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Scottish Isles #3

Twilight Tides

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When I escaped to a Scottish island, I never expected I’d agree to a marriage of convenience with rugged local businessman and single dad, Murray Shaw.

That was before my dangerous ex started threatening me and my visa. The thought of being kicked out of Scotland, leaving behind my friends and the safety I’ve found here, is unthinkable. I’m determined to solve the problem myself. Everyone knows Murray is battling his ex-wife for control of his company and the only way to stop her is to remarry. So I propose a marriage deal that’ll solve both our issues. The fact that I’ve been attracted to the handsome, gentle giant of a Scot since we met is something I’ll just have to ignore if I want to remain in Scotland.

But marriage to Murray is proving to be complicated. Living under the same roof is a far bigger temptation than I anticipated. Beneath Murray’s reserve is a passionate nature that stokes the fires of my own. Soon we’re fighting a searing attraction and an intense emotional connection that’s as thrilling as it is terrifying. After my last disastrous relationship, I don’t trust myself enough to admit there’s far more than physical desire between us.

Yet when Murray finds himself caught in the grasp of a criminal organization intent on using his business for their own means, just as my ex decides to intensify his harassment, I realize there’s no denying that what I feel for my husband is a life-changing kind of love.

However, just as I begin to trust myself enough to give our marriage a real chance, danger rushes to our shore on rough tides, submerging us in a battle that might tear us apart forever…

417 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2026

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About the author

Samantha Young

118 books28.6k followers
Samantha is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and a Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee. Samantha has written over 60 books and is published in 31 countries. She writes emotional and angsty romance, often set where she resides—in her beloved home country Scotland. Samantha splits her time between her family, writing and chasing after two very mischievous cavapoos.

Sign up to Sam's newsletter for book updates, exclusive giveaways and freebies - https://authorsamanthayoung.com/subsc...

Find Sam online at www.authorsamanthayoung.com, and on IG, TikTok and FB @authorsamanthayoung




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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
Profile Image for Leanna Streeter.
581 reviews98 followers
July 4, 2026
I have been waiting for London’s story ever since we first met her, and it was everything I wanted and more. Did I binge this in one day? Yes I did!

Samantha Young has such a gift for writing emotional romances that never lose sight of the bigger story. The marriage of convenience setup was fantastic, but it was the slow burn, the yearning, and all the quiet moments between London and Murray that completely stole my heart. They both carried so much emotional baggage, and watching them slowly become each other’s safe place was incredibly satisfying.

Murray was such a wonderful hero. He was kind, protective, an amazing father, and somehow still had that rugged, quietly intimidating presence that made him impossible not to love. London was equally easy to root for. After everything she’d been through, seeing her find the courage to trust again made her journey feel especially rewarding.

The romance wasn’t the only thing keeping me turning pages. The suspense added so much tension, and I genuinely didn’t know how everything was going to come together. Samantha Young balances romance and suspense so well, giving both equal weight without either one overshadowing the other.

One of my favorite parts of this entire series is the setting. Returning to the Scottish island feels like coming home, and the audiobook made it even better. The Scottish accents added so much atmosphere that I never wanted to stop listening.

I honestly love this series more with every book, and Twilight Tides might be my favorite yet.
Profile Image for ✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ .
2,382 reviews1,349 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 15, 2026
description
description

London + Murray

We already met them in the previous books.
London is Tierney's bestie from New York and after escaping her horrible ex she's now the chef in her friend's new little hotel on the island. But her visa might not be renewed because her ex is threatening her with ... things.
Murray is eleven years older than London. He runs a super successful fishing company and his horrible ex is getting a lot of money out of it every month. Unless he gets married again.
Plus the ex is not treating their teenaged daughter very good - she just wanted custody because of the money. So Murray will try everything to get his daughter and his company back.
Might there be someone one the island in need of a husband?
Plus also, London's ex is not the only dangerous element in this book!

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description
description

That was so heartbreaking and sad and sparky and slow burnish. They both don't think that the other might be interested. Ugh. Idiots. LOL.
I loved reading this. It's all very exciting and dangerous and suspensy and thrillerish.
But also funny and sweet and adorable and islandy. Full of music and baked goods and friends and so much more.
I loved being back on that island.
Like I already said about the first books:
Amazing location.
Perfect Cast!
Can't wait for the final book in this series!
Cammie and Forde!

