Widow Lara MacLaren hungers for the hunky architect she hires to restore her derelict Scottish manor, but is she ready for a relationship…and is Ian ready for her twins?Ian Paterson is eager to awaken Lara’s passionate side. Yet, if he reveals his ancestral claim to her estate, he risks losing her and his job. His clan’s history, lost over the years, may be hidden in the walls—along with a … with a ghost waiting for the laird’s return.
When they uncover a room full of Jacobite treasure, proof of his ancestry, Ian realizes he’s out of time. If the ghost is real, it could expose his secret and destroy his romance with Lara. Ian must convince her she and her twins are the future he truly wants.
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Widow Lara MacLaren is fulfilling her late husband’s dream of restoring their Scottish manor but the last thing she expected was to fall in love with her architect/restoration project manager. He’s awakened emotions she hasn’t felt in years. Is she ready to let a man into her life and into her bed? She’s unsure but her twin children have already taken a liking to him. It’s only when they uncover a secret room filled with Jacobite treasure and unleash a ghost that their relationship is put to the test. Will Lara and Ian find a way to embrace love or will Ian’s secret destroy their fragile connection?
Waiting for the Laird is one of those romantic paranormal mysteries I can’t get enough of. The heroine is an American widow with young children making a go of it in Scotland. The hero is a Scottish architect with a few secrets. The manor being restored is housing many secrets including a ghost waiting for the laird to return. The setting is Scotland… need I say more? The attraction between Lara and Ian is immediate but I loved the slow-burning pacing of their romance. She’s still in mourning and he understands it’s necessary to take it slow. The mystery behind the manor and what secrets lay beyond the walls is beautifully written. The more I read, the more I wanted to read, so much so, I read late into the night. I couldn’t stop reading. There’s a fair share of conflict but such is the life of a single mother trying to juggle everything and still find time to fall in love. Realistic characters, sweeping romance and a paranormal mystery make this a must-read! Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote: Ian. He’s one conflicted man and I had such fun watching his squirm. He’s a gregarious man with a gentleness I truly enjoyed. When he’s tested, his character shines best. A laird after my own heart.
My Rating: 5 stars
A little paranormal, A little American and a whole lot hunky Scottish romance. This story was a tad slow going but it was still fun to read. I loved how the twins never ceased their attempts to get into trouble. It was interesting to see Alex being the mediator and Amy being the willful child. The budding romance between Ian and Lara was interesting to see it come to fruition. And of course Fergus took the whole show! Although this is my first book by Willa Blair, it surely won’t be my last.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
WAITING FOR THE LAIRD is a standalone read with a HEA. Set in Scotland, Lara, an American widow, with two 9 year old twins is determined to see her husband’s dream be fulfilled. They purchased a centuries old keep and set out to restore it to its original condition. Angus has a lot of money so that is not an issue. He was in the states on business when he passed from a heart attack. Lara now has to see to the remodeling on her own. She needs a contractor. Going through her husband’s papers she discovers a name and resume and calls him. He agrees to see to the job.
Her twins are into everything when they discover a ghost. Only the ghost is a bit different. you can’t see him unless he wants you to. He belonged to the Laird and he is Waiting for the Laird to return.
Lots of secrets. Ian isn’t who he says he is – or rather he doesn’t say who he really is. He falls for Lara and she him but then discovers that a couple of hundred years ago his family owned the keep. There are a lot of secrets as they discover a hidden room, a ghost, and who Ian really is. Good story. I loved it. Lots of action to keep you reading. I definitely recommend it.
I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 10/27/18
This is a intriguing, romantic, thrilling and entertaining story. Ian is kind caring, unassuming and stubborn. Lara is strong, determined and tough. Lara’s husband Angus dies not long after buying a scottish manor to refurbish. Not knowing why Angus wouldn’t hire Ian to do the job, Lara hires him. In the beginning Ian just wanted to make sure the house was safe and done right, and hoping that he might find something that pointed to it being his ancestral home. But along the way he develops feelings for Lara, and her son and daughter. He keeps her in the dark about his connection to the place, thinking she’d fire him and he would never learn about his heritage. It take her a while to realize that he does have a tie to the house, but it takes him spelling it out for her to understand completely. By then they have found a few things that are truly fascinating. This is a page turner that belongs on everyone’s TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Lara’s husband died and she has 9 yr old twins Amy & Alex to raise in Scotland where she is restoring the ancient home Cairn Dubh. She hires Ian to continue the renovations her husband started not knowing of his ancestral connections to the place. Ian falls in love with Lara but is afraid to tell her how he’s connected to Cairn Dubh. he surprise is who is waiting for the laird. I enjoyed reading this wonderful story with a HEA.
A contemporary romantic tale with a touch of history . . . and ghosts.
Waiting for the Laird by Willa Blair is a delightful romance and unexpected adventure set in Scotland. Lara MacLaren and Ian Paterson are a well-matched pair, and the author does a nice job building up their romance while they figure out how to deal with life’s unpredictable surprises. Ms. Blair has a nice and easy writing style that pulls you into the story and keeps you turning the pages. After getting to know Ian, I wanted to hop on an airplane and head over to Scotland so I could find a laird of my own.
Full review at the blog.