What do you think?
Rate this book
Highland Brides #12
The Highlander's Return
10hrs 8mins.
Graeme Gunn is a warrior through and through. Content for his brother William to hold the title of clan chief, he left home years ago, battling his way through Scotland as a mercenary. When news arrives of William’s death, Graeme is forced to return to everything he left behind, including his brother’s shy young widow, Annella Mackay. But the beautiful, determined woman he finds at the keep is nothing like the quiet virgin he remembers…
Annella Mackay once had hopes for a loving marriage, a dream that shattered when her husband abandoned her. Hiding her pain, she took on the responsibilities of both laird and lady for the Gunn clan with spirit. But when she learns her husband is dead, she realizes she finally has a chance at a new dream, and she won’t let anything deter her plans. Not even Graeme, no matter how strong her attraction to the gruff and stubborn warrior…
It's a clash of will and passion unlike anything they’ve known, especially when Graeme decides to stay and claim his title. But as the clan faces the threat of a hidden enemy, Graeme and Annella must fight for their home together…and they realize they are also fighting for their love.
Graeme Gunn is a warrior through and through. Content for his brother William to hold the title of clan chief, he left home years ago, battling his way through Scotland as a mercenary. When news arrives of William’s death, Graeme is forced to return to everything he left behind, including his brother’s shy young widow, Annella Mackay. But the beautiful, determined woman he finds at the keep is nothing like the quiet virgin he remembers…
Annella Mackay once had hopes for a loving marriage, a dream that shattered when her husband abandoned her. Hiding her pain, she took on the responsibilities of both laird and lady for the Gunn clan with spirit. But when she learns her husband is dead, she realizes she finally has a chance at a new dream, and she won’t let anything deter her plans. Not even Graeme, no matter how strong her attraction to the gruff and stubborn warrior…
It's a clash of will and passion unlike anything they’ve known, especially when Graeme decides to stay and claim his title. But as the clan faces the threat of a hidden enemy, Graeme and Annella must fight for their home together…and they realize they are also fighting for their love.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2024
About the author
Lynsay Sands
115 books11.9k followersLYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author who is known for her hysterical historicals as well as the popular Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series. With her witty and charming personality, Sands describes books as, “Waking dreams or stories, tales to amuse, entertain and distract us from everyday life.” She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there are occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Visit her official website at www.lynsaysands.net.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
August 19, 2024
4.5 stars - Once again, snaps to the cover design artist for understanding the vibe correctly & channeling it so well. This is campy, this is fun, this is murderous - just all around a great example of this flavor of book from LS
October 7, 2024
HIGHLANDER romance that delivers!! He returns home to find his brother’s widow looking mighty fiiiine 🏴⚔️🤍
Graeme returns home from war only to discover his brother has disappeared & the young widow Annella has been left to run the entire keep. He falls in love immediately but of course has to rationalize the convenience of their relationship 💍 Highlander special with sprinkle of humor and afternoon thirsts!
Ingredients for a classic Highlander romance:
🏴 shirtless cover
🏴 marriage of convenience after thirst in the meadow
🏴 murder plot!
🏴 independent & fiery fmc
🏴 someone is shot with an arrow during sex
🏴 possessive & passionate mmc
🏴 strong familial ties
YOU WILL LOVE HER TOO! Annella was the definition of ’making the best out of a bad situation’. She was a laird, a medic, a wife and servant. She was THAT girl and everyone loved her! 🤍🤍
So many hilarious moments! From Graeme trying to entrap HIMSELF into a marriage to Annella actually forgetting about her long lost husband. Expectations were definitely met with this lighthearted Highlander romance!
Highly recommend the audiobook! The narrator has a Scottish accent and that’s that.
highlanders
possessive mmc
healer fmc
he falls first
Scottish vibes 🏰
virgin fmc
passionate thirsts
sick bed
evil MIL
HEA
Graeme returns home from war only to discover his brother has disappeared & the young widow Annella has been left to run the entire keep. He falls in love immediately but of course has to rationalize the convenience of their relationship 💍 Highlander special with sprinkle of humor and afternoon thirsts!
Ingredients for a classic Highlander romance:
🏴 shirtless cover
🏴 marriage of convenience after thirst in the meadow
🏴 murder plot!
🏴 independent & fiery fmc
🏴 someone is shot with an arrow during sex
🏴 possessive & passionate mmc
🏴 strong familial ties
YOU WILL LOVE HER TOO! Annella was the definition of ’making the best out of a bad situation’. She was a laird, a medic, a wife and servant. She was THAT girl and everyone loved her! 🤍🤍
So many hilarious moments! From Graeme trying to entrap HIMSELF into a marriage to Annella actually forgetting about her long lost husband. Expectations were definitely met with this lighthearted Highlander romance!
Highly recommend the audiobook! The narrator has a Scottish accent and that’s that.
highlanders
possessive mmc
healer fmc
he falls first
Scottish vibes 🏰
virgin fmc
passionate thirsts
sick bed
evil MIL
HEA
July 9, 2024
I loved this - the chemistry, the humor, the mystery, the hot romance! Both Graeme Gunn, the returned middle brother of her deceased husband, and Annella Mackay, the widow who acted as laird and healer, were likable characters. I also enjoyed the secondary characters - her family and his mercenary brother-in-arms. I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a sexy Highlander story.
July 18, 2024
Although this is book 12 in this series, you will have no need to read the others first. I do hope you choose to read because all of them are pretty darn good light reads!
As I said, this was a light and quite funny read with an excellent mystery added. All of this series has a mystery, and in this one, I found it a little harder to figure out the red herring than I usually do.
Poor Annelle. Her husband deserts her on her wedding night to go on a pilgrimage; several weeks later, her father-in-law suffers an accident, which forces her to take care of the keep and all of the responsibilities attached to it. Six years later, she is still doing all that and being the healer for everyone. Add to this her mother-in-law actively hates her, and there you have a miserable Annelle.
Graeme, Annelles brother-in-law, suddenly arrives home after being a mercenary for ten years and searching for William or his body. He is also bringing her husband William's bones.
But never fear; soon, passion rears its wonderful head, and things proceed from there. And yes, even after a lot of injuries and accidents, we do get a happily-ever-after!
This is a very fast read, heavy on "romance" and mystery. Annelle is a wonderfully strong woman, and of course, Graeme is a wonderfully sexy Scot.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Avon/HarperCollins, the author, and NetGalley.
As I said, this was a light and quite funny read with an excellent mystery added. All of this series has a mystery, and in this one, I found it a little harder to figure out the red herring than I usually do.
Poor Annelle. Her husband deserts her on her wedding night to go on a pilgrimage; several weeks later, her father-in-law suffers an accident, which forces her to take care of the keep and all of the responsibilities attached to it. Six years later, she is still doing all that and being the healer for everyone. Add to this her mother-in-law actively hates her, and there you have a miserable Annelle.
Graeme, Annelles brother-in-law, suddenly arrives home after being a mercenary for ten years and searching for William or his body. He is also bringing her husband William's bones.
But never fear; soon, passion rears its wonderful head, and things proceed from there. And yes, even after a lot of injuries and accidents, we do get a happily-ever-after!
This is a very fast read, heavy on "romance" and mystery. Annelle is a wonderfully strong woman, and of course, Graeme is a wonderfully sexy Scot.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Avon/HarperCollins, the author, and NetGalley.
October 3, 2024
This one was tough to rate. Either 2 or 3 stars so I'll settle for 2.5 but rounded down.
