Protector in a Kilt

August 18, 2023

💖💖💖💖💖/5

Protector in a Kilt by Kait Nolan, book four in her Kilted Hearts series, is former special forces operative Ewan McBride and talented violinist Elizabeth (aka Isobel) Duncan’s story, the woman who claimed his heart. Elizabeth only has her music, as she is under tight control of the manager/agent her mother signed with when Elizabeth was twelve years old. When his strict authority threatens her physical well-being, Elizabeth runs away. Her running finds her on a deserted road in a thunderstorm, and having a tree crash onto the car she was driving; Ewan McBride discovers her and takes her to his home in a small village near Inverness. He tends to her wounds, and realizing she's running from something, vows to keep her safe. Ewan has felt adrift, haunted by his past and searching for purpose. Encountering Isobel brings out his caring heart and protective side, as Ewan knows he will risk everything to protect her and keep her safe.

Having been brave enough to leave and start over, Elizabeth, now Isobel, becomes part of both the extended McBride family and the village of Glenlaig. Ewan's special forces training keeps Isobel safe, and the rag-tag family of The Stag's Head, Ewan's pub, welcome her as one of their own; providing a place where she can belong, with a group of people offering her the love and support she has not had in a long time. As they get to know one another, lines are crossed; their chemistry sparks and sizzles, as love grows between Ewan and Isobel. But Isobel is always waiting for her past to catch up with her and destroy the new start she's made for herself. When danger does find them Ewan will do whatever he has to do keep her safe. Their journey toward healing, as they also find a deep and forever love, is moving and inspiring.

Ms. Nolan wrote an emotional, heartwarming story providing her characters with empowerment, resilience, and the redemptive power of love. With themes of community, found family, and new beginnings, this charming, heartwarming, phenomenal read is a must read. I highly recommend Protector in a Kilt to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.