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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.
scoutmomskf's review
4.0
Another Buchanan brother bites the dust. Rory Buchanan is a healer who is well-known throughout Scotland and even into England. He and his brother Alick are the last of the unmarried Buchanan brothers, though not for lack of opportunity. His family does their best to put a variety of women in front of him, but Rory isn't interested. He will eventually get around to marrying, but his healer duties occupy him more. That all comes to an end when he receives a request to escort a "treasure" to a family friend's home.
Elysande barely escaped her home with her life. A family friend turned traitor murdered her parents and all of their soldiers and beat Elysande nearly to death, searching for incriminating evidence against him. With the help of the servants and two knights who were away during the attack, she escapes the castle to meet with the man who will get her to her extended family.
I liked both Elysande and Rory. She is intelligent, kind, determined, and more than a little stubborn. It's that stubbornness that compels her to bury her pain for as long as she can to facilitate their escape from her pursuers. Her kindness is evident in many ways during their journey, but especially during their stay in Carlisle. I loved how easily she connected with all types of people. Rory has been present in the previous books, helping his brothers along their ways to wedded bliss, but not ready to take that step himself. He immediately steps up to take responsibility for Elysande's safety and find a way to get that evidence where it will do the most good.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Rory and Elysande. She intrigues Rory from the start with her determination and resilience, while Elysande finds it easy to trust him. I found it very amusing that Elysande was most interested in Rory for his protection rather than his healing abilities, as she is a good healer herself. Rory's nose was out of joint because he wanted to be the one to heal her. I loved seeing them get to know each other over the journey and learn to trust each other. I had to laugh at how Elysande's trust manifested during the first nights on the road, and she moved in on him while she was asleep. Poor Rory surely had some uncomfortable moments!
As Rory and Elysande grew closer, Rory had some unexpected bouts of insecurity. Because she doesn't need him as a healer, and he doesn't see himself as special, he isn't sure what he can offer her. It takes some effort to convince him that he is more than just a healer; he is a fierce protector and a good and honorable man. That honor and protectiveness kick in when he realizes her reputation is a stake, and he takes steps to preserve it. I loved watching the attraction between them simmer until it could no longer be contained and how it enhanced the feelings growing between them.
The tension remains high throughout the book as their little troop barely seems to stay a step ahead of their pursuers. I loved their time in the town of Carlisle. Elysande's ability to connect with anyone makes friends out of enemies. Rory worries that she's too open with those that she encounters, and I could feel his frustration with her. But Elysande is proved right in a hilarious scene when nearly the entire town turns out to help them get away. Their worries aren't over yet, as even once they make it into Scotland, their enemies are close behind. An attack on Elysande puts her life in danger and raises Rory's suspicions. I loved watching him put his mind to discovering the truth, solving the issue of getting the evidence to the English king, and keeping Elysande safe. A last-minute betrayal nearly brought disaster, and I ached for Elysande because of it. Once again, Rory saved the day.
I loved the ending. First, the king summoned Rory and Elysande. I laughed out loud as Elysande talked circles around the king, making it impossible for him to annul the marriage between her and Rory. Rory's amusement was fun to watch, as the king knew he'd been played and couldn't logically do anything about it. Then, a month later, Rory's "reward" for his help showed up in Scotland. I laughed out loud as Rory faced that headache, only to turn around and find another one coming from the other direction. Elysande's happiness was vital to him, but what he faced could have been a disaster. I loved how it turned out and chuckled at her description of it being like having a kitchen full of cooks. Now I can't wait for Alick's story.
Elysande barely escaped her home with her life. A family friend turned traitor murdered her parents and all of their soldiers and beat Elysande nearly to death, searching for incriminating evidence against him. With the help of the servants and two knights who were away during the attack, she escapes the castle to meet with the man who will get her to her extended family.
I liked both Elysande and Rory. She is intelligent, kind, determined, and more than a little stubborn. It's that stubbornness that compels her to bury her pain for as long as she can to facilitate their escape from her pursuers. Her kindness is evident in many ways during their journey, but especially during their stay in Carlisle. I loved how easily she connected with all types of people. Rory has been present in the previous books, helping his brothers along their ways to wedded bliss, but not ready to take that step himself. He immediately steps up to take responsibility for Elysande's safety and find a way to get that evidence where it will do the most good.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Rory and Elysande. She intrigues Rory from the start with her determination and resilience, while Elysande finds it easy to trust him. I found it very amusing that Elysande was most interested in Rory for his protection rather than his healing abilities, as she is a good healer herself. Rory's nose was out of joint because he wanted to be the one to heal her. I loved seeing them get to know each other over the journey and learn to trust each other. I had to laugh at how Elysande's trust manifested during the first nights on the road, and she moved in on him while she was asleep. Poor Rory surely had some uncomfortable moments!
As Rory and Elysande grew closer, Rory had some unexpected bouts of insecurity. Because she doesn't need him as a healer, and he doesn't see himself as special, he isn't sure what he can offer her. It takes some effort to convince him that he is more than just a healer; he is a fierce protector and a good and honorable man. That honor and protectiveness kick in when he realizes her reputation is a stake, and he takes steps to preserve it. I loved watching the attraction between them simmer until it could no longer be contained and how it enhanced the feelings growing between them.
