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The Highlands#3.5
A Highland Christmas
Single dad Dr. Haydyn Barr will do anything for his son, Michael. Having raised him alone since he was a baby, every decision he’s made has been for his child. So when Michael decides Kenna Smith is the perfect new nanny for him, Haydyn finds he can’t object, even though he’d decided to reject her application as soon as they met. After all, being undeniably attracted to his kid’s nanny isn’t the temptation he needs in his life.
After a traumatic year, Kenna Smith is looking for a safe place to land, and no place feels safer than with Haydyn and his son. Michael is affectionate and easy-going, and Haydyn is the kind of father she wishes every child had. However, Haydyn also seems determined to keep some distance between them. She knows it’s because he’s afraid of their chemistry. Kenna just doesn’t know if it’s because attraction is all he feels, or if, like her, it’s turned into something much more complicated than desire.
However, when Haydyn allows Michael to spend his first Christmas with the mother that’s newly re-entered his life, he finds himself all alone. Upon discovering Kenna is also going to be lonely in a cold rental during a snowstorm, he insists she stay with him.
Snowed-in together on Christmas Eve, the temptation is just too much and they give in to what’s been sparking between them for months. But come morning, they’ll have to decide if what they have is just for Christmas… or forever.
After a traumatic year, Kenna Smith is looking for a safe place to land, and no place feels safer than with Haydyn and his son. Michael is affectionate and easy-going, and Haydyn is the kind of father she wishes every child had. However, Haydyn also seems determined to keep some distance between them. She knows it’s because he’s afraid of their chemistry. Kenna just doesn’t know if it’s because attraction is all he feels, or if, like her, it’s turned into something much more complicated than desire.
However, when Haydyn allows Michael to spend his first Christmas with the mother that’s newly re-entered his life, he finds himself all alone. Upon discovering Kenna is also going to be lonely in a cold rental during a snowstorm, he insists she stay with him.
Snowed-in together on Christmas Eve, the temptation is just too much and they give in to what’s been sparking between them for months. But come morning, they’ll have to decide if what they have is just for Christmas… or forever.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2024
About the author
Samantha Young
106books27kfollowersSamantha is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and a Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee. Samantha has written over 60 books and is published in 31 countries. She writes emotional and angsty romance, often set where she resides—in her beloved home country Scotland. Samantha splits her time between her family, writing and chasing after two very mischievous cavapoos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 29, 2024
I loved the two books in this series already so I was expecting to love this novella, and I just didn’t sadly. This had so much potential: Scottish Highlands setting (like the entire series), single dad hero + nanny heroine, snowed in/forced proximity.
I’m someone who loves novellas, but this just wasn’t it. This is 70 pages and it just fell super flat. We get a lot of telling instead of showing for the couple, so I didn’t believe/feel their connection or chemistry. And then the time hops, jumping three months in the past and then ahead to present day, just didn’t do the story any favors either. The story just felt disjointed because of the hops around. I wasn’t a fan of how the drama unfolds with his ex/the mother of his son either. Meh, this just wasn’t for me, but at least the main books in the series have worked I guess.
I’m someone who loves novellas, but this just wasn’t it. This is 70 pages and it just fell super flat. We get a lot of telling instead of showing for the couple, so I didn’t believe/feel their connection or chemistry. And then the time hops, jumping three months in the past and then ahead to present day, just didn’t do the story any favors either. The story just felt disjointed because of the hops around. I wasn’t a fan of how the drama unfolds with his ex/the mother of his son either. Meh, this just wasn’t for me, but at least the main books in the series have worked I guess.
January 25, 2024
I enjoyed this novella so much. It's so sweet and romantic, that I'm now puddle on the floor, literally.
January 7, 2024
Short.
Sweet.
Sexy.
To the point.
70 pages, will take you 45mins.
I definitely recommend reading after Beyond The Thistles.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 3! 😭
Sweet.
Sexy.
To the point.
70 pages, will take you 45mins.
I definitely recommend reading after Beyond The Thistles.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 3! 😭
April 9, 2024
4 Stars
I loved this! For a novella, it really captured my heart and I loved the characters. I wish it had been a full book but I understand why it probably wasn't because there was a nanny/single dad in the Adair series. Still, it was sweet and sexy and a fun read.
I really hope we get a series in the future of all their kids as grown ups as I think that would be interesting and this novella seemed to hint that we might.
I loved this! For a novella, it really captured my heart and I loved the characters. I wish it had been a full book but I understand why it probably wasn't because there was a nanny/single dad in the Adair series. Still, it was sweet and sexy and a fun read.
I really hope we get a series in the future of all their kids as grown ups as I think that would be interesting and this novella seemed to hint that we might.
