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Whisky Lairds #1
Laird of Twilight
A Grandmother's Will and Secrets From the Fairy Realm Bring Love to the Scottish Highlands in Laird of Twilight, a Historical Romance from Susan King
--Scottish Highlands, 1822--
James MacCarran, the new Viscount Struan, has no desire to venture onto the thorny battlefield of marriage. But his grandmother's will issues an ultimatum—marry a Highlander with fairy blood or forfeit his inheritance. Then he meets Elspeth MacArthur. She's beautiful, enchanting—luminous, really—with something mysterious and unique about her.
Yet, Elspeth is keeping an astonishing family secret and spurns the hopeful and handsome Lord Straun, confident he will never accept her situation.
But when an ancient and mystical force portends to reveal the truth behind her secret, Elspeth quickly realizes her only haven is in James' passionate embrace . . . the most dangerous place of all.
Publisher Note: Previously published as To Wed a Highland Bride, the story has been edited by the author for today's readers. Readers who appreciate romance set in historical settings with fantasy elements will not want to miss the newly-updated Whisky Lairds Series.
The Whisky Lairds Series
Laird of Twilight
Laird of Secrets
Laird of Rogues
--Scottish Highlands, 1822--
James MacCarran, the new Viscount Struan, has no desire to venture onto the thorny battlefield of marriage. But his grandmother's will issues an ultimatum—marry a Highlander with fairy blood or forfeit his inheritance. Then he meets Elspeth MacArthur. She's beautiful, enchanting—luminous, really—with something mysterious and unique about her.
Yet, Elspeth is keeping an astonishing family secret and spurns the hopeful and handsome Lord Straun, confident he will never accept her situation.
But when an ancient and mystical force portends to reveal the truth behind her secret, Elspeth quickly realizes her only haven is in James' passionate embrace . . . the most dangerous place of all.
Publisher Note: Previously published as To Wed a Highland Bride, the story has been edited by the author for today's readers. Readers who appreciate romance set in historical settings with fantasy elements will not want to miss the newly-updated Whisky Lairds Series.
The Whisky Lairds Series
Laird of Twilight
Laird of Secrets
Laird of Rogues
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2007
173 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Susan King
57Ìýbooks106ÌýfollowersSusan King, née Longhi, is a multi-published, bestselling, award-winning author and a former art history lecturer. She holds a B.A. in art and an M.A. and most of a Ph.D. in art history, with postgraduate work in medieval studies. Her books are widely praised for historical detail and a lyrical writing style, and she has won multiple honors and awards for her novels written as Susan King, Sarah Gabriel, and Susan Fraser King. Susan visits Scotland as often as possible for research and relaxation, and lives in Maryland with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 29, 2019
A highland tale riff with tales of fairies and the fae. When James MacCarran hears his grandmother's will, along with his siblings, he knows he will never be able to meet the conditions. He had made his life as ordinary as possible and now for him to marry seemed impossible. This lady had to be a Highlander with fairy blood or his inheritance would go another. What was he to do?
When Elspeth MacArthur comes into his life, he cannot believe how beautiful and enchanting she is. You see she was half fae and had a few secrets she feels will not endear her to James.
But forces seem to be interfering and the two seemed destined for each other!
A magical story that is sure to keep you wondering what will happen next!
When Elspeth MacArthur comes into his life, he cannot believe how beautiful and enchanting she is. You see she was half fae and had a few secrets she feels will not endear her to James.
But forces seem to be interfering and the two seemed destined for each other!
A magical story that is sure to keep you wondering what will happen next!
November 7, 2020
I love stories featuring fairies, or the Fey, and I also love romance set in the Scottish Highlands � this book had both so it was absolutely perfect for me! The heroine Elspeth is half fairy, and if she hasn’t found true love before she turns 21, her fairy relatives will force her to return to their realm. The hero, meanwhile, doesn’t believe in fairies, but his late grandmother’s will stipulates that he has to marry a woman with fairy blood or he forfeits his inheritance. The chemistry between the two is wonderful, and I loved watching the hero try to come to terms with what was clearly before his eyes. A lovely story!
May 29, 2020
Laird of the Twilight (Whisky Lairds, #1) is a story that deals with historical romance and fantasy...tangled in fae lore. Susan King is a new to me author and I thought the story was a good read, although in my earlier days of reading, this fae story would have been a hit in my genre.
I thought the story was interesting and was not expected it to be more fae fantasy than the historical part. In any case it was a good read and I enjoyed it.
3-Stars
I thought the story was interesting and was not expected it to be more fae fantasy than the historical part. In any case it was a good read and I enjoyed it.