TWILIGHT TIDES was another perfect book in this amazing series!
Adorable. Funny. Frustrating. Sparky. Heartbreaking. Suspensy. Thrillerish. Slowburnish. Dangerous.
Amazing location. Amazing cast!
Run to your nearest bookdealer for your own Murray - this one is MINE!


If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!


description
💜 💜


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Profile Image for Stephanie.
746 reviews36 followers
Read
July 16, 2026
I knew it, I just knew it! I knew London and Murray would be my favorites. And my gosh how they were! INFINITE STARS! My new favorite Samantha Young book is here and it is glorious! Twilight Tides marks the third installment in the Scottish Isles series and I'm telling you, every new book tops the last great one! Buuut there's just something extra special about London and Murray. From the very first crumb the series laid out for them, I was addicted. I yearned for more and more crumbs to be dropped in the background of the first two books, all of it positively serving to heighten my anticipation for their story.

And it's finally here.

London and Murray are a gorgeous match. Firstly, can I just say how much I love that it's London who proposes the marriage of convenience? I love how she's given that moment, after being dimmed, diminished, and ultimately abused in her prior relationship. I love how she takes control of her power and agency to suggest marriage to Murray. It's of course a contract relationship to benefit them both, but it's still a big, courageous moment from London. And she has one big courageous heart. And I love how she opens that heart to Murray. Murray has long paid attention to London, and he takes great care to always give her space and support in the way she needs it. And her proposal is not one he takes lightly or immediately for his own benefit, he ensures it's something that will benefit her as well. They become a terrific tag team. Murray will do what it takes to protect his daughter and London readily joins him to do the same. And he readily does what it takes to protect London too. Their marriage becomes more than what their respective goals are, it becomes about truly supporting and aiding each other’s goals as well. And through it all, a mutual benefit becomes a safe, comforting home. A home where they learn to open up, to trust, and to believe they deserve a new chance at love.

It just was so extremely satisfying to witness. There is a natural build to both their chemistry and relationship, nothing ever felt rushed or unearned, rather its exact opposite. Every new milestone was so highly earned between London and Murray. And their chemistry?! Fireworks! An endless stream of fireworks. The love story is dynamite!

I also want to say how much I loved how the narrative takes its time to also develop a lovely bond between London and Murray's daughter, Kelly. The latter is initially resistant and cold towards London but they bond over a mutual love of Taylor Swift and piano, and London ensures she becomes a safe space for Kelly. The found family aspect in this one is really beautiful, not just the family London and Murray find in each other and Kelly, but their friends as well.

I've been lucky enough to read and love many Samantha Young books but Twilight Tides is now my crown jewel of the collection. Perfection on every level.

Thank you to Samantha Young and House of Hearts for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Wendy ⏃: ✦The Life of A Book Nerd✦.
1,159 reviews307 followers
July 16, 2026
I love this series with my whole heart and to get Murray and London's story next was the cherry on top. Twilight Tides by Samantha Young was emotionally beautiful and heartfelt.

London is having problems with her conviving, abusive, and sociopath ex, while Murray wants to break ties from his ex-wife and get sole custody of his daughter, Kelly. That's a light bulb moment for London. She proposes to Murray to get married. And from there on there's tension and attraction so thick you could cut with a knife.

What may have started as a marriage of convenience soon turns into so much more. Watching these two finally come together was a healing balm. Of course there were the moments of suspense that kept you on the edge but seriously this book couldn't be more perfect!

I got the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and it was magnificent! God bless James Cassidy and his Scottish accent 🙂‍↕️. Samantha Brentmoor is always a favorite and she brought sentiment and passion to London's performance. There wasn't a moment I didn't get teary eyed 😭.

I also loved how music played such a pivotal role in the story. It was a powerful connection not only between London and Murray but London and Kelly as well. Bravo Samantha, on another successful story 👏🏼.


Thank you Samantha and Must Love Audio for the ALC and e-ARC copies ✨
Profile Image for Victoria Franklin.
226 reviews64 followers
July 11, 2026
Oh my heart! I completely MELTED and swooned with this INCREDIBLE BOOK! Tears lots and lots of tears!😭😭🥹🥹

I am a sucker for a book playlist but when Samantha tells us to listen to a specific song while reading specific scenes. I bawled my eyes out. What an impact that scene had. The love of music that Murray and London shared and the way they expressed their feelings through music was absolutely beautiful and I swooned so hard. (I’ll be listening to these songs on repeat😭🥹)

Murray is the calm and collected single dad who runs a business. He shares custody with his evil ex and he’s determined to protect his daughter and get full custody. Not only is there a battle with that but also the fact that his ex has the reigns on his business unless he remarries….

