Kyla MacTavish seeks peace…
Peace among her clan, with her family, and within herself. She always understood her path in life was marriage with Callum McDougall. When he marries another, however, his brother becomes her new groom. Finlay McDougall is stubborn, stoic, and stormy. How can she spend her life with such a man?
Finlay McDougall has loved one woman his entire life…
She, however, … however, has always been promised to another. When she becomes his reality, he resolves to win her over and make her his wife in mind, body, and soul. But can he overcome his biggest obstacle — himself?
Kyla and Finlay struggle to determine what the future will hold, with one another and for their clans. Will they find a way forward together, or let their differences keep them apart?
For readers over 18 due to some steamy content.
Note: Finlay’s Duty was previously published as Promises of Sunlight and The Chieftain’s Duty by Audrey Adair.
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Finlay and Kyla were stubborn. He’s been infatuated with her for years, but he can’t help being boorish and not considering her input on management of his McDougall lands even though he agreed to do so to convince her to marry him because her father and brother are doing such a poor job with theirs. I don’t blame the MacTavish clansmen for revolting when their chief was greedy and his son was selfish and they didn’t care about the prosperity of their people. Finlay and Kyla both care about the survival and well being of their clans, but they have to find a way to compromise, he more than she. I learned a lot about Scottish clan life in the 19th century. It was not an easy existence for the farmers especially if their laird was more concerned with profit. This was a sexy marriage of convenience romance.
“Finlay had loved Kyla since, he supposed, the day he had met her, though it took him a few years before he realized it. She was sweetness and light and goodness…everything he was not… and to him perfection. And had always been promised to marry his brother Callum. And yet he loved her anyway.”
Kyla MacTavish is with a neighboring Clan of the McDougalls. She had grown up with Callum and Finlay McDougall and there was an understanding she would marry Callum who would be Laird. But Callum ended up marry another as he traveled and that meant Finlay would not step into his brother’s place and her as bride to join their clans together. What? Not that irritating man who seems to bring out the worst in her!
Fin has loved her all his life but he cannot seem to curb his mouth and what he says that seems to irritate her. But he is determined to win her.
What a fun journey to see the these two together. So many arguments but at time humorous, and a lot of crossed misunderstandings! But I truly loved these two and could not wait to see what would happen!! I highly recommend (the over won me over first!)
Finlay has secretly loved Kyla all his life, but has always known that she was meant for his brother Callum. Callum has gone to Canada and wed another, and now Kyla feels free. But their fathers decide that the planned union should still continue, with Finlay as the groom. But Finlay is reluctant to marry and unwilling bride. I received and ARC of this enjoyable book.
3.25 STARS
Wow, not a happy H/h for sure. Even though they knew each other as children, when they become betroth the h certainly isn’t happy. She makes demands before she agrees to the marriage and the H agrees. I wanted the H to have more back bone – the h ruled this relationship.
They didn’t come to any agreements until way over 50% of the story. So romance is not on the front burner at all. It’s a story of butting heads and who is going to cave first.
The h’s father and brother are both loser’s and I can’t believe his clan didn’t revolt sooner. The h’s brother thinks only of himself, and his father constantly bales him out. Talk about someone needing tough love it was the h’s brother. The relationship seemed more modern in how the father was treating the son instead he should cut him off. This is a big part of the story so that is why I am mentioning it.
The H was silent and nothing like his brother’s. He does care for the Clan and his family, but he lacks in how to make peace with his wife.
Their is finally lovemaking, within marriage, heat level 2.5 out of 5. When they finally come together they started to have some feeling for each other. The h makes a ridiculous decision near the end of the book which I didn’t care for.
No cheating, no cliffhanger for our couple, HEA – a long time coming, no romance, tad of spice and an epilogue 2 years in the future that didn’t add to the story. I wanted to know more of what ideas they adopted from the h, we are only told one. Did they move people like they had talked about? I loved the first story in the series and this was just average. Not a feel good story through most of it.