3-Stars
January 24, 2020
A little bit of Fae magic, a dash of intrigue, romance a captivating story with fairies� magic!
James MacCarran and Elspeth MacArthur were meant to be together I loved the element of the fairies the author did a fantastic job of pulling the reader in the intriguing fairy lore. I would definitely recommend this book and author it was a very good read. Voluntarily reviewed this book that I received for free from eBook Discovery.
James MacCarran and Elspeth MacArthur were meant to be together I loved the element of the fairies the author did a fantastic job of pulling the reader in the intriguing fairy lore. I would definitely recommend this book and author it was a very good read. Voluntarily reviewed this book that I received for free from eBook Discovery.
June 11, 2008
A somewhat strange historical romance/fantasy. The story was interesting and very much bathed in faerie lore. I didn't really know that it had so much to do with faeries and when I started to read it, I was a bit confused. The characters were interesting, but not really fleshed out too much. The romance was a bit fast, but in the end it turned out not too bad. I would only recommend this to people who don't mind fantasy and/or a whole lot of faeries in their romance.
June 2, 2020
3.75 stars: Fantasy elements needed more mystery...
This story is a good one for passing the time especially if the reader enjoys a mix of elves/fairies with highland elements. However, fantasy fans will be disappointed in the weak development of the fantasy/faery world. The faery realm is mentioned repeatedly but not sufficiently revealed to add much suspense to the book. Perhaps if there were more sinister tales about the place, it would add tension to the main story. As it is, there’s not much tension in the book. The meet up is well done. The protagonists have good chemistry and good dialog. There is an element of stubbornness that causes conflict but it’s minimal and easily remedied. There’s just not much suspense in the story. The ending is rather anticlimactic and the resolution too easy. The love scenes are more poetic than graphic. There is a need for better editing as there are lots of missing words causing the reader to have to re-read for understanding. There is frequent mention of whiskey drinking and lots of details about Scottish plaids.
This story is a good one for passing the time especially if the reader enjoys a mix of elves/fairies with highland elements. However, fantasy fans will be disappointed in the weak development of the fantasy/faery world. The faery realm is mentioned repeatedly but not sufficiently revealed to add much suspense to the book. Perhaps if there were more sinister tales about the place, it would add tension to the main story. As it is, there’s not much tension in the book. The meet up is well done. The protagonists have good chemistry and good dialog. There is an element of stubbornness that causes conflict but it’s minimal and easily remedied. There’s just not much suspense in the story. The ending is rather anticlimactic and the resolution too easy. The love scenes are more poetic than graphic. There is a need for better editing as there are lots of missing words causing the reader to have to re-read for understanding. There is frequent mention of whiskey drinking and lots of details about Scottish plaids.
March 11, 2020
Miss King always writes excellent stories.
Susan King tells such a fine story and this book is no exception. First, a HEA to appreciate for the two special, kind people who found each other in spite of themselves. Second, a story fully imbued with Highland fairy stories. Third, an amazing bit of research and knowledge of Scotland as well as geology. All in all a really fine read.
Susan King tells such a fine story and this book is no exception. First, a HEA to appreciate for the two special, kind people who found each other in spite of themselves. Second, a story fully imbued with Highland fairy stories. Third, an amazing bit of research and knowledge of Scotland as well as geology. All in all a really fine read.
July 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book, but honestly thought it was going to include taken amount of time of the characters being in the Fey kingdom, interacting with fairies at some type of length. No Fairyland. Like I said, I enjoyed the book but did not find what I was expecting. The in-depth description of Elspeth’s weaving and Struan’s geological studies were a nice touch on creating a connection with the main characters. 3.5/5
May 7, 2024
Absolutely Delightful
I loved every word of this novel and looking to the following in this series. Susan King weaves stories like no other. From the beginning to the end the magic ensnared the imagination. Magic becomes possible and so real I couldn't put it down. Wonderful characters and a unique trope.
I loved every word of this novel and looking to the following in this series. Susan King weaves stories like no other. From the beginning to the end the magic ensnared the imagination. Magic becomes possible and so real I couldn't put it down. Wonderful characters and a unique trope.
May 13, 2020
No surprises but a fun read
This story is very well done. Lots of details, great imagery and a light romance. The only disappointment was it’s predictability. Still I would recommend this book.
This story is very well done. Lots of details, great imagery and a light romance. The only disappointment was it’s predictability. Still I would recommend this book.