The tension remains high throughout the book as their little troop barely seems to stay a step ahead of their pursuers. I loved their time in the town of Carlisle. Elysande's ability to connect with anyone makes friends out of enemies. Rory worries that she's too open with those that she encounters, and I could feel his frustration with her. But Elysande is proved right in a hilarious scene when nearly the entire town turns out to help them get away. Their worries aren't over yet, as even once they make it into Scotland, their enemies are close behind. An attack on Elysande puts her life in danger and raises Rory's suspicions. I loved watching him put his mind to discovering the truth, solving the issue of getting the evidence to the English king, and keeping Elysande safe. A last-minute betrayal nearly brought disaster, and I ached for Elysande because of it. Once again, Rory saved the day.
I loved the ending. First, the king summoned Rory and Elysande. I laughed out loud as Elysande talked circles around the king, making it impossible for him to annul the marriage between her and Rory. Rory's amusement was fun to watch, as the king knew he'd been played and couldn't logically do anything about it. Then, a month later, Rory's "reward" for his help showed up in Scotland. I laughed out loud as Rory faced that headache, only to turn around and find another one coming from the other direction. Elysande's happiness was vital to him, but what he faced could have been a disaster. I loved how it turned out and chuckled at her description of it being like having a kitchen full of cooks. Now I can't wait for Alick's story.
haynoelle96's review against another edition
3.0
Historical romance is one of my favorite genres if they do it right. It has to have the right amount of swoony romance, atmosphere, smut, and plot. The plot doesn't exactly have to be intricate, but interesting enough to keep the reader engaged and not go on too long.
In my opinion, the plot of this book went on too long and there wasn't enough action to excuse how long it went on. Don't get me wrong, I loved the idea of the plot, but the group was too stationary the entire time for it to remain interesting. They should have moved more or been more mobile in their attempts to save the king.
There was practically no smut!! There was one scene, but other than that it was practically tame!! And I didn't really believe the chemistry between the two main characters, it seemed like they were just admiring how each other looked before eventually, they got together. There wasn't enough to really bond them, so it left their relationship awkward. Disappointing.
So yeah, not my favorite historical romance, but if you're looking for a tamer highland romance, then this might be for you!! There is a spicier scene that is near the end of the novel, but that's pretty much it in terms of explicitness. Happy Reading!!
In my opinion, the plot of this book went on too long and there wasn't enough action to excuse how long it went on. Don't get me wrong, I loved the idea of the plot, but the group was too stationary the entire time for it to remain interesting. They should have moved more or been more mobile in their attempts to save the king.
There was practically no smut!! There was one scene, but other than that it was practically tame!! And I didn't really believe the chemistry between the two main characters, it seemed like they were just admiring how each other looked before eventually, they got together. There wasn't enough to really bond them, so it left their relationship awkward. Disappointing.
So yeah, not my favorite historical romance, but if you're looking for a tamer highland romance, then this might be for you!! There is a spicier scene that is near the end of the novel, but that's pretty much it in terms of explicitness. Happy Reading!!
allingoodtime's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
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? It's complicated
3.5
Sometimes when a series contains a large family, I find the story I’m most looking forward to is the one that disappoints me. Maybe because I come to love a particular character so much I have high expectations. Rory is such a wonderful character. Not only is he a healer, learning the trade after the Buchanans lost their mom to a mysterious illness, but he’s often the voice of reason. This is an enjoyable story, but it was missing the oomph I’ve come to expect with these highlanders.
Elysande is a great match for Rory. She is brave, strong, smart, and caring. I loved the way her soldiers loved her and how Rory’s men came to love and respect her so quickly. Therein may lie the trouble I had with this story. While some of the other stories have the MMC and MFC in their own bubble for a while, their family and friends always come back around to help at some point. This story does involve Rory’s youngest brother, but that is the only family seen until the last chapter.
I know some people have issues with how this humongous group of people always end up in each other’s business. Yet here, it’s all up to Rory, Alick, and a few of their men. They are traveling to Sinclair where their close family friend Joan lives so I was looking forward to that reunion. Not to be spoiler-ish, but they never got there. I missed the smart tongues on all the ladies and the ribbing amongst all the lords. There weren’t even any arrows shot or fires to be had!
Rory and Elysande are great together. I enjoyed the way they are thrown together and the easy way in which they admit their love to each other. I still missed the bonkers happenings that are the hallmark of this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Domestic abuse
hayboys_girl's review against another edition
lighthearted
2.75
These are always an easy, mindless read. The female characters sometimes drive me crazy with how little they think out their actions. Otherwise it’s always a pleasant story to read but does not require a lot of thought and the stakes are usually fairly low.
fictionalkate's review against another edition
3.0
It's Rory's turn! This is a fun book and it was nice to see the healer Buchanan brother meet his match. And he does meet his equal in Elysande - an English nobelwoman who's house has come under siege. Tasked with taking her to safety and getting an important message to the King, Rory finds himself in trouble. Not only having to outrun the men who seek her but also having to control his feelings for the wee english lass. Elysande is a great pairing for Rory. She's strong, smart and brave (and despite spending pretty much the entire novel injured) you can see how fiercely she protects her own.
I didn't find the plot as interesting as in the other books of the series. For so much of it it didn't feel like a lot was happening. And yes the events in the book occur over just a week or two, but I just wanted a bit more action. although there is plenty of romantic action which was nice to see develop.
Just one brother left. Excited to see Alick fall.
I didn't find the plot as interesting as in the other books of the series. For so much of it it didn't feel like a lot was happening. And yes the events in the book occur over just a week or two, but I just wanted a bit more action. although there is plenty of romantic action which was nice to see develop.
Just one brother left. Excited to see Alick fall.
solaana's review against another edition
Pleeeeease stop having your characters say the title of book out loud