Series: Highland Brides, #9
Tropes & Traits: road trip; heroine on the run; Highlanders; forced proximity
Genre/Setting: Historical; Medieval; Scottish Highlands
Publication Date: 01.26.20
Heat Level: 3/5
Rating: 5 stars
Lady Elysande de Valance has barely escaped with her life after being beaten and imprisoned when her family’s home was attacked by a man her father called a friend. She’s thankful to have met up with her mother’s Scottish connections who have agreed to escort her to safety in the Highlands but is afraid they’ll consider her to be too much trouble and leave her behind. Though her attacker pursues them in their flight, Elysande is surprised to find herself feeling safe and comforted by their leader, Rory Buchanan.
Rory has been too occupied with learning all he can about remedies and healing to be bothered with finding a wife. But when he is asked to see a “treasure” belonging to a family friend safely delivered to the Highlands, he’s shocked to learn the parcel is in fact a lovely woman on the run from desperate enemies and hiding bruises beneath a heavy veil. Rory is determined to view her as a healer only, to treat her injuries and keep her safe, but he increasingly finds himself losing his heart to her.
I loved this book. It was a classic Sands Highlander romance and exactly what I needed right now. This is actually the first book I’ve really savored in quite some time. I’ve long looked forward to Rory’s story as he has always been solidly in the background helping his brothers to their HEA’s and I just knew he’d make a great strong yet sensitive hero. He did not disappoint. Elysande’s stubbornness was a bit frustrating at times, but only served to highlight Rory’s patience and how truly well-suited he was to her, plus her hesitance was very justified given what she had just been through. I love seeing Rory and Elysande get to know each other and develop the trust between them through the challenges they encountered and sheer forced proximity. There is some on the road routine in which some scenes are similar in terms of action, but for me this was where the MC’s got to know each other and discuss things they had in common, as well as where the romance took root, so I never felt bogged down.
The villain may have been handled fairly easily here, more so than in previous books in the series, but that smoothness and light was just what I needed. This was sweet and steam and two people who wanted to be together and didn’t bother playing games about it, which really worked for me. This had some of Sands’ characteristic banter and cuteness, but also some elements of suspense along with a sweet romance. It was also delightful to see some of the other Buchanan brothers again. This is one of my favorite fictional families and I look forward to Alick’s story now even as I’m sad that we only have one sibling left to get his HEA.
I thoroughly enjoy these types of Highlander romances and wish we got more of them as new releases. Also, I have to say this is one of my favorite covers ever. If you’re stressed and need to escape and wind down, this is your book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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