October 15, 2021
Wonderful story
I loved the tension between the H/H when he steals a kiss at a ball and he can't get her out of his head. She is enchanting with her outlook. A touch of magic, A hunky hero and it's all in the Highlands, land of fairies.
I loved the tension between the H/H when he steals a kiss at a ball and he can't get her out of his head. She is enchanting with her outlook. A touch of magic, A hunky hero and it's all in the Highlands, land of fairies.
October 7, 2023
A Fae Masterpiece!
I was transported to Fairy Land in the Highlands of Scotland. I felt a part of this tremendous love story between James and Elspeth. A wonderful beginning of a new series by outstanding authors.
I was transported to Fairy Land in the Highlands of Scotland. I felt a part of this tremendous love story between James and Elspeth. A wonderful beginning of a new series by outstanding authors.
January 24, 2025
I’m Sorry to Say . . .
I had this book on hold through the library and did not realize these authors are not favorites. Too much information at the beginning. Too many thoughts in main characters heads.
I had this book on hold through the library and did not realize these authors are not favorites. Too much information at the beginning. Too many thoughts in main characters heads.
August 12, 2020
Enjoyed this regency romance with far elements.
June 5, 2021
Unusual story
Well this book was just enchanting! It keeps you reading without putting it down. Who knew fairies could be so enchanting.
Well this book was just enchanting! It keeps you reading without putting it down. Who knew fairies could be so enchanting.
July 28, 2021
This book is tedious. First she wants to marry him, then he ask her to merry him 100 times and she refuses 101 times. I only made it to chapter 11.
June 30, 2023
This first book in a series by Susan King has me hooked on reading the series. Though it is a part of a series the story can be read as a stand alone story with a HEA ending.
February 6, 2020
Elspeth MacArthur is a Highlander born to a Fairy mother and a human father. Her family is cursed ever since a fairy treasure disappeared. Never make a deal with a fairy or apparently look back at them. Her Grandfather tells her all about her fairy blood her whole life and she is not sure she believes it until right before her 21st birthday when she sees them. She does believe that there are Fairies in the land just wasn’t sure about her parentage. James MacCarran the Viscount Struan has just lost his grandmother who made an interesting will. In the will all three of the Grandchildren had stipulations to get their inheritance that involved fairies of some kind. James is required to finish his Grandmother’s book on Fairies that she has started to write and he also has to marry a woman with Fairy blood. His family has a tale that they have Fairy blood but he does not believe it. James is a scientist so he has a hard time even trying to believe that there are Fairies. He just keeps putting off all the believers saying it is a trick of their mind. When James and Elspeth meet booth of them seem to be attracted to one another right off the bat. Elspeth tries her best to convince James of her beliefs even blurting out things that she sees with her second sight. We journey with them as they deal with their own personal fights and falling in love with each other which neither expected.
I found this to be an interesting story. I really enjoyed reading it. I know my description above did not do it Justice. The Cousin Eldin seemed like he knew a thing or two about Fairies and there seemed to be something up with him. That was one thing I wish would have been answered was if he made a deal with Fairies or something since they described him as dark and basically soulless. I hope that we find out in another book.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own.
I found this to be an interesting story. I really enjoyed reading it. I know my description above did not do it Justice. The Cousin Eldin seemed like he knew a thing or two about Fairies and there seemed to be something up with him. That was one thing I wish would have been answered was if he made a deal with Fairies or something since they described him as dark and basically soulless. I hope that we find out in another book.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own.
February 6, 2020
James and his siblings were given a task to complete before they could claim their grandmother's inheritance or forfeit it for a lesser amount to their despised cousin. They are to each marry a highland bride with fairy blood. Thinking this condition is unlikely to be fulfilled, they set out to do their best. Fortunately, he met Elspeth, a highland woman with fairy blood and was attracted to her but she too has her own secrets which she feared will make her unsuitable for him. Find out how it all played out with a mix of magic by grabbing your own copy. "I received this book from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review".
