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A Highlander's Christmas Kiss

(The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #5)

Paula Quinn (Goodreads Author)

3.80 · Rating details · 456 ratings · 94 reviews

A STRANGER'S SMILE

Christmas may be coming to Linavar, but Temperance Menzie is far from joyful. Grief-stricken over the death of her father at the hands of the Black Riders, she almost didn't see the wounded stranger in the woods. And now she's determined to give this braw, brooding Highlander the help she couldn't give her father. But there's a secret lurking in the depth ...more

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Paperback, 352 pages

Published September 27th 2016 by Forever

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Start your review of A Highlander's Christmas Kiss (The MacGregors: Highland Heirs, #5)

Sep 19, 2016 WhiskeyintheJar rated it it was ok

Shelves: historical, series, scottish, 1700s

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

After having his last two true loves die in his arms, Cailean has decided that the only way to go through life is to be completely cold-hearted and not grow attached to anyone. He joins a group of mercenaries called the Black Riders and tries to shut himself off from the world. His cousin Patrick refuses to leave him though and does his best to keep Cailean from I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

After having his last two true loves die in his arms, Cailean has decided that the only way to go through life is to be completely cold-hearted and not grow attached to anyone. He joins a group of mercenaries called the Black Riders and tries to shut himself off from the world. His cousin Patrick refuses to leave him though and does his best to keep Cailean from icing over his heart. When Patrick gets shot with an arrow, Cailean demands vengeance, unfortunately, his anger leads him on the wrong path.
Temperance has long tried to avoid Duncan Murdoch and his father's group of Black Riders. When they come to her village and murder her father in front of her, she vows vengeance against all the Riders. Cailean and Temperance both have their fair share of hurt, anger, and pain but will they be able to see beyond all that to the love and happiness awaiting them beneath it all?

"Ye are my candle in the dark."

Fifth in the MacGregor's Highland Heir series, we get Cailean Grant's story. We last saw him losing the woman he loved as she died in his arms and are reminded that his beloved dog also died in his arms. Both instances are heartbreaking but if you haven't read the past books, you wouldn't know how much Cailean loved his dog, there is little mention of the woman, and what we do get is how Cailean only knew her for a couple weeks and no one else knew he was in love. It makes the two instances seem distant and doesn't wrench the readers hearts, therefore making Cailean’s insistence to be cold-hearted and shut off from the world seem a bit over dramatic. It also gave a contradictory feel when Cailean mentions how he misses writing poetry and is given to flowery talk to and about Temperance but supposed to be totally against falling in love; it felt as if the author was trying to mold Cailean into someone he wasn't.

Temperance was the independent, beautiful but doesn't realize it, and strong willed heroine, not a lot to distinguish her from other heroines in the genre. She was likeable until towards the end where we have to have the prerequisite extra angst and Temperance gets extra strong willed (stupid) in her quest for vengeance. Cailean and Temperance didn't have the burning chemistry I search for in books, they start off very doe-eyed about each other's looks and it feels like it is just a given that they will then end up together.

The villain was satisfactorily villainous, Temperance's Gram was sweet and quaint, and Cailean's cousin Patrick was loyal and side-eye sexy enough to anticipate his book. The biggest problem I had with this is that if you have read the other books in the series, no new ground is covered here and in fact, this book felt like a lot of filler; nothing really happens for most of it. Cailean slowly recovers from an injury as Temperance is attracted to him, there is the side angst that Cailean is a Black Rider and Temperance hates them, and then the ending danger as Duncan Murdoch comes back into play; I felt myself getting bored through a lot of the middle.

With a title of A Highlander's Christmas Kiss, you'd expect some holiday ambience and the story definitely delivers on that front. The talk of the celebrations the villagers observe along with the scenery and weather adding to the scenes was my favorite part of the story. If you're a diehard reader of the MacGregor series and have to know how each descendant of The Devil MacGregor and his friend Graham Grant end up, then this could be a good Christmas time story but others probably won't find a lot here for them.