London escaped to Scotland to get away from her dangerous abusive ex. Her best friend convinced her that she would be safe getting as far away from the states as possible. She has never felt true love by anyone besides her best friend who feels like a sister. Her work visa will be ending soon. Which sparks her idea of a marriage of convenience! Murray needs a wife and she needs a husband. The relationship she built with his daughter had me in my feels something fierce. 😭

My heart related to this story on many levels.

Learning how to love yourself…
Learning who you are at your core without other controlling you…
Learning how to accept true unconditional love…
Learning that needing help does NOT make you weak…

There are some heavy topics in this book but Samantha showcased the BEAUTIFULLY.

This book has most definitely become my favorite book of the series!

Well done Samantha! Well👏🏼done👏🏼

Tropes:
💜Romantic Suspense
💜Single Dad
💜Marriage of Convenience
💜Age Gap
💜Heroine in Danger
💜Slow Burn
💜Forced Proximity
Profile Image for Bookphenomena (Micky) .
3,016 reviews550 followers
July 16, 2026
Headlines:
Chemistry through music
Trust through trauma
Healing through hearts

I really was anticipating London and Murray’s story. I’m trash for a marriage of convenience but I already could see their chemistry through their glances and skittishness around one another in the last book. This marriage of convenience was quick to get off the ground which I loved, instead of having to anticipate it throughout the book! What was surprising was their awkwardness, difficulties and reticence around one another.

Kelly, Murray’s daughter was a big part of this story which enriched the plot. Jill, his ex was a tool and awful mother. Murray wasn’t the only one bringing a ton of baggage into this relationship as London had her abusive and powerful ex in the background.

The plot was wholly engaging, taking me from views in the house, connections through music that had me opening my Spotify and adding new favourites and of course the slow burning romance that was worth the wait. The suspense was en pointe, made me tense and stressed in the best way.

Samantha Young brings such a richness to the families and the found families in this small island. It makes me want to visit and find all this people in the flesh. Shame it’s not real!

I loved this instalment and I can’t wait for more of this island life and relationships.

Thank you to the author for the early copy.
Profile Image for &#x1f9f8;&#x1f380;Tiff.
699 reviews59 followers
July 4, 2026
HOLY CRAP, this book… it had me hooked from chapter one & I did not want to put it down!! I LOVE Murray & London so much & had been waiting on their story! let me say, this did not disappoint! it was everything I thought it would be plus so much more. Samantha truly has a way of writing a story that makes you feel like you’re actually there with the characters. I loved the suspense aspect so much, too. it kept me on my toes the entire time. & let me just say, I LOATHE Jill. no spoilers, just ugh she’s annoying lol. But anyway, I listened and read, and loved doing this immersive read. This series has a special place in my heart💖

Samantha also has a way of writing the found family trope, I loved that aspect so much too! I love the female (and male) friendships, I honestly just adore all of these characters! The chemistry between Murray & London… whew, you could cut that tension with a knife and I loved every minute of it!

🌊 𝚃𝚁𝙾𝙿𝙴𝚂:
✧.* romantic suspense
✧.* Scotland setting
✧.* single dad
✧.* found family
✧.* marriage of convenience
✧.* slow burn
✧.* domestic abuse survivor
✧.* small town
✧.* duet pov/narration

5⭐️
4🌶️

🫶🏼 HUGE thank you, @authorsamanthayoung for trusting me with your baby! I adore you always💖
Profile Image for Amity Bailey.
409 reviews53 followers
July 12, 2026
Did I finish this book in 1 day, yes I did. I have loved this series & London’s story was so perfect!!

This narration was fantastic!! Samantha Brentmoor & James Cassidy did an amazing job bringing this story to life & giving these characters so much emotion!!

I absolutely loved the emotional aspects Samantha Young gave us in this one. London’s strength & tenderness despite all she’s been through never failed to shine through! Watching her learn to trust was so beautiful! Murray was everything! Kind, protective, and the best daddy to Kelly, but he also had a rough exterior & dealing with his own struggles. I loved how both of these characters loved so fiercely!!

This book was wrapped together with suspense, emotion, and a romance that just kept me rooting for these two!! The Tension, the angst, an amazing slow burn, plus the marriage of convenience trope that hit just right!! Murray & London’s chemistry and the tender moments they shared just made me love this so much! I loved being back in this Scottish town with these characters!! This might be my new favorite of the series!! 🤭

Thank you Samantha Young & House Of Hearts for this gifted early copy! - my opinions are my own!
Profile Image for Quinn's Quippy Quotes.
1,525 reviews145 followers
July 17, 2026
I have a new book boyfriend and his name is Murray...