December 1, 2019
Alternate Scotland Where Fairies Exist
This book takes you to early 1800s Scotland, but not the Scotland of reality. Creating a delightful play on fantasy concepts, the author has made this version of Scotland semi magical. Fairies exist, even though not all believe that they are actual living beings. We, as the readers, know that they are real in this world because we are pulled right into a tense situation in the first scene where a father is trying to get his son back from the fairies. He is denied but is given his granddaughter to raise with the warning that if she does not find true love by a certain age, she will be returned to the land of the fairies, forever lost to him. After this opening scene, we see a few moments from this young girl's life as she lives with her grandfather in the Highlands. And then we are thrust forward more than a dozen years to what is the main timeline of the book. We meet the hero and his siblings as they find out that they each must complete a specific task to get their inheritance. Their grandmother was a great believer in the Highland faeries and insisted that the hero marry at least a part fae woman and regain a castle lost to the family in order to claim his inheritance. The other siblings have their own challenges that must be dealt with as well. I so enjoyed the interaction of the siblings during the course of the book, especially when they find out this news. They reacted like any non-believers would do, and their interactions between themselves showed their relationship dynamic and revealed character in a most charming way. Parts of this book were quite humorous, which I always enjoy. The siblings have some pretty dry humor in parts. So the hero has his quest to find a woman who meets these requirements, or else his grandmother's fortune goes to a rather despised cousin. The hero and the heroine have reasons that they need to wed and secrets. I found this to be a well-written book, and I quite enjoyed this alternate version of Scottish historical reality.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog:
This book takes you to early 1800s Scotland, but not the Scotland of reality. Creating a delightful play on fantasy concepts, the author has made this version of Scotland semi magical. Fairies exist, even though not all believe that they are actual living beings. We, as the readers, know that they are real in this world because we are pulled right into a tense situation in the first scene where a father is trying to get his son back from the fairies. He is denied but is given his granddaughter to raise with the warning that if she does not find true love by a certain age, she will be returned to the land of the fairies, forever lost to him. After this opening scene, we see a few moments from this young girl's life as she lives with her grandfather in the Highlands. And then we are thrust forward more than a dozen years to what is the main timeline of the book. We meet the hero and his siblings as they find out that they each must complete a specific task to get their inheritance. Their grandmother was a great believer in the Highland faeries and insisted that the hero marry at least a part fae woman and regain a castle lost to the family in order to claim his inheritance. The other siblings have their own challenges that must be dealt with as well. I so enjoyed the interaction of the siblings during the course of the book, especially when they find out this news. They reacted like any non-believers would do, and their interactions between themselves showed their relationship dynamic and revealed character in a most charming way. Parts of this book were quite humorous, which I always enjoy. The siblings have some pretty dry humor in parts. So the hero has his quest to find a woman who meets these requirements, or else his grandmother's fortune goes to a rather despised cousin. The hero and the heroine have reasons that they need to wed and secrets. I found this to be a well-written book, and I quite enjoyed this alternate version of Scottish historical reality.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog:
January 19, 2020
When James MacCarran, Viscount Struan, and his siblings discover the terms of their inheritance at the reading of his grandmothers will he is floored. If he and his siblings do not complete a task and marry one of Fey blood, their inheritance would go to Nicholas MacCarran, Earl of Eldin, their cousin. But fairies? Fairies didn't exist, or did their grandmother know something they did not?
Elspeth MacArthur was born with the Sight, which as her grandfather explained to her, was part of her Fey heritage. Elspeth and James first meet when she visits Edingburgh. James feels an uncharacteristic pull towards Elspeth, he felt protective of her but yet intrigued as well. These were feelings James had not felt before and thus wasn't sure where they came from.
When James arrives at Struan House as part of the terms of her will he meets Elspeth again. And due to unforeseen circumstances they are forced to be in each others company for several days. James offers Elspeth marriage, as she will be considered ruined after spending time alone with him, but she refuses. But James soon realizes that he loves Elspeth and is determined to have her at his side. And if she truly is of Fey, then he will also have succeeded in his task to satisfy his grandmothers will.
But Elspeth, although she loves James, is concerned that James doesn't believe her about the fairies and refuses his offer. Can James convince Elspeth that he indeed loves er?
I this was a good book. This is also a clean read and does have a happily ever after.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
Elspeth MacArthur was born with the Sight, which as her grandfather explained to her, was part of her Fey heritage. Elspeth and James first meet when she visits Edingburgh. James feels an uncharacteristic pull towards Elspeth, he felt protective of her but yet intrigued as well. These were feelings James had not felt before and thus wasn't sure where they came from.
When James arrives at Struan House as part of the terms of her will he meets Elspeth again. And due to unforeseen circumstances they are forced to be in each others company for several days. James offers Elspeth marriage, as she will be considered ruined after spending time alone with him, but she refuses. But James soon realizes that he loves Elspeth and is determined to have her at his side. And if she truly is of Fey, then he will also have succeeded in his task to satisfy his grandmothers will.
But Elspeth, although she loves James, is concerned that James doesn't believe her about the fairies and refuses his offer. Can James convince Elspeth that he indeed loves er?
I this was a good book. This is also a clean read and does have a happily ever after.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
November 3, 2020
Do you believe in Fairies?