...more

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Aug 28, 2016 Sissy's Romance Book Review rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc-author-publisher, series, highlander, own-gift, trt, 5-star, own-arc-author, paperback-copy

'A Highlander's Christmas Kiss' by Paula Quinn is book 5 in "The MacGregors: Highland Heirs" series. This is the story of Temperance Menzie and Cailean Grant.
Wow..wow!~ This book has everything I must say. A highlander with a torched sole who thought he could go without feeling but found he had chosen the wrong path with Lord Edward Murdoch’s of Glen Lyon, Black Riders group. His cousin got hurt and he was was mislead into thinking a group leader of a small area was possibly at fault for his co ...more

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Nov 04, 2016 Dianne rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley, historical-romance, own, men-in-kilts, holiday-romance

He needed to harden his broken heart, what better way to do that then to ride with the Black Riders, murderous and cold-hearted killers for hire. The day his cousin was grievously injured, Cailean Grant needed to avenge his impending death. Given false information about who the supposed murder is, Cailean gives the nod to punish the man, not knowing he had signed his death warrant. Then he sat, like a cold statue, in shock, in shame and not feeling the satisfaction he had hoped for as Temperance ...more

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Dec 06, 2016 Michelle rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2016, december-2016, arc, historical, historical-romance, forever-romance-publisher

ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

photo 1d6c17661178092cc5b0678c437716_zpsgoczdxdv.gif

There is something about historical romance that I adore. Maybe it’s getting lost in the time, place, and simplicity but regardless of whatever it may be, I found myself getting swept away in Paula Quinn’ prose.

A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss was a gripping love story that took me by surprise as the author beautifully blends grit, loss, passion, revenge, and raw emotions in a heartfelt tangible manner. Temperance Menzie wanted revenge ...more

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Nov 21, 2017 Lover of Romance rated it liked it

Shelves: character-highlander, genre-historical-romance, theme-secrets, character-doctor-or-nurse, genre-holiday-romance, pub-2016, setting-scotland

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

A Highlander's Christmas Kiss is the fifth in the Macgregor's series and this has been the first time that I have read this author in quite a few years so I was very eager to get back to her writing.

I want to say that this story really impressed me or even had a strong Christmas feel to it, but I would say there was some of the Christmas culture going on and I was highly looking forward to that but I was expecting a bit more than was actual ...more

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Dec 26, 2019 Amanda Hupe rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019-reads, audiobooks

And just like that, it is the end of January, but I listened to this lovely book back during Christmas. A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss is written by Paula Quinn and narrated by Carrington MacDuffie. This is the fifth book in the Highland Heirs series. I believe this is my first Paula Quinn book, which is surprising because I see her books everywhere in Romancelandia. I have a weakness for historical romance, especially when Highlander’s are involved. What can I say? I like a brooding man in a kil And just like that, it is the end of January, but I listened to this lovely book back during Christmas. A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss is written by Paula Quinn and narrated by Carrington MacDuffie. This is the fifth book in the Highland Heirs series. I believe this is my first Paula Quinn book, which is surprising because I see her books everywhere in Romancelandia. I have a weakness for historical romance, especially when Highlander’s are involved. What can I say? I like a brooding man in a kilt. This story introduces one brooding Highlander named Cailean Grant who is a Black Rider. The Black Riders are pretty much swords for hire. He never meant to become this, but heartbreak throughout his life led him on a path on anger and retribution. This path eventually leads him to Linavar, where Temperance Menzie lives with her grandmother. Her father was killed by the hands of the Black Riders. When Cailean Grant ends up needing her care due to an injury, she can’t help but fall for the mysterious man. Cailean has never met anyone like Temperance before but will he lose her when she learns the truth about him?

If you are looking for a steamy romance for Christmas time, then this is a lovely choice. Does it have its flaws? Absolutely. But I enjoyed listening to it by the tree regardless of some of the issues. One great thing about this book is the characters! I loved all of them. Even the antagonist. I loved to hate him. That is always fun. The book starts off pretty heavy when Temperance’s father is murdered before her eyes. The writing really captures the emotion in this scene. However, it is Temperance’s spirit and determination that is truly inspirational. She wants revenge no matter the cost, but is still there for those around her and does not seem to lose her trust in those she loves. Then there is Cailean. Brooding-check. Well-built-check. Not looking for love but finds it anyway-check. He is complicated and broken and only Temperance can heal his heart. But my dude gets way ahead of himself all the time. He falls in love so quickly, starts making plans to marry Temperance before he even tells her who he really is. I wanted to go full Genie on Aladdin status by screaming, “TELL HER THE TRUTH!!” God, it was excruciating to keep listening. This sounds like it added suspense…no. Just frustration…and not the good kind.

