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hollanddavis's review against another edition
4.0
A very easy audiobook to fall into! The narrator, Derek Perkins, did a wonderful job and made me enjoy the book even more than if I'd read it in print.
The main characters, Rory and Elysande, are easy to root for and didn't do anything eye roll worthy. It's amazing how much more enjoyable a book is when there isn't miscommunication or a third act break up (imagine that)
I came into this series on the 9th book (because it was the only one available on Libby), and I was ready to DNF if the book needed too much background knowledge of the previous installments, but it wasn't bad! The previous MCs were mentioned but didn't feel overwhelming, and the story largely focused on Rory and Elysande and didn't rely too heavily on cameos.
The main characters, Rory and Elysande, are easy to root for and didn't do anything eye roll worthy. It's amazing how much more enjoyable a book is when there isn't miscommunication or a third act break up (imagine that)
I came into this series on the 9th book (because it was the only one available on Libby), and I was ready to DNF if the book needed too much background knowledge of the previous installments, but it wasn't bad! The previous MCs were mentioned but didn't feel overwhelming, and the story largely focused on Rory and Elysande and didn't rely too heavily on cameos.
cailadew's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I loved that this can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the characters and the natural progression of the relationship. I also loved the mystery that was in here.
whiskeyinfusedvampire's review against another edition
3.0
It's more a mystery with some romance than a romance with some mystery. But it's clever, lively, and lovely! After the previous book in the series, I think Sands lost some of her heat in this one, and this was one of the brothers I was most excited to read about. His love interest is a strong, intelligent woman and they have a mutual respect for each other that I appreciate. Rory is clever, resourceful, and respectful. I was a little disappointed with the romance between the two, as there's not much action between them, and the tension between them ends in a rather short scene near the end, so color me at least a little unimpressed. But it WAS a fun read! I just wish Sands had kept a little heat from the previous book and transferred it to this one, as Rory has always been an interesting character that I wanted more of. Most of this is just personal complaints, however the narrative is strong and stable, the characters are likeable, and it ends satisfactory.
booklover160's review against another edition
3.0
Honestly, this one was kind of a disappointment compared to the others. One of my favorite things about these books is seeing the brothers and their wives make cameos and torment the brother who’s the main character. This one focuses almost entirely on Elysande and her family drama. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t as interesting as the other ones in my opinion.
I wish there had been more between Elysande and the other Buchanan wives. I could read another 10 books about them causing all kinds of trouble for their husbands!
I wish there had been more between Elysande and the other Buchanan wives. I could read another 10 books about them causing all kinds of trouble for their husbands!
romancebookloverinseattle's review against another edition
5.0
It's been a long time since I last read an historical romance, but after this one I plan on reading more! This is also my first Lynsay Sands book, and I most definitely plan on going back and reading her back catalog!
I very much enjoyed this story. This is about the journey Elysande makes after meeting up with Rory. We learn what has happened to her and her story as they travel along her way, and also learn about Rory as well. It's clear that there have been prior books with Rory's family, but Lynsay Sands is an excellent writer and I never felt like I couldn't follow along, and had I not known there were books before, I would not have realized it here.
I very much liked the mystery and intrigue that follow along with Rory and Elysande, and I love the slow burn start to their love story. I also love that this book has them together for almost the entire book - traveling together, getting to know each other, and falling in love. It's a sweet romantic story, but very much not a fade to black one.
I also very much loved the detail in this book. The author does a fantastic job of explaining things that we wouldn't know or understand in contemporary times in a way that doesn't pull you out of the story, but satisfied my inquiring brain. This is unique - I used to read historical romances a while back, and don't remember ever getting those details before and I very much appreciated that here. It's well done in that it gives you information, but it's not too much or done in a boring way - weaved in naturally with the story!
I'm very much looking forward to reading more of her books!
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I very much enjoyed this story. This is about the journey Elysande makes after meeting up with Rory. We learn what has happened to her and her story as they travel along her way, and also learn about Rory as well. It's clear that there have been prior books with Rory's family, but Lynsay Sands is an excellent writer and I never felt like I couldn't follow along, and had I not known there were books before, I would not have realized it here.
I very much liked the mystery and intrigue that follow along with Rory and Elysande, and I love the slow burn start to their love story. I also love that this book has them together for almost the entire book - traveling together, getting to know each other, and falling in love. It's a sweet romantic story, but very much not a fade to black one.