January 11, 2024
A Highland Christmas is a beautifully written novella in the Highlands series. This is such a sweet romance between Kenna and Haydyn. I loved them together, they were so precious and Kenna's relationship with Michael was so sweet and also Haydyn was such a great dad!
January 4, 2024
Wonderful novella in such a beautiful universe. I just love them!.
January 4, 2024
Amazing story!
I loved this story so much! Hayden and Kenna were fabulous together. I really enjoyed how their story played out.
I loved this story so much! Hayden and Kenna were fabulous together. I really enjoyed how their story played out.
January 13, 2024
Small Town Romance
2.5 🌟
This one didn’t grab me as much as I thought it would after reading the blurb. It’s a single dad trope, who falls for the nanny. It’s set over Christmas and has some flashback moments of when they first met. It’s not deep or intense but there is a little sadness from Kenna’s past. They make a cute couple and the epilogue was sweet.
2.5 🌟
This one didn’t grab me as much as I thought it would after reading the blurb. It’s a single dad trope, who falls for the nanny. It’s set over Christmas and has some flashback moments of when they first met. It’s not deep or intense but there is a little sadness from Kenna’s past. They make a cute couple and the epilogue was sweet.
February 25, 2024
A cute Christmas novella about one of our favourite secondary characters, Dr. Haydyn Barr, who’s been down on his luck finding love. That is, until he falls for his son’s beautiful and charming nanny, Kenna. This short story was really too brief to thoroughly develop these characters, but the storyline was still romantic and spicy enough for an entertaining read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶️🌶️/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶️🌶️/5
February 4, 2024
3 🌟's
eh it was alr
eh it was alr
March 11, 2024
A Little Christmas Joy always makes me smile 🥰
January 5, 2024
Haydyn and Kenna are a fun, spicy read perfect to get you into the holiday spirit. I loved glimmers of Haydyn in the first book in the Highland series and seeing him happy made me happy.
January 5, 2024
This short story managed to bring out all the feels. It was cute, steamy, and had a few small heartbreaking moments.
March 17, 2024
The Attractive Nanny
Needing a new nanny for his son, Haydyn is not going to employ the young attractive Kenna, until his son chooses her. A sudden snow storm leaves them together at Christmas, and their relationship changes.
Delightful characters and a selfish mother, makes this a Christmas to remember. Lovely short story, steamy and enjoyable.
Needing a new nanny for his son, Haydyn is not going to employ the young attractive Kenna, until his son chooses her. A sudden snow storm leaves them together at Christmas, and their relationship changes.
Delightful characters and a selfish mother, makes this a Christmas to remember. Lovely short story, steamy and enjoyable.
January 7, 2024
A sweet meant-to-be Christmas love story set in the Scottish highlands with poignant moments. The type of novella that is perfect as it is yet you're still greedy for more because of the loveable characters.
January 4, 2024
Loved it!!
January 4, 2024
A cute short read! I really liked Haydyn when he appeared in Sloan’s installment so glad we got a glimpse of his story. Kenna was the perfect addition to the Barr family.
January 7, 2024
A Highland Christmas is the sweet little bonus for all of us Highlands and Adair Family series fans. Samantha Young gives her all, as usual, as Dr. Haydyn Barr and Kenna Smith become each other's forever when the esteemed professor and his nanny should have probably stayed boss and employee. But Haydyn knew right from the start that Kenna would capture his heart and that of his 10-year-old son, Michael. Although he resisted Kenna and couldn't quite forget a botched Halloween night, Christmas had a way of showing him that this woman was exactly what he deserved.
Haydyn and Kenna are truly wonderful together and apart but their sizzling pairing was incredibly sexy with that right touch of heart. Combine that with a beautiful epilogue and this reader was beyond happy. I was so glad that Haydyn finally found someone to love since his chances with both Regan Adair and Sloane Ironside, were clearly not meant to be. But Kenna matches his spirit, his giving nature and his big heart perfectly and I'm thrilled they found each other.
I do wonder, though, if Young will be writing the kids' stories at some point since Michael definitely had some girl issues and could be part of a messy triangle in the not-so-distant future. But in the meantime, grab this well-written and lovely novella. It's a perfect way to get to know some of the residents of Ardnoch that I have come to adore so much.
4 big stars!
Haydyn and Kenna are truly wonderful together and apart but their sizzling pairing was incredibly sexy with that right touch of heart. Combine that with a beautiful epilogue and this reader was beyond happy. I was so glad that Haydyn finally found someone to love since his chances with both Regan Adair and Sloane Ironside, were clearly not meant to be. But Kenna matches his spirit, his giving nature and his big heart perfectly and I'm thrilled they found each other.
