Series: Four Horsemen of the Highlands, #3
Traits & Tropes: highlander; warrior hero; fake marriage; widow; forced proximity
Publication Date: 05.24.23
Genre/Setting: Historical; Medieval; Scottish Lowlands, Fall 1332
Heat Level: 2
Rating: 5 stars
Highland farmer turned soldier Tavish MacNeal is on the run after escaping execution by Scotland's usurper King Balliol. Passing through the lowlands and attempting to draw as little notice as possible, Tavish still can't help but intervene when a contingent of Balliol's soldier's harass the widowed alewife in running the alehouse he's visiting. Lorraine Bronson has to think quickly to keep them both safe from the soldiers, and this means claiming that she and Tavish are newlyweds. When the soldiers make camp on Lorraine's land and look to be settling in for a while, Tavish has to go along with her quick-thinking much longer than either of them planned and soon they both realize that their fake marriage is kindling real feelings.
Lorraine has managed to keep her alehouse going on her own for four years now, and she feels horrible to have trapped the stranger who rescued her into this elaborate lie. When she learns he's a wanted fugitive, she realizes she may be in danger as well, and that her heart is just as much at risk as she seems to be rapidly falling for a man who's made it clear he cannot stay with her.
It has taken me a ridiculously long time to finish anything lately as I somehow seem to have lost some of the joy I have always found in reading. However, none of that is this book’s fault as it was a fantastic story. After losing everything and witnessing the horrors of war firsthand, Tavish MacNeal is afraid to lose his heart or anyone he cares for ever again. His solution is not to allow anyone to get too close, nut widowed alewife Lorraine makes that impossible. Their story delves into the idea of community and what truly makes a place home, something I found to be very relatable. I loved how gentle and open these two were with one another and the fast pace of the ending helped keep me invested. This turbulent time in Scottish history can be anxiety-inducing for me, but I also love the hopeful feeling I’m left with after reading about characters who have faced so much and remain resilient and steadfast in their love stories. Also, for the first time in quite a while I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. Here’s hoping that this is the first step in leaving the slump behind.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3207065178
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5682545689
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