On the wild dunes of a Scottish Isle, mistletoe and mischief are the best way to heat up a holiday best shared by two . . . The wind-whipped December sea air of the isle of Kinloch invigorates Kira MacLeod as she sets out to tame rugged Shay Callaghan. The Scottish bachelor may be as wary of a wedding ring as a snowman is of the hot sun, but it’s no secret how he looks at her—as if she were the … at her—as if she were the only woman in the world. Now, with the encouragement of the canny islanders, and watching two of their best friends tie the knot in a romantic winter wedding, Kira will ignite Shay’s heart—and weave the perfect Celtic Christmas to say aye do . . .
Originally published in Unwrapped
Praise for Donna Kauffman
“Charming characters, emotion galore, a small town—you’re going to love Donna Kauffman!” —Lori Foster
“We all know where there’s Donna Kauffman, there’s a rollicking, sexy read chock‑full of charm and sparkle.” —USAToday.com
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Aww. What a wonderfully cute and sweet short story. I love the modern day Scottish setting right before the holiday season when all you want to do is cuddle up with your loved one. And this is what happens in Santa in a Kilt. Shay has been pining for Kira since she moved back into town but he couldn’t break the bro code and go after her because his best friend liked her too. But now that said friend just tied the knot, he’s ready to pursue her but he’s not sure he’s the right man for her. All the while Kira has been crushing on him too, but she won’t let his fear stop her from grabbing hold of what could be the best love for both of them. Sweet, sexy story that will warm you up for sure. Loved every moment.
Kira is trying to get back to living after recovering from her divorce. She has set her sights on Shay for her future and at their friend’s wedding finds it the perfect time to approach him and hopefully begin her new life. She did not know that she would totally be tongue tied when trying to talk to him.
Shay is a divorce attorney, as his dad was as well, and has seen so many failed marriages that he does not believe in Happily Ever After, at least not for him. Deep in his heart, he wants that, but his mind continually tells him that it does not exist.
The electric connection cannot be denied and Shay gives in to it and Kira is overjoyed. No promises are made, and they take the relationship as it is, taking the happiness as it comes and decides to see where it goes.
This is a spicy story that was very easy to read and I totally enjoyed it. There were two books previously in the “Hot Scot” Trilogy that I have not read. I was able to read this book independently, although I am sure reading the other two first would have given me insight into the other character’s history.
I want to thank NetGalley.com and Kensington Books for allowing me to read the Advance Reader’s Copy of this book. My review is my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
I received an ARC through Netgalley.
I loved the relationship between Kira and Shay. Shay doesn’t think he’s good enough for Kira and as a divorce attorney, he has his serious doubts about the existence of “The One.” Kira is a divorcée who hasn’t given up on the possibility of love and knows a relationship can be worth the risk of getting hurt again. The relationship between Kira and Shay begins quickly but it doesn’t feel rushed. Together they work through their fears and concerns to their happily ever after.
SANTA IN A KILT was originally released as part of the UNWRAPPED Christmas anthology. It is the third story in the HOT SCOT series, but it can be read as a standalone.
This was a nice, quick read. The writing flowed well for me, and I liked Shay and Kira together for the most part. They start in this relationship not expecting anything from each other, but it wasn’t long before that changes. I can’t really classify this under insta-love because they have known each other for a while, they just haven’t been a couple. I did feel like everything is wrapped up quickly, but it usually is in novellas. They get their HEA, and it was super sweet. If you’re looking for a light, feel-good book, this one is for you.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Santa in a Kilt is book 2.5 of the Hot Scot Trilogy by Donna Kauffman, I had not read the previous books so it can be read as a stand alone. I do recommend you read in order in order to get the most out of the story.
On the wild dunes of a Scottish Isle, mistletoe and mischief are the best way to heat up a holiday best shared by two . . .
The wind-whipped December sea air of the isle of Kinloch invigorates Kira MacLeod as she sets out to tame rugged Shay Callaghan. The Scottish bachelor may be as wary of a wedding ring as a snowman is of the hot sun, but it’s no secret how he looks at her—as if she were the only woman in the world. Now, with the encouragement of the canny islanders, and watching two of their best friends tie the knot in a romantic winter wedding, Kira will ignite Shay’s heart—and weave the perfect Celtic Christmas to say aye do . . .
Originally published in Unwrapped
I enjoyed the setting of the Scottish isle of Kinloch, along with the descriptions of clan life, traditional basketweaving, and the friendships of the people. The characters in the story were engaging and I was drawn in enough to want to purchase the previous 2 books.
I loved that Kira hangs in there and makes the most out of her life after her divorce. Plus that she decides to explore her old feelings toward Shay.
Great holiday novella!
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A very quick yet highly entertaining holiday adventure filled with interesting charters, witty dialog and undeniable passion….. a great read!
What I liked:
The writing style
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I had a hard time staying interested in this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
While establishing the history of the main character and their surrounds, I still felt like it was still a slow start.
It was good to get a feel of the community and the friendships there. I just wish that I had liked it more. It just didn’t draw me in all that much.
There’s a lot of talk that goes on about how Kira was a forever kind of girl and how jaded Shay was because of what he has witnessed off the island as an attorney. It felt kind of repetitive conversation between the M.C.’s and even some of their friends.
There will be some intimate times shared in this story even as Shay is fighting a losing battle against anything deeper.
There is a sweet ending with an interesting Epilogue included.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
This is a novella–a Christmas novella–a Christmas novella that takes place in modern time on a small Scottish island. There are hunky Scottish men with brogues. Need I say more?
Seriously, this story has great characters and the main two come together in a way that was somewhat unusual and unique. Donna Kauffman always does a great job with the chemistry between her love interests, and Kira and Shay are a wonderful example of that. I always look for Christmas books that are going to keep my heart zinging and Santa in a Kilt certainly did that!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.