That brings me to my first issue. Some of the writing and dialogue was a little…cheesy. I feel like the author was trying to add so much to the characters that the story got lost. For instance, Cailean is not only an amazing fighter but loves to cook and write. Those things honestly felt forced and did not add much for me. Then there is Temperance’s love for farming and gardening. She actually says she can’t move to the Highlands because she can’t live without gardening. Hey, that is totally fine, I love gardening too and there are some things I can’t live without. But again, it felt forced. Then there were the awkward descriptions. For instance, Temperance misses his flawless jaw? I actually had to rewind to make sure I heard the narrator right. Now, I haven’t seen my husband’s jaw in over a decade because of his beard, but it wasn’t actually something I ever noticed. To each their own?

Now for the narrator. Sigh. The narrator was good, but probably not the best choice for this book. The voice sounded older than the characters, except for Temperance. The Scottish accent was great, but the accent for Temperance did not work for me. Temperance’s voice is so high pitched she sounded like a 12-year-old. So it sounded like an older brooding man sweet-talking a child. IT. WAS. WEIRD.

I will probably go back and read the book rather than listen to it. But it made for a lovely Christmas read/listen. It is filled with enough action to keep my interest and I loved the characters and the romance. The voicing is the major issue for me. So I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. ...more

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Sep 27, 2016 1-Click Addict Support Group rated it really liked it

Love has never been so complicated…

There’s nothing like the feeling of the holidays to make the highs and lows of life seem that much more poignant. That is never more in evidence than in this story which proves that theory is true no matter what the century.

It is the Scottish Highlands of hundreds of years ago but the feelings of family and joy around Christmas time are the same. Temperance Menzie is feeling that joy until her father is taken from her in an act of violence that turns her sweet ...more

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Dec 03, 2016 Regan Walker rated it it was amazing

Shelves: scot-highlander, 18th-century

Celebrate Christmas in the Highlands with a Worthy Hero!

The story begins as Christmas draws near in 1711 in Linavar, Scotland. As Temperance Menzie prepares for Christmas Day with her family, their celebrations are suddenly cut short when the gang of Black Riders storm into their land and falsely accuse her father of shooting an arrow through into one of their men. Temperance’s father is innocent, but Cailean Grant, who now rides with the Black Riders as a warrior for hire, doesn’t know that. An ...more

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Jan 24, 2019 WTF Are You Reading? rated it it was amazing

Shelves: one-sitting-wonder, adult, drama-drama-drama, great-leading-man-boy, hard-to-beat-heroines, how-thrilling, twisted-love, dark-and-delicious, heart-warming-feel-good-read, great-sex

Cailean Grant never imagined that his life could or would be anything other than serving as part of the notorious team of mercenaries known as the Black Riders.
The only bright spot in his life coming in the form of his happy-go-lucky cousin, Patrick. Who has come to visit him. In the vain hope of bringing him home to their ancestral home at Camlochlin.

But when Patrick is shot as he is passing through the hamlet of Linavar. Cailean is convinced that Seth Menzie, a long time enemy of the Grant cla ...more

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Sep 21, 2016 Monique rated it really liked it

Cailean Grant is on his way to Lyon’s Ridge Castle and Lord Edward Murdoch’s band of mercenaries, the Black Riders is Cailean’s way of dealing with his pain. He has become a hard man after some losses left him empty, the sun had gone out of his life until he sees a lovely lass at a market. The next time he sees the pretty woman, Temperance Menzie, the circumstances are far from pleasant and Cailean is stunned into re-evaluating his outlook on life. The third time they meet, she saves his life, a Cailean Grant is on his way to Lyon’s Ridge Castle and Lord Edward Murdoch’s band of mercenaries, the Black Riders is Cailean’s way of dealing with his pain. He has become a hard man after some losses left him empty, the sun had gone out of his life until he sees a lovely lass at a market. The next time he sees the pretty woman, Temperance Menzie, the circumstances are far from pleasant and Cailean is stunned into re-evaluating his outlook on life. The third time they meet, she saves his life, and things will never be the same again.

A HIGHLANDER’S CHRISTMAS KISS is an exceedingly complicated story, not because it’s hard to follow, but because of the chain of events that snowballs into glorious splendour as well as the darkest depths of hell. After re-reading the blurb, I had to change some things to my review, as I gather they would be seen as spoilers, it also required some additional thinking on my part regarding my perception of certain events. Once in a while, a book requires that the reader either chooses to accept a character’s decision for what it is, or reject it because the decision does not appeal to me, as a person. And it is regarding the latter that I had to work harder, and try to be more objective with regards to the characters’ actions, and evaluate if their actions were consistent with their characters.

