cover image The Highlander’s Christmas Bride (Clan Kendrick #2)

The Highlander’s Christmas Bride (Clan Kendrick #2)

Vanessa Kelly. Zebra, $7.99 mass market (424p) ISBN 978-1-4201-4703-2

Kelly’s second Clan Kendrick Regency (after The Highlander Who Protected Me) lacks appeal. Widower Logan Kendrick is on the point of concluding a business deal with the Earl of Riddick when he agrees to escort Riddick’s grandniece, Donella Haddon, to her family home, where she’ll be helping to prepare Christmas and Hogmanay festivities (the only hint of holiday spirit in the story). He expects a quiet ride with the young woman, but is instead attacked by would-be kidnappers. Donella refuses to explain why someone would want to abduct her, only saying that her family will take care of the matter as soon as they reach her home. Though she’s known to have broken the rules of society a time or two, she hypocritically scolds Logan for what she considers improper behavior. However, the brawny Highlander finds her more intriguing than infuriating. There’s not much chemistry between the two, but Donella builds a loving relationship with Logan’s son, Joseph, which enforces proximity with Logan that passes for romantic development. The lack of flirtation makes this more of a familial drama, and romance fans are unlikely to find it to their tastes. [em]Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency. (Nov.) [/em]