Can an injured wolf and a broken witch heal each other . . .
Alice Sheffield tore her soul into pieces and hid them to escape a soul-eating demon. Free at last, she longs to rebuild herself as something new and stronger, but she doesn’t know how. Then a catalyst for change enters her life.
Ewan Shaw was shot with an ensorcelled silver bullet that has tainted his blood and bound his wolf beyond his reach. He retreats to his friend’s rural farm to lick his wounds and contemplate his lack of prospects. Renowned for his cold detachment, he is fascinated by broken Alice and the heat she stirs within him.
Then fate presents an opportunity. In bringing an old foe to justice, Ewan might find a path for his life and a way for Alice to confront her demons. But to do that, two broken people must heal each other, or shattered pieces will be lost forever.
Tilly 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.
Two very broken people. Geez, Ewan has many, many issues. This one was sad but also rounded out nicely. Not as fun (or kinky) but it does make me want to read the Manners and Monster series again.
Tilly Wallace continues her Highland Wolves series with the story of Ewan and Alice, which gives you enough of the back story so that you can follow what has happened in the last 2-3 years in case you haven't read the other books. She has you feeling their pain and attraction to each other and that they can see in each other what others can't see in them. Ewan and Alice find themselves in similar situations with a devastating circumstance changing their lives for ever. As they help each other to heal they are drawn to each other and will sacrifice their selves to save the other. Ewan helps Alice to reclaim her new self and she helps him deal with past hurts and his physical limitations. They grow closer and you can see them come to trust each other. Dealing with their own emotions and helping each other with their problems takes them on a spy mission to deal with an old enemy who has eluded the Highland Wolves. Alice convinces Ewan to take her on his new mission and they work together to bring the enemy and his latest scheme to an end. Alice with Ewan's help is becoming the woman she is meant to be. Thinking he's protecting her Ewan tries to keep their relationship on a friend level but their feelings are too strong and trying to protect Alice just hurts her more. He finally reveals the reason for him not wanting to get close is from what he thinks his family has made him. Until he can bring his past/present and wolf together he'll never be the man he's meant to be. Defeating the enemy and putting a stop to his plan send Ewan and Alice to an old friend and new job opportunities. Fortunately it doesn't look like Tilly Wallace is going to end the series with this book, with a twist I didn't see coming a danger is soon to be introduced into London society. I look forward to the next book and Highland Wolves and their mates coming to the rescue once again.
The best was definitely kept for last. I adore both Alice and Ewan. Alice is sweet and slightly wild following her time roaming in Scotland, but she is established to be a very capable young woman when the need arises (I found Isabel in the previous novel to be a little too gung-ho at times for my tastes). As for Ewan, I was a little concerned when the stereotypical "I'm a damaged man incapable of love" thing started. I've read too many books where this is the case and the man never makes any move to change or even address his issues. Ewan was a breath of fresh air. Not only did he recognise he had issues, but by the end of the novel he actively worked to overcome them. But even with his issues, he was still a very caring and attentive person, and very protective of Alice.
Together, Alice and Ewan were a lovely couple who worked well together and had a lot of chemistry. In a slight difference to the previous books, this one takes place over a few months, rather than days, and as a result the love story fell into place nicely. Whilst none of the previous books in this series felt rushed, it was hard at times to get past the fact they each occurred over 7-10 days. Taking months to become used to, and then fall for each other, made this book feel well rounded in a way the previous ones just weren't.
As for the main plot, the first third of the book was about Ewan's recovery from injury and Alice's recovery from her soul shattering, and the last 2/3 were about a mysterious plot by Forge, who once again appears as the baddie. I enjoyed all of this, because I enjoyed spending time with some of the characters I've come to love in the series, and the plot was intriguing. All the new secondary characters were interesting and engaging, and I honestly can't think of any part of this I didn't enjoy.
My only complaint is that we only get a brief appearance or a comment about most of the characters previously in this series, which is a shame because I'd have liked to get a scene with all the wolves and their mates together. It doesn't detract anything from my enjoyment, I just thought it would have been nice.
This book nicely rounded off the Highland wolves series, whilst establishing the next series of novels to be set in this world. I would thoroughly recommend the entire series to anyone who will listen, and I will be watching for more from this author (I already have Manners and Monsters downloaded, ready to read 😂)
After the last three amazing books, Souls to Heal was a little disappointing. Not enough to really dock it a full star, but the ending left a lot to be imagined. No, never mind, I'm docking it a star. It ends on a cliffhanger, even though the Highland Wolves series is over. What the hell is up with that??? As for the rest of the book, it's okay. Most of the other wolves from the pack weren't even IN this novel, which is unfortunate bc they were the best part of the other books. Ewan and Alice were entertaining, however, though I do wish we got more of them when they are actually together.
I still recommend this series for anyone who loves werewolves and historical romances. I just wish this book had a better ending.
Perhaps I should have read this series first but I read Manners & Monsters before this one. It didn't take away anything from either series since each series could stand alone if it had to. The thing of it is, Tilly Wallace is a wonderful writer! She has built a world that as scary as it can be it is a world where the reader is loathe to leave at the end. Tilly is one writer that feeds our need for [I]More![I]
Each character is so rich in their own stories. All the books are fun to read. Anyone looking to get comfortably lost in a good read about the lives and romances about Highland Wolves needs this series.
A good book and an excellent ending to this quartet. Ewan was an interesting character and the dynamic between the pair was good. I was much more interested in Alice and her journey around madness than Ewan, honestly, and his stuff I felt was played a little too close to chest. Like how often his *mysterious past* was brought up and avoided until the final third got a little old. I was really confused about the continuation of the books but luckily I started Manners and Monsters right after and realized the overarching plot is followed through there. I'll miss the wolves but we can't just hang out with Scottish werewolves all the time, can we??
I read all 4 books in a row, and while I loved them, this one takes the cake. I liked Ewan from the very start, and seeing him in this book just... it was wonderful.
The way internal struggles are dealt with, and how we seek to heal, not only ourselves, but those who need us, it was entirely beautiful.
It has an interesting overall plot that is very successfully broken down into four subplots which are the individual stories of members of the Highland Wolves. Deftly written, four young women find their forever protectors. I highly recommend this series, which should be read in order.
Even though this was my favorite of the series, it still wasn’t quite a four because the story went round and round too many times because Ewan thought himself incapable of loving. That bit almost became boring because it dragged out much too long. The ending wasn’t puzzling to me because I’ve read the series about those who wind up using the face powder.
An excellent finish to the story of the French vampire spy, and the love story between Alice and Ewan, and the healing that love and being truly seen can provide. Kudos to Marian Hussey’s narration. I will miss this world but hope that Ms. Wallace will return to her alternate historical version of England at some point.
fantastic book in this series. so lovely. the author just keeps getting better - this is the coolest thing i've ever seen. i don't know if i could ever write a book, much less get better and better like this
Satisfactory ending to the series though it does end on a cliffhanger which is continued in the Manners and Monsters series. I will say, while I enjoyed this series, I read the M and M series first and enjoyed it more. This series is more romance based while the other is more science/monster/mystery centered.
A satisfying conclusion to an excellent series. An exciting story with great characters and a slow-burn romance between cold-hearted Ewen and damaged Alice.
These books are a fantastic time. I read all 4 Highland Wolves stories back to back and loved the journey. It is a charming and witty take on paranormal-historical romance with strong, capable heroines that aren't simpering wallflowers waiting to be saved. I love the trust and support the male characters give to their female counterparts. Tilly Wallace showcases real partnerships blooming and the work and effort that goes along with it. The overlying suspense is a fun addition that has a satisfying conclusion. Well written plot and characters, excellent dialogue, and a few twists along the way.