Lord Murdoch has a son, Duncan, who is bent on taking Temperance as a wife. It doesn’t help is that Lord Murdoch prefers Cailean to his own son, which understandably doesn’t sit well with Duncan, who is a truly despicable character, and realistically so. Things go from bad to worse when Temperance makes it very clear that she will have nothing to do with Duncan. Temperance is a marvellous character: she will not back down once she has made up her mind, not by sheer stubbornness, but by conviction, and she will do what it takes, even if it puts her own life in danger. While nursing Cailean back to health, he and Temperance slowly fall in love, however she knows there is something he is not telling her, and indeed Cailean’s secret is huge. I usually don’t like when a character keeps a secret of this magnitude from another, especially a potential love interest, but I have to admit that Cailean didn’t have much choice. And I had no idea how Ms. Quinn would make Cailean and Temperance find their happy-ever-after. Not that it necessarily seemed impossible, but that it would require extreme finesse. Even though both Cailean and Temperance survive the ending, A HIGHLANDER’S CHRISTMAS KISS has all the trappings of a classic Greek tragedy, of which I am not overly fond, and I also struggled with a decision Temperance made, and this is why I had to reflect and understand her point of view, where I had to accept the decision as hers, and not how I wanted things to be were I making the decision.

Paula Quinn’s writing is superb, fluid and eloquent, yet understated and elegant. Ms. Quinn quietly weaves an abundance of historical details, which do not detract from the story but contribute to the authenticity of the atmosphere. A HIGHLANDER’S CHRISTMAS WISH is a majestic tale, rife with political clashes between clans in the Scotland of 1711, where love cannot be denied from happening. Ms. Quinn’s sense of pacing is faultless, and plot twists abound, and a few caught me completely unawares. The characters whether lovely, loathsome, or anywhere in between behave as people do, while sometimes in ways that defy reason, it is how real people are. There are so many wonderful characters, each and every one of them very complex. And some are utterly irresistible, such as Patrick MacGregor, who will be the subject of the next book in this series, and I cannot wait to see what this charming rogue will be up to.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Oct 07, 2016 Ronda Tutt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christmas, historical-romance

Soulfully Fulfilling!

Wow! Love does the strangest things, it literally has a mind of its own and Paula Quinn once again gives the readers and her fans another fine example of how love truthfully blind sides you when you least expect it and even go as far as slapping you silly till you are maddeningly obsessed and so uncontrollable that even your friends notice it before you do, regardless of the situations.

Most important though, is while in this blinding love stage, the most enduring and heartf Soulfully Fulfilling!

Wow! Love does the strangest things, it literally has a mind of its own and Paula Quinn once again gives the readers and her fans another fine example of how love truthfully blind sides you when you least expect it and even go as far as slapping you silly till you are maddeningly obsessed and so uncontrollable that even your friends notice it before you do, regardless of the situations.

Most important though, is while in this blinding love stage, the most enduring and heartfelt emotions are clearly envisioned in every paragraph of this amazing story. I was immediately hooked and couldn’t put the book down.

Temperance Menzie is one beautiful character inside and out. The author gives us a clear picture into her soul and her playful and feisty mind. The kinship of love between each family member definitely won me over and drew me into their highland setting as if I was there eating some of Gram’s stew.

Cailean Grant is of course the fierce handsome warrior we have read about in previous books, you know the one who lost his sanity after losing his beloved dog and a woman he had feelings for, the one who thought happiness wasn’t ever going to be in his future and to hell with everything. But good ole Love has its way with him and this tough warrior gets more than he bargained with. Love brought the life back into his heart once he realized the truth of his mistakes. His compassion and honor shined all through the book especially while protecting Temperance and her clan from an evil disgusting killing clan up to no good during a blessed holiday like Christmas.

Sure the sexy and handsome highlander would make every woman swoon but Cailean isn’t the rouge and his character is the type that wants more than a pretty face. No, a tough, tender, loving, giving, and feisty woman like Temperance is what turned his head. By allowing himself to share his feelings and being truthful is what allowed him to love freely and give the greatest gift of all on Christmas and that was a soul bearing happiness between two people that even the reader could feel from within the pages baring down from the smiling heart right down to your curling toes.

Beautiful story and I highly recommend any of Paula Quinn’s books. This is a perfect read for the upcoming holidays.

Excellent Read!
...more

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Jul 30, 2016 Barbee rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. What is better than reading a Scottish highlander Christmas romance, by the extraordinary talent of bestselling author Paula Quinn! Definitely will get you in the holiday spirit!

