CHRISTMAS ARC REVIEW The Highlander's Christmas Bride by Vanessa Kelly

Clan Kendrick #2, This series is a spin-off of Vanessa Kelly's Improper Princesses series which was a spin-off of her Renegade Royals series this can be read as a stand alone, all the pertinent information is given in a way that works as a nice reminder for those of us who have read it. Donella was first introduced in book 4 of the Renegade Royals book, again you don't have to read it in fact if you haven't read it it gives it a bit more mystery.

After the events of her broken engagement three years ago Donella converted to Catholic and joined a convent but now, days away from taking her vows Reverend Mother is kicking her out. Logan trying to gain favor with the Earl of Riddick agrees to escort his grandniece home. Donella was nothing that he expected he was delighted with her sense of humor and her courage especially when faced with an attempted kidnapping and roughing it in the wild to escape. Even after the parted and Donella was safely home with her family Logan couldn't stop thinking about her, even with the surprise of his son showing up in Scotland with his Grandfather Angus when he should still be in Canada. Donella wants to go right back and join another convent but Riddick gets her to agree to wait six months and try to have fun before she makes any decisions. She even agrees to plan a Christmas party for Alec and Eden at their Glasgow townhouse. Eden and Alec send her down first until they can join her in the meantime she is to stay at the Kendrick home bringing her in close proximity to Logan. The threat to Donella hasn't quite gone away they just change tactics and start horrible rumors despite how she is feeling for Logan and his son she feels it best to become a nun. It's Logan's job to convince her otherwise. 

Overall, it was a great read. One thing I love about Vanessa Kelly's writing, not just her great storyline and fantastic characters, she's able to convey the feel of the time period and it's not just all the typical brogue (I'd be disappointed if a book took place in Scotland and didn't have any) but everything in general, celebrating both Christmas and Hogmanay. I enjoyed Logan and Donella story especially what they did at the end. I love all the Kendricks I look forward to the next one.   

ARC REVIEW The Highlander Who Protected Me by Vanessa Kelly

Clan Kendrick #1, Spin-off of The Highlander's Princess Bride this picks up a couple of months after the conclusion of that book. This is a standalone from that book but for background on the characters the whole Kendrick family, and because it's an awesome book, I would recommend reading The Highlander's Princess Bride first. Kelly has a wonderful way with words she builds such fantastic, beautiful settings that set the mood and transport you to the Highlands; and situations that can be humorous and heartbreaking.

Royal Kendrick has always been the protector, ever since his mother died in childbirth he has taken it upon himself to protect his brothers even following his older brother into war. Only it was Nick who saved Royal when he was left for dead on the battlefield. Royal ended up with one leg badly damaged and is almost in constant pain. One woman makes him forget the pain, makes him think about the future and starting a family, unfortunately she wants nothing to do with him.

Lady Ainsley Matthews is a diamond of the ton, she has her pick of suitors but they are all sycophants and she wants nothing to do with them, except one man and infuriating highlander who can be so rude but it sets him apart from everyone else. Unfortunately Ainsley's father has other plans and arranges her marriage to a horrible man who does a horrible thing that send Ainsley running to Scotland. To protect her baby Ainsley, not able to trust anyone in her family, must leave the child in Scotland. She asks Royal to take her baby and claim her as his own.

It takes a bit to get to the external conflict everything up until that point is Ainsley and Royal finding their place together and Ainsley doing some serious soul searching to figure out exactly where she belongs and learning how to deal with Angus. It's all Ainsley with the internal conflict because Royal already knows he loves her and will do anything for her he's just waiting for her to figure it out. Overall, it was a great romance I loved the banter between the characters and the conclusion was heartbreakingly bittersweet. I can't wait for the next books in the series.