I like the high steam (the reason for the 3 stars) because that was unexpected but I didn't like how formulaic the book is (the reason for the 2 stars). If you've read a book from this series, then you've most likely discovered that Lynsay Sands follows a formula for the majority of the books in this series. The villains were predictable in this book and it was just a matter of waiting for them to get caught.
There's something about the writing style that makes these characters sound dumb or lack common sense. I'm either rolling my eyes or grinding my teeth most of the time. Hence, the 2.5 stars.
I like the high steam (the reason for the 3 stars) because that was unexpected but I didn't like how formulaic the book is (the reason for the 2 stars). If you've read a book from this series, then you've most likely discovered that Lynsay Sands follows a formula for the majority of the books in this series. The villains were predictable in this book and it was just a matter of waiting for them to get caught.
There's something about the writing style that makes these characters sound dumb or lack common sense. I'm either rolling my eyes or grinding my teeth most of the time. Hence, the 2.5 stars.
November 9, 2024
Thank you Madame Lynsay Sands for supporting me through yet another nail-biting election cycle 🙏🏼 This was step up from last year’s entry to the series, so snaps for that🫰🏼
October 21, 2024
2.5⭐
This was a super quick read, but not the best historical romance I've ever read.
I picked this book up because the synopsis really intrigued me. Sadly, for this being a romance, at no point did I feel like our main characters were ever in love. Although there was physical chemistry (and quite a lot of spice), the romantic chemistry was close to zero.
The main relationship also moved very quickly, and the book felt more like a (very obvious) mystery by the end, although I did end up appreciating the reveals...
This was a super quick read, but not the best historical romance I've ever read.
I picked this book up because the synopsis really intrigued me. Sadly, for this being a romance, at no point did I feel like our main characters were ever in love. Although there was physical chemistry (and quite a lot of spice), the romantic chemistry was close to zero.
The main relationship also moved very quickly, and the book felt more like a (very obvious) mystery by the end, although I did end up appreciating the reveals...
October 16, 2024
I just love this author
Her books always make me feel goo. Well most of them but there are,a couple who have disgusting heroes. I still read them but this one was so very cute! I loved the strong heroine. The hero was swoonworthy and the ending was too cute. I loved the dynamics between them. She was an amazing laird and I loved how he loved her. This series has had some hits and misses but this one was awesome. The final reveal about her husband was sad but I think Graeme was the perfect match.I love this author!
Her books always make me feel goo. Well most of them but there are,a couple who have disgusting heroes. I still read them but this one was so very cute! I loved the strong heroine. The hero was swoonworthy and the ending was too cute. I loved the dynamics between them. She was an amazing laird and I loved how he loved her. This series has had some hits and misses but this one was awesome. The final reveal about her husband was sad but I think Graeme was the perfect match.I love this author!
September 30, 2024
As non-native English speaker, it's always fascinating to see north-americans writing british people, particularly when it comes to their dialects. Really, I have never seen a latinamerican author write dialogue between spanish characters with their distinctive 'ceceo' or spanish authors writing latinamerican people with their 'lambdacismo'
In truth, I kinda hate it. It reads as fetishization or mocking.
Maybe I should give up with Lynsay Sands. This is the third book by her I've tried and so far, I'm not impressed. The woman has been writing for decades and her narration is still lacking to this day. She's repetitive, employs the 'tell, don't show' way too much and her writing kinda reads like the descriptions of actions one would find in a personal diary. And that's fine, I don't read smutty highlander books with the intention of being enraptured by the prose...but still!
To be fair, I was having a good time at first with this story. The smut hit pretty early on, at the 20% mark, and when that would've normally been a deterrent since it shows poorly built tension, I didn't mind it here. The problem is that, for the most part, this book had no plot; the main couple gets married before the 50% mark and it was like Lynsay realized that if she didn't pull a conflict out of the air, that would be the end, so she decided to introduce some murder plot executed by a caricature villain that you can point out pretty much from the get go.
Some of the plotlines and characters were poorly constructed as well. One of the main villains is only ever talked about and shows up only once, when they get killed. Another is described as annoying and irritating but the main characters just seem to find them so, therefore so should the reader. Not many of their actions really displayed the traits assigned to them.
Another thing to point out is that this book was casually misogynistic. It's set in medieval times so that is to be expected but there were just some things that threw me back to the early 2010's when there was this 'not like other girls' craze. The heroine is constantly idolized by the hero because she's not emotional like other women, because she's not whiny or weak or feeble or whatever other nonsense that makes women the inferior sex.
But what is probably the worst sin is the fact that this is a romance book with no romance! One of the biggest issues with this story is that there's no communication between the main couple. This is even acknowledged by the heroine! The only interactions the main characters have are sexual in nature. We're supposed to believe they find emotional connection when they don't even share passions, or dreams or fears or really anything outside of lust. The romance was so lackluster in this, it was honestly disappointing.
Anyway, I didn't hate the book. I can at least say it was semi-entertaining but I attribute the few positive feelings I feel towards it to the fact that I really liked the one I read before this, so it's probably something more of a halo effect than anything else. The sex scenes were hot, I guess.
In truth, I kinda hate it. It reads as fetishization or mocking.
Maybe I should give up with Lynsay Sands. This is the third book by her I've tried and so far, I'm not impressed. The woman has been writing for decades and her narration is still lacking to this day. She's repetitive, employs the 'tell, don't show' way too much and her writing kinda reads like the descriptions of actions one would find in a personal diary. And that's fine, I don't read smutty highlander books with the intention of being enraptured by the prose...but still!
To be fair, I was having a good time at first with this story. The smut hit pretty early on, at the 20% mark, and when that would've normally been a deterrent since it shows poorly built tension, I didn't mind it here. The problem is that, for the most part, this book had no plot; the main couple gets married before the 50% mark and it was like Lynsay realized that if she didn't pull a conflict out of the air, that would be the end, so she decided to introduce some murder plot executed by a caricature villain that you can point out pretty much from the get go.
Some of the plotlines and characters were poorly constructed as well. One of the main villains is only ever talked about and shows up only once, when they get killed. Another is described as annoying and irritating but the main characters just seem to find them so, therefore so should the reader. Not many of their actions really displayed the traits assigned to them.
Another thing to point out is that this book was casually misogynistic. It's set in medieval times so that is to be expected but there were just some things that threw me back to the early 2010's when there was this 'not like other girls' craze. The heroine is constantly idolized by the hero because she's not emotional like other women, because she's not whiny or weak or feeble or whatever other nonsense that makes women the inferior sex.
But what is probably the worst sin is the fact that this is a romance book with no romance! One of the biggest issues with this story is that there's no communication between the main couple. This is even acknowledged by the heroine! The only interactions the main characters have are sexual in nature. We're supposed to believe they find emotional connection when they don't even share passions, or dreams or fears or really anything outside of lust. The romance was so lackluster in this, it was honestly disappointing.
Anyway, I didn't hate the book. I can at least say it was semi-entertaining but I attribute the few positive feelings I feel towards it to the fact that I really liked the one I read before this, so it's probably something more of a halo effect than anything else. The sex scenes were hot, I guess.
August 22, 2024
As the second son, Graeme Gunn left home to make his way as a mercenary. For the last ten years he has battled all over Scotland until he was sent to find his missing brother by his sister-in-laws family. Upon locating his brother's body, Graeme is forced to bring him home and face the family who never loved him and his brother's young widow.
Annella Mackay married into the Gunn family at a very young age. And with her husband deciding to go on a pilgrimage the day after their wedding, she was forced to become laird to the Gunn people along with chatelaine and healer. So when her brother-in-law returns she finds herself in a difficult position wishing to leave Gunn immediately, but wary of leaving the people who have become a second family to her.
