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Highland Wolves #3
Layers to Peel: Highland Wolves, Book 3
Wolf versus cat…fur will fly.
But when they strip back the layers, could this be a perfect match?
Lady Isabel Grayson is tired with London in general and boorish peers in particular. Known for her sharp tongue and strident nature, after one scandal too many she finds herself banished to the countryside. Her exile is made worse when her father announces he plans to marry her off to a mangy dog.
Alick Ferguson is more comfortable in wolf's fur than a man's breeches. He is resigned to going through life alone, until he spots a spitting cat picking off dandies in a ballroom with a fencing foil. Alick's protective nature throws them together, and there is more to both than meets the eye.
But can they peel away their armour to trust and find love, or will they doom each other instead?
But when they strip back the layers, could this be a perfect match?
Lady Isabel Grayson is tired with London in general and boorish peers in particular. Known for her sharp tongue and strident nature, after one scandal too many she finds herself banished to the countryside. Her exile is made worse when her father announces he plans to marry her off to a mangy dog.
Alick Ferguson is more comfortable in wolf's fur than a man's breeches. He is resigned to going through life alone, until he spots a spitting cat picking off dandies in a ballroom with a fencing foil. Alick's protective nature throws them together, and there is more to both than meets the eye.
But can they peel away their armour to trust and find love, or will they doom each other instead?
Audible Audio
First published August 9, 2017
37 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Tilly Wallace
31 books612 followersTilly writes whimsical historical fantasy books, set in a bygone time where magic is real. With a quirky and loveable cast, her books combine vintage magic and gentle humour. Through fierce friendships her characters discover that in an uncertain world, the most loyal family is the one you create.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 25, 2018
It's not a bad read but I struggled with the character of Isabel. She's an immature snob for the majority of the book and it became a bit tedious. There are reasons for Isabel's behaviour and understandably it wouldn't have made sense for her to be changed overnight. However that doesn't mean it was easy to like her!
Alick was interesting and it was also good to catch up with the other supporting characters too.
Alick was interesting and it was also good to catch up with the other supporting characters too.
April 23, 2020
After reading the first book, I was curious about Alick’s story, even though I think the title is truly awful. Isabel started out as someone I could cheer for as she’s struggling to find herself and get out of her gilded cage. Then stuff happens and she turns into a completely awful person. “I’m the daughter of a duke, I don’t peel potatoes!” Ok, that’s not an exact quote, but 2 days later she’s in love and ready to go all in with everything? I didn’t buy it.
December 11, 2021
Woof. This one got a little kinky! I think this one was my favorite so far (not about the kinkiness...well, maybe a little...).
March 14, 2025
This one was by far my favorite. The two leads were such a good couple and I really enjoyed the dynamic they built. I kind of admire how Isabel was kind of a brat but I never hit the point where I hated her. I've certainly read books where the female lead is supposed to be likable and is the cattiest, pettiest witch I've ever read. But Isabel is supposed to be petty and kind of naive, and yet I felt for her. I understood why she didn't know what she didn't know and kept missteping with the family. I liked her a lot.
And I love Alec, of course. The last book hinted at him being gruff and irritable and I was so ready for his book!
I would say that Isabel's turn to being part of the family was a little fast but that's really my only critique.
And I love Alec, of course. The last book hinted at him being gruff and irritable and I was so ready for his book!
I would say that Isabel's turn to being part of the family was a little fast but that's really my only critique.
July 20, 2021
Another excellent addition to the Highland wolves series. Once again, I loved the characters and their interactions with one another.
This time the story revolves around Alick, the most wild of the 4 wolves, as he attempts to protect his new wife - the high born Lady Isabel. She was another interesting addition to the group, showing the reader a very lonely character in her chapters, just screaming to get her father's attention. Unfortunately, she really has been raised in high society, so listening to her spew vicious , snobby comments in Alick's chapters, then reading her sadness was a very interesting view - it allowed you to see her hard shell that she used to protect herself and the contrast of a young woman desperate for attention underneath.
Once again, the story takes place over about 10 days, but at no point does the story feel rushed or forced. Just don't think too hard about the fact that Isabel's massive personality shift takes place over about 5 days And you'll feel better (I know I did). The final confrontation was exciting and had me racing to finish the final few chapters.
My only complaint is one of the earlier scenes in the book, where Alick spanks Isabel (the spanking isn't the problem - to each their own). It's the context. I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about it. Alick made a point of telling the reader (and other characters) that he wouldn't take Isabel unwillingly, then after she has been rude to Aster and Ianthe, he tosses her on the bed, pins her down and spanks her. There's a lot of reassurance that she knows he's barely holding her down so she feels "safe" and Alick saying he's very carefully observing her so he knows if she's too uncomfortable. Honestly, it skates a very fine edge of just about not being assault, but then again, regency era views of what men could do to their wives would probably be ok with that.
Either way, minor complaint, because I actually loved this book.