I have been reading Ms. Quinn's exquisite stories since her debut. Believe me you can't help but get swept away in her riveting adventures, passionate romances whose characters take a chance on love and bask in the afterglow!

In this book and if you are following her wonderful The MacGregor’s: Highland Heirs series, thi ...more

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Oct 01, 2016 Deanna rated it it was amazing

*ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review*

A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss is the first Paula Quinn book I’ve read so I went into this one without any concept of what happened in the rest of the Highlander Heirs series. Which made difference on my enjoyment of this book because I never felt like I was missing anything from not having read the previous books. So if you’re worried about getting lost in the sauce, as one of my day-job co-workers loves to say, let me tell you ...more

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May 08, 2016 Heather rated it it was amazing

Paula Quinn knows how to weave a beautiful and compelling love story. We met Cailean in Malcolm's book. He is the brother Malcolm took to a whore house to be with his first woman. Now, Cailean has become a different man, a much harder and colder man. He has known loss and has decided that love was not in his future and that he didn't want to go through the heartache of losing the ones he loved again, so he became a mercenary and left home. Temperance loves life and loves her home. She is betrot ...more

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Jul 28, 2016 Historical Junkie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2016, arc, paperbacks, 5-star

This story is another fantastic read from the MacGregor/Grant legacy.

Cailean Grant is a broken highlander taken to riding with a band mercenaries hired by Edward Murdoch called The Black Riders. His personal tragedies have left him with a dark heart that is cold and empty.

Temperance Menzie is the carefree daughter Seth Menzie of Linavar, tenants of Lord Murdoch. She is spunky, witty and loyal.

Cailean catches a glimpse of Temperance while at the Kenmore market and is captivated by her. On their ...more

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Dec 07, 2016 Heather C rated it it was ok

Shelves: arc

This is not only my first book by Paula Quinn but it is my first historical romance. I will have to admit up front that I don't think that historical romances are for me. I thought I would have enjoyed history and different time periods but it fell a little flat for me. HOWEVER, please do not take this statement as I don't like Paula Quinn's writing. I actually really enjoyed her delivery and style of writing. I just struggled with it being a period piece. This has nothing to do with the author ...more

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Sep 12, 2016 Maria11 rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Another great book from Paula Quinn. She does write her Highlanders with deep conflict and flaws, but with the courage to rise above and become better.

Cailean Grant is no exception to the rule. He has frozen himself from the world. He is flawed and has made poor choices. He rises above it all after his poor choices catch up with him and his frozen walls are taken away. I loved his introspection and how he changed and came through a stronger man.

Temperance was a strong female character. She too g ...more

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Jan 02, 2017 Dana Alma rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance

Rich in historical detail and complex characters, A Highlander's Christmas Kiss is sure to please. Strong and flawed characters bring an authentic and rich feel to the story. Paula Quinn works her magic as her characters and story evolve and develop with each turn of the page. Quinn's stories will always transport you into a past weaved with romance and intrigue. I can't wait to learn more about Patrick MacGregor in the next story of the series.
...more

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Jul 28, 2016 Debra Taylor rated it it was amazing

Another lush highland romance from amazing author Paula Quinn.

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Oct 02, 2016 Happily Mary After rated it really liked it

Shelves: between-good-and-great, sweet-heroine, highlands-kilt-lass

Paula Quinn is an amazing writer and has another winner with A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss, which is the fifth stand-alone book in her The MacGregors: Highland Heirs series.

Cailean Grant has experienced profound loss and has unable to feel hopeful or involved in life. He’s emotionally destitute and leaves home to join an unsavory mercenary group, the Black Riders. His cousin Patrick travels to see him and urge him to quit the Black Riders and return home, but Patrick is shot with an arrow an ...more

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Oct 13, 2016 Donna Was A Scandal rated it really liked it

Shelves: nerd-reviewed-on-blog

Lee makes a strongly compelling case to get caught up with the MacGregors series! Check out her full review over on Scandalicious Book Reviews:

http://bit.ly/2dMbMMZ ...more

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Jun 30, 2018 Romancing the Book rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical, romance, christmas, highlanders

Reviewed by Rachel
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book

I love love loved this book! Paula Quinn hit it right on the head with this suspenseful and incredibly romantic story. I love stories where the hero isn’t necessarily what you expect, and where the woman is basically the savior and that’s exactly what you get with A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss!