A Lynsay Sands Highlander novel is one of the reasons I adore this sub genre of historical romance so much. From her brawny (quite often cinnamon role) MCs and strong FMCs, I am always, always, always drawn into the story. She brings the perfect amount of drama, sibling shenanigans, and we know someone is inevitably going to be poisoned or possible shot by an arrow.
I loved how Annella was painted as the sweet demure sister Payton described and the moment Graeme sees her she is sewing up a knife wound and hitting the man over the head with a pot in order to get him to stop squawking. I couldn't stop laughing at Annella deciding to seduce Graeme, when he was attempting to woo her. And after a successful seduction she would not marry him out of honour because she had been the one doing the seducing. Setting Graeme to try and get them caught in a compromising enough position to get Annella to marry him. And her poor brother Payton was dragged into it and promised that he would only be catching them part way to a full compromising. It made me actually giggle when the attempts were foiled more than once.
Lynsay Sands was the first highlander romance author I read and since then few authors have come close to the level of joy reading her novels brings me. I truly hope this is a series that keeps going and going because we definitely have some characters who I would love to see have books. I am looking at you remaining single Buchanan brother Alick and Payton MacKay! Thank you to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Annella Mackay married into the Gunn family at a very young age. And with her husband deciding to go on a pilgrimage the day after their wedding, she was forced to become laird to the Gunn people along with chatelaine and healer. So when her brother-in-law returns she finds herself in a difficult position wishing to leave Gunn immediately, but wary of leaving the people who have become a second family to her.
A Lynsay Sands Highlander novel is one of the reasons I adore this sub genre of historical romance so much. From her brawny (quite often cinnamon role) MCs and strong FMCs, I am always, always, always drawn into the story. She brings the perfect amount of drama, sibling shenanigans, and we know someone is inevitably going to be poisoned or possible shot by an arrow.
I loved how Annella was painted as the sweet demure sister Payton described and the moment Graeme sees her she is sewing up a knife wound and hitting the man over the head with a pot in order to get him to stop squawking. I couldn't stop laughing at Annella deciding to seduce Graeme, when he was attempting to woo her. And after a successful seduction she would not marry him out of honour because she had been the one doing the seducing. Setting Graeme to try and get them caught in a compromising enough position to get Annella to marry him. And her poor brother Payton was dragged into it and promised that he would only be catching them part way to a full compromising. It made me actually giggle when the attempts were foiled more than once.
Lynsay Sands was the first highlander romance author I read and since then few authors have come close to the level of joy reading her novels brings me. I truly hope this is a series that keeps going and going because we definitely have some characters who I would love to see have books. I am looking at you remaining single Buchanan brother Alick and Payton MacKay! Thank you to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 9, 2024
☀️ARC REVIEW☀️
3.5⭐
After reading 3/11 books from this interconnected series (not including this one). I was really excited to start this book! And it did not disappoint.
Graeme our hero is back home after learning that his brother left and died on a pilgrimage. Annella the FMC had to quickly grow a backbone and act basically as laird after her husband left shortly after being wedded to her. Like literally right after the ceremony.
The last time Graeme saw Annella she was a young timid bride so imagine his surprise when upon setting his eyes on her again she was knocking a man out. He had to leave so he could laugh! I really liked Graeme. You'd think he'd be a cold soldier type after being at battle for so long but really he was laid back and just a little naive when it came to women specifically Annella's emotional and intellectual needs the physical stuff he had it down packed!
I loved Annella's character. She was tough as nails, independent, but she was also kind, and considerate of others. Not only did she feel lonely and insecure after her husband left but she had to deal with a monster in law. Still she pushed through it.
I really liked how the romance was set up however I wish it stayed that way. I feel like once he actually got married to her it stayed surface level compared to their first "date" where he laughed and actually listened to her thoughts. It just kind of stalled in the middle. My favorite thing about this series is how every MMC so far has a love at first sight type of reaction and Graeme is no different. He was already calling her wife in his inner monologue 🥰
This was a quick and fun read and I'll definitely be reading more from the series
✨tropes✨
🩶 Virgin FMC
🩶 He falls first
🩶 He takes care of her when she gets sick
I want to give a special thank you to the author and the publisher for an early ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.🩷
3.5⭐
After reading 3/11 books from this interconnected series (not including this one). I was really excited to start this book! And it did not disappoint.
Graeme our hero is back home after learning that his brother left and died on a pilgrimage. Annella the FMC had to quickly grow a backbone and act basically as laird after her husband left shortly after being wedded to her. Like literally right after the ceremony.
The last time Graeme saw Annella she was a young timid bride so imagine his surprise when upon setting his eyes on her again she was knocking a man out. He had to leave so he could laugh! I really liked Graeme. You'd think he'd be a cold soldier type after being at battle for so long but really he was laid back and just a little naive when it came to women specifically Annella's emotional and intellectual needs the physical stuff he had it down packed!
I loved Annella's character. She was tough as nails, independent, but she was also kind, and considerate of others. Not only did she feel lonely and insecure after her husband left but she had to deal with a monster in law. Still she pushed through it.
I really liked how the romance was set up however I wish it stayed that way. I feel like once he actually got married to her it stayed surface level compared to their first "date" where he laughed and actually listened to her thoughts. It just kind of stalled in the middle. My favorite thing about this series is how every MMC so far has a love at first sight type of reaction and Graeme is no different. He was already calling her wife in his inner monologue 🥰
This was a quick and fun read and I'll definitely be reading more from the series
✨tropes✨
🩶 Virgin FMC
🩶 He falls first
🩶 He takes care of her when she gets sick
I want to give a special thank you to the author and the publisher for an early ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.🩷
November 1, 2024
Греъм Гън и Адела (МакКей) Гън
Греъм е втори син, като такъв от него се очаква или да стане воин или да се отдаде на църквата. Той избира първият вариант и става наемник. До денят в който не среща Пейтън МакКей. Пейтън е брат на снахата на Греъм, Анела, която е омъжена за брат му Уилям, най-големият син, който след брака си преди 6 години е станал леърд. Изглежда брат му е изчезнал, решил да посети светите земи в Йерусалим. И изглежда не само Пейтън търси брат му, но и по-малкоят брат на Греъм, Давид също се е отправил на тази мисия. Тримата, заедно с двама близки до Греъм мъже отват да търсят Уилям и за нещастие намират само костите му. Греъм знае, че сега на него и на Пейтън предстои не леката задача да съобщят на Анела, че съпругът й е мъртъв... Анела обаче не плаче и не се тръшка, за изненада на всички, тя е щастлива от този факт.
Анела се омъжва за Уилям когато е на 16, и в първата им брачна нощ вместо да консумират бракът си, Уилям разрязва ръката си, за да изцапа чаршафите и напуска крепостта. По-късно дори е забелязан да язди извън крепостта с местната лека жена оставяйки бележка, че отива на поклонение във светите земи. За капак скоро след това, бащата на съпруга й пада по стълбите и е парализиран и едва може да говори, а майката на съпругът й е зла вещица, която се чуди как да вгорчи живота й. Сега 6 години по-късно Анела, която е била и леърд и икономка и лечителка в клана Гън разбира, че е вдовица и единственото, което иска е да се прибере при семейството си, където баща й да й уреди истински брак. Анела дори не подозира, че Греъм, новият леърд на клана Гън смята, че тя ще е идеална за негова съпруга, и няма никакво намерение да я пусне да си отиде.