I do wonder, though, if Young will be writing the kids' stories at some point since Michael definitely had some girl issues and could be part of a messy triangle in the not-so-distant future. But in the meantime, grab this well-written and lovely novella. It's a perfect way to get to know some of the residents of Ardnoch that I have come to adore so much.
4 big stars!
March 3, 2024
I was hoping Hayden would get his own standalone, so it was disappointing that his story was so short and underdeveloped. I get that there are so many pages an author has to work with in a novella. However, I’ve read novellas where the protagonists’ chemistry and sexual tension weredrippingthrough the pages (case in point:Afterburn). Hayden and Kenna’s relationship was lacking both heat and emotional connection. The novel opened with the two meeting each other and then jumped to five months later. It was frustrating that most of the romantic development occurred offline, save for one flashback to Halloween where they almost slept together. It felt jarring when they suddenly proclaimed that they loved one another after spending one weekend alone together. The sex scene also felt a little… mechanical. The one saving grace was how sweet and involved Hayden was as a single father (including the scene where he had to gently let his son down and tell him that his biological mother was moving to London).
January 24, 2024
5-star review A Highland Christmas (The Highlands #2.5) by Samantha Young
It was wonderful being back in the Scottish Highlands. Add in the fact that it is centred around my favourite holiday of the year, Christmas and our hero is a single dad, and I couldn’t wait..
From the first chapter to the last I was hooked on the story Ms. Young wove. This is Dr. Haydyn Barr and nanny Kenna Smith’s story as they find love at Ardnoch Estate.
As soon as Hayden sees Kenna, he wants her but knows if he hires her as his son Michael’s nanny it will be the talk of the village. However the heart wants who the heart wants and lines are crossed.
A Highland Christmas was a well written, romantic story that ticked all the boxes for me. The question is it a lasting love or just a fling?
One click and find out.
It was wonderful being back in the Scottish Highlands. Add in the fact that it is centred around my favourite holiday of the year, Christmas and our hero is a single dad, and I couldn’t wait..
From the first chapter to the last I was hooked on the story Ms. Young wove. This is Dr. Haydyn Barr and nanny Kenna Smith’s story as they find love at Ardnoch Estate.
As soon as Hayden sees Kenna, he wants her but knows if he hires her as his son Michael’s nanny it will be the talk of the village. However the heart wants who the heart wants and lines are crossed.
A Highland Christmas was a well written, romantic story that ticked all the boxes for me. The question is it a lasting love or just a fling?
One click and find out.
January 6, 2024
❤️📖 This is a shor novell, part of The Highlands series 📖❤️
Dr. Haydyn Barr finally finds his own happiness. He had no luch with Sloane and Monroe, but thanks his son he meets Kenna.
His son´s new nanny, young and beutifull.
And that is enough for him to be determined to stay away from her. But the chemistry is stronger. And Kenna is perfect with his Michael, who he never had a mum he deserved.
And after spending one night together Hayden must decide if he is ready to open his heart and alove himself to create a family with Kenna and make a whole family for Michael.
THis is a great (although short story) story where another character from Highlinds get his HEA. And it makes you more excited while waitting for the next story -Through the Glen.
5⭐
Dr. Haydyn Barr finally finds his own happiness. He had no luch with Sloane and Monroe, but thanks his son he meets Kenna.
His son´s new nanny, young and beutifull.
And that is enough for him to be determined to stay away from her. But the chemistry is stronger. And Kenna is perfect with his Michael, who he never had a mum he deserved.
And after spending one night together Hayden must decide if he is ready to open his heart and alove himself to create a family with Kenna and make a whole family for Michael.
THis is a great (although short story) story where another character from Highlinds get his HEA. And it makes you more excited while waitting for the next story -Through the Glen.
5⭐
January 7, 2024
4.5 'Nothing feels more real' Stars!
I wanted moooooooooore! Nothing better than to start the year reading some short stories from my favorite authors so I was all over the one Samantha Young has written about herThe Highlandsseries and sexy single dad Haydyn Barr.
I was so curious to see who finally got him all mixed up and this perfect Christmas novella was it. I loved Haydyn and Kenna together, I loved Michael and I loved the sweet and sexy chemistry between this couple. I just loved every word ofA Highland Christmasand I wanted more after finishing this beautiful short story. If you are a fan of the series, don't miss this glimpse at Haydyn, Kenna and Michael's happy ending!
I wanted moooooooooore! Nothing better than to start the year reading some short stories from my favorite authors so I was all over the one Samantha Young has written about herThe Highlandsseries and sexy single dad Haydyn Barr.