Only Sam Young could get me to swoon with a hero named Murray. I ADORED this. I loved the idea of forced proximity and marriage of convenience troupes for these two.

I went back and forth about which couple I wanted to see next in this series and I was so happy to see that it was going to be London and Murray. After London's tragic past, I really wanted to see her happy. What I loved most about this one...besides the deliciously sexy scenes that are Sam's signature... was London's relationship with Kelly. I wouldn't mind a spin off for Kelly in the future. My heart hurt for this girl and watching London be a part of her safe space was super sweet.

As always, Sam does such a good job creating a village of people and places that become real while reading. It makes me want to travel and find these places in real life.

Ok, so now's the time we start begging for the next. Because I'm DYING to see Cammie and Forde get their HEA. If you haven't yet, download the bonus scene because the opening to it definitely pique your interest on these two.
Profile Image for Gretchen.
1,047 reviews154 followers
July 16, 2026
Twilight Tides was such an amazing story filled with emotion and intensity. I loved the suspense blended in and the slow build of Murray and London’s relationship, which always seems to be simmering. I adored the picturesque island and all the different friendships and bonds with their friend group, and I loved Murray’s daughter Kelly and how she played into everything. Murray and London had their ups and downs, and there were times I was holding my breath, but I loved every second to their well-deserved HEA!

I loved how strong London was as she moved forward from past trauma. It wasn’t easy, but I admired her persistence and strength to start her life again. I loved Murray, he seemed gruff and quiet but had a heart of gold. I swear everything this man did made me melt. The marriage of convenience aspect was excellent, and I loved learning about their true feelings for each other. There were so many fantastic moments filled with looks and longing. I could feel how much they wanted one another. I also enjoyed their connection through music, it was incredibly heartfelt. There was a wonderful slow burn happening between them, and I loved when they opened up and shared, and when the sexual tension between them finally exploded.

There was a nice amount of drama happening, and I loved how it all played out. There was an exceptional build to the suspense element that I found exciting. I thought it balanced well with everything going on in London and Murray’s lives. I thought his daughter Kelly was sweet, and I felt for her with all that was going on. I really enjoyed seeing Tierney and Ramsey, and Quinn and Taran again and getting updates on their lives. I loved all the tension building between Forde and Cammie, and I cannot wait for their story.

The third book in the Scottish Isles series hooked me from the start. It took me on an emotionally intense journey with the right amount of spice and suspense mixed in. I loved all the healing and growth happening! Fantastic read!

Complimentary copy received.
Profile Image for Joana (joanasbookshelf).
322 reviews236 followers
July 14, 2026
I'm forever obsessed with everything and anything Samantha Young writes. And Twilight Tides was no exception and it might be my new fav book in the Scottish Isles series!!!
Samantha Young books always bring me the best comfort and this one absolutely nailed it.
This is a romantic suspense set in an island in Scotland (can I move now???) with a marriage of convenience with lots of forced proximity and a incredible slow burn. It was emotional and raw and absolutely perfect.

Like always in Samantha Young books, I read it in one sitting because it was that good!!!

I’ve been waiting for London’s book for so long and it completely lived up to it. The marriage of convenience between London and Murray was incredibly done and it made so much sense with the plot of the book and to both of them with all the baggage both of them carried.

London is so strong and she’s still healing after everything she went through. She’s a fighter and I absolutely loved her!! If in the previous books in the series I had already liked her, it was in this book that made me love her.
And then we have Murray that is the absolute sweetest and gentle. He’s an amazing dad to Kelly and I couldn’t be more obsessed with him.

The tension, the yearning, the love, the friendship, the found family!!! Everything in this book is a complete masterpiece.

Consider this your sign to read this book!!
Profile Image for Emily G.
596 reviews28 followers
July 17, 2026
The best of the series so far for sure.

This was the most beautiful story, everything I want from a romance with the perfect amount of suspense. Watching London and Murray’s slow burn was torture in the best way. I was swooning into my book at their dancing around each other as they found their place within their newfound marriage of convenience.

Murray really took the wife card and ran with it. I’ve never read a man who can do the ‘my wife’ trope like him.

Murray’s relationship with Kelly was bittersweet for me and a really beautiful and tender story. The way he would go to bat for his girls, and the way they all cared for one another had me craving more and tearing up at all the right moments.

A truly beautiful story, Samantha you’ve done it again!
Profile Image for Morgan.
517 reviews133 followers
July 14, 2026
James Cassidy & Samantha Brentmoor can whisper sweet nothings to me literally any day of the week and I’d be one happy camper!

“We’d cracked a light open in each other, and were working toward accepting that light could only be appreciated after living with nothing but dark. Aye, we’d found twilight together after years of constant midnight.”

Samantha Young’s story are already phenomenal but consuming them via audio?! It’s always such a pleasure!

“You, just you as you are, are my fantasy. And I still can’t believe that you’re real and you want me back. But if you need more time before we move onto this part of our relationship, I will give you all the time in the world.”

Murray and London’s story? OBSESSED. Murray made for such a great single dad to Kelly. He is stretched thin between running his fishing company, being a single parent and quickly having his company’s funds be swindled away by his ex-wife.

London had overcome so much by breaking away from her abusive ex. She was finally finding her home in Scotland but was in danger of losing her visa.

“But right now is about you and me. And I promised you, you could take the lead. So… what are you going to do with me, wife?”

These two coming together for a marriage of convenience story? I was giddy with excitement! There was undeniable chemistry between them so going into a “fake marriage” I knew they wouldn’t last! 🤣 BUT they did hold off for so long! The love story was a slowww burn and I loved them for it!

“You’re so good to me, Murray Shaw.”
“You make it easy, Mrs. Shaw.”
London’s breath caught again and she laughed softly, rolling her eyes. “Seriously, why is that so hot?” 🤭💍

The way Murray took things slow between them and helped her heal from her trauma? This man owned my heart!

The climax of this story had me on the edge of my seat!

I need everyone to experience the passion between London & Murray! This series just gets better and better!

Tropes:
💍 Marriage of Convenience
💖 Single Dad
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scottish Setting
❤️‍🩹 Love After Trauma
🍷 Age Gap (11yrs)
❤️‍🔥 Slowww Burn
👀 Romantic Suspense
Profile Image for Amy.
2,827 reviews2,039 followers
July 15, 2026
This series is somehow both one of my biggest comfort reads and one of the most stressful things I listen to all year. Every book makes me want to pack my bags and start a new life on this tiny Scottish island, and every single time Samantha Young reminds me that absolutely no one who lives there is allowed to have even one peaceful day. Somehow she perfectly balances the cozy small town atmosphere with suspense that keeps me constantly wondering what’s coming next.

London and Murray were absolutely perfect together. Their marriage of convenience developed in such a believable way, and I loved that their relationship never felt rushed. Every step of their romance fit who they were as characters, making the slow burn even more satisfying. Murray’s relationship with his daughter Kelly also wasn’t magically fixed overnight, and I appreciated how authentic that felt. The suspense was just as strong as the romance. Samantha Young always keeps me guessing, and I honestly never know where these stories are headed. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another twist had me second guessing everything.

The audiobook was phenomenal. Samantha Brentmoor continues to become one of my favorite narrators because she does everything so well—from the humor to the emotional moments to the everyday conversations that make characters feel real. James Cassidy was absolutely perfect as Murray. The Scottish accent, protective single dad energy, and that wonderfully growly hero voice made him impossible not to fall for. At this point, I have a probably unhealthy attachment to everyone on this island, and I already need Book 4 immediately.

Perfect for Readers Who Love

* Romantic suspense that keeps you guessing
* Marriage of convenience
* Protective single dads
* Small town Scotland
* Slow burn romance
* Found family
* Heroine on the run
* Forced proximity
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Webb.
780 reviews9 followers
June 28, 2026
Twilight Tides had me in a chokehold, it was beyond incredible!!! London is desperate to stay in Scotland and Murray is desperate to get sole custody of his daughter while wanting to cut off the salary he has to pay his ex from his company. So they enter a marriage of convenience and soon living in the same house has sparks flying but outside threats want to destroy their happiness.

The tension and yearning in this book was top tier! The way they had feelings but thought the other didn’t provided delicious angst. I loved how their relationship developed and how when Murray found out that London had feelings for him he went all in. Throughout the book their romance was a slow burn and when they crossed the line, my god, it was hot.

Murray was so gentle and sweet, he was the perfect dad to Kelly. He was also a badass protector so that combination definitely made him a top tier book boyfriend. London was still healing from everything she had been through but she was still so caring and such a fighter for those she loved. I adored how she was there for Kelly, even when she was testing her and her dad, and how she stood up for Murray. I loved them so much! He was her safe place and she gave him the love he deserved.