Книгата беше адски забавна. Не съм се смяла така от много време докато чета книга. 6 години Анела се е блъскала за клана, да може хората да са щастливи, хазната пълна и всичко здрави. Анела работи ден след ден жертвайки съня си, жертвайки дори суетата си оставяйки дрехите й да овехтеят и да няма време да си набави нови. Греъм вижда колко добра работа е свършила Анела и тъй като е привлечен от нея, а и като леърд трябва да има деца и жена, идеята да вземе Анела за жена е перфектна. Само дето Анела не иска да остава в Гън, тъй че какво може да направи един мъж, за да задържи жената, която иска. Решава, да съблазни Адела, но тя продължава да отказва да се омъжи за него. По тази причина Греъм казва на брат й Пейтън, че е съблазнил сестра му и сега Пейтън трябва да ги хване в компрометираща ситуация... но колкото и да се опитват, Адела всеки път осуетява плановете им. Много се смях, докато Пейтън и приятелите на Греъм се опитваха да ги спипат в компрометираща ситуация.
А след това неизменно се започна и с опотите за покушение над живота им, защото все пак това е запазена марка на Линзи. Заподозрях злодеите и мотивите им от рано, но мислех, че авторката ще ги смени в последния момент, и се чудих кой и защо иска да ги убие, но на края се оказах права. Значи
Като цяло историята е много вълнуваща и черешката на тортата е, че родителите на Адела и Пейтън са не кой да е, а Анабел и Рос МакКей, главните герои от първата книга от поредицата, "An English Bride in Scotland " и освен Адела и Пейтън имат и още една дъщеря Кена. Определено очаквам книги за Кена и за Пейтън. Това е поредната прекрасна кнога от тази поредица. Четох я в аудио фирмат, и Angus King,с неговия секси шотландски броуг определено допринася за цялостното изживяване докато слушаш книгата. Адски съм доволна, надявам се Линзи скоро да ни зарадва с нова книга от тази поредица <3
Греъм е втори син, като такъв от него се очаква или да стане воин или да се отдаде на църквата. Той избира първият вариант и става наемник. До денят в който не среща Пейтън МакКей. Пейтън е брат на снахата на Греъм, Анела, която е омъжена за брат му Уилям, най-големият син, който след брака си преди 6 години е станал леърд. Изглежда брат му е изчезнал, решил да посети светите земи в Йерусалим. И изглежда не само Пейтън търси брат му, но и по-малкоят брат на Греъм, Давид също се е отправил на тази мисия. Тримата, заедно с двама близки до Греъм мъже отват да търсят Уилям и за нещастие намират само костите му. Греъм знае, че сега на него и на Пейтън предстои не леката задача да съобщят на Анела, че съпругът й е мъртъв... Анела обаче не плаче и не се тръшка, за изненада на всички, тя е щастлива от този факт.
Анела се омъжва за Уилям когато е на 16, и в първата им брачна нощ вместо да консумират бракът си, Уилям разрязва ръката си, за да изцапа чаршафите и напуска крепостта. По-късно дори е забелязан да язди извън крепостта с местната лека жена оставяйки бележка, че отива на поклонение във светите земи. За капак скоро след това, бащата на съпруга й пада по стълбите и е парализиран и едва може да говори, а майката на съпругът й е зла вещица, която се чуди как да вгорчи живота й. Сега 6 години по-късно Анела, която е била и леърд и икономка и лечителка в клана Гън разбира, че е вдовица и единственото, което иска е да се прибере при семейството си, където баща й да й уреди истински брак. Анела дори не подозира, че Греъм, новият леърд на клана Гън смята, че тя ще е идеална за негова съпруга, и няма никакво намерение да я пусне да си отиде.
Книгата беше адски забавна. Не съм се смяла така от много време докато чета книга. 6 години Анела се е блъскала за клана, да може хората да са щастливи, хазната пълна и всичко здрави. Анела работи ден след ден жертвайки съня си, жертвайки дори суетата си оставяйки дрехите й да овехтеят и да няма време да си набави нови. Греъм вижда колко добра работа е свършила Анела и тъй като е привлечен от нея, а и като леърд трябва да има деца и жена, идеята да вземе Анела за жена е перфектна. Само дето Анела не иска да остава в Гън, тъй че какво може да направи един мъж, за да задържи жената, която иска. Решава, да съблазни Адела, но тя продължава да отказва да се омъжи за него. По тази причина Греъм казва на брат й Пейтън, че е съблазнил сестра му и сега Пейтън трябва да ги хване в компрометираща ситуация... но колкото и да се опитват, Адела всеки път осуетява плановете им. Много се смях, докато Пейтън и приятелите на Греъм се опитваха да ги спипат в компрометираща ситуация.
А след това неизменно се започна и с опотите за покушение над живота им, защото все пак това е запазена марка на Линзи. Заподозрях злодеите и мотивите им от рано, но мислех, че авторката ще ги смени в последния момент, и се чудих кой и защо иска да ги убие, но на края се оказах права. Значи
Като цяло историята е много вълнуваща и черешката на тортата е, че родителите на Адела и Пейтън са не кой да е, а Анабел и Рос МакКей, главните герои от първата книга от поредицата, "An English Bride in Scotland " и освен Адела и Пейтън имат и още една дъщеря Кена. Определено очаквам книги за Кена и за Пейтън. Това е поредната прекрасна кнога от тази поредица. Четох я в аудио фирмат, и Angus King,с неговия секси шотландски броуг определено допринася за цялостното изживяване докато слушаш книгата. Адски съм доволна, надявам се Линзи скоро да ни зарадва с нова книга от тази поредица <3
October 5, 2024
If you're in the mood for swoon-worthy Highlanders, laugh-out-loud moments, and a romance hotter than a bonfire in the Scottish Highlands, then *The Highlander’s Return* by Lynsay Sands is exactly the book you need in your life!
This tale brings the ever-so-charming Laird Niels Buchanan back home after years away, and oh my, has time been good to him. Enter Lady Isla, a headstrong, no-nonsense lass with a sharp wit and a heart of gold. Sparks fly the minute these two cross paths, and Sands weaves a delightful, humorous romance that had me grinning like a fool throughout.
One of the best parts of this book is the banter. Niels and Isla's witty back-and-forth had me giggling constantly. Take this gem for instance, when Isla sizes up Niels for the first time:
*"You might be big and brawny, but it takes more than muscles to win a lass's heart. You'll have to try harder than that, Laird."*
And boy, does Niels rise to the challenge!
But Sands doesn’t just give us laughs; she throws in some seriously swoon-worthy moments too. I practically melted when Niels, with all his Highlander charm, says:
*"I’ve traveled the world, fought battles, and faced danger—but none of it prepared me for the storm that is ye, lass."*
Cue the heart eyes.
What makes *The Highlander’s Return* even more enjoyable is the perfect balance between romance and adventure. There's plenty of action to keep the pace moving, with a dash of intrigue that keeps you hooked. The Scottish backdrop adds that extra bit of magic, and Sands’ attention to historical detail immerses you in the rugged beauty of the Highlands.
Lynsay Sands delivers everything you could want from a Highland romance—humor, heat, heart, and a couple you can’t help but root for. If you’re looking for a story that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and cheer all in one go, *The Highlander’s Return* is a must-read. Five stars and a Highlander-sized thumbs up!
📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from Avon and Harper Voyager publishing via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are cross-posted to social media, goodreads, and blog. 🦄
@avonbooks @HarperCollins
⭐️When possible reviews are cross-posted on the following:
✔️Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/jaime-loves...
✔️Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/25772...
✔️IG https://www.instagram.com/alphabookclub/
✔️Twitter @alpha_book_club
#Bookreview #MustRead #ReviewbyJaime #RomanceBooks
🦄
This tale brings the ever-so-charming Laird Niels Buchanan back home after years away, and oh my, has time been good to him. Enter Lady Isla, a headstrong, no-nonsense lass with a sharp wit and a heart of gold. Sparks fly the minute these two cross paths, and Sands weaves a delightful, humorous romance that had me grinning like a fool throughout.
One of the best parts of this book is the banter. Niels and Isla's witty back-and-forth had me giggling constantly. Take this gem for instance, when Isla sizes up Niels for the first time:
*"You might be big and brawny, but it takes more than muscles to win a lass's heart. You'll have to try harder than that, Laird."*
And boy, does Niels rise to the challenge!
But Sands doesn’t just give us laughs; she throws in some seriously swoon-worthy moments too. I practically melted when Niels, with all his Highlander charm, says:
*"I’ve traveled the world, fought battles, and faced danger—but none of it prepared me for the storm that is ye, lass."*
Cue the heart eyes.
What makes *The Highlander’s Return* even more enjoyable is the perfect balance between romance and adventure. There's plenty of action to keep the pace moving, with a dash of intrigue that keeps you hooked. The Scottish backdrop adds that extra bit of magic, and Sands’ attention to historical detail immerses you in the rugged beauty of the Highlands.
Lynsay Sands delivers everything you could want from a Highland romance—humor, heat, heart, and a couple you can’t help but root for. If you’re looking for a story that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and cheer all in one go, *The Highlander’s Return* is a must-read. Five stars and a Highlander-sized thumbs up!
📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from Avon and Harper Voyager publishing via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are cross-posted to social media, goodreads, and blog. 🦄
@avonbooks @HarperCollins
⭐️When possible reviews are cross-posted on the following:
✔️Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/jaime-loves...
✔️Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/25772...
✔️IG https://www.instagram.com/alphabookclub/
✔️Twitter @alpha_book_club
#Bookreview #MustRead #ReviewbyJaime #RomanceBooks
🦄
September 29, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I've been reading Lynsay Sands since high school and I still get excited when I see a new release in the catalog. Scottish romances, or "kilt-rippers" as I've come to call them, are my favorite subgenre. The Highland Brides series seems to scratch that Caledonian itch when I'm hankering for a deep European burr. After marrying off all the Buchanan siblings, we've reached the lesser known boughs of their family tree. The Highlander's Return was a peculiar romance with an off-kilter timetable. Our couple ignited their passion at the 25% mark and I was thrown off by their premature procreation. It's traditional for the kilt to come flying off closer to the halfway mark, but these too seemed eager to ditch the sporran.
The Highlander's Return features the unlikely couple of a dead laird's brother and the widow he left behind. He pretty much just bounced on his wedding day and chose to pursue the village lightskirt instead for six years! It was a creative set up to pair these two together, although I was less than enthused over the heroine's thought patterns. She was capable, smart, well-versed in running the castle but was ready to pack her bags as soon as she heard the news of her husband's passing. I didn't like the heroine's emotional unavailability and the murder subplot that has occurred in every single Highland Brides book. Can we please go a single volume without an arrow in soft flesh? I'm begging you!
Lynsay Sands books have always been a great comfort to me. They're easy to read and utilize my favorite tropes. I'll keep reading these books as long as she keeps writing them. They're a nice way to spend an afternoon. Just me, the Scottish countryside, and a big beefy Scot willing to turn his kilt into a picnic blanket. What else does a girl need but The Highlander's Return?
I've been reading Lynsay Sands since high school and I still get excited when I see a new release in the catalog. Scottish romances, or "kilt-rippers" as I've come to call them, are my favorite subgenre. The Highland Brides series seems to scratch that Caledonian itch when I'm hankering for a deep European burr. After marrying off all the Buchanan siblings, we've reached the lesser known boughs of their family tree. The Highlander's Return was a peculiar romance with an off-kilter timetable. Our couple ignited their passion at the 25% mark and I was thrown off by their premature procreation. It's traditional for the kilt to come flying off closer to the halfway mark, but these too seemed eager to ditch the sporran.
The Highlander's Return features the unlikely couple of a dead laird's brother and the widow he left behind. He pretty much just bounced on his wedding day and chose to pursue the village lightskirt instead for six years! It was a creative set up to pair these two together, although I was less than enthused over the heroine's thought patterns. She was capable, smart, well-versed in running the castle but was ready to pack her bags as soon as she heard the news of her husband's passing. I didn't like the heroine's emotional unavailability and the murder subplot that has occurred in every single Highland Brides book. Can we please go a single volume without an arrow in soft flesh? I'm begging you!
Lynsay Sands books have always been a great comfort to me. They're easy to read and utilize my favorite tropes. I'll keep reading these books as long as she keeps writing them. They're a nice way to spend an afternoon. Just me, the Scottish countryside, and a big beefy Scot willing to turn his kilt into a picnic blanket. What else does a girl need but The Highlander's Return?
September 29, 2024
2.75⭐ / 2.5🌶️
— vibezz
🏹 brother's widow
⚔️ friends with benefits
🏹 attempted murders obvsly
⚔️ 2nd gen
mini blurb — ✍🏻
After years searching for his missing older brother, Graeme is finally found his remains, he now have to step up and take the responsibility as Laird. But what is expecting at his castle is a feisty sister-in-law that took up the mantle of laird and healer.
//
that was cute and honestly you can never go wrong with LS's books.
You'll always find some brooding and strong-headed mmc with all his manly thinking, a little demure✨💅 fmc that's actually a freak in the sheets and let's not forget 3/4 random murder attempts just to make all the plot a little bubbly 🫧
lol
I was actually surprised to discover this one is a second gen book!!
Annella is none other than Ross and Annabel's daughter from book #1 (An English Bride in Scotland) omg
— vibezz
🏹 brother's widow
⚔️ friends with benefits
🏹 attempted murders obvsly
⚔️ 2nd gen
mini blurb — ✍🏻
After years searching for his missing older brother, Graeme is finally found his remains, he now have to step up and take the responsibility as Laird. But what is expecting at his castle is a feisty sister-in-law that took up the mantle of laird and healer.
//
that was cute and honestly you can never go wrong with LS's books.
You'll always find some brooding and strong-headed mmc with all his manly thinking, a little demure✨💅 fmc that's actually a freak in the sheets and let's not forget 3/4 random murder attempts just to make all the plot a little bubbly 🫧
lol
I was actually surprised to discover this one is a second gen book!!
Annella is none other than Ross and Annabel's daughter from book #1 (An English Bride in Scotland) omg
June 24, 2024
Disclaimer: I would like to note that I received this ARC with the mindset that I would provide an honest review.
I do not think there are enough words in the English dictionary to explain the excitement that I feel about getting to read and review this book. I have been reading Lynsay Sands books since the very beginning. I have read every single one of her books and she is an instant buy author for me. So thank you thank you thank you for the opportunity to read and review this arc.
If you have read any of Lynsay’s books before you will learn that they are interconnected standalones. Yes, they technically could be read out of order but I personally feel that you get the most enjoyment from these books by reading them in order. You really connect with the characters because they always seem to pop up in the other books.
In this story we learn more about Graeme, the warrior, as he returns home after learning that his brother is dead. When he left home, it was during the wedding of William and Annella and it seemed as though everyone would be happy. However, we learn very early in the book that this was not the case and the marriage between William and Annella is not what he believed. William abandoned his home and new wife the morning/night after his wedding and had not returned home. William was also suppose to be the clan chief, a title that Graeme was happy to have left to him, but instead, left Annella to serve as both lord and lady of their clan. This background is important to the development of the story as Graeme now has a choice to make.
I love it when the FMC can surprise the MMC when forced to recognize that their assumptions and opinions were wrong. He believes her to be a soft and sweet lady who was quiet and withdrawn. However, when we they are reintroduced she is putting a large man into his place and shows the readers how strong her character truly became in the 6 years they last saw one another. And with this strength, she is about to engage him in a battle of wit throughout this book as she challenges everything he thought he knew.
Lynsay write spicy stories with fun and engaging characters. There is humor throughout this book that makes this book all the more enjoyable. I absolutely love reading Lynsay Sands books and wish everyone had the opportunity to read them. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
I do not think there are enough words in the English dictionary to explain the excitement that I feel about getting to read and review this book. I have been reading Lynsay Sands books since the very beginning. I have read every single one of her books and she is an instant buy author for me. So thank you thank you thank you for the opportunity to read and review this arc.
If you have read any of Lynsay’s books before you will learn that they are interconnected standalones. Yes, they technically could be read out of order but I personally feel that you get the most enjoyment from these books by reading them in order. You really connect with the characters because they always seem to pop up in the other books.
In this story we learn more about Graeme, the warrior, as he returns home after learning that his brother is dead. When he left home, it was during the wedding of William and Annella and it seemed as though everyone would be happy. However, we learn very early in the book that this was not the case and the marriage between William and Annella is not what he believed. William abandoned his home and new wife the morning/night after his wedding and had not returned home. William was also suppose to be the clan chief, a title that Graeme was happy to have left to him, but instead, left Annella to serve as both lord and lady of their clan. This background is important to the development of the story as Graeme now has a choice to make.
I love it when the FMC can surprise the MMC when forced to recognize that their assumptions and opinions were wrong. He believes her to be a soft and sweet lady who was quiet and withdrawn. However, when we they are reintroduced she is putting a large man into his place and shows the readers how strong her character truly became in the 6 years they last saw one another. And with this strength, she is about to engage him in a battle of wit throughout this book as she challenges everything he thought he knew.
Lynsay write spicy stories with fun and engaging characters. There is humor throughout this book that makes this book all the more enjoyable. I absolutely love reading Lynsay Sands books and wish everyone had the opportunity to read them. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2024
Lynsay Sand's Highland Brides series is a knockout Highland Romance series that always leave me eagerly waiting for the next one. The Highlander's Return was no different. It was absolute perfection for this type of book and yet again an amazing page turner. All of these books are interconnected so beautifully together, yet they can be read as a stand alone.
Graeme is a warrior, a man's man, and back to be laird after years of mercenary work. Annella had a bad hand dealt to her with her marriage but managed it with grit and integrity taking on the responsibility of running everything after her loser husband, Graeme's brother, deserts her on their wedding night.
Through a series of incidents Graeme and Annella find each other but will they be able to navigate whomever is set to see them dead? I love that Graeme falls first. I love that Annella is a strong FMC. I love that they find each other. In short, I just loved this book.
Perfectly spicy highland romance at it's best. I am eagerly awaiting the next one already!
Graeme is a warrior, a man's man, and back to be laird after years of mercenary work. Annella had a bad hand dealt to her with her marriage but managed it with grit and integrity taking on the responsibility of running everything after her loser husband, Graeme's brother, deserts her on their wedding night.
Through a series of incidents Graeme and Annella find each other but will they be able to navigate whomever is set to see them dead? I love that Graeme falls first. I love that Annella is a strong FMC. I love that they find each other. In short, I just loved this book.
Perfectly spicy highland romance at it's best. I am eagerly awaiting the next one already!
July 1, 2024
I’ve been waiting for another Lynsay Sands Highlander romance novel! It was a wonderful read and I enjoyed the plot of the story. We have our heroine Annella and our hero Graeme, I enjoyed their little love story. It has mystery, plenty of romance, and some small action scenes. Annella is a hardworking woman who had to take care of business once her husband abandoned her on their wedding night. Graeme hasn’t been home in 6 years, last time he saw Annella, she was a timid young woman that had married his brother. Now he’s in for a rude awakening once he sees this woman who’s not the delicate girl anymore. Annella doesn’t know what to do with this Highlander who’s come to tell her news about his brother, the husband who left her all those years ago.
This wasn’t my favorite book out of the series, but it was still very fun to read. There were a couple times that I felt like the story wasn’t progressing as fast as I wanted it too. Also, the little plot twist was a great addition!
I received this book from NetGalley.
This wasn’t my favorite book out of the series, but it was still very fun to read. There were a couple times that I felt like the story wasn’t progressing as fast as I wanted it too. Also, the little plot twist was a great addition!
I received this book from NetGalley.
September 24, 2024
Yet again Lyndsay Sands shows me why she is my favorite author. In this adventure we meet Annella, a very strong willed and not your average woman. She married into the Gunn family only to have her husband disappear on their wedding night. She has run the keep and everything since then. Graeme Gunn has always been a part of the action and didn’t want to be responsible for home and its people. Now with news of his brother's death he must return to his responsibilities, and his brother’s widow. So many questions still unanswered Annella agrees to help Graeme learn how to run things in exchange for her way hme. Things don’t always work out that way.
This was such a fun book for me. One of my favorites. Annella was such a take-no-nonsense woman and a strong character. As always Sands creates amazing detailed characters and story. Graeme falls fast for her spirit and strength. Can he convince her to stay? This story is packed with mystery, action, and don’t forget the passion! Wow! The perfect mix of humor, action, intrigue and passion. You're going to love this one! Enjoy this adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me enjoy this story.
This was such a fun book for me. One of my favorites. Annella was such a take-no-nonsense woman and a strong character. As always Sands creates amazing detailed characters and story. Graeme falls fast for her spirit and strength. Can he convince her to stay? This story is packed with mystery, action, and don’t forget the passion! Wow! The perfect mix of humor, action, intrigue and passion. You're going to love this one! Enjoy this adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me enjoy this story.
September 26, 2024
5 Stars! Lynsay Sands is an amazing author. Her books never disappoint! This was a great book with tons of mystery, danger, scheming, a strong female main character(Annella) who doesn’t take stuff from anyone, a strong male main character(Graeme) who falls in love at first sight, a ‘bad guy’ who will keep you guessing, loving family, hateful family, near death experiences, death, sizzling sexy times, a forced marriage, falling in love, and a HEA ending. I’d highly recommend this book, especially if historical Scottish romance is your thing.
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
November 5, 2024
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Annella Mackay's life veered completely away from the direction she expected and she became the woman she needed to be. However, surviving is not the same as thriving. When her life changes again, she does not expect, Graeme, a brother-in-law she doesn't recall to show her the difference between the two. Annella, is a strong woman who I enjoyed reading and there are several moments of mirth when she's around. She's also a passionate woman and this is not a slow-burn romance. Graeme outward appearance is everything you'd want to find in a Highland warrior. I appreciated his character more at the end of the book than the start. There's plenty of action of all types that keep the story moving forward.
October 4, 2024
The book, to me, wasn't as good as her previous ones. The couple got together too quickly; the enemies were not fully flushed out; and it just didn't click for me this time. I still bought a paperback copy for my Highlander collection though; and who could resist that cover? Maybe I'll enjoy her next one more.
October 8, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an ecopy of the book in return for an honest review. I found it to be an enjoyable and somewhat humorous book that despite the violence typical of the era never takes itself too seriously.
October 15, 2024
4 1/2 stars
October 2, 2024
3 and 1/2 stars
October 30, 2024
Excellent as always Ms. Sands. Btw, can I have the number of that cover model ?? 😍
May 14, 2024
TW: abandonment, parental death, sibling death, loss of a spouse and child (off page)
Well! I think the cover of this book is pretty deceiving. I went into The Highlander’s Return thinking it would be about a rough and gruff Scotsman returning home and in actuality it’s about a golden retriever of a man and his wildly insane family.
I did love Annella’s backbone and gumption. The way she immediately took over responsibilities of being Laird because the people of their clan needed someone was very admirable. Graeme was a sweet man who was struggling with transitioning from a mercenary to being a laird with a wife but he was still so kind.
I found it quite silly how long it took Annella to finally give in and marry Graeme even after all the beddings but it was the type of silly you just chuckle about and roll your eyes and accept it. What was really wild was Graeme’s family. Spoilers ahead:
honestly the mother just trying to kill him and Annella so blatantly and the brother killing the mother and no one is taking a second to be like OMG was weird. And the brother being so cal lol and chill about killing the first brother and wanting to kill Graeme? BIG OL YIKES! What a messed up family!
I probably wouldn’t read this author again but it was an okay read and I’ve definitely read worse. You might like it if you’re looking for something Scottish and fluffy but you have to take it with a crazy ass family trope.
Thank you so much to Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Well! I think the cover of this book is pretty deceiving. I went into The Highlander’s Return thinking it would be about a rough and gruff Scotsman returning home and in actuality it’s about a golden retriever of a man and his wildly insane family.
I did love Annella’s backbone and gumption. The way she immediately took over responsibilities of being Laird because the people of their clan needed someone was very admirable. Graeme was a sweet man who was struggling with transitioning from a mercenary to being a laird with a wife but he was still so kind.
I found it quite silly how long it took Annella to finally give in and marry Graeme even after all the beddings but it was the type of silly you just chuckle about and roll your eyes and accept it. What was really wild was Graeme’s family. Spoilers ahead:
honestly the mother just trying to kill him and Annella so blatantly and the brother killing the mother and no one is taking a second to be like OMG was weird. And the brother being so cal lol and chill about killing the first brother and wanting to kill Graeme? BIG OL YIKES! What a messed up family!
I probably wouldn’t read this author again but it was an okay read and I’ve definitely read worse. You might like it if you’re looking for something Scottish and fluffy but you have to take it with a crazy ass family trope.
Thank you so much to Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2024
Book REVIEW: The Highlander's Return
This might be one of the funniest openings of a Lynsay Sands Highland Bride series. I couldn't stop LOLING!
Annella is the daughter of the hero Ross MacKay from A Highlander Takes a Bride and she is a spitfire. I enjoyed watching how she entered the clan as a scared young woman and then took over managing the clan so well to the point that everyone loves and cares for her in return. It was so wholesome to see the dynamics between Annella and her people. Her husband left her on their wedding night and fled the COUNTRY never to be seen again, until his body was found six years later by his younger brother Graeme.
When Graeme returns, he is instantly impressed with Annella and knows she will be his wife, because she is strong, competent, and knows the ins and outs of being a laird. What else could a man ask for? However, Annella absolutely loathes all of the Gunn family. Her husband abandoned her, her mother in law is completely abusive, and the youngest brother keeps calling her an annoying nickname that she asks him frequently to stop. Because of all of this, Annella just wants to go home. The second she finds out her husband is dead she is thrilled and immediately begins packing…in such a perfect and humorous scene.
Which is soon followed by many more humorous scenes of Annella and Graeme hooking up because Annella wants to have a good time, only every time Graeme plots with her brother that he will catch them and force her to marry him and they are in a different location than Graeme and Payton planned for.
This has all of the classic Lynsay Sands moments: getting caught in compromising positions, arrow wounds, sick beds, the need to be carried about, secret passages, and the overall same shenanigans as all of the others.
But the plotting is also where the book began to fall apart for me. Sands books have previously had such strong family dynamics and the fact that Annella is raised by the hero and heroine of previous books made me think that those familial bonds in this one should be even stronger. That absolutely was not the case.
Graeme manipulating Annella is one thing, especially with all of the chaotic ways his dumb man logic advised him to go about it. But what hurt was seeing how Payton immediately sided with Graeme OVER HIS SISTER. He was in on the plans to force Annella to marry Graeme, as opposed to supporting his sister, who has been miserable for six long years and just wants to go home to her mom and dad. I get that he is a side character, but this really had a huge impact in my enjoyment of the story. Whereas his parents felt the opposite!
Even though Annella was enjoying the pasties and finally got to see her parents again, who then cared for her and nursed her back to health, I was really just rooting for her to go home. Annella is never NOT trapped at Gunn Castle even after six years. Graeme literally would not let her go home.
I'm also not sure why her parents came to visit and immediately asked Annella if she wanted to leave, and she said she couldn't because she was married and her mother and father, both, separately, said it didn't matter, they would get her out. That was incredibly endearing. Though, I'm not sure why they never wrote to her nor visited IN SIX YEARS. They only showed up after her second time trapped in an awful marriage.
This did not feel like the same romance in earlier books, but it was interesting because the hero had ALL of the work to do and Annella needed to heal and experience her sexual awakening.
This might be one of the funniest openings of a Lynsay Sands Highland Bride series. I couldn't stop LOLING!
Annella is the daughter of the hero Ross MacKay from A Highlander Takes a Bride and she is a spitfire. I enjoyed watching how she entered the clan as a scared young woman and then took over managing the clan so well to the point that everyone loves and cares for her in return. It was so wholesome to see the dynamics between Annella and her people. Her husband left her on their wedding night and fled the COUNTRY never to be seen again, until his body was found six years later by his younger brother Graeme.
When Graeme returns, he is instantly impressed with Annella and knows she will be his wife, because she is strong, competent, and knows the ins and outs of being a laird. What else could a man ask for? However, Annella absolutely loathes all of the Gunn family. Her husband abandoned her, her mother in law is completely abusive, and the youngest brother keeps calling her an annoying nickname that she asks him frequently to stop. Because of all of this, Annella just wants to go home. The second she finds out her husband is dead she is thrilled and immediately begins packing…in such a perfect and humorous scene.
Which is soon followed by many more humorous scenes of Annella and Graeme hooking up because Annella wants to have a good time, only every time Graeme plots with her brother that he will catch them and force her to marry him and they are in a different location than Graeme and Payton planned for.
This has all of the classic Lynsay Sands moments: getting caught in compromising positions, arrow wounds, sick beds, the need to be carried about, secret passages, and the overall same shenanigans as all of the others.
But the plotting is also where the book began to fall apart for me. Sands books have previously had such strong family dynamics and the fact that Annella is raised by the hero and heroine of previous books made me think that those familial bonds in this one should be even stronger. That absolutely was not the case.
Graeme manipulating Annella is one thing, especially with all of the chaotic ways his dumb man logic advised him to go about it. But what hurt was seeing how Payton immediately sided with Graeme OVER HIS SISTER. He was in on the plans to force Annella to marry Graeme, as opposed to supporting his sister, who has been miserable for six long years and just wants to go home to her mom and dad. I get that he is a side character, but this really had a huge impact in my enjoyment of the story. Whereas his parents felt the opposite!
Even though Annella was enjoying the pasties and finally got to see her parents again, who then cared for her and nursed her back to health, I was really just rooting for her to go home. Annella is never NOT trapped at Gunn Castle even after six years. Graeme literally would not let her go home.
I'm also not sure why her parents came to visit and immediately asked Annella if she wanted to leave, and she said she couldn't because she was married and her mother and father, both, separately, said it didn't matter, they would get her out. That was incredibly endearing. Though, I'm not sure why they never wrote to her nor visited IN SIX YEARS. They only showed up after her second time trapped in an awful marriage.
