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Highland Brides #12
The Highlander's Return
Listening Length: 10 hrs 8 mins.
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
264 people are currently reading
2610 people want to read
About the author
Lynsay Sands
124 books12.2k 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 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
April 2, 2025
Medieval Lite.
This is my first Lynsay Sands book and won’t be my last. She writes with a deft hand, painting vivid pictures and building convincing characters in a detailed story. I call this book medieval lite because they live in a keep and wear the proper dress, but the sensibility is pretty modern and this book reminds me of all the Julie Garwood medievals I’ve read where women are seen AND heard and outwit the men regularly.
***spoilers***
This book begins with the return of second son Graeme to his ancestral home, conveying the body of his dead older brother after an extensive search. His older brother had disappeared on his wedding night six years earlier, leaving his sixteen-year-old bride, Annella, as chatelaine, laird, and healer of the clan, as well as a target of hatred and ridicule for his vicious mother. Graeme takes one look at Annella and decides he likes her fire and no-nonsense attitude and wouldn’t have any trouble bedding her, so taking her to wife will save him the trouble of finding and wooing a bride.
Annella is overjoyed to hear she’s a widow, is sick of being overworked in her three roles in the Gunn castle, has had it with her mother-in-law’s abuse, and can’t wait to escape back to her childhood home. Graeme is a warrior, not a woo’er, and can’t figure out how to keep Annella until a combustible kiss leads to compromising her and AHA!! Graeme hits on the notion that she must marry him now for honor’s sake.
Annella enjoys being compromised—enthusiastically—but refuses to marry him.
Graeme plots to have them discovered in a compromising situation and Annella is all for repeating the tupping, but foils his every machination to have them caught in flagrante delicto.
Until they accidentally are.
This is all cleverly written, and the reader can hardly blame Annella for her stubborn refusal to entertain the notion of staying in a place where she’s been treated dreadfully for a man who seems to only want to marry her for honor’s sake, but both the lead-up to the marriage and the aftermath depend entirely on lack of communication. Graeme refuses to tell Annella he actually wants her and admires her. He makes poor, unilateral decisions with good intentions, but doesn’t share those intentions with Annella. Annella would rather stew and resent and fuss than tell her husband she’s upset about being excluded. The author draws this scenario out far too long, and it gets tedious, and for that it loses a star in my rating.
I will read more by this author, but not a lot more if lack of communication is a consistent plot driver, because that gets old fast.
This is my first Lynsay Sands book and won’t be my last. She writes with a deft hand, painting vivid pictures and building convincing characters in a detailed story. I call this book medieval lite because they live in a keep and wear the proper dress, but the sensibility is pretty modern and this book reminds me of all the Julie Garwood medievals I’ve read where women are seen AND heard and outwit the men regularly.
***spoilers***
This book begins with the return of second son Graeme to his ancestral home, conveying the body of his dead older brother after an extensive search. His older brother had disappeared on his wedding night six years earlier, leaving his sixteen-year-old bride, Annella, as chatelaine, laird, and healer of the clan, as well as a target of hatred and ridicule for his vicious mother. Graeme takes one look at Annella and decides he likes her fire and no-nonsense attitude and wouldn’t have any trouble bedding her, so taking her to wife will save him the trouble of finding and wooing a bride.
Annella is overjoyed to hear she’s a widow, is sick of being overworked in her three roles in the Gunn castle, has had it with her mother-in-law’s abuse, and can’t wait to escape back to her childhood home. Graeme is a warrior, not a woo’er, and can’t figure out how to keep Annella until a combustible kiss leads to compromising her and AHA!! Graeme hits on the notion that she must marry him now for honor’s sake.
Annella enjoys being compromised—enthusiastically—but refuses to marry him.
Graeme plots to have them discovered in a compromising situation and Annella is all for repeating the tupping, but foils his every machination to have them caught in flagrante delicto.
Until they accidentally are.
This is all cleverly written, and the reader can hardly blame Annella for her stubborn refusal to entertain the notion of staying in a place where she’s been treated dreadfully for a man who seems to only want to marry her for honor’s sake, but both the lead-up to the marriage and the aftermath depend entirely on lack of communication. Graeme refuses to tell Annella he actually wants her and admires her. He makes poor, unilateral decisions with good intentions, but doesn’t share those intentions with Annella. Annella would rather stew and resent and fuss than tell her husband she’s upset about being excluded. The author draws this scenario out far too long, and it gets tedious, and for that it loses a star in my rating.
I will read more by this author, but not a lot more if lack of communication is a consistent plot driver, because that gets old fast.
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
January 27, 2025
It dragged a bit when I thought it was over but there were actually two hours left??? But I did enjoy the ending so I think it just needed to be tightened up in the middle a bit. It fit right in with the previous books in the series—frequent to the point of comical injuries, lots of sex, and scheming family members—plus Angus King was back to narrator (thank GOD). Not the best I’ve read, but a good time nonetheless.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
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.
November 29, 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.e. TSTL). 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.e. TSTL). I'm either rolling my eyes or grinding my teeth most of the time. Hence, the 2.5 stars.
April 13, 2025
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.