I of course loved being on this Scottish island and with all these characters I adore. I can’t believe there’s only one more book in this series but I’m very excited for it!!

💜 marriage of convenience
💜 forced proximity
💜 age gap
💜 single dad
💜 small town
💜 suspense
Profile Image for Katie.
843 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 15, 2026
What to Expect:
Small town Scotland
Marriage of Convenience
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
Single Dad
Romantic Suspense

Since Half-Light Harbor, I have wanted London's story and it is now time. London needs to stay in Scotland and Murray needs the appearance of a stable household during his custody battle. They might enter into their marriage with the goal of helping each other, but the feelings they have been ignoring towards each other begin to feel much more real than they ever expected.

Murray and London's story is my favorite in the Scottish Isles series. The chemistry between them was sizzling and delicious. I also loved how their relationship was slow burn, even as I was begging them to finally take the first steps. But when that first step finally happened? I was cheering at 1am and mentally committing to a sleepless night because I needed to see their journey through to the end. The raw and unfettered emotions that Samantha was able to describe made this story.

London might have made it out of her previous relationship, but her recovery is still ongoing. Seeing her work through her struggles and learn how to fight for herself had my heart aching at the beauty of Sam's writing. I loved seeing how her relationships with Tierney, Kelly and Murray all deepened and matured throughout the story. And Murray, this man was the best kind of hero. He was fighting for his family and when London is included in that list, he will fight forever to make her life easier and happier.

In between the suspense was the quiet, emotional moments that spoke to the heart of Murray and London and those beautiful moments were emphasized by the beautiful songs Sam called out in the beginning of the book. This will become one of my top tier books and I will be thinking about London and Murray long after I closed the book.

Thank you so much to Samantha for the early copy of Twilight Tides! I cannot say thank you enough!
Profile Image for Kelly.
608 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2026
“But what’s the point of life without dreams, eh? Dreaming is something that makes the tragedy of our short lives worthwhile. No?”

Currently living out my summer vacation dreams with a trip back to Scotland with the Scottish Isles series from Samantha Young!

Murray and London’s romance was a story I just couldn’t get enough of! When you combine a marriage of convenience, with a broody single dad and then add in a side of romantic suspense, I am in audiobook heaven! These two both had something to gain from a marriage on paper and of course a little forced proximity shows them that there could be more to their relationship than just fake rings 😉 I loved their connection through music and their underlying chemistry and mutual attraction. Murray was such a stand up man and was exactly what London needed to show her that not all men are the worst.

The underlying danger in both of their lives added a great element of suspense the story that had me wondering when the threat would emerge with each passing chapter! The friendship and community of the island made me long to travel to experience their lives and the narration made it feel like I was truly there with the characters! Highly recommend if you want a swoony Scottish hero with a heroine that is getting her life back on track!
Profile Image for Romancingthroughlife (Sivan).
930 reviews18 followers
July 7, 2026
“I didn’t know how much longer I could pretend I didn’t want my wife.”

“London, Witherspoon wanted me. And I wanted it to be real between us.”

Oh how I loved this book! It was so worth the wait! Samantha Young has been hinting that London and Murray would end up together and I am so happy that the way it happened was with a marriage of convenience. My heart broke for London and all that she’s been through with her horrible ex. I loved how protective Murray was of her and of his daughter, Kelly. At times it was hard to read how Murray thought he was doing the right thing by not giving in and truly be with London, but when he finally does, oh how delicious it was! The spicy scenes were both sexy and beautiful with Murray truly focusing on London and making sure that she felt safe. The suspense was really entertaining to read and I especially liked the ending with the whole showdown!
I cannot wait for Cammie and Forde’s story next!

Read if you like:
Dual POVs
Marriage of convenience
Single dad
Found family
Romantic suspense
Forced proximity
Slow burn romance
Protective hero
Open door romance
Hero falls first
Scottish romance
Profile Image for Rebecca Roberson.
600 reviews22 followers
July 17, 2026
“You, just as you are, are my fantasy. And I still can’t believe that you’re real and you want me back. But if you need more time before we move onto this part of our relationship, I wi give you all the time in the world.”

💜Romantic Suspense
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Marriage of Convenience
💜Age Gap
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Single Dad Romance
💜Forced Proximity
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Found Family
💜Slow Burn

Can I just say Samantha’s books are what sparked my NEED to visit Scotland and Twilight Tides just sealed it!

Hands down my new favorite book of Samantha’s! You know I’m a sucker for age gap and single dad but add marriage of convenience and forced proximity…YES PLEASE!

Murray Shaw..what a man! One of my top five book boyfriends! 🥵😍 This man is an amazing father, protects his family and is the most understanding man! I was swooning when he called London, “ghràidh”
EVERY DAMN TIME!

I related to London so much and truly love her! She found herself again and it was beautiful to read. I love her relationship with Tierney and her relationship with Kelly made my her swell!

I highly recommend anything by Samantha but Twilight Tides is so good!!
Profile Image for Dawn Cornelius.
195 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2026
I have been waiting for London’s story since the first book of this series.

London - the way she works to heal from her abusive ex and find herself again was done beautifully. I loved how she slowly found her voice and strength as the story unfolded. Her relationship path with Murray and his daughter was perfect. I loved how she bonded with Kelly.

Murray - the man is stoic and calm in the storm of his life. His daughter wants to stay with him and he’s fighting for her against a vindictive ex-wife. His ability to truly see London was my favorite part. I loved his protective nature with both London and Kelly.

These two together were everything. They pushed through the hard moments. They laughed through the good moments. They became a team in a wild way and it was perfect.

The suspense aspect of this book drew me in with the prologue immediately. When you have both characters with suspense plots, it makes the book even harder to put down! I loved both plots and how they worked out.

Thanks to House of Hearts Lit for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Samantha.
331 reviews16 followers
July 16, 2026
The way that I am absolutely loving this series! I have been eager for London’s story since we first got a glimpse of her in book one. I love a good healing journey and getting to be along for her finding her hea was everything! London and Murray are such an amazing couple. I can’t stop thinking about them. I also love the way Samantha writes. There are so many times when lines from her books stop me in my tracks and hit so deep. I love emotional depth in my stories, and you will get that every time with one of her books.

And the audiobook….perfection! James Cassidy and Samantha Brentmoor did an absolutely amazing job bringing these characters to life. You could just feel all the emotions they brought to life with their voices. Also, if you love a good Scottish accent, you’ll want to dive into these audiobooks immediately.

I can’t say enough good things about this series. Thank you so much Samantha and team for sending me a gifted copy of this book and the alc. I am living for these releases and I cannot wait until the next one!
Profile Image for Rozsreads .
96 reviews
June 30, 2026

I’d been hoping London and Murray would finally get their own story, so I was chuffed when I found out this book was all about them!
A huge thank you to @authorsamanthayoung for sending me an early copy—I started reading it straight away.
✨ My thoughts:
📘 Nick? I wanted to punch him. What an absolute asshole.
📕 There’s so much happening in the first half of the book—from Kelly, to the boat drama, to Nick being… well, Nick. But it all flows so well and never feels overwhelming.
📗 The entire story is packed with drama, twists, and unexpected turns that kept me hooked from start to finish.
📒 My only complaint? I wanted more! I wasn’t ready for it to end and feel like the story could have gone on longer.
I swear every time a new book in this series comes out, I say it’s my favourite… but this one is now at the top of the list as my favourite.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely loved it!
Profile Image for Brooke (iambookish_brooke).
819 reviews24 followers
July 16, 2026
This is my new fav of the series for sure.

While you can pick this up as a standalone- I would recommend you read this series in order for maximum emotional impact… there is so much character overlap, important backstory and groundwork laid in each book.

Speaking of groundwork, I’ve been looking forward to London’s story since book one. And it was even better than I hoped. Murray! Wew what a fictional man.

This book was marriage of convenience done right. There was suspense from multiple angles that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the healthy communication between characters, it was so refreshing.

The series just gets better and better. Already counting down to the next book!

Thank you to the author for the ARC and Must Love Audio for the ALC. The audiobook was EXCELLENT. Samantha Brentmoor never misses. And James Cassidy was 🔥🔥.
Profile Image for Kristy C..
214 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2026
4.5⭐️

Samantha Young delivers another unforgettable romance with Twilight Tides, blending heart, suspense, and unforgettable characters.

Murray is a devoted single dad who needs to remarry to gain custody of his daughter and finally break free from his manipulative ex-wife. London, a talented chef who fled an abusive relationship in the U.S., is facing the loss of her visa in Scotland. A marriage of convenience solves both of their problems—but neither expects their arrangement to turn into something real.

I loved watching their relationship grow from mutual need to trust, friendship, and love. The found family dynamic, Murray's devotion to his daughter, and the romantic suspense surrounding London's past added so much depth to the story.

If you love marriage of convenience, single dads, found family, and romance with a touch of suspense, you will love this!
Profile Image for Amanda Schumacher.
350 reviews13 followers
July 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. This is my first Samantha Young read and I really love her writing. The way you can just read book three in a series but somehow know what's happened before that book is amazing. London is escaping her abusive boyfriend and goes to Scotland to be with her best friend Tierney who runs a B&B. She would as the chef for her. Murray is an owner of his own family business that's fishing. Londons Ex decides he's going to start threatening her again. Murray's ex-wife puts their daughter in dangers. They decide to get married "on paper only". she's staying in his guest room.. crazy things happen and in the middle of the chaos; they fall in love. You have to read and find out what happens.
Profile Image for ashlin.reads.
375 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2026
This series has me in a chokehold and I loved getting London's story!

London and Murray both need an escape from their exes in different ways so they agree to a marriage of convenience. Which always hooks me in! Especially when they already have secret crushes on each other like these two did. I loved how protective Murray was of London and the bond they created. Their chemistry was undeniable from the start. Murray's daughter and London also had the sweetest relationship and it was a joy to see London help his daughter through her trauma.

As always I really enjoyed the suspenseful aspect of the story. Samantha Young always does an amazing job of keeping you hooked in with all the drama. There hasn't been a book of hers I've read so far that I haven't binged. I also really enjoyed being back with all the previous characters and the fun they brought to the story.

The audio was done by James Cassidy and Samantha Brentmoor and they were amazing! The Scottish accent really made the reading experience so much better. Both of them did so great at bringing forth the emotion and keeping me hooked on the story.

Thank you so much Samantha Young and Must Love Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Kaylee Salsbury-Nelson.
744 reviews94 followers
Read
July 16, 2026
Hands down my favorite book of the Scottish Isles series thus far. I am a sucker for a single dad and a marriage of convenience.

These two characters and their stories had so much depth. They worked so well as individual storylines, but worked together beautifully to create a perfect romance. The suspense played out well, too, with both of them having a lot going on.

The friendship journey with Tierney and London was also really beautiful to read.

And the dual narration with James Cassidy and Samantha Brentmoor...dare I say one of my new favorite combos?! Also, is it just me, or does James Cassidy using a Scottish accent sound almost identical to Shane East?! I loved it.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.8k reviews546 followers
July 18, 2026
This one was fun to read. Both London and Murray were smitten with each other, but didn't dare make a move due to their own issues. But when London took a chance to help clear both of their issues it opened the door for more. It wasn't easy, things were awkward between them, both fighting the attraction and not wanting to be a burden. Slowly as they started to share things from their past they grew closer. For Murray, seeing how London dealt with Kelly, also broke down walls for him.

It was nice to see how the trouble in their lives was taken care of, even if things became dicey at times. So glad to see them happy and thriving at the end, they deserved the happiness they found.
Profile Image for Aina.
415 reviews15 followers
July 16, 2026
4,5✨

Samantha Young is one of my all time favorites, and with Twilight Tides, the Scottish Isles series has now become one of my comfort series! I truly love this little family!

I knew from the moment London was introduced, that I was going to love her! However I wasn’t prepared for the amount of emotions this book would bring! I absolutely adored her fierceness and vulnerability, how she overcame everything that happened to her and learned to take control back!

As for Murray! He was incredible! I adored his relationship with his daughter, Kelly and how he would do anything for those he loves!

Murray and London have instant chemistry, but at the same time Samantha manages to build a delicious slow burn with these two. The marriage of convenience was so good in this one, I really loved how bit by bit they learned to let each other in. They are so sweet! But omg their chemistry was incredible!!

One of my favorite aspects of the story was Kelly and London’s relationship! Kelly is this really sweet child that has also survived a lot for her young age, so she is a bit hesitant of London at first. I really really adored how they found a kindred spirit in each other and built this beautiful bond.

As for the suspense, Samantha had me at the edge of my seat as always! This series is so much fun!

Cannot wait to read what comes next! I have the feeling it’s going to be my favorite 🤭

💍 Marriage of Convenience
💜 Age Gap
🎀 Single Dad
✨ Heroine in Danger
🎹 Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Small town in the Scottish Isles

Thank you to Samantha Young and her team for the ARC, all thoughts are my own!
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