This did not feel like the same romance in earlier books, but it was interesting because the hero had ALL of the work to do and Annella needed to heal and experience her sexual awakening.
September 19, 2024
Since being abandoned by her husband of less than a day, Annella Gunn nee MacKay, has been acting as both Lady and Laird of the castle with no help from her husband’s family, especially his vile mother. Yet despite that, she has been very successful and won the respect of the clan. Now six years later, her husband has been found dead and his bones returned to Scotland. No longer needed to stay with the Gunns she is eager to return home. Hoping her father (Ross MacKay) will find her another husband, hopefully one who will love her and give her children. But she will need the permission of the new Laird, her husband’s younger brother – Graeme Gunn. She is sure he will agree, but her brother convinces her to stay a little while to help Graeme in his new position, after all the man has not been home in years and never thought he would be Laird. She reluctantly agrees and starts to spend time with Graeme, and has to admit to herself that she is attracted to him, more than any man she has ever known. When things get heated between them, Graeme insists on marriage, and she resists, until circumstances force her hand. Can she find the love she has always wanted or is she doomed to living unhappily ever after?
From the moment he returned home and saw Annella tending a clan member, Graeme Gunn knew she was the woman for him. But convincing her was a lot harder than he anticipated. He will need the help of her brother Payton and his fellow mercenaries, Symon and Teague to win her hand. But no sooner than he does, it becomes clear that someone is trying to kill one of them! He will have to figure it out before he loses the only woman he has ever loved.
This book has all the elements that made me a fan of Lynsay Sands! The book is well written, nicely paced and has wonderful characters. It took me a minute to figure out how Annella and Graeme were connected to the “Highland Brides” and then I realized that Annella is next generation of Highland Brides, since she is Ross & Annabel’s daughter from the first book in the series and readers will be delighted to reunite with them in this book. The story classic Sands with her trademark humor, intrigue, and steamy love scenes. The book is filled with mystery, wonderful characters, witty banter, a strong heroine, a sexy highlander hero, great secondary characters, vile villains, a bit of miscommunication and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I will be honest, I am not sure how I feel about how things ended with the villain, I can’t say more without spoilers, but I did find it unsettling, not undeserved, just not quite what I was expecting. Anyway, it was a for the most part, a fun, spicy read that could be read as a standalone title with no problems and a book that I am happy to recommend to my fellow Lyndsay Sands fans.
4 maybe, 4.5 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
From the moment he returned home and saw Annella tending a clan member, Graeme Gunn knew she was the woman for him. But convincing her was a lot harder than he anticipated. He will need the help of her brother Payton and his fellow mercenaries, Symon and Teague to win her hand. But no sooner than he does, it becomes clear that someone is trying to kill one of them! He will have to figure it out before he loses the only woman he has ever loved.
This book has all the elements that made me a fan of Lynsay Sands! The book is well written, nicely paced and has wonderful characters. It took me a minute to figure out how Annella and Graeme were connected to the “Highland Brides” and then I realized that Annella is next generation of Highland Brides, since she is Ross & Annabel’s daughter from the first book in the series and readers will be delighted to reunite with them in this book. The story classic Sands with her trademark humor, intrigue, and steamy love scenes. The book is filled with mystery, wonderful characters, witty banter, a strong heroine, a sexy highlander hero, great secondary characters, vile villains, a bit of miscommunication and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I will be honest, I am not sure how I feel about how things ended with the villain, I can’t say more without spoilers, but I did find it unsettling, not undeserved, just not quite what I was expecting. Anyway, it was a for the most part, a fun, spicy read that could be read as a standalone title with no problems and a book that I am happy to recommend to my fellow Lyndsay Sands fans.
4 maybe, 4.5 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
September 27, 2024
Book: THE HIGHLANDER’S RETURN
Author: Lynsay Sands
Series: Highland Brides, Book #12
Number of Pages: 352 Pages
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags
Scottish Highlands
Graeme MacKay was born a second son and has been a mercenary; he left his home long ago to fight all across Scotland. Now his brother William has passed and he must take his place. He is shocked when he meets his brother’s widow as this who is stunning and outspoken and direct not creature is not the quiet, biddable wife he recalls from his brother and Annella’s wedding from many years prior.
Annella is breathtakingly beautiful but has no reservations about speaking her mind either! When she discovers her husband is dead she is not sad or full of remorse and grief. Quite the opposite really; she is happy and ready to leave this Gunn household. Afterall her husband left in the middle of the night with the village light skirt and it was the last time she saw him. It was the day after their wedding her mother-in-law blamed Annella making such cruel and horrible accusations like she wasn’t pretty, had an ugly physique and didn’t know how to satisfy a man.
What she does realize is Graeme is not the new Laird and needs a wife. Plus Annella needs to have the Lairds permission to leave the Gunn lands. He has decided she will be his next wife. He is already attracted to her and sees her feisty and has done a great job acting as Laird and healer. Plus his people admire and respect her minus his mother who he knows is a wicked witch from his own experience.
Now Graeme has found the perfect excuse to show him the rope and teach him to become a proper laird. Of course he is lying through his teeth but hopes during the time to woo her and have her fall into his arms. Will his charm and manipulation work with this feisty independent beauty? Except it is not all calm safe waters with wooing as an enemy comes into their atmosphere that wants them both dead! Read and discover their fate!
I have been reading Lynsay Sands books for close to thirty years. I have read all twelve books in this series. Again it is another brilliant read that just blew me away! It is filled with breathtaking betrayal, heartwarming passion and a love that could not be denied. A book Scottish historical romance readers do not want to miss! As always it is another Sands book that had me hooked right from the start. It can be read as a stand alone book or in series orders. A book I highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader’s copy from Avon publishers. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through Netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.
Author: Lynsay Sands
Series: Highland Brides, Book #12
Number of Pages: 352 Pages
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags
Scottish Highlands
Graeme MacKay was born a second son and has been a mercenary; he left his home long ago to fight all across Scotland. Now his brother William has passed and he must take his place. He is shocked when he meets his brother’s widow as this who is stunning and outspoken and direct not creature is not the quiet, biddable wife he recalls from his brother and Annella’s wedding from many years prior.
Annella is breathtakingly beautiful but has no reservations about speaking her mind either! When she discovers her husband is dead she is not sad or full of remorse and grief. Quite the opposite really; she is happy and ready to leave this Gunn household. Afterall her husband left in the middle of the night with the village light skirt and it was the last time she saw him. It was the day after their wedding her mother-in-law blamed Annella making such cruel and horrible accusations like she wasn’t pretty, had an ugly physique and didn’t know how to satisfy a man.
What she does realize is Graeme is not the new Laird and needs a wife. Plus Annella needs to have the Lairds permission to leave the Gunn lands. He has decided she will be his next wife. He is already attracted to her and sees her feisty and has done a great job acting as Laird and healer. Plus his people admire and respect her minus his mother who he knows is a wicked witch from his own experience.
Now Graeme has found the perfect excuse to show him the rope and teach him to become a proper laird. Of course he is lying through his teeth but hopes during the time to woo her and have her fall into his arms. Will his charm and manipulation work with this feisty independent beauty? Except it is not all calm safe waters with wooing as an enemy comes into their atmosphere that wants them both dead! Read and discover their fate!
I have been reading Lynsay Sands books for close to thirty years. I have read all twelve books in this series. Again it is another brilliant read that just blew me away! It is filled with breathtaking betrayal, heartwarming passion and a love that could not be denied. A book Scottish historical romance readers do not want to miss! As always it is another Sands book that had me hooked right from the start. It can be read as a stand alone book or in series orders. A book I highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader’s copy from Avon publishers. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through Netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews