Reviews

Highland Wolf by Lynsay Sands

kstep1805's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

It started off strong but I started losing interest toward the end.

scoutmomskf's review

Go to review page

5.0

This was a fun, typical Lynsay Sands romp through the Highlands. We have the lass in distress/danger, the grumpy Highland hero with the hidden soft heart, the road trip (or two) from one place to another, the evil villain with the grudge against hero or heroine, and the growing feelings that become all-encompassing love. It may be a formula, but it works.

Here we have Claray MacFarlane, who believes that she will never marry. Her betrothed died when they were both children, and her father is in no hurry to arrange another marriage. She's a sweet young woman who longs for a family of her own and lavishes her care on the injured animals that she finds. She never expected a visit to her cousin to end with her uncle dragging her to a forced marriage. She's saved from that fate by the arrival of a Highland mercenary known as "The Wolf," who scoops her up and carries her off.

I loved Clary's reaction. She believes he's the answer to her prayers for rescue, notices his handsomeness, and recalls the stories she's heard of him. Grateful for her rescue and trusting him instinctively, she promptly falls asleep in his arms. Claray has no idea that The Wolf is Bryson MacDonald, aka Conall, her betrothed, who escaped the slaughter of his family. He was hidden away, and his name changed to protect him until he was grown. For the last twelve years, since earning his spurs, he fought to gain the funds to rebuild his home and reclaim his life and his bride.

I loved Conall. She isn't at all what he expected. First of all, she surprised him with her trust though she had no idea why he had rescued her. Then there was his reaction to her rescue of various animals along the journey. First, the bunny, which he thought was for dinner, resulted in a look of horror from Claray. Then the baby stoat (ermine), which he called "vermin." By the time she rescued an injured fox kit, he just shook his head and made room for it. I loved his care for her during the journey, from holding her while she slept to accepting that she doesn't eat meat and finding other things for her to eat.

I loved watching the relationship between Claray and Conall develop. Though he's a fierce warrior, when it comes to Claray, Conall is kindness itself. He is protective without being overbearing and drawn to her more than any other woman in his life. He does hold onto the truth of his identity a little longer than he should have, but even there, he had his reasons. The more time he spends with her, the stronger his attraction to her grows. There are also a few satisfying instances of jealousy when his cousin tweaks him about his earlier reluctance to marry yet. Claray could have been portrayed as a complete ditz, but though she is somewhat naïve, she is by no means stupid. She had an excellent grasp of her uncle's plan and that of his coconspirator. She was sweet but not a pushover and knew how to get her way when it was important to her. She was attracted to Conall but torn because of the teachings of the family priest.

Once Claray and Conall were married, their relationship continued to grow as they worked together to return his home and lands to their former glory. I loved their teamwork and seeing them pull everyone together. But not everyone is happy to see the progress. When someone shoots an arrow at them while they are cavorting at the pond, the question is who and why? Is it the person responsible for the deaths of Conall's family, back to finish the job? Or is it Claray's rejected bridegroom trying to get her back? The intensity goes up when another attack succeeds in injuring Claray, and there is still no clue who is behind it. The third time is nearly the charm, as the attacker tries again. I was glued to the pages as the bizarre reason for the attacks was explained and watched Claray try to talk her way out of danger. I was surprised and creeped out by the final player and happy to see their end. I adored that Claray's rescues played a significant part in that ending. With some good news regarding the other threat to their happiness, Claray and Conall are finally free to live their lives.

I loved seeing characters from other books in the series, such as Aulay and Alick Buchanan. It was very special to see Annabel and Ross MacKay from the first book in the series ([b:An English Bride in Scotland|16065734|An English Bride in Scotland (Highland Brides, #1)|Lynsay Sands|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1360290808l/16065734._SY75_.jpg|21856380]). Conall is their nephew; his mother was Ross's sister Giorsal. Other secondary characters, such as Payton and Roderick, kept Conall and Claray safe when permitted to stay close and served as a bit of conscience when Conall needed it. My favorite secondary characters were the four-footed, furry ones. Each one had a story and distinct personality, and several played critical roles in the book.

I can't wait to see what is next for the Highland Brides. Perhaps one of Claray's sisters?

deighz's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This was another fun read from Lynsay. Claray was a fun character and I enjoyed her attracting wild animals everywhere she went. The first half was full of action and I enjoyed how Conall fell for Claray. The murder mystery plot was interesting and ended up nothing like I expected. Also, even though I've only read this one and the next book in the series, I enjoyed Ross and Annabel making an appearance. Guess I'm going back to read the first books in this series.

precious_reads's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Usually historic romance is not my thing however I found this refreshing , the animals and how he cared for them as well was a big plus for me.

solaana's review against another edition

Go to review page

Committing mass murder bc she enjoys sex is reaching, your honor

stormy87's review

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

rainelle_barrett's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I needed to give this book a five star rating. I simply had to. I had no other choice. Highland Wolf, by Lynsay Sands was freaking awesome. The writer seemed to pull out so many exciting surprises and entertainment with the characters and the plot.
I was able to have a clear visual of the characters and their journey, while reading the story. The action was great! The details were on point. The story between Collin and Claray was beautiful, sweet and very naughty, which I absolutely loved. The humor and witty moments was phenomenal.
The many times brought along a new pet was comical, but Collin new that there was something special about Claray during that first moment. I can say that the book kept me entertained from beginning to end. The narrative was straight and to the point. It was easy to follow along with the plot. The dialogue among the characters was great. The story was informative regarding some historical moments surrounding times of war and lands joining together.
The story had a number of realistic moments to it. I thought that the book was a easy to read and a definite page turner. Oh and let’s not forget the man on the book cover! Very cheeky Lynsay! “Very cheekyyyy” ! I give this book two snaps and a “Claray, put the raccoon back! I have finally drawn the line. I’m putting my foot down woman!”
As Claray laughs all the way to the castle. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!

dragnfary's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging hopeful mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

joann3's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous slow-paced
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.75

mdexter's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25