I was so curious to see who finally got him all mixed up and this perfect Christmas novella was it. I loved Haydyn and Kenna together, I loved Michael and I loved the sweet and sexy chemistry between this couple. I just loved every word ofA Highland Christmasand I wanted more after finishing this beautiful short story. If you are a fan of the series, don't miss this glimpse at Haydyn, Kenna and Michael's happy ending!
January 9, 2024
absolutely stunning, romantic Highlands novella
Haydyn finally gets his HEA! If you’ve read the Highland series books, you’ve met Haydyn. He just couldn’t get the girl………until now.
Kenna is looking for a fresh start so she applies as a nanny for Haydyn’s son, Michael. Haydyn feels Jenna is way to attractive and irresistible but Michael arrives home early and basically hires her. He loves her immediately. Kenna and Haydyn both have sadness and drama in their pasts and they truly are so perfect for each other to heal their hearts.
Such a warm, romantic story that can certainly be read as a stand alone but why would you NOT want to read all of the Highland Series books!?! You do. Believe me.
Haydyn finally gets his HEA! If you’ve read the Highland series books, you’ve met Haydyn. He just couldn’t get the girl………until now.
Kenna is looking for a fresh start so she applies as a nanny for Haydyn’s son, Michael. Haydyn feels Jenna is way to attractive and irresistible but Michael arrives home early and basically hires her. He loves her immediately. Kenna and Haydyn both have sadness and drama in their pasts and they truly are so perfect for each other to heal their hearts.
Such a warm, romantic story that can certainly be read as a stand alone but why would you NOT want to read all of the Highland Series books!?! You do. Believe me.
January 4, 2024
Samantha Young wrote it? ✅
It’s set in Scotland? ✅
Age gap / nanny romance? ✅
This sweet and spicy little novella was Christmas spirit and forbidden love and heartbreaking loss all wrapped up into a neat package. 📦 I couldn’t put this novella down!
Haydyn knew hiring a beautiful nanny to whom he was WILDLY attracted wasn’t a good idea; his son had other plans.
They tried to keep things professional, but they just couldn’t stay away from each other; their chemistry was palpable.
This can be read as a stand-alone, but it was fun to see all the connections from The Adair Family series and The Highlands series.
I feel like Samantha is setting us up for a love triangle between Lewis, Callie, and Michael and I’m here for it!!
It’s set in Scotland? ✅
Age gap / nanny romance? ✅
This sweet and spicy little novella was Christmas spirit and forbidden love and heartbreaking loss all wrapped up into a neat package. 📦 I couldn’t put this novella down!
Haydyn knew hiring a beautiful nanny to whom he was WILDLY attracted wasn’t a good idea; his son had other plans.
They tried to keep things professional, but they just couldn’t stay away from each other; their chemistry was palpable.
This can be read as a stand-alone, but it was fun to see all the connections from The Adair Family series and The Highlands series.
I feel like Samantha is setting us up for a love triangle between Lewis, Callie, and Michael and I’m here for it!!
January 14, 2024
Haydyn and Kenna know they have an attraction to each other. She wants to be his son, Michael's nanny. He doesn't want to hire her because he decides he would rather date her. When his son puts a change to his plans, Haydyn is left wondering what to do. Kenna knows she has to find out what their feelings for each other are. She begins to realize that she needs to let Haydyn explain an incident that had her feeling like she wasn't what he wanted. To say that he wasn't quite clear on his feelings was an understatement. It was a quick, easy read and I really did like both of them.
February 7, 2024
I missed that this wasn't a romantic suspense like the rest of the series. I know it would be hard to fit a mystery in under 40,000 words but I have faith Samantha could have done it. Like most novellas this left me wanting more. I felt like the middle of the story was missing. I didn’t feel like you really got to know the characters. I was surprised when Kenna’s age was mentioned (27). When she was introduced I pictured someone a lot younger. I guess because in the USA nannies are normally college aged. I don’t know if it’s common in other countries for nannies to be over 25.
February 14, 2024
A lovely short Christmas story. Hayden Barr lived with his son Michael near Ardnoch. Looking for a new nanny, Kenna Smith arrived for an interview. Straight away he knew she would be a bad idea to employ because the attraction was immediate. Unfortunately his son Michael came home and was instantly taken with her, and Hayden did anything to keep his son happy.
The struggle to keep his attraction under control was real, fortunately Kenna was having the same struggle! A fab story with a sad backstory on both sides, but will they find happiness in each other?
The struggle to keep his attraction under control was real, fortunately Kenna was having the same struggle! A fab story with a sad backstory on both sides, but will they find happiness in each other?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews