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Troubles of Highland Lasses #1

Highlander's Fated Bride

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“She’ll share me home, but she’ll never steal me heart, that much I promise.”

After his intended left him at the altar, Laird William does not intend to be humiliated. So he demands to marry the younger sister, in her stead. Until he sees her and realizes he is in trouble…

Always second-best to her older sister, Dakota’s chance to help her impoverished clan comes with a marriage proposal. But she never expects her new husband’s thunderous look. Nor the desire he stirs deep inside her.

Married in haste, William’s desire for his new wife is uncontrollable. And when danger starts looming over Dakota’s life, no one is safe from his fury. Not even himself…

* Highlander’s Fated Bride is a steamy Scottish Medieval Historical romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages) written by Maddie MacKenna and published by Cobalt Fairy.

No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2023

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Maddie MacKenna

74 books56 followers

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5 stars
284 (52%)
4 stars
155 (28%)
3 stars
65 (11%)
2 stars
27 (4%)
1 star
15 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 3, 2023
disappointed

I wanted to love this book, but it fell short for me. Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into this story and staying engaged. I have never DNF’d a book but this one came close to being the first. There were several typos that kept me distracted. I had to re-read several sentences a few times for them to make sense. The story is tame and repetitive. There was barely any romance. One day they both just decided they loved each other and that was that. Very little steam in my opinion.
May 5, 2024
Hmm, not sure what happened between the first book I read by this author (Taken by the Cruel Highlander) and this one, but what a massive difference in quality.

I'm sure I'm not the first to point it out, but it must be said, the amount of typos, inconsistencies, and plain old grammatical errors was pretty tough to swallow.

Ie. At first, Dakota is blonde haired, blue eyed. The next time we hear a description, she has dark brown eyes. Further on, she's apparently got green eyes now too. Then later on, when she's riding, she's said to have dark brown curls... These are rather large oversights that scream this was either written by a ghost-writer, or Maddie forgot what the hell she was writing about.

There was no revelation, no epiphany moment, no sudden realization that he was being an ass - one minute Williams' completely devoid of any emotion whatsoever, the next, he has no problem at all saying I love you. The pacing was all over the place.

There are so many things I could nitpick about this book, but I would be typing my own novel at that point so I'll leave it there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
35 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2023
Gave it a Try

First off, the would- be bride runs off has been over used. The sister reluctantly steps in, the H is afraid to be close to her and he doesn't sleep with his new bride. Although the H thinks she is brave etc, She feels unwanted. He says travel is unsafe at night, so demands they leave at noon? Surprise, they were attacked, and I stopped reading. As other reviews stated that errors abound. The quality just isn't there.
Are unlimited books given any proof reading or guidance to the author?
Profile Image for Carol.
1,034 reviews
September 13, 2024
1 Star - DNF @ 61%

This book was absurd and awful. Having read the most recent book by this author I was shocked by the quality of not only the writing in this story but the plot and story itself. There was literally no character development or relationship progression of any sort. I couldn't even finish skimming I was so bored.

The hero William was emotionally stunted and had no personality whatsoever. He also apparently fell into lust at first sight with the heroine Dakota. From there he spends every chapter whining about how badly he wants her and how tongue tied and frustrated she makes him. So much so he outright avoids her and tries to literally hide her on the other side of his castle for peace of mind. And continues to act like an ass throughout. Add on top that aside from his insta lust for Dakota he was nonchalant about marrying the sister of hai original bride. No skin off his nose, ya know? One woman is the same as another to him. Romantic, right?

The heroine Dakota was so silly. According the hero she's so unique because she stands up to him. The ironic part is she wasn't typically like that. She just happened to press all his buttons from the beginning. Homegirl also couldn't stop drooling over his good looks and whining every chapter and after every interaction with the hero how she was second best to her sister. Build a wall and get over it dummy!

Neither character had any chemistry and certainly didn't have any tangible or proper relationship building from any of their interactions. And by the time I quit reading they still hadn't consummated their marriage.

Frankly, one of the most frustrating parts was how wildly inconsistent the details of the heroines looks were. At first we have no idea what she looks like. Literally not one detail either it be hair or eye color. Eventually the hero claims he is transfixed by a "blonde haired blue eyed vixen" and outright claimed Dakota was stunning compared to her plain faced brown haired sister, the one who jilted him. Then we're told Dakota has brown eyes and later Dakota mentions her "brown hair" multiple times. This, all after the fact the cover shows the heroine with red/auburn hair color.

Ridiculous, right? Especially when paired with the poor writing. For example, here are two snippets I found especially awful.

Gently, he pushed her back until she lay on the desk, her breasts jiggling atop her like two puddings topped with raspberries.

His tongue escaped his mouth and ventured into hers. She did not submit to him but pushed her tongue against his supple muscle and danced with it. She licked at his wet tongue and moved her lips against his.
Profile Image for Nanna.
974 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2023
Wow what a story, I loved every minute of it and was sorry to see it end. One of the best things is the Epilogue is included with the story! There is a bonus one you must click on. William, Laird Rottrich was at the clan McGunn to marry the oldest daughter, Delilah. He needs a wife, so he has children to carry on his line. He doesn’t love the lass but has picked her as she is quite and bendable to his will. He never plans to give his heart to any woman. Unfortunately, no one can find the bride!! William will not be made a laughingstock by his people or others. When Hudson, Laird McGunn can’t find his daughter William tells him he will marry the second daughter, Dakota instead! Poor Dakota has always been made to feel second best to her sister but to be forced into marrying in her place is too much to ask. Dakota is very different from her sister, outspoken, with a dry Witt and a mind of her own. William may have gotten a bride, stopped the gossip but he is unprepared for his new bride and how her beauty and spirit make him feel. He is always in control till now. Dakota doesn’t know what is expected of her in her new home/castle? Her only job seems to be having children, which will be hard to do as William doesn’t seem to spend any time with her. With time feelings on both sides grow, and secrets come out, alone with a villain out to do harm to William or Dakota? I love Daisy, Dakota little sister she is a treasure for sure. William’s best friend Cameron add's a lot to the story. My favorite parts are where William tells Dakota” That, I can do”, swoon. This is a passionate, steamy story with a lot of twists and turns you will not see coming. I am hoping for book two to either be about Cameron or Dakota’s bother Dominic. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
151 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2023
Great

Another great story. This last book completes the series, although I read it last it is actually the first book of the series. Marriage that was forced on the obedient sister because the oldest one ranaway on the day of the wedding, but as they say everything turned out as it was expected. These two individuals found happiness anyway. The only disturbing factor was the Englishman that held a grudge against William and so he did not want to show love for his wife, Dakota, until the grudge was settled. Dakota thought he did not like her and because she always felt second best to her older sister, thought he hated her because he did not get the woman he contracted for. But was she wrong and love bloomed and they found their happily ever after.Great story about the wrong woman married but the right one to fine love with.
100 reviews
May 1, 2023
William is a Laird that isn't known for his peacefulness nor kindness. He had come to the wedding to be married. Finding out his bride ran off doesn't make things look right. Besides he had made a deal and expected for it to be followed through on. So, he made a decision, he would marry her sister, it didn't matter, it wasn't a love match, he needed a bride to bear children with, that was it. He had no desire for more.
Dakota is completely baffled and upset to discover her sister just took off. So when she finds out that she is really gone and nowhere is expected to replace her without knowing him at all, she is really upset. Her father let's her know she has no choice and it's her duty to the clan to keep it from ruin, now she is furious. She agrees to marry him, but vows she will not love him, ever.
This is a wonderful story of duty, strength and love, the characters are well written and the story is amazing! Grab this book asap! It's worth the time and energy to read it!
Profile Image for Debra Ranck.
119 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2023
Laird and the Lady

Left at the alter and ripping angry the laird takes the sister of this unwilling bride to marry. Neither is happy about this turn of events to say the least. Their story unfolds and eventually they realize their nuptials are exactly what they needed hum but is it what they wanted. Faced with a series of serious problems they finally realize what they have ...... Enjoy
108 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2023
Runaway Bride Leads To Right Bride

Absolutely loved this story. It starts off great and just continues. Dakota is forced to marry Laird William after her sister runs away. There is an evil Lord involved, who steals Dakota. Hopefully the series will continue, would love to see Daisy, Dominic and Delia’s stories. Highly recommend this to everyone.
I read this as part of arc which has no bearing on my review.
Profile Image for Lourdes Nunez.
454 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2023
Awesome journey of adventure and love

