alone novel, fun none the less. Truly enjoyed this story💜💜
When her father brings her to the castle for dinner, telling her the Laird wishes to pick a bride, Maisie answers his questions bluntly, hoping not to be picked. Stunned when she is.
James is marrying, but his loyalty is to his clan, not his bride, or is it.
When a scheme threatens them, will they come out one the other side together?
This is a stand-alone novel, fun none the less. Truly enjoyed this story💜💜
February 12, 2025
Great adventure
Loved reading this book! The adventure was really awesome and very interesting. I never guessed who was behind the trouble! It surprised me. The characters were amazing. I loved her answers to the 3 questions. It made me laugh! But they were really great answers. Thanks for sharing your story!!!
Loved reading this book! The adventure was really awesome and very interesting. I never guessed who was behind the trouble! It surprised me. The characters were amazing. I loved her answers to the 3 questions. It made me laugh! But they were really great answers. Thanks for sharing your story!!!
February 13, 2025
“The Highlander’s Auctioned Bride” by Lydia Kendall
-A gripping historical romance filled with intrigue, passion, and adventure. James and Maisie are strong, stubborn characters whose chemistry drives the story. The twists and turns, especially the unexpected culprit behind the trouble, keep you hooked. With humor, heartfelt moments, and a vivid Scottish setting, it’s a page-turner!
-A gripping historical romance filled with intrigue, passion, and adventure. James and Maisie are strong, stubborn characters whose chemistry drives the story. The twists and turns, especially the unexpected culprit behind the trouble, keep you hooked. With humor, heartfelt moments, and a vivid Scottish setting, it’s a page-turner!
February 22, 2025
Auction winner
Maisie didn't know why her father took her to a castle but found out it was for a Laird to pick a bride. Maisie did her best to rile up !sure James but he chose her anyway. This story is about two people who didn't really want to marry but other demands had to be met. Great story. Some twist s to read too!
Maisie didn't know why her father took her to a castle but found out it was for a Laird to pick a bride. Maisie did her best to rile up !sure James but he chose her anyway. This story is about two people who didn't really want to marry but other demands had to be met. Great story. Some twist s to read too!
April 27, 2025
Maise is taken to the Laird’s castle and is forced by her father to compete for the Laird’s hand. Instead she runs from him and he chases her. The race is on to try to contain his new wife but Maise will keep James on his toes and will keep him there until love intervenes. It’s an enjoyable read and the characters come alive on the page, and it is a bit of a rom-com.
February 12, 2025
Get ready for an adventure
Get ready for an unforgettable experience, Lydia Kendall brings another heartfelt story to life. It will have you turning pages and engrossed from the time you open the book until the very last page.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience, Lydia Kendall brings another heartfelt story to life. It will have you turning pages and engrossed from the time you open the book until the very last page.
February 13, 2025
The Highlander Auctioned Bride
The characters in this story are in well thought out and will have you pulling for them. James and Maisie are both stubborn and will need to try and figure out what is most important to them before someone puts an end to Maisie.
This is a good read.
The characters in this story are in well thought out and will have you pulling for them. James and Maisie are both stubborn and will need to try and figure out what is most important to them before someone puts an end to Maisie.
This is a good read.
February 15, 2025
excellent read
A great book, loved James and Maisie’s story. The book had an excellent storyline and some great characters. Another great story from Lydia Kendall. This book is well worth reading.
A great book, loved James and Maisie’s story. The book had an excellent storyline and some great characters. Another great story from Lydia Kendall. This book is well worth reading.
February 17, 2025
Highland Love Story, bad start to good end.
This is my favourite genre so I enjoyed the book. Good characters and an interesting plot. I feel there could have been a bit more added to the book overall but it was still an enjoyable read.
This is my favourite genre so I enjoyed the book. Good characters and an interesting plot. I feel there could have been a bit more added to the book overall but it was still an enjoyable read.
February 28, 2025
The Highlander’s Auctioned Bride
Maisie’s father took her to Dunroven castle to be chosen as a bride. She wanted no part of it and neither did the Laird. He picked her to have a marriage in name only. Of all the stuff they went through it became a true love.
Maisie’s father took her to Dunroven castle to be chosen as a bride. She wanted no part of it and neither did the Laird. He picked her to have a marriage in name only. Of all the stuff they went through it became a true love.
March 2, 2025
Fascinating contest idea!!
James & Maisie go for quite a ride. The bumps & grinds of learning to get with someone so different from you. Delightful fun. Challenging plot to find the culprits too. Great story to read again.
James & Maisie go for quite a ride. The bumps & grinds of learning to get with someone so different from you. Delightful fun. Challenging plot to find the culprits too. Great story to read again.
March 20, 2025
The Highlander’s Auctioned Bride
A marriage forced upon her, a beast of a man for a husband, threats to her life and a mystery to be solved. There’s no boredom in this story, it’s sure to keep you entertained and helping to crack a mystery too.
A marriage forced upon her, a beast of a man for a husband, threats to her life and a mystery to be solved. There’s no boredom in this story, it’s sure to keep you entertained and helping to crack a mystery too.
February 12, 2025
Loved the story. Well written and captured interest to the end. Loved the cast of characters and the mystery. Not to mention I’m a fan of the writer. You will be capravated reading it
February 13, 2025
Wow! Such a Powerful well-written Scottish tale.I highly recommend this amazing story.
February 17, 2025
Another winner !
Wow !!! What a good story !! I don't know how she does it one winner after another !! Keep up the good work !!
Wow !!! What a good story !! I don't know how she does it one winner after another !! Keep up the good work !!
February 18, 2025
Very good book. Could not put it down. I was going to read a few pages before bed .Bad idea had to finish book .I read until 2 am.
February 28, 2025
The Highlander's Auctioned Bride
I liked this book it had romance and.mystery. I had Marcus as the guilty party. I glad that Li!y as manipulated and landed in a nunnery.
I liked this book it had romance and.mystery. I had Marcus as the guilty party. I glad that Li!y as manipulated and landed in a nunnery.
March 4, 2025
A Little bit unsatisfied
Loved this book just wish she had let us know what she had when the baby was born. I hate being left guessing.
Loved this book just wish she had let us know what she had when the baby was born. I hate being left guessing.
March 7, 2025
Great!
I loved reading this book. James and Maisie are both stubborn which makes their story more interesting. I recommend reading this book.
I loved reading this book. James and Maisie are both stubborn which makes their story more interesting. I recommend reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews