Series: Highland Brides, #10
Traits & Tropes: highlanders; hidden identity; arranged marriage; suspense/danger; grumpy sunshine
Publication Date: 01.25.22
Genre/Setting: Historical; Medieval; Scottish Highlands
Heat Level: 4.5
Rating: 5 stars
Since her betrothed was killed when they were both children, Lady Claray MacFarlane assumed she’d never marry, and she certainly didn’t imagine her grasping uncle forcing her to marry a stranger. That’s exactly what would’ve happened if not for the mysterious warrior who rescued her just before the ceremony.
Known as the Wolf, a skilled and sought-after mercenary, Claray is unsure what to make of her rescuer, but she can’t help but appreciate his attractiveness and obvious intelligence. Little does she know, he is also her betrothed, having been living in hiding all this time and not dead at all. He’s spent the last twelve years earning enough money to rebuild his home and take his place as laird, fulfilling his marriage contract with Claray in the process. But all too quickly, he finds himself losing his heart to his lovely new bride and he’ll do anything to keep her safe and guard the future they’re building together.
This was a madcap Highland romp, with an old school highlander romance feel and I adored that. This one has a sweet, but at times silly heroine, a grumpy alpha hero, and plenty of the road trip shenanigans Sands is known for. The grumpy sunshine aspect is strong here and was very charming for me. I was happy to see that things started moving right along almost immediately at the start of this book. Sands has outdone herself with the craziness of this villain and the motive, but in a good way. I absolutely adore these more classic style highlander romances and this one hit the spot for me, holding my attention as nothing has in some time. Conall was just the right amount of gruff, yet sweetly protective and Claray had enough smarts and know-how to not be over the top in her sweetness and naivete. Claray’s care for animals was hilarious in the frequency with which she encountered injured creatures and in their abject devotion to her, but I loved that these animals also became characters in their own rights and had roles in the story. It was also lovely to spend some time with Ross and Anabel from the first book in the series as well. As is typical of highlander romances, the family ties were strong here and I really loved that we got that too. I found this, despite touching on some darker themes, to be a light, riotously entertaining story, and it’s a new, low angst comfort read for me. The ending was perhaps a little abrupt, but that still did not detract from my liking for the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/737901734
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4440081805
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