This time the story revolves around Alick, the most wild of the 4 wolves, as he attempts to protect his new wife - the high born Lady Isabel. She was another interesting addition to the group, showing the reader a very lonely character in her chapters, just screaming to get her father's attention. Unfortunately, she really has been raised in high society, so listening to her spew vicious , snobby comments in Alick's chapters, then reading her sadness was a very interesting view - it allowed you to see her hard shell that she used to protect herself and the contrast of a young woman desperate for attention underneath.
Once again, the story takes place over about 10 days, but at no point does the story feel rushed or forced. Just don't think too hard about the fact that Isabel's massive personality shift takes place over about 5 days And you'll feel better (I know I did). The final confrontation was exciting and had me racing to finish the final few chapters.
My only complaint is one of the earlier scenes in the book, where Alick spanks Isabel (the spanking isn't the problem - to each their own). It's the context. I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about it. Alick made a point of telling the reader (and other characters) that he wouldn't take Isabel unwillingly, then after she has been rude to Aster and Ianthe, he tosses her on the bed, pins her down and spanks her. There's a lot of reassurance that she knows he's barely holding her down so she feels "safe" and Alick saying he's very carefully observing her so he knows if she's too uncomfortable. Honestly, it skates a very fine edge of just about not being assault, but then again, regency era views of what men could do to their wives would probably be ok with that.
Either way, minor complaint, because I actually loved this book.
October 29, 2024
Isabel is such a bitch, Alick deserves better, I really wanted to empathize with her because her struggles, while not something I can really relate to, seemed genuine and obviously affected her but holy shit she was so annoying and mean. She really felt like she was better than other girls and that's always super annoying but then would be surprised when no one wanted to be around her?? I wanted to DNF anytime she was saying anything but I'm invested in everything EXCEPT Isabel so I did want to see how things played out. I listened to the audiobook and I think I would have just enjoyed this more if I'd skipped all her chapters. It's definitely the weakest in the series for me especially after finishing Ianthe and Quinns story (their book is my favorite so far).
February 8, 2021
I really love how this series has the same plot overarching all the books, with one miniplot in each individual story. I loved this book in particular because Alick is the big, gruff more-wolf-than-man character of the bunch and those are usually my favorite types of leading men. He started the book thinking he wasn't going to find his mate, and that he didn't want to. That didn't last long, of course. He turned into a pile of mush as soon as he found her, and what a lady she is too. Lady Isabel was infuriating over the course of the novel, but ultimately you do grow to love her.
Onto the last book!
Onto the last book!
January 10, 2026
The start of the story feels like a reinterpretation of King Thrushbeard. Isabel is a noble brat who acts out in response to parental neglect and dissatisfaction with her lot in life. Alick is the horribly scarred brutish werewolf. Isabel finds herself married off to him as punishment and forced to live as a commoner.
It deviates from there, intertwining with the overall conspiracy plot and the werewolf extended family. This book is a bit spicier than the last two while also focusing more on the conspiracy plot. I like this one best of the Highland Wolves series so far. Isabel is a terrible person to start and I enjoyed watching her adapt to her new life.
It deviates from there, intertwining with the overall conspiracy plot and the werewolf extended family. This book is a bit spicier than the last two while also focusing more on the conspiracy plot. I like this one best of the Highland Wolves series so far. Isabel is a terrible person to start and I enjoyed watching her adapt to her new life.
August 13, 2022
Very unusual series. There are three series so far in this "world", and not a single book has been anything less than extremely entertaining and amusing.
This world is a what if! What if it were the time of the French Revolution? What if magic was real? And what if supernatural creatures were real, too? And then, what if these supernatural characters were involved in the war between England and France?? Its a very unique concept I haven't quite seen before. And its done brilliantly! Please, enjoy!💜
This world is a what if! What if it were the time of the French Revolution? What if magic was real? And what if supernatural creatures were real, too? And then, what if these supernatural characters were involved in the war between England and France?? Its a very unique concept I haven't quite seen before. And its done brilliantly! Please, enjoy!💜
March 9, 2025
So I’ll admit that I took a while to warm up to Isabel because wow, major mean girl. However, that is part of her journey, and Tilly Wallace managed to make me care about her and her story. I’ve liked Alick since the first book. I have a fondness for Beauty and the Beast stories, and I add this to the list. The overarching mystery with the vampire spy for the French continued and advanced. Thanks to Marian Hussey for her continuing excellent audiobook narration. Onto book four.
January 15, 2018
Really enjoyed the series and am looking forward to Ewan's story. A history nut, I enjoy the alternative takes ... particularly the pre-/Regency period. I think I enjoyed the first book in the series the most of all. Maybe it is the introduction to the concept and the characters; but all three are good reads.
January 17, 2018
Great read
Book 3 of this set is very satisfying. While no where close to a traditional hero, Alick is "the very best of men," and doesn't want to be a hero or husband. Neither does Isabel want to be wife, titled or not. Their story warms one's heart, and make ME anxious for the final volume.
Book 3 of this set is very satisfying. While no where close to a traditional hero, Alick is "the very best of men," and doesn't want to be a hero or husband. Neither does Isabel want to be wife, titled or not. Their story warms one's heart, and make ME anxious for the final volume.
May 21, 2022
2.5 stars. An easy and lighthearted read. Just what I was looking for. Most will be able to read it in a single evening.
The romance was ok. The female love interest is nearly insufferable. She is such a bitch and her reasons for being so are weak.
No spoilers but I’m not a fan of how things were “settled” between her and her father in the end.
This book also has the least amount of plot combined with so many plot holes! There’s one more book to go so I’m hoping all the loose ends get tied up then.
The romance was ok. The female love interest is nearly insufferable. She is such a bitch and her reasons for being so are weak.
No spoilers but I’m not a fan of how things were “settled” between her and her father in the end.
This book also has the least amount of plot combined with so many plot holes! There’s one more book to go so I’m hoping all the loose ends get tied up then.
August 13, 2025
2.5
Isabel is an attention seeking bratty thief who learns that her methods of gaining her tyrant father’s attention alienates the work and effort of the women around her. You spend so much of the book not liking her. Alick is well-meaning but a gruff, cinnamon roll. I wanted more of the mystery and shadow men, there was so much potential there.
Isabel is an attention seeking bratty thief who learns that her methods of gaining her tyrant father’s attention alienates the work and effort of the women around her. You spend so much of the book not liking her. Alick is well-meaning but a gruff, cinnamon roll. I wanted more of the mystery and shadow men, there was so much potential there.
February 11, 2018
With this, the third book in the Highland Wolves series, Tilley Wallace really hits her stride. Both the mystery/intrigue and the romance were well developed and the prose polished. I can’t wait to read Ewan’s story.
July 12, 2018
These Scottish Wolves!
Boy starting out I wasn't thrilled with Isabel as Alick's love but you see not to judge a book by it's cover. I wanted Alick's to get his happy ever after. Things are hard for him. Now one Scottish Wolf left . Will Ewen find someone?
Boy starting out I wasn't thrilled with Isabel as Alick's love but you see not to judge a book by it's cover. I wanted Alick's to get his happy ever after. Things are hard for him. Now one Scottish Wolf left . Will Ewen find someone?
May 11, 2021
The titles of all four books are dreadful, but the stories are nice. Two tiny things that annoyed me a lot, though: the old ball (and references to it) and the thorougly stupid nickname Alrick gave Isabel.
August 20, 2021
Liked this story the least of the series Alick and Isabelle had the least amount of entertaining on page chemistry compared to the previous characters. In fact Isabelle was a spoiled twist for most of the story.
April 5, 2022
Isabel and Alick
Isabel is a wild child. Whose many scrapes gets her in trouble. Along come Alick to rescue of course she feels she doesn't need rescuing. Alick has some thing to do. Action and adventure
Isabel is a wild child. Whose many scrapes gets her in trouble. Along come Alick to rescue of course she feels she doesn't need rescuing. Alick has some thing to do. Action and adventure
August 23, 2024
I love her style of writing. There's humor, heartbreak, adventure. Even more so, I listen to her books via audible and I absolutely love her narrator. She is great at her job. Brings so much life to the characters. If you haven't read any of her books, what are you waiting for?
February 25, 2025
This was a fun series with some fairly cringe rhyming titles. I like all the guys and all the girls, and the drama and romance are balanced well.
NB: updating books I've read way after the fact (Feb 2025), so ratings and reviews are really based on fuzzy vibes.
NB: updating books I've read way after the fact (Feb 2025), so ratings and reviews are really based on fuzzy vibes.
March 1, 2025
Loved part 3 of this unique historical-werewolves-Napoleon-spying-mate-romance mix. It took some time to warm up to Isabel, high on her horse, but what is not to love about Hamish and their sparring with each other?
October 4, 2018
Love this author!!! Already purchased the next book in the series!
May 8, 2018
Already bought the next!
Although the female character in this book was less likeable than the previous two, I liked her by the end. Good ongoing plot line as well.
Although the female character in this book was less likeable than the previous two, I liked her by the end. Good ongoing plot line as well.
October 27, 2018
Sweet
The Highland Wolves regiment is a werewolf regiment created to fight Napoleon on the side of England. Love and life fighting for their country.
The Highland Wolves regiment is a werewolf regiment created to fight Napoleon on the side of England. Love and life fighting for their country.
April 4, 2021
These are easy to read. I enjoy the unaturals aspect and they add a little sex in there too.
January 8, 2025
Listened to on audible with Narrator Marian Hussey
March 7, 2025
Not bad—especially as the story progressed. I’ll read the last installment to see how everything wraps up.
November 23, 2025
forced marriage, only one bed, some light kink, good stuff
February 12, 2026
ALICK IS MY FAVORITE
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews