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jasbeingjas's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is probably one of the better books in this series. I really loved Braden and Samantha’s stories. Although there were definitely some very triggering plot lines and I recommend checking the content warnings before deciding this book is for you. Also this is the only book in the series so far that is faze to black and I was a bit disappointed about that lol.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Addiction and Infertility
rachelravenreader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
sarah_moynihan's review
3.0
‘It's Christmastime in Edinburgh, but Lady Samantha Penwith's secret mission takes no holiday: the Highlands-born lass vows to find the assailants who murdered her beloved husband, founder of a charitable school for orphaned boys. On her latest undercover excursion, she closes in on a pair of armed attackers and interrupts another assault, then disappears into the darkness, leaving the lone victim mystified--and lucky to be alive...
Braden Kendrick may be the sensible brother, yet the dedicated doctor routinely ignores the dangers of his late-night calls to the city's slums. But when a fleet-footed rescuer saves his life, he's determined to uncover the stranger's identity. And once he does, he'll find himself facing his own past loss for the first time--and more than willing to risk his heart again, just in time to make the Clan Kendrick's Christmas celebrations more festive than ever...’
________________
The Highlander’s Holiday Wife is the fifth book in Vanessa Kelly’s Clan Kendrick series and is a historical romance and mystery/adventure.
Overall this was not a favorite of mine from this series because I didn’t really feel the connection between the two main characters. It was alright, but slightly disappointing. Plus we already had the ‘Christmas Bride’ in this series, I would have preferred to see something fresher than the ‘Holiday Wife.’ To be clear, it’s not like these two books in the series are extremely similar, but it’s a small series and I would have preferred to see something new rather than the cutesiness of the festive happily ever after used again only 3 books later.
I’ve been enjoying reading about this family through the series and have been looking forward to learning more about Braden. Every book has a good amount of Kendrick family ridiculousness and humor, which is always fun. Samantha was the issue for me in this book. For a character that is supposed to be self-sufficient and independent, she is reckless and willfully naive more often than not. The villains were obvious almost from the start, but Samatha ignored all of this and put herself and others into a dangerous position as a result. She wasn’t particularly unlikable, but I wish I had been able to like her more as I think that would have elevated the story for me. They mystery was my favorite aspect of this story.
If you’re reading this as a historical romance, you may be disappointed. However if you’re reading this more for the mystery aspect, then I think you’ll quite enjoy it.
I enjoyed the adventure and danger aspects of the storyline.
_____
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books, Zebra for sharing an eARC of The Highlander’s Holiday Wife by Vanessa Kelly. This is my honest review.
Braden Kendrick may be the sensible brother, yet the dedicated doctor routinely ignores the dangers of his late-night calls to the city's slums. But when a fleet-footed rescuer saves his life, he's determined to uncover the stranger's identity. And once he does, he'll find himself facing his own past loss for the first time--and more than willing to risk his heart again, just in time to make the Clan Kendrick's Christmas celebrations more festive than ever...’
________________
The Highlander’s Holiday Wife is the fifth book in Vanessa Kelly’s Clan Kendrick series and is a historical romance and mystery/adventure.
Overall this was not a favorite of mine from this series because I didn’t really feel the connection between the two main characters. It was alright, but slightly disappointing. Plus we already had the ‘Christmas Bride’ in this series, I would have preferred to see something fresher than the ‘Holiday Wife.’ To be clear, it’s not like these two books in the series are extremely similar, but it’s a small series and I would have preferred to see something new rather than the cutesiness of the festive happily ever after used again only 3 books later.
I’ve been enjoying reading about this family through the series and have been looking forward to learning more about Braden. Every book has a good amount of Kendrick family ridiculousness and humor, which is always fun. Samantha was the issue for me in this book. For a character that is supposed to be self-sufficient and independent, she is reckless and willfully naive more often than not. The villains were obvious almost from the start, but Samatha ignored all of this and put herself and others into a dangerous position as a result. She wasn’t particularly unlikable, but I wish I had been able to like her more as I think that would have elevated the story for me. They mystery was my favorite aspect of this story.
If you’re reading this as a historical romance, you may be disappointed. However if you’re reading this more for the mystery aspect, then I think you’ll quite enjoy it.
I enjoyed the adventure and danger aspects of the storyline.
_____
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books, Zebra for sharing an eARC of The Highlander’s Holiday Wife by Vanessa Kelly. This is my honest review.
aldarakamey's review
4.0
Second love brings hope, with those words i would describe this book, specially because the characters journey through it is so beautiful that it has fill my heart with so much hope.
scoutmomskf's review
5.0
I loved this book. The fifth book in the Clan Kendrick series features Braden, the "boring" Kendrick. From the time he was a child, Braden was focused on his goal of becoming a doctor, motivated by a desire to help his younger brother. Though Ryan was healthy by the time Braden reached his goal, Braden had found his calling. Unlike his rambunctious brothers, he had always been a quiet, serious man but has been even more so recently. He devotes long hours to his work with the poor in Edinburgh, where we find him as the book opens.
Braden has never had a problem with his safety wandering the streets of Edinburgh's slums late at night until now. Unfortunately, two armed thugs seemed determined to end his "interference," and it seemed likely they would succeed. Luckily he's rescued by a pair of avenging angels - one massive, and one small, quick, and - female? He is thankful, intrigued, and determined to discover who she is.
Lady Samantha Penwith is a widow on a mission. Two years ago, her husband was murdered, and no one could be bothered to investigate. With her faithful servant by her side, she prowls Edinburgh slums, looking for the truth. She's recently added another quest - children are disappearing from the orphanage/school her husband founded. The last thing she needs is a nosy doctor poking around.
Braden and Samantha are brought together by a mutual friend, Dr. John Blackmore. John suspects Samantha's mission and worries about her safety. He is also a member of the board of the Penwith Foundation and is one of the few members backing her plans for the Foundation. John believes Braden will be an additional voice for good on the board, and the scenes involving his attempts to convince Braden are pretty amusing. Meanwhile, Samantha wants nothing to do with Braden, afraid he will figure out she is his rescuer. In fact, it takes little time for Braden to do so.
Braden and Samantha are determined, independent, and intelligent. He quickly realizes that nothing will stop Samantha from her mission. Instead of trying to stop her, he listens to her concerns, suspicions, and ideas and then offers to help her. He is also the voice of reason that balances her impulsiveness. There is a fair amount of push-and-pull between them as they delve deeper into their searches.
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Both have the pain of love lost in their pasts and a reluctance to risk their hearts again. However, neither can deny the attraction that grows between them. Braden is the first to realize the truth of his feelings for Samantha but is sensitive enough to give her the space and time she needs to adjust to their growing relationship. Samantha's instinctive trust in Braden goes a long way toward opening her heart to him.
Samantha has another problem in her life. Her husband's grandfather is a controlling old man who has never approved of Samantha. She and her husband cared for his deaf younger sister, Felicity, while Lord Beath would instead have confined the girl to his estate. With Roger's death, Lord Beath constantly threatens to take Felicity away from Samantha if she does anything to bring scandal to the family name. I heartily disliked his attitude towards and about Felicity, especially when he appeared and started making threats again. It didn't help that he despises the Kendrick family. I loved seeing the family rally in Samantha's support and laughed out loud as they spiked the man's guns by using their more significant connections.
Lord Beath gets his licks in, though, when he stumbles on Samantha and Braden sharing a passionate kiss. Braden had already suggested one surefire way to keep Felicity with Samantha - marry him. Lord Beath's appearance expedited the necessity. I loved watching Braden and Samantha settle into married life. By this time, Braden is head-over-heels in love with Samantha, exercising great patience and restraint while he waits for her to love him back. When that point is reached, though their intimacy is closed door, there is no doubt about their feelings.
The mystery of the murder and the missing children is never far from Braden and Samantha's minds. I enjoyed following their progress as they chipped away at the puzzle. When a question about the Foundation's finances raises a red flag, Braden and Samantha recruit his brother Logan to help. The pieces come together quickly, revealing a more elaborate scheme than previously suspected. The intensity ramped up when Felicity was taken, and I was on the edge of my seat as I watched Braden, Samantha, and the Kendricks work together to bring her home. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I loved that Samantha was in the thick of it. The epilogue was great and an excellent conclusion for the book.
You can't have a Clan Kendrick book without involving other family members. In this case, it is mostly Logan and Donella, as Braden lives in their house. I loved the interactions between Braden and Logan. It was fun to see Logan attempt to get Braden to add a little balance to his life, and Braden agreed with Logan and then did as he wished. There is no doubt of their love and respect, but each has the Kendrick stubbornness. I loved Logan's thirteen-year-old son, who can talk rings around his father and is well on the way to being as intelligent as his uncle Braden. Life at the Kendrick home becomes even more chaotic when their boisterous and mischievous grandfather shows up. Angus is always good for a laugh over his self-delusions and antics; this was no exception. There is also no doubt about his love and loyalty for his family, even as he creates chaos around them. The youngest Kendrick, Kade, has a prominent role in this book, and I can't wait for his story.
Braden has never had a problem with his safety wandering the streets of Edinburgh's slums late at night until now. Unfortunately, two armed thugs seemed determined to end his "interference," and it seemed likely they would succeed. Luckily he's rescued by a pair of avenging angels - one massive, and one small, quick, and - female? He is thankful, intrigued, and determined to discover who she is.
Lady Samantha Penwith is a widow on a mission. Two years ago, her husband was murdered, and no one could be bothered to investigate. With her faithful servant by her side, she prowls Edinburgh slums, looking for the truth. She's recently added another quest - children are disappearing from the orphanage/school her husband founded. The last thing she needs is a nosy doctor poking around.
Braden and Samantha are brought together by a mutual friend, Dr. John Blackmore. John suspects Samantha's mission and worries about her safety. He is also a member of the board of the Penwith Foundation and is one of the few members backing her plans for the Foundation. John believes Braden will be an additional voice for good on the board, and the scenes involving his attempts to convince Braden are pretty amusing. Meanwhile, Samantha wants nothing to do with Braden, afraid he will figure out she is his rescuer. In fact, it takes little time for Braden to do so.
Braden and Samantha are determined, independent, and intelligent. He quickly realizes that nothing will stop Samantha from her mission. Instead of trying to stop her, he listens to her concerns, suspicions, and ideas and then offers to help her. He is also the voice of reason that balances her impulsiveness. There is a fair amount of push-and-pull between them as they delve deeper into their searches.
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Both have the pain of love lost in their pasts and a reluctance to risk their hearts again. However, neither can deny the attraction that grows between them. Braden is the first to realize the truth of his feelings for Samantha but is sensitive enough to give her the space and time she needs to adjust to their growing relationship. Samantha's instinctive trust in Braden goes a long way toward opening her heart to him.
Samantha has another problem in her life. Her husband's grandfather is a controlling old man who has never approved of Samantha. She and her husband cared for his deaf younger sister, Felicity, while Lord Beath would instead have confined the girl to his estate. With Roger's death, Lord Beath constantly threatens to take Felicity away from Samantha if she does anything to bring scandal to the family name. I heartily disliked his attitude towards and about Felicity, especially when he appeared and started making threats again. It didn't help that he despises the Kendrick family. I loved seeing the family rally in Samantha's support and laughed out loud as they spiked the man's guns by using their more significant connections.
Lord Beath gets his licks in, though, when he stumbles on Samantha and Braden sharing a passionate kiss. Braden had already suggested one surefire way to keep Felicity with Samantha - marry him. Lord Beath's appearance expedited the necessity. I loved watching Braden and Samantha settle into married life. By this time, Braden is head-over-heels in love with Samantha, exercising great patience and restraint while he waits for her to love him back. When that point is reached, though their intimacy is closed door, there is no doubt about their feelings.
The mystery of the murder and the missing children is never far from Braden and Samantha's minds. I enjoyed following their progress as they chipped away at the puzzle. When a question about the Foundation's finances raises a red flag, Braden and Samantha recruit his brother Logan to help. The pieces come together quickly, revealing a more elaborate scheme than previously suspected. The intensity ramped up when Felicity was taken, and I was on the edge of my seat as I watched Braden, Samantha, and the Kendricks work together to bring her home. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I loved that Samantha was in the thick of it. The epilogue was great and an excellent conclusion for the book.
You can't have a Clan Kendrick book without involving other family members. In this case, it is mostly Logan and Donella, as Braden lives in their house. I loved the interactions between Braden and Logan. It was fun to see Logan attempt to get Braden to add a little balance to his life, and Braden agreed with Logan and then did as he wished. There is no doubt of their love and respect, but each has the Kendrick stubbornness. I loved Logan's thirteen-year-old son, who can talk rings around his father and is well on the way to being as intelligent as his uncle Braden. Life at the Kendrick home becomes even more chaotic when their boisterous and mischievous grandfather shows up. Angus is always good for a laugh over his self-delusions and antics; this was no exception. There is also no doubt about his love and loyalty for his family, even as he creates chaos around them. The youngest Kendrick, Kade, has a prominent role in this book, and I can't wait for his story.
moozamace's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
Not a lot of spice so great for those more subdued romance readers. Loved the plot - missing orphans and finding a murderer!
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction and Murder
shankl's review
3.0
A slow-burn regency romance. This installment is a mistletoe kiss for the holiday season. Hunky, kilt clad highlanders SOLD. The Highlander's Holiday Wife is entertaining but I'd beg for more romance between the love interests.
Thank you Kensington Books for the complimentary copy of this paperback.
Thank you Kensington Books for the complimentary copy of this paperback.
emma_caputi's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
fringebookreviews's review against another edition
3.5
✨He wears GLASSES.✨
This wasn’t too Christmasy, so I think you could read it at any time of the year. This is definitely a mystery heavy romance, but it was easy to follow, especially since it was book five in a series I haven’t read before. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration and obviously the accents 🤤
I think I am rightfully hurt that this was closed door because sex was referenced and the build up was hot and definitely not shying away from the act 😭 I needed that extra layer in their relationship because he said “I love you” pretty darn quickly (once everything went down).
Overall, I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. The mystery maybe overtook the romance a bit too much for my tastes, especially with it being closed door. I’d definitely consider reading more from the author if some of her older books had some steam (let me know any recs below!). If you’re already a fan of the author, I think you’ll love this one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶/5
Thanks so much to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for gifted copies of this book. All opinions are honest and my own.
This wasn’t too Christmasy, so I think you could read it at any time of the year. This is definitely a mystery heavy romance, but it was easy to follow, especially since it was book five in a series I haven’t read before. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration and obviously the accents 🤤
I think I am rightfully hurt that this was closed door because sex was referenced and the build up was hot and definitely not shying away from the act 😭 I needed that extra layer in their relationship because he said “I love you” pretty darn quickly (once everything went down).
Overall, I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. The mystery maybe overtook the romance a bit too much for my tastes, especially with it being closed door. I’d definitely consider reading more from the author if some of her older books had some steam (let me know any recs below!). If you’re already a fan of the author, I think you’ll love this one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶/5
Thanks so much to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for gifted copies of this book. All opinions are honest and my own.