I received a copy from the author, all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
Enjoyed this love story even though it that did not start out that way. The marriage between Finlay and Kyla starts out on rocky ground and it seems to have more strikes against it than it has for it, even though Finlay has loved Kyla for a long time. There is a great clash of personalities between them and that puts a strain on their marriage. They each have a sense of duty to their clan that endears then to each other but the tension is still there. There is a lot going on in this story which makes it entertaining and interesting. There is a HEA but a lot happens first. This is a great read and I would highly recommend it.
ONE EXCEPTIONAL ADVENTURE!!!
Wipe out! Ellie imparts one electrifying approach, ratcheting up the thrill of the chase, fusing this gem together flawlessly. A tumultuous rollercoaster of startling mishaps and vexing circumstances, propel those churning emotions into play, keeping you riveted and frozen to your seat. Rousting the drama, turmoil, intrigue, underlying currents, danger, mounting suspense and perplexing situations along with a boatload of trouble while dodging bedlem, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. Twined, combined and intermingled, exposing the thrilling highs and startling lows, grounding in it’s strength and awe inspiring in it’s depth. Bumbling through intimidating trials and challenging tribulations, noting the shocking twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions, charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely approachable personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive talent and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel to life, making the storyline pop. Amazing job Ellie, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
I was surprised by how much I liked this story.
Kyla was supposed to marry one brother but wound up with another. So, new groom. But is he the right groom for her?
I liked that Finlay had a thing for Kyla but since she was promised to his brother didn’t let himself engage with her. He truly is his own worst enemy and has no game.
Recommend.
When Finlay’s older brother decided to stay in the Northwest Territory with his new wife it changed Finlay’s life. With Callum gone he now is in line to become the next Laird of his clan, which he is more than capable of but these are hard times in the Highlands changes are coming, and decisions on how to handle must be considered. When Finlay learns he not only was given his brother’s place to become Laird his anger knows no bounds when he finds he also is to get Kyla the woman Callum was to marry. He has loved her for as long as he can remember but he knows she can never want him, after talking to Kyla they agree to marry certain conditions in place. She would live with his family for three months if at this time she wanted the could leave and live with her own family amongst several other conditions. Afraid to get to close to Kyla it seems as if he is always snapping at her which leads Kyla to believe the marriage is doomed before it begins.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
A story about losing her betroth to another, being married to the second brother an agreement made between them, an accident, misunderstandings, and so much more in this captivating book
Kyla MacTavish and Finlay McDougall’s marriage is a merging of clans. With Callum, the eldest son not returning from the Americas, Finlay is expected to do his duty and marry Kyla. Kyla is not happy. Finlay was the one McDougall she had never got on with. Persuaded to go through with it, she promises Finlay to stay at least three months. She wants to be included in managing the land. She has some progressive ideas but Finlay follows the old ways. Shy and gruff Finlay secretly loved Kyla since they were children but will his love prevail?
I received an ARC copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Finlay is stubborn, focused and the one who feels responsible for his father’s people. When he is betrothed to Kyla he is happy because he always loved her. But she has stipulations and she is only marrying for duty. If he can’t convince her he is not totally a grump and that he can be reasonable the marriage may stay in name only. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Kyla MacTavish always understood her path in life was marriage with Callum McDougall. When he goes to the Northwest frontier & marries another, his brother becomes her new groom. Finlay McDougall is stubborn, stoic, and stormy. How can she spend her life with such a man?
Finlay McDougall has loved one woman his entire life but she was supposed to Callum when she becomes his reality, he resolves to win her over and make her his wife in mind, body, and soul.
This is the second book in the series & is an updated re release. It could be read on its own but the series is brilliant so I’d recommend reading in order. I loved Finlay the dour highlander & Kyla the feisty independent woman. He annoys her at very turn but underneath the stoic exterior she begins to see the loyal, caring man, he’s just besotted from the start & can’t seem to do anything right. However the more time they spend together the more the sparks fly. I just loved how their relationship developed. I read this captivating read in two sittings & can’t wait for the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Finlay is a Scottish noble who marries Kyla, the girl he has always loved. She had been promised to his brother who left for North America. Good plot with well-drawn characters. A good addition to this ongoing series.