Absolutely thrilling love story full of adventure and mystery. The characters are absolutely interesting and entertaining and so is the story line. I truly enjoyed reading this amazing book. Love all the adventure and suspense of the twists and turns throughout the story. Definitely a must read and highly recommend reading it for hours of wonderful entertainment. Love it!!
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
8,412 reviews121 followers
May 3, 2023
Dakota is used to being second best so when her sister leaves Laird William at the altar he takes her for his bride and neither one is happy about it. Their feelings start to grow and so does the danger to Dakota as someone is trying to harm her. Will Laird William be able to keep her safe. This story was an interesting one to read and had me connecting with the characters to finally get their chance for happiness.
Profile Image for Kay Folks.
398 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2024
Should have given up on this and marked as DNF 😒

Too many inconsistencies through out, eg - minute she blonde with green eyes, then blue eyes, then she brown haired and brown eyed

He is beyond stupid and ridiculous and barely makes any sense acting like a 14 year old with his first girlfriend. He avoids her and then demands her company for dinner then ignores after that. 🤷🏼‍♀️
He also refuses to consummate the marriage but all he talks about is the fact she is there to give him children…
5,212 reviews64 followers
April 25, 2023
Highlander's Fated Bride

The bride ran away and the laird insisted on marrying her sister They were drawn to each other but he avoided her for awhile but an enemy took her captive and they declared love after rescue.William and Dakota makes a wonderful couple This is a wonderful story and a enjoyable read
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,655 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2023
Very Very Very Good Story!

I absolutely loved reading this book. I just loved the characters and storyline so much. Dakota and William made a fine couple. Started off Rocky with them but ended so so good!! As always Maddie writes a fantastic story. On to Adamina’s new book. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊
Profile Image for Lynda.
615 reviews7 followers
April 26, 2023
Married to the wrong sister

William came to marry Deliah to connect their clans and found that she had run away. So he married sister Dakota and found out that she was not the quiet demure bride he was expecting. Dakota is definitely a great character and she makes the story come alive. First In a series and looking forward to the rest.
18 reviews
May 6, 2023
original

Great story, Dakota she is a girl who represents a dignity place of the woman in the family, how she stepped up to safe her family and married William
She show tge intelligence in her marriage
William worked hard for his clan and learn to listen to his friends the priority and the balance his family as a married man sand leader of his clan
774 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2024
Too many errors.

I enjoyed the story and the characters very much. However there were too many editing mistakes that were distracting. Dakota started off with blonde hair and blue eyes and it was brown hair and eyes midway through. Typos, misused pronouns, and it seemed like like sections were disconnected.
923 reviews6 followers
April 26, 2023
wrong bride

I enjoyed this book , and to go to his wedding only to be told his bride has run away! So he decides to wed her sister, and as they move forward , all kind of complications arise!
Profile Image for Keitha Johnson.
78 reviews
April 26, 2023
unexpected love

Dakota and William come together in marriage after her sister runs away from the wedding. What starts as a marriage to join the clans becomes so much more. Through there are many bumps and an evil doer who means to end them.
151 reviews
May 7, 2023
Outstanding story that keeps you up reading!

Ms MacKenna writes a gripping story that keeps you transfixed from the escape at the alter to the attempted murders! Well written unexpected love story. Enjoyed all the characters but deceptive Delilah. Story deserves another reading!
11 reviews
May 18, 2023
Another stubborn Scot, go figure!

For a man so great at so many other things, to be totally intimidated by a woman is rather embarrassing. He did luck out by accepting the second daughter. I enjoyed the final outcome of the story. Everything was as it should be
4 reviews
June 21, 2023
sweet story

I found the story jumped a lot and missed out sections. Connecting with the characters through the story felt very weak. The story just felt lacking. I did finish it, but was not one of my best reads this week.
84 reviews
April 15, 2024
I love how strong she was thought the book & how much he appreciate her for it & the way the grow to care about each other & what matters to the other I really loved both characters & Cameron & Daisy. It was a great story lots of fun & twist & turns & loved how the writing was accurate for Scotland
534 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2024
Troubles of Highland Lasses

This story was perfect for the start of this series. The storyline was well written and the characters were great. I am a fan of Historical Romance and the trials that they face. On to boom 2
81 reviews
April 26, 2023
Great Romance

I enjoyed reading this romance story it was very good and was hard to put down until fit was finished.
178 reviews
April 29, 2023
Very interesting book.

Kept my interest the entire time. Great characters. Story makes you wait which was very interesting. Another awesome story from Maddie.
24 reviews
May 16, 2023
nice take

I enjoyed the story, but there were a few places that could have been better. Those places seemed to drag without adding dialogue to the story.
493 reviews
October 1, 2023
Good

This author can tell an excellent story. It starts out slow and then speeds up. I enjoyed reading about happily ever after
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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