Our hero Cailian, in a desperate attempt to flee his old life, becomes a black rider, and the black riders are hated by ba ...more

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Jul 28, 2016 April rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, historical-romance, historical, scotland, scottish-highlander-romance, historical-romance-scotland, scottish-highlanders, historical-mystery, chrismtas, highlanders

A Highlander's Christmas Kiss by Paula Quinn is another awesome Scottish Romance. Book 5 in the "MacGregors: Highland Heirs", but can be read as a stand alone. WOW! Holy flawed highlander!!

Temperance Menzi, feisty, brave, but is grief stricken, when she watches her beloved father, murdered by the notorious "Black Riders", for a crime he didn't commit. She held him as he took his last breath, where she made a promise to make those involved pay, with their lives.

Cailean Grant, we met in "The Tamin A Highlander's Christmas Kiss by Paula Quinn is another awesome Scottish Romance. Book 5 in the "MacGregors: Highland Heirs", but can be read as a stand alone. WOW! Holy flawed highlander!!

Temperance Menzi, feisty, brave, but is grief stricken, when she watches her beloved father, murdered by the notorious "Black Riders", for a crime he didn't commit. She held him as he took his last breath, where she made a promise to make those involved pay, with their lives.

Cailean Grant, we met in "The Taming of Macolm Grant" Book 4, Macolm is Cailean's brother. Cailean, is a brooding, flawed, running from a hurtful past and becomes a killer for hire or a mercenary, a part of the dreaded Black Riders and one of the ones who Temperance has vowed to kill, although, she doesn't know this. Cailean's trying to escape his past, and his broken heart. He vows to never love anything or anyone, ever again. Less hurt, when they are killed. Until, Temperance enters his life. ..

Patrick, Cailean's beloved cousin, was severely wounded, on their way from town, by an unknown assailant, due to an arrow shot, which is what caused this whole tragedy....

Cailean was lead to believe it was Temperance's father, who shot Patrick. He was led astray by another mercenary, an evil, spoiled, contemptible, excuse of a man, named, Duncan. Lord Edward Murdock, of Glen Lyon, leader of the notorious Black Riders' only son. Duncan craves Temperance for himself, but her father stands in his way. Secrets and danger are abound! And love is in the air!

Temperance finds Cailean severely wounded from two stab wounds in his back, lying in her vegetable garden, je was left for dead and saves his life. She finds herself entranced with this brooding, dangerous Highlander. To Cailean, Temperance brings light to his darken world and laughter to his soul, for which she has started to heal his tortured soul. Cailean helps Temperance heal her grief stricken heart and brings laughter back to her shattered world. But will they find their peace, healing, forgiveness and HEA, or loss all when secrets come to light? Will Temperance be able to forgive Cailean, for his part in her father's death, if they survive, or will she be willing to loss the love of a lifetime, to vengeance and hatred?

A riveting, captivating, emotionally charged, and mesmerizing Scottish Romance. Filled with danger, passion, tragedy, sacrifice and love.

I absolutely love Paula Quinn, her Scottish Romances are simply thrilling, heart-pounding stories of brawn Highlanders, the lasses who tame them, bring light and laughter back to their tortured souls.
Oh, did I forget to say.....
What an awesome story of the miracles of Christmas, the love of family, and the healing that's brought to those who love wholeheartedly.

Magnificent storytelling! An absolutely must read for fans of Scottish Romance, Highlanders, intrigue, adventure, non-stop romance, and tales of Scottish Christmas miracles. On pre-order now! I hope you will pick up a copy for yourself. Ms. Quinn never fails to bring a smile to my face and never disappoints me, with her riveting Scottish Romance. I look forward to the next grand adventure from Scotland and Ms. Quinn. I hope Patrick's story is next! Great job, Ms. Quinn!
Received for an honest review from Net Galley. However, all opinions, insights and thoughts are my own personal opinions.

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR ...more

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Sep 15, 2016 Debby (Alwaysbooking) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: net-galley

See more reviews at alwaysbooking.wordpress.com

There is something about highlander romances that just sweeps you off your feet. I don't know if it's the language in them or the thought of those tough men in kilts...Oh wait I'm getting ahead of myself you might actually want to hear about the book haha.

Onto the characters… have I ever mentioned that I love strong heroines??? No what? You haven’t been following my blog long then. I LOVE strong female characters. Temperance was definitely that and See more reviews at alwaysbooking.wordpress.com

There is something about highlander romances that just sweeps you off your feet. I don't know if it's the language in them or the thought of those tough men in kilts...Oh wait I'm getting ahead of myself you might actually want to hear about the book haha.