I also very much loved the detail in this book. The author does a fantastic job of explaining things that we wouldn't know or understand in contemporary times in a way that doesn't pull you out of the story, but satisfied my inquiring brain. This is unique - I used to read historical romances a while back, and don't remember ever getting those details before and I very much appreciated that here. It's well done in that it gives you information, but it's not too much or done in a boring way - weaved in naturally with the story!
I'm very much looking forward to reading more of her books!
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
romancejunkie1025's review
5.0
oh man i loved this story. Elysandre and Rory were so heartbreaking and sweet and i loved the unexpected plot twist. There were also a few laughs too as they found love and an amazing HEA.
Full review coming soon to the blog.
Full review coming soon to the blog.
balletbookworm's review
3.0
This one feels very....short? The premise is bonkers, like all the Highland Brides books, and I can't quit this series since I kinda want to know how all these Buchanans wind up lairding it up all over Scotland eventually, but it seems Sands took out at least two murder attempts and the heroine actually doesn't try to escape the guards set to keep her safe and Rory and Elysande actually talk about who they suspect is the bad guy (and that isn't even the Big Bad, that guy is 100% off page) and...there isn't much left to do in the book? So it's fine. There's actually some interesting stuff about the politics of King David of Scotland vs King Edward III of England that Sands really could have leaned into more that would have been interesting.
ntanash's review against another edition
3.0
I love Lynsay Sands and her highland brides series and I was super excited to read Rory’s story, but this one fell short for me. For lack of better words it was meh...
The plot was a little dull and the chemistry between the main love interests felt super rushed with very little conflict. I like YEARNING and LONGING but that was barely here. I will say that it was still a sweet story I just wish it had more to it. I still love your Scottish historicals Lynsay!!
The plot was a little dull and the chemistry between the main love interests felt super rushed with very little conflict. I like YEARNING and LONGING but that was barely here. I will say that it was still a sweet story I just wish it had more to it. I still love your Scottish historicals Lynsay!!
champ81's review
3.0
If you like the other Highland Brides books, you'll want to read this to find out how Rory gets his happily ever after.
I admit, I was getting Highland Brides fatigue after the 8th book in this series; many of the plots hit the same beats (imperiled women, dodging villains while traipsing over the Highlands, a handful of female villains driven mad from jealousy) and the stories were becoming predictable. Then, I learned Rory would be the hero of this one and I figured I had to read it. He's made an appearance in most of the other novels as a healer--his absence notably setting the plot of another of the novels into action--and I wondered how his story might turn out.
It was a nice change of pace that Rory was not here solely in healer capacity, despite the heroine having been badly beaten just before the story begins. (Major warning: if you find violence on the scale of Game of Thrones's Red Wedding distasteful, this book is probably not for you.) Instead, he is tasked with escorting Elysande safely to the Highlands from England while dodging treasonous barons and their armies. Along the way, they fall in love, mostly by sleeping in close proximity.
It's obvious why he love her: she's brave, determined, loyal, and clever. She makes friends with unscrupulous alewives and random shopkeepers. And--catnip for Rory--she has her own healing talents. Other than being slightly more handsome than his brother Alick (also along for this adventure), Rory doesn't seem to bring quite as much to the table. This is a shame, because in each of his other appearances, he really does save the day with his healing skills and unflappable calm. Perhaps this far into the series, readers are expected to just know why Rory is so loveable.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
I admit, I was getting Highland Brides fatigue after the 8th book in this series; many of the plots hit the same beats (imperiled women, dodging villains while traipsing over the Highlands, a handful of female villains driven mad from jealousy) and the stories were becoming predictable. Then, I learned Rory would be the hero of this one and I figured I had to read it. He's made an appearance in most of the other novels as a healer--his absence notably setting the plot of another of the novels into action--and I wondered how his story might turn out.
It was a nice change of pace that Rory was not here solely in healer capacity, despite the heroine having been badly beaten just before the story begins. (Major warning: if you find violence on the scale of Game of Thrones's Red Wedding distasteful, this book is probably not for you.) Instead, he is tasked with escorting Elysande safely to the Highlands from England while dodging treasonous barons and their armies. Along the way, they fall in love, mostly by sleeping in close proximity.
It's obvious why he love her: she's brave, determined, loyal, and clever. She makes friends with unscrupulous alewives and random shopkeepers. And--catnip for Rory--she has her own healing talents. Other than being slightly more handsome than his brother Alick (also along for this adventure), Rory doesn't seem to bring quite as much to the table. This is a shame, because in each of his other appearances, he really does save the day with his healing skills and unflappable calm. Perhaps this far into the series, readers are expected to just know why Rory is so loveable.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley for an honest review.