The Highland Hideaway

by Sally Brooks

Hannah Castle didn't hate Lottie Duvall at university. But she certainly didn't like her. Everything came so easily to Lottie, and with her effortless confidence and her family's money, success seemed inevitable. While Hannah, without a supportive family, had to work for everything. Inevitably, after they graduated, they didn't keep in touch.

20 years on, Hannah is a high-profile broadcast journalist. Divorced and working in a male-dominated environment, she takes no prisoners. After breaking the story of her life, she escapes to a hotel in the Scottish Highlands where nobody knows her. Her heart sinks when she spots Lottie working behind the bar. But why is she there?

Lottie's glittering legal career never got off the ground, thanks to a family tragedy that changed her life forever. For years she's prioritised other people's needs over her own and the last thing she needs is a notorious ice maiden like Hannah walking into her workplace at Christmas, reminding her just how dull her life is.

A storm rolls in off the North Sea, forcing the two women to spend Christmas together in the wilds of Scotland. They have no choice but to face their unlikely reversals of fortune, and their growing attraction, in spite of the simmering tension.

Can Hannah be vulnerable and let Lottie in? Can Lottie trust her feelings for a woman known for revealing uncomfortable truths? And will this Christmas change both their lives?

Don't miss this sizzling sapphic romance set in the wilds of Scotland's romantic Highlands, complete with stormy weather, romantic tension, spicy passion and festive feels.

The Highland Hideaway is written by Sally Brooks, the award-winning author of The Barcelona Bakery and the Second Chance Chronicles. It is a standalone sapphic romance from the Wanderlust Series.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Contemporary, Slow Burn, Friends To Lovers

251 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2026

About the author

I'm Sally Brooks, a British writer of contemporary sapphic romance. These books are perfect for those of you who love diverse characters, romantic comedy and page-turning fiction.
In my books you will find compelling, funny and heartwarming stories - think all the lols with all the feels.
I love complex queer female characters so that's what I write and I'll keep you guessing right to the end.
I live in Birmingham with my wife, our three children and two cats - Cagney and Lacey, who are surprisingly bad at solving crime.

Reviews

[JAYNE (sapphic_story_seekers) · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

A snowstorm, a luxurious castle retreat in the Scottish Highlands, and a woman from twenty years ago.

The Highland Hideaway, the second book in Sally Brooks’s Wanderlust series, is every bit as good as the first. It’s festive, low-angst and completely envelops you in that warm, cosy feeling. Both Hannah and Lottie are likeable characters, with backstories that draw you in and make them completely relatable. The secondary characters each added to the story, which flowed effortlessly.

If you’re looking for a heartfelt sapphic romance set in Scotland, with a castle setting, festive atmosphere, and minimal angst, this is the perfect winter read. And yes, it will probably leave you craving homemade delight! I can’t wait to see what awaits us next.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

hannah is on a hiatus from work.... she is burnt out.... her work which she loves has become hard after her exclusive that brought a prime minister to his knees and the recognition she was getting everywhere, she just didnt have any alone time anymore

hence the trip up to scotland to escape her reality

life for lottie had changed..... her path through uni was set and she was about to start on her dream job when reality gave her a curve ball..... there were things she had wished she could change but on the whole she was happy

so when lottie recognised hannah from the girl from university, she was at first excited but when hannah failed to recognise her back lottie was a bit stumped, yes they had never been close friends but surely they hadnt changed that much

for hannah it was a shock firstly because she couldnt understand why lottie was there working in a castle after all she was suppose to be working in a law firm... so hannah really didnt understand the whys or wherefores

but things were about to get interesting

ohhh a slow christmassy burn and man those recipes cant wait to try them out... its a feel good storyline with enough angst to keep you reading and a would they or wouldnt they type of book

cant wait to read whats next from this author

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start, each main introduced in the first two chapters and a few side characters mentioned, but the start is not cluttered with too many people or too much irrelevant detail. (That seems an odd point to make by me, especially as saying not an issue in this book, but it was in the last book I read. I am enjoying that there is enough detail to picture but not so much that clarity is lost! A bit like looking at google maps when you see a whole city, there is no clarity until you zoom in on an area, then a couple of streets. …… )
The perfect descriptive level continues as does back story detail.
The first more intimate than a kiss managed to be sweet but realistic with its first time for one issues.
I enjoyed the book. I could picture everything and read most with a smile on my face. While I would not describe this as a heavy or deep book there was something very pleasant about reading a book took me away to another world.

[Monna · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This is another enchanting romance from Sally Brooks. “The Highland Hideaway,” book two in The Wanderlust Series, takes us to the Scottish Highlands and remote McLennon Castle. Hannah Castle, an investigative reporter for the BBC, is over-stressed and overdue for a vacation. She just wants to get away from London and relax over the Christmas holidays. She’s in for a shock at the castle’s reception desk. Enter Lottie Duvall, a fellow student from her undergrad days. Lottie is kind, forthright, and an indispensable person at the castle. Hannah remembers that Lottie was outgoing, popular, and slated to be a lawyer. Hannah wonders what happened to derail that career field. Hannah also pretends not to remember Lottie, which, understandably, doesn’t sit well with Lottie at all. And the story really begins. No spoilers here I wouldn’t want to spoil any surprises. Suffice it to say that the women reacquaint themselves gradually, and all sorts of romantic things break out. This is an easy book to read; it rolls along at a steady pace. Likable characters, a beautifully-described backdrop of castle and loch, sexual tension, and even several recipes for items mentioned in the text make this a well-rounded book. I give it five stars!

[Michela Santoro · Rating 3 out of 5]

iconicometer: 💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼
spiceometer: 🥵🥵🥵


✨ making a list of reasons why you shouldn't date her? it's giving "am I gay" quizzes just in case... it's too late girl

✨ the weather truly said lesbian rights

✨ "don we now our gay apparel" and "with those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings" indeed 🤪

✨ LOVED the festive food AND recipes, the immaculate cozy vibes and all things british

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Wanderlust series and it is just as charming as the first book. I loved the delicious sounding food recipes sprinkled through the book and look forward to making some of them. I don’t usually expect my romance books to inspire me in the kitchen but Sally Brooks has really found a cute niche with these stories. I love how she paints a scene and the setting that really makes me feel like I’m there experiencing it for myself. The side characters are well developed and enhance the overall story.

Hannah is a journalist from London that has just come off a career defining story and needs a break from it all. She is recently divorced from her ex husband Carl and has booked a stay at the McLennon Castle in Scotland just before Christmas. When she arrives at the castle she is surprised to see Lottie working there. They attended law school together nearly 20 years ago and Hannah assumed Lottie would be working in law somewhere. Hannah was so closed off and reserved back in her school days so she really didn’t know Lottie back then. But as the two women catch up they begin to catch feelings. This is a revelation for Hannah because she always believed herself to be straight.

I would say this is a quick read but it is so thoughtfully and smartly written that you aren’t missing any details. Of course we get our happily ever after but there is also a bit of angst and drama to add some tension. This was such a pleasant and relaxing read and I look forward to reading more books in this series. Thank you for the ARC.

[Amy 🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READER REVIEW ✨

I feel SO lucky to have read The Highland Hideaway by Sally Brooks before its release on 29th October🤍

If you love slow-burn tension, forced proximity, complicated history and being snowed in with someone you have unfinished business with… you NEED this on your TBR 😭💗

We meet Hannah, a successful broadcast journalist who escapes to a hotel in the Scottish Highlands after her divorce, hoping for some peace, quiet and a chance to get away from it all, but her plans take an unexpected turn when she discovers that Lottie is staying there too!!

The two women knew each other at university twenty years ago, but their relationship has never been straightforward. Hannah always felt that life came easily to Lottie, while Hannah had to fight for everything she wanted.

Now, their lives look completely different. Hannah is trying to find her feet after her marriage ends, while Lottie has put her own dreams aside following a family tragedy and is working at the hotel, and just when you think things couldn’t get more complicated, a storm sweeps in and leaves them stranded together in the Scottish Highlands over Christmas 🌨️

Honestly GIVE ME the snowed-in setting, the slow-burn tension, the cosy Highland hotel and the chance for two people to see each other in a completely different light 😭🤍

If you’re looking for your next winter read with a sapphic romance, a gorgeous Scottish setting and a story about the unexpected ways our lives can change, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!

The Highland Hideaway by Sally Brooks is out on the 29th October and you can preorder now🥹

Thank you to Sally Brooks for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book 🤍

[Debbie Fahlman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I’ve read from this author and before I get into the review, I have to say that I totally enjoy the recipes included for what specialties are served at the castle! It will be interesting to try them!

Now the review. There are several characters throughout this book and it starts with Lottie and Anne-Marie. Anne-Marie owns the castle and Lottie has worked there for 20 plus years. She has her own cottage on the property and does everything from greeting guests to repairs as needed.

Freya and Zack are Lotties “niece and nephew” that she has raised from a very young age. To find out why you’ll have to read the book! Now enter Hannah into the combination of people. Hannah is a well known journalist from England who has taken a vacation and has come to the castle. Lottie recognizes her as someone she went to college with, but Hannah pretends that she doesn’t recognize her. Also add in here that Hannah dislikes Christmas and you have a mixture of grumpy and happy celebrations among the other guests.

The book is written very well and all the characters meld together with a few surprises. I was able to finish the book in 2 days because it was a very enjoyable read with no pretension and lots of adventure! You will enjoy the book!

I received an ARC from the author.

[Liz Tonis · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

ARC review incoming!!

This book was delightful! Lottie’s found family at the castle is absolutely adorable! I loved the side characters in this story.

Lottie and Hannah are forced together after a snow storm extends Hannah’s trip to the Highlands from London. Hannah is a journalist going through a rough time because of an intense story she broke. Hannah is an ice queen, but warms up to her old uni acquaintance and is adorably confident, but shy with her unexpected feelings that develop for Lottie.

Lottie has worked at the castle for a 21 years, after she suddenly takes in children that become her own. She is quite the open-book, opposite of Hannah, but is charming and lovable!!

I loved the banter between these two characters! Their conversations flowed well, and were very cute, and flirty (hehe)

This book is good for people who enjoy an easy read; it is straightforward and written in a bit more of a telling, rather than showing, but works very well with the story! Though, you get a very vivid picture of the Highlands itself, I felt like I was there!!! There are also, very welcomed, interruptions of recipes that seem very deliciousssss!

A charming story that will make you want a holiday of your own!! I wish I was stuck in a castle due to a snow storm right about now. Very cozy.

Tropes:
❄️Ice Queen
❄️Holiday
❄️Forced Proximity
❄️Sapphic Awakening
❄️Found Family
❄️Celebrity
❄️Femme/Femme

Spice:
3x spicy scenes
Level: 🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 (very content with how the book played out and adored it! Def would recommend:))
This book comes out Oct. 29!!

[teaguebean · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐

another easy to read cozy romance from sally brooks full of delicious sounding food. this time set at the holidays, and with some added scottish flair.
the second book in the wanderlust series takes us on a forced holiday vacation with ice queen hannah as she escapes the aftermath of breaking the biggest story of her life as a high-profile broadcast journalist. unexpectedly, hannah is faced with a face from her past that she never expected to see again, lottie.
lottie is running the hotel that hannah has chosen to escape too. lottie has been here since a family tragedy changed the trajectory of her life far from that of a promising legal career.
add in a snow storm that traps them at the castle till it clears, it is a perfect recipe for slow burn sapphic awakening.
speaking of recipes, i love all of the ones that are sprinkled throughout the book. especially ones for foods that i have no idea what they are beyond their book description.
a lot of holiday reads can feel very basic, very hallmark christmas romcom, but the highland hideaway didn't feel like that to me. it wasn't following that formula and i love that!

thank you to sally brooks for the arc

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy Scottish Highlands Christmas romance with a slow burn, plenty of romantic tension, and just the right amount of angst! Hannah and Lottie’s story was such a feel-good read. I loved the university history, the role reversals twenty years later, and watching these two women slowly find their way toward each other.

The forced proximity, stormy weather, castle setting, and that delicious will-they-or-won’t-they tension made this such an enjoyable holiday read. I especially loved how the story balanced the emotional moments with sweetness, humor, and a little spice. And can we talk about the recipes sprinkled throughout? They sound absolutely delicious, and I can’t wait to try some of them!

I also really enjoyed how vividly the Scottish Highlands were described. I could picture myself tucked away in that cozy castle, snow and storms outside, with nowhere to be but right there. I finished this one in two days because it was such an easy, charming escape.

If you enjoy ice queens, forced proximity, sapphic slow burns, festive romance, and a little found family, definitely add this one to your winter reading list. Now I just need my own Christmas getaway in a Scottish castle! ❤️❄️

[karen fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful seasonal story which really captures the feel and essence of Christmas while still giving you a fully fleshed out story. You couldn't get a more Christmasy setting, in a Scottish castle with snow falling all around and close family gatherings and traditions being played out. Having said all that there is lots more going on in the story to get your teeth into (quite literally if you cook up some of the delicious recipes included). There is a whole host of back story included as the two MCs know each other from back in their university days, which helps make the quick building connection between them more believable, and a helping of outside drama mixes things up a bit too. This is the second book in this series but can easily be read as a stand alone. Sally Brooks has done a wonderful job of transporting you into the Scottish Highlands just as she thoroughly immersed us in Barcelona in the previous book.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderfully delicious Wanderlust story! Thank you to the author for an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

First, once again the recipes interspersed throughout are a delight! Don’t read while hungry because those treats are hard to pass up!

I adored Lottie. She was warm, hard working and brilliant. I loved how she stepped up and grew her family and they were everything. I loved the family she found in the Highlands as well. The supporting cast was glorious ;).

Hannah took a bit longer to become enamored with due to her standoff nature. But soon enough enamored I became as she worked her way into my (and others’, ha!) heart. She was burned out from her job and at the castle to get some rest and relaxation for herself.

Well written and paced. Recommend!!

[Jennifer KB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing on our journey with Sally Brooks who gave us Barcelona Bakery, we have The Highland Hideaway, set in Scotland during the Christmas holidays. A fabulous story taking us to a hotel where our main characters who knew each other 20 years ago at Uni, meet up again. Trapped by the storm and getting to know each other as changed adults, this is one of those stories that warms the heart, including the recipes sprinkled throughout the story, like Scottish shortbread cookies…erm…biscuits. Whatever.