Santa in a Kilt

Originally published in a holiday anthology, Unwrapped, this novella instalment to the Hot Scot series is a solid holiday read and perfect for fans of romance, easily consumed as a stand-alone story. And consume it I did: at just over 100 pages, the novella is everything that one expects from a holiday / getaway romance title. Kira is back on Kinloch, an island in the Hebrides, and building her business selling hand-woven baskets, a skill passed down from her grandmother. After her last relationship ended horribly, she’s been more focused on her work and her friends, ignoring romance and occasionally fantasizing about Shay, another local boy now returned to the island, who has made his mark as a successful divorce attorney. While perfectly happy to have non-commitments with the women he dates, he’s not one who believes that happily ever after is for him, even as he celebrates and enjoys seeing his best friends pair off. No one has even interested him, until Kira, but she’s an “everything” sort of woman, and he can’t do that. Of course, it’s a tiny island where everyone not only knows everyone else, but rarely misses a chance to add in advice, meddle a bit, and cheer on two ‘children of the island”. And the interplay between the two of them, along with the sparks are hotter than Bonfire night! Both Kira and Shay are convinced that their connection is simply physical, even though both want more… it will take several hours together, more hours spent denying the inevitable and several ‘chance’ encounters for the connection to become obvious to the players involved. While not a solidly developed romance because of all the hesitations, the warm fuzzies from it all, with everyone on the island celebrating the two of them together – it just made for a wonderful story. Kira and Shay are secondary characters in this series, but finding their happiness together while all of their friends seem to be loved up and happiness just pouring forth is wonderful. Getting a peek into island life, traditions and crafts and some clan-determined events is well-detailed, giving readers a sense of the lives on the islands in the outer reaches of Scotland, all with their own unique twists, turns and heart. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Shay and Kira’s story in Santa in a Kilt by Donna Kauffman is a wonderful and sweet story of two people wary of love and marriage. Shay is a divorce lawyer and sees relationships mainly after they have fallen apart. Kira returned to the isle of Kinloch after the end of her marriage, putting all of her energy into to her weaving projects. Although Shay is wary of marriage, it’s no secret how he looks at Kira; as if she were the only woman in the world. These two are totally attracted and the electricity between them could light all the homes on their island. Between witnessing two of their best friends marry during a romantic winter wedding and with the encouragement of islanders, Kira will definitely ignite Shay’s heart and weave the perfect path for him to trust her and her love. Ms. Kauffman, a talented story teller, wrote a joyful, funny, tender sweet, and heartwarming tale that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and amazing characters giving Shay and Kira a chance for happiness, love and a future together. I highly recommend Santa in a Kilt to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Santa in a Kilt by Donna Kauffman Big smile...yep...this story put a smile on my face just like it put one on the characters in this book! Shay Callaghan, divorce attorney, is a bit leery of happily ever afters due to his mother leaving when he was small and also due to what he has seen while helping clients dissolve marriages. That doesn’t stop him from gazing on lovely Kira MacLeod in a way that has his mates knowing, perhaps before he does, that he is soon going to be hitched like they are if he ever steps up and does more than gaze at the woman who holds his interest. Kira, a weaver, has had a rough divorce to contend with but is ready to embrace life and hopes that life will also embrace Shay. My, this was a delight to read in oh so many ways! I loved Kira’s openness and warm spirit. I loved Shay and found him quite the book boyfriend. Sure, he was worried about breakups before really even in a relationship but boy oh boy was he sizzling male! The two of them together were perfect! I don’t believe I read the first two books in this series but that made no difference at all in being able to thoroughly enjoying this story! Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC – this is my honest review. 5 Stars