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🫰🏼
May 23, 2025
This was such a fun, old-school style Highland romp. There's nothing profound going on here between Graeme & Annella at first, but their physical attraction was strong. I was never very clear on why Annella was so reluctant to marry Graeme at first, but fortunately for them both, he wouldn't take no for an answer. I enjoyed seeing these two come together amid the usual strife and calamities which are characteristic of this series and of course there was a little bit of a danger element thrown in for good measure. It was also nice to see Annabel and Ross from the first book appear on the page here as well. I will never not read this series for a fun escape from reality and can only hope it somehow continues.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 9, 2024
Rating: 4.8 / 5
Sometimes all it takes is a short break before you rediscover how much you can love an author's writing. In the case of Lynsay Sands, my breaks are never too long, as I just keep returning to this author's Scottish romances over and over again, but man! Did I enjoy this!
________
It centres around Annella, the daughter of the heroine from the very first Highland Brides book, An English Bride in Scotland. As it turns out, Annella's now been married six years to a man who's always been just...well, absent, and so it's no tragedy to her at all when her husband's younger brother, Graeme, comes to tell her that he's dead. Instead, Annella's looking forward to finally going home to her own family; but, as a hitch in her plans, it turns out that Graeme's actually interested in her as a bride himself, and wants to do everything he can to make certain that she stays and marries him instead.
So begins a book that's...quite endearing, sweet, and funny in all the right parts, as always; and, of course, the murder mystery plot to tie it all together, with attempts on the hero and heroine's lives putting them in jeopardy such that they need protection as well.
It's about as formulaic as you can expect from Lynsay Sands, considering that the plot more or less works the same way over and over and over again for this author; but, again, for someone who really loves the formula and the writing (as I do), there's just something about it that just works, that I never find myself needing anything different or anything of the sort. The characters are charming, the plot entertaining, the love scenes steamy, and the conclusions and happily ever afters satisfying.
Really, I can't complain. I can only ask for more, please, such as for the last Buchanan brother, Alick, who has yet to get his romance come to light. Maybe in the next book, lucky #13?
Sometimes all it takes is a short break before you rediscover how much you can love an author's writing. In the case of Lynsay Sands, my breaks are never too long, as I just keep returning to this author's Scottish romances over and over again, but man! Did I enjoy this!
________
It centres around Annella, the daughter of the heroine from the very first Highland Brides book, An English Bride in Scotland. As it turns out, Annella's now been married six years to a man who's always been just...well, absent, and so it's no tragedy to her at all when her husband's younger brother, Graeme, comes to tell her that he's dead. Instead, Annella's looking forward to finally going home to her own family; but, as a hitch in her plans, it turns out that Graeme's actually interested in her as a bride himself, and wants to do everything he can to make certain that she stays and marries him instead.
So begins a book that's...quite endearing, sweet, and funny in all the right parts, as always; and, of course, the murder mystery plot to tie it all together, with attempts on the hero and heroine's lives putting them in jeopardy such that they need protection as well.
It's about as formulaic as you can expect from Lynsay Sands, considering that the plot more or less works the same way over and over and over again for this author; but, again, for someone who really loves the formula and the writing (as I do), there's just something about it that just works, that I never find myself needing anything different or anything of the sort. The characters are charming, the plot entertaining, the love scenes steamy, and the conclusions and happily ever afters satisfying.
Really, I can't complain. I can only ask for more, please, such as for the last Buchanan brother, Alick, who has yet to get his romance come to light. Maybe in the next book, lucky #13?
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!
May 18, 2025
Story: 4 Stars
Audio:4 Stars
The latest in the highlander series, I can’t believe this is still going strong and I’m still enjoying it. This one came full circle; with the story of Annela; the daughter of Ross and Annabel Macay (Book 1 of the Highlander series) All the stories are similar but also different in subtle ways; the hero is big, brawny but has a good heart, the damsel is sweet yet strong and fierce of mind; he falls first, she tries to deflect but gives in, but there’s an enemy within trying to kill them both, and through the murder attempts and accidents; they are able to finally find their HEA. ❤️❤️
The audio was an adjustment since it’s a male voice; I’ve only ever heard audiobooks with female voices for this series. But he did a good job and kept the Scottish accent throughout the narration, and not just during the dialogues.. 👍🏻
Audio:4 Stars
The latest in the highlander series, I can’t believe this is still going strong and I’m still enjoying it. This one came full circle; with the story of Annela; the daughter of Ross and Annabel Macay (Book 1 of the Highlander series) All the stories are similar but also different in subtle ways; the hero is big, brawny but has a good heart, the damsel is sweet yet strong and fierce of mind; he falls first, she tries to deflect but gives in, but there’s an enemy within trying to kill them both, and through the murder attempts and accidents; they are able to finally find their HEA. ❤️❤️
The audio was an adjustment since it’s a male voice; I’ve only ever heard audiobooks with female voices for this series. But he did a good job and kept the Scottish accent throughout the narration, and not just during the dialogues.. 👍🏻
August 29, 2025
…wow. I have both a deep fear and respect for the women who can write these books. The phallic personification is so alarming.
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!
April 12, 2025
Annella married William Gunn at the age of sixteen, but he abandoned her on their wedding night, never to return or consummate the marriage. What kind of man does such a thing? For six years, Annella has been laird and doing a good job too, despite the constant antagonism of a difficult mother-in-law. When William's brother, Graeme, returns with William's body, he walks in on a hilarious scene and decides right then that she is the woman for him. He must now win her over while uncovering the identity of those attempting to kill them. I was surprised to find out who that was! Aside from their constant passionate attraction, I enjoyed this book. It was excellent.
January 30, 2025
who tf picked this for bookclub? Trust no one who likes this book
October 15, 2025
Wanted me a big boy Highlander and a big boy Highlander I got. ‘‘Twas a fun time indeed.
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 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.
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.*
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