The Laird’s Christmas Kiss (The Lairds Most Likely, #2)

by Anna Campbell

[stacey_is_sassy]

It's amazing what a bit of maturity can bring...

I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for poor Brody in The Laird's Christmas Kiss. Just because he had a wee bit of fun carousing while he was young, does not mean that he can't one day grow up and realise there's more to life. When push came to shove, his "mates" didn't think he was a good marriage prospect. His "mates" didn't think he was capable of having feelings for one woman alone. His "mates" thought he'd be more interested in drinking and gambling than having a family. To be honest, his "mates" weren't particularly nice.

But, then again, Brody was falling for his "mates" sister and cousin, Elspeth, so maybe they were right to be so judgey. It probably didn't help that they also knew Elspeth had loved him from afar for the last 5 years...and he never noticed her.

Poor Elspeth spent a lot of time as the little mouse hiding in the dark. Her family has always treated her differently and she's never fit in with their looks and confidence. Elspeth has been quite happy keeping to herself. She sits back and observes her surroundings, especially when the gorgeous Brody, Laird of Invermackie, is around. But, he doesn't even know she's there. Elspeth is just his friends quiet and frumpy sister and cousin. One day Elspeth decides she's had enough of the dark and the unrequited love. It's time to come into the light and forget about the Laird who doesn't even know her name...or so she thought.

I really enjoyed this sweet little love story. I loved seeing Elspeth gain confidence and acknowledge that while she's different from her family, she's just as good as them. The additional characters I've met before were a pleasure to catch up with again. The Laird's Christmas Kiss was such an easy read to get sucked into, and each page flew by. It felt like I blinked and it was over.

At times I was a little frustrated with how Elspeth and Brody were treated. Elspeth's mother seemed like a self-centred cow and Brody's "mates", Elspeth's brother and cousin, were horrible. I can't wait for Hamish and Diarmid to find their love, because Elspeth and Brody owe a little payback.

The shining star of this story was definitely Marina, the heroine from The Laird's Willful Lass. Her defence and willingness to help Elspeth was something that SHOULD have been coming from her own mother. Marina is still as loving, thoughtful and strong as she was when I first met her. I loved seeing her happily married to Fergus.

I definitely recommend this sweet and short historical romance. Anna Campbell is an author I can count on for a great highland romance and a sneak under the Laird's kilt.