This story may have you asking yourself that question.
James MacCarran, Lord Sturan is upset with his lawyer. He was just informed fairies are holding up the process on the inheritance, since his Grandmother passed away. Conditions have to be satisfied first per Grandmother Sturan, before any inheritance is given. If they do not meet these conditions, everything will go to their cousin, Lord Eldin who they despise.
James is a professor and teaches Geology at the University. He met Elspeth MacArthur at the welcoming of King Charles. His first time visiting Scotland. A very forceful attraction between James and Elspeth happens there.
Elspeth will not settle for her intended marriage. She would rather remain a spinster. James loves teaching and is content as a bachelor. The last thing he is thinking of is getting involved with a woman. But the fairies have an entirely different plan.
This is the first book in the Whisky Lairds series. A delightful read. The vivid imagery for the setting is outstanding. The story may leave you wondering if there is any truth to folklore.
I received this book for free from ebook discovery. I volunteered to to review it and this is my honest review.
This story may have you asking yourself that question.
James MacCarran, Lord Sturan is upset with his lawyer. He was just informed fairies are holding up the process on the inheritance, since his Grandmother passed away. Conditions have to be satisfied first per Grandmother Sturan, before any inheritance is given. If they do not meet these conditions, everything will go to their cousin, Lord Eldin who they despise.
James is a professor and teaches Geology at the University. He met Elspeth MacArthur at the welcoming of King Charles. His first time visiting Scotland. A very forceful attraction between James and Elspeth happens there.
Elspeth will not settle for her intended marriage. She would rather remain a spinster. James loves teaching and is content as a bachelor. The last thing he is thinking of is getting involved with a woman. But the fairies have an entirely different plan.
This is the first book in the Whisky Lairds series. A delightful read. The vivid imagery for the setting is outstanding. The story may leave you wondering if there is any truth to folklore.
I received this book for free from ebook discovery. I volunteered to to review it and this is my honest review.
January 24, 2020
Laird of Twilight is an entertaining Scottish historical romance with a bit of fairy magic. This is the first book in the series, so while it is perfectly fine as a stand-alone, there is more story left for future books about the supporting characters in this book.
Recommended for mature readers: contains sex scenes.
“I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review."
Recommended for mature readers: contains sex scenes.
“I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review."
November 23, 2019
Very interesting paranormal story, to me. The pace is pretty steady although there is a slower pace at one point but it soon picks back up. The Fey are a mystery, are they real, good, bad, Elspeth is a definite believer in them and what an adventure to discover them she provides for James, the skeptic. Their story made a chuckle a bit, get angered a bit, sit on the edge of my seat in anticipation & a little bit of fairy fear, lol. I like Elspeth because she is independent, frank and a bit stubborn. James is great too and they have good chemistry. Love the ending and their magical experience and their happily ever after. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2020
This was a very enjoyable read. Historical romance in the highlands with a touch of fairy mystery made it hard to put this novel down. The need to meet the conditions of a will set the stage for a sceptical man of science to encounter a woman with ties the fairy world. I really enjoyed seeing all the characters sort it out their thoughts and feelings around objective reality and acknowledging that maybe things may not always be as they seem. In the end, most/all the pieces of the story made sense and there seem to be a HEA with lead in to a potential second novel. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
January 15, 2020
A captivating story with the fairies� magic! James MacCarran and Elspeth MacArthur were to live a magical adventure that would fulfill their destinies. Liked the interesting mystery, the intriguing fairy lore, Elspeth’s vivid and gifted character and the plot development that kept me reading and enjoying detailed and sometime suggestive and sensual descriptions and narrations. I was intrigued with Elspeth's premonitions that left me eager for the next story. Magic, fantasy, mystery, romance and passion. First book that I read by this author and liked it.
January 20, 2020
A good rendition of a historical romance with a paranormal twist. James is a pragmatist who does not believe in the things he cannot see or touch. His grandmother has set a task for him and his siblings that must be carried out. Elspeth has been hearing stories of fairies call her life. She is beautiful and guileless. These two are destined to be together but will take a lot of convincing to fulfill their future. This is a witty and enchanting read.
November 20, 2019
o k
I was really looking forward to reading this book as I love anything about the fay. the first chapter was excellent but after that it all went down hill . I just couldn't connect to the characters . a boring book that a couldn't finish
I was really looking forward to reading this book as I love anything about the fay. the first chapter was excellent but after that it all went down hill . I just couldn't connect to the characters . a boring book that a couldn't finish
October 25, 2010
don't like the premise
Want to read
April 3, 2011Just bought this from book depository :)
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