Onto the characters… have I ever mentioned that I love strong heroines??? No what? You haven’t been following my blog long then. I LOVE strong female characters. Temperance was definitely that and more. The fact that most of the men in town are afraid to even court her because she is so strong willed lead me to believe that she is going to be the perfect heroine. Temperance is betrothed to her best friend William. While she doesn’t love William she realizes that if her father dies she will need to marry him to protect the town. Her father promises to give her 20 years to think it over.. which goes to show just how sweet her father is. When the black rider’s come to town to avenge a fallen rider shot by her father, or so they think. Then things spiral out of control from there. I really enjoyed how Temperance immediately said she was going to avenge her father and no one could hold her back. Her spitfire is something I personally lack so it was really enjoyable to connect with her and have that passion even though it was only in a book.

Cailean oh my… that poor… poor man. He seriously just needed a big cuddle or something he was so tortured. Cailean is a black rider he has a frozen heart from losing loved ones. I loved the fact that one of the loved ones that broke his heart to loose was not a human. I hope that wasn’t a spoiler but honestly that one broke my heart more than the human one. He doesn’t want to love anyone again because of these past hurts, but once he sees Temperance he can’t help but be drawn to her. Not only is she gorgeous but she has a spit fire temper to match his own. I loved how he basically put her on a pedestal even though he was trying to repent for actions she didn’t know he had a hand in.

While I will say that this plot was kind of obvious I didn’t really care because I enjoyed the characters so much. Even the side characters had me falling in love with them. I had never read anything by this author before so the fact that I enjoyed the side characters goes to show how well written her characters are. This is a connected series but I don’t think reading in order matters since it didn’t mess me up at all for this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for a copy of the book in lieu of my honest review. ...more

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Oct 04, 2016 Hannah rated it really liked it

ARC REVIEW

Book Five in the MacGregors: Highland Heirs series is not the cheery happy Christmas book you think a book with a title like A Highlander's Christmas Kiss would be. There was quite a bit of the two main characters falling in love and dealing with their angst. It felt like filler because they fell quickly in love and it was just Temperance dealing with her grief and need for vengeance and Cailean dealing with his grief and guilt. Once your get to the good part the book is half over and ARC REVIEW

Book Five in the MacGregors: Highland Heirs series is not the cheery happy Christmas book you think a book with a title like A Highlander's Christmas Kiss would be. There was quite a bit of the two main characters falling in love and dealing with their angst. It felt like filler because they fell quickly in love and it was just Temperance dealing with her grief and need for vengeance and Cailean dealing with his grief and guilt. Once your get to the good part the book is half over and then it goes quickly. I liked the characters and the best ones were the secondary character, Patrick and Grams. It's fine as a standalone but to really understand the the pain and grief Cailean has suffered you have to know what he's gone through, first he lost his beloved dog Sadie and then he finally started to fall in love when he lost her to shot in the back by a bullet that was meant for him. Alison's death pushed him over the edge and now with no reason left to live he joins a group of bloodthirsty mercenaries, The Black Riders. His cousin Patrick doesn't know the details of why Cailean is so unhappy but he doesn't want to leave him alone, he's trying to convince him to return home but what happens sents Cailean on a much more painful path but one with such a sweet reward.

On their way back from market Patrick is struck by an arrow, in Cailean's grief and need for vengeance he allows the heinous Duncan Murdoch to convince him to acting upon his vengeance against the neighbouring family Menzie. It leads to the murder of the head of the family in front of his family. Temperance is devastated by the murder of her father. She knows he was innocent of the crime they accused him of, she wants Duncan Murdoch dead and she's going to be the one to kill him. Cailean regrets what happens and as an act of penance he returns to Linavar but while there he is betrayed by Duncan and stabbed in the back and left for dead. Temperance finds him and Grams and her nurse him back to health. Temperance is technically engaged to her best friend but she doesn't love him and doesn't want to marry him, he's not even in love with her either but with another woman who went missing weeks ago. The longer Cailean stays there the more guilt he feels and the more he falls in love with Temperance. Cailean is determined to set things right but is he to late? What will Temperance think of him after she finds out the truth about him?