I love to read Ellie St. Claire. Finlay is left to tend to and inherit the MacDougal clan as his older brother Callum (previous story) has moved to America and found a bride. He has been in love with Kyla, who was to marry Callum, all his life. Now the fathers has decided the two will marry to proceed with plans to unite the clans. Kyla is a feisty highland Lass with big ideas on how to make things better. She doesn’t thing Finlay is capable of loving her. The two have to find their way along family and clan loyalties to see that they were made for each other and the future of the clans.
First off I want to thank the author for the ARC I received.
This is a wonderful story of two very independent, strong people with love for their clans.
Finlay McDougall is the second son of Laird McDougall he has always been loyal, responsible, and
has a deep love for his clan and Scotland. Kyla MaClavish is the only daughter of the neighbor clan and has grown up playing and being around all the McDougall’s. Both fathers have wanted to join the clans for a long while and had arranged a marriage between her and Callum the oldest son.
Callum decides to go west to find his missing cousin but also finds a wife and stays.
Even though she had know him all her life, she always felt that he was not really interested in her.
So she was glad to be released from a marriage to him. It would of been a loveless one.
Now she plans on never marrying and being able to stay and help run her clan. Her brother Rory who will someday take over does not care about anything but partying, gambling and drinking.
Unfortunately in 1882 women didn’t have a say about much of anything.
She learns that both her father and the McDougall Laid have decided that being one son is gone
she can marry the next one in line and still bring the clans together !
Let the games began because Finlay has always seemed stubborn, stoic and uptight.
Kyla doesn’t want to marry him. She feels used and upset. Unknown to her is that Finlay has loved her all his life and his brother Callum knew how he felt. Finlay has always been nervous around her.
There is lots of humor, arguing, misunderstanding and love. Their is sadness and joy too.
To say more would ruin the rest of the story. This is timeless love story and will be re read am sure
I hope you get a copy, a cup of tea or coffee and get lost in other time and forget our crazy and frighting times right now.
I received and ARC and am giving my honest opinion.
Another terrific book by Ellie St. Clair! I enjoyed this tale about a young women who is independent and strong; always prepared to fulfill her obligations and ensure the happiness of her family and those around her. Finlay is a strong character as well but in a different way to Kyla and his brothers. He is his own person with unique feelings that take multiple events and a wonderful story to show us who he is. As the chemistry builds between these two, we are pulled into their lives and the Highlander way of life!
This was a wonderful read & I really enjoyed learning more about crofters & how the lairds set up the use of their land.
Finlay McDougall will be the next laird of their clan when his father steps down. His older brother Callum was supposed to fill that position but he went to America, found a wife and stayed. Callum was also betrothed to the eldest daughter of the clan leader next to McDougall land but now the fathers have come together and agreed that Finlay & Kyla should marry to bring the two clans together. Finlay had been in love with Kyla for years & he would not force a marriage on her as he knew she did not want to marry & was happy Callum did not return.
Kyla MacTavish loves her clan and knows her father & brother have not treated the crofters kindly and she only wants peace for the clan – she has tried to convince her father of ideas she has to make the crofters happy & in turn would increase profits for her father but he won’t listen. Now, she must marry the crabby, serious brooding Finlay McDougall but she will agree on certain conditions.
The coming together of these two was full of humor, banter, arguing, misunderstandings, romance & eventually a HEA. I highly recommend this book & the first one in this series for a entertaining reads.
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
This is a heart-warming story, with wonderfully independent characters who both have a love for their clans. Finlay and Kyla’s marriage is not one of love on her part, but circumstances and familiarity can change that if they are willing to compromise. This story was hard to put down as I wanted to find out what their plans were for the two clans. I highly recommend this book.