Overall, it was an entertaining read, it's more of an angsty historical romance that happens to take place at the same time as Christmas ...more

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Nov 06, 2016 Ellen Ziegler rated it it was amazing

I tried to read this book slowly so it would last. My plan did not work, as I was glued to it for almost two days, I had met Cailean during my read of the Taming of Malcolm Grant (book 4) and saw him as a sweet and innocent man who lost his virginity to a prostitute. I wanted to know more. However in Highlander's Kiss we meet a much different man. He has become a hardened mercenary who is cold and aloof as a result of the loss of two loves. He has decided he does not want to feel pain, so he bui I tried to read this book slowly so it would last. My plan did not work, as I was glued to it for almost two days, I had met Cailean during my read of the Taming of Malcolm Grant (book 4) and saw him as a sweet and innocent man who lost his virginity to a prostitute. I wanted to know more. However in Highlander's Kiss we meet a much different man. He has become a hardened mercenary who is cold and aloof as a result of the loss of two loves. He has decided he does not want to feel pain, so he builds a wall inside to compartmentalize the guilt and deep emotions. He comes to Temperance's part of Scotland to work for a neighboring Laird as a paid warrior. But he stays because of the way Temperance becomes the light that melts the ice around his shadowed heart. Temperance breaks down his walls and in turn, he provides not only protection from the neighboring Laird's spoiled and evil son,but also provides a loving person with whom she can build a life. It is nice to see characters from other books, and we were treated to a visit from Cailean's GORGEOUS brothers and cousins, however the book is a stand alone book and can be enjoyed even if you have not read the series. The book is filled with braw Highlanders, loving family relationships, some blood and guts, some intrigue and secrets. Best of all, it has the development of a love story that is based on failings and mistakes but also the possibility of what can be attained from redemptions and forgiveness. This couple receives the gift of an abiding love and hope which so nicely is coupled with the Christmas season and celebrations. This is a fun read that took me to "a long ago time and far away land" set at the best time of year, but kept my housework unfinished for the better part of a weekend. I thank Paula Quinn for this book and for creating this wonderful series because I am hooked on their lives. I look forward to Cailean's beloved cousin Patrick's love story because I am like all women, that is, I am halfway in love with him already, and naturally want to know more about him. In addition to Patrick, I want to hear more about Cailean and Temperance. I want to catch a glimpse of what surely will be a loving future life with their children. To quote Vivian from Pretty Woman, I am a "BIG Fan, big fan" of this author, this series and this book ...more

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Oct 10, 2016 Jae Mod rated it really liked it

*** ARC provided by the author for an honest review ***

A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss is the fifth novel in The MacGregors: Highland Heirs series by Paula Quinn .

Temperance Menzie is the only child of her father Seth Menzie . She has known nothing but love and happiness since the day that she was born . Her mother passed while giving birth to her and in this , her father lost his greatest love . She is nineteen and it is time for her to be married off , so that she will be safe from her overlord’ ...more

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Aug 15, 2016 Cathy rated it it was amazing

Cailean Grant has given in to the blackness around his soul by becoming a mercenary for Lord Edward Murdock. He was so withdrawn and dark that even the other mercenaries left him alone. Cailean’s cousin, Patrick MacGregor had come to try and get him to come back home with him but Cailean wasn’t leaving.

Temperance Menzie had a wonderful life. She and her father were very close. She had her Gram living with them as her mother died in childbirth. Temperance had grown up with her childhood friend, W ...more

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Sep 15, 2016 Brenda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

Publisher's Description:

A STRANGER'S SMILE

Christmas may be coming to Linavar, but Temperance Menzie is far from joyful. Grief-stricken over the death of her father at the hands of the Black Riders, she almost didn't see the wounded stranger in the woods. And now she's determined to give this braw, brooding Highlander the help she couldn't give her father. But there's a secret lurking in the depths of his blue-gray eyes. And Temperance won't rest until she uncovers it . . .

A LOVER'S KISS

A killer ...more

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Aug 06, 2016 Nicole Laverdure rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Lovers of Scottish romances, will be captivated again!
A Highlander's Christmas Kiss is another wonderful romance written by talented author Paula Quinn! It's a great way to continue her amazing series, The MacGregors: Highland Heirs. This book is the fifth story and the beautiful journey of Temperance Menzie and Cailean Grant. What a great Scottish romance to devour! I could not put it down! A real page turner! Fast paced with a well planned plot that keeps you wanting to know more. Again, Ms. Q ...more

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About Paula Quinn

Paula Quinn

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Paula Quinn is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of medieval, Scottish historical, and paranormal romance. To date, four of her books have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly. She has been nominated for Storyteller of the year by RT Book Reviews and every one of her books from the Children of the Mist series have garnered Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Check out her series, ...more