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Highland Brides #10
Highland Wolf
In all her daydreams about her wedding day, Lady Claray MacFarlane never once imagined being dragged to the altar by her greedy uncle and forced to marry a man she didn’t know. But that’s what happened, or would have, had a Highland warrior not snatched her up at the last minute and ridden off with her in his arms. . .
They call him the Wolf. The mercenary’s courage and prowess in battle are known throughout the Highlands, and with his handsome face and black-as-sin hair, he is as intelligent and deadly as the wolf he was named for…
But the Wolf is also Claray’s betrothed. Thought to have been killed as a child, he’s been in hiding all these years. Now he’s determined to earn enough coin to rebuild his home, reclaim his birthright, and honor his marriage contract to Claray. For he’s fallen for the tender-hearted lass…and he will do anything to protect her and their future together.
They call him the Wolf. The mercenary’s courage and prowess in battle are known throughout the Highlands, and with his handsome face and black-as-sin hair, he is as intelligent and deadly as the wolf he was named for…
But the Wolf is also Claray’s betrothed. Thought to have been killed as a child, he’s been in hiding all these years. Now he’s determined to earn enough coin to rebuild his home, reclaim his birthright, and honor his marriage contract to Claray. For he’s fallen for the tender-hearted lass…and he will do anything to protect her and their future together.
384 pages, ebook
First published January 25, 2022
372 people are currently reading
6116 people want to read
About the author
Lynsay Sands
125 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 565 reviews
November 1, 2021
This year's LS medieval Scottish historical takes one step away from the Buchanan brothers, but we are still in their overall social circle and within the world first established in An English Bride in Scotland. This has all the hallmarks of this kind of book from LS and I enjoyed the typical murder mystery, roadtrip, and marriage of convenience tropes. This also has an additional "cartoon" like element with the animals that the heroine has tamed, which added to the overall comedic tone. Overall, this delivered the lighthearted historical hijinks that I look to LS for every year!
January 21, 2022
Do you remember Annabel from the very first book? You know, the girl that was supposed to become a nun? An English Bride in Scotland
Well, this book is about her and her husband Ross's nephew, Bryson MacDonald.
I can't believe that I have been reading this particular series for 10 books now. This book is written in a typical Lynsay Sands manner. It is comfortable to rely on how a story is going to go with every book.
You get anxiety, misunderstandings, angst, attempted murder, mystery, an adorable heroine, and a big burly hero---plus a lot of steamy scenes.
In other words, we get a typical novel from this author. And that is a relief to me. In this day and age, I need something I can rely on!
*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and NetGalley.
Well, this book is about her and her husband Ross's nephew, Bryson MacDonald.I can't believe that I have been reading this particular series for 10 books now. This book is written in a typical Lynsay Sands manner. It is comfortable to rely on how a story is going to go with every book.
You get anxiety, misunderstandings, angst, attempted murder, mystery, an adorable heroine, and a big burly hero---plus a lot of steamy scenes.
In other words, we get a typical novel from this author. And that is a relief to me. In this day and age, I need something I can rely on!
*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and NetGalley.
August 15, 2021
A heroine too improbable to actually exist. Like, she's Cinderella who can gather wolves, stoats, horses, foxes, rabbits, cows, deer, and more to her simply by walking through the woods--and somehow they all just get along. (Seriously. If you are looking for a book with a stoat riding a Game of Thrones dire wolf, this one's for you.)
A hero whose main defining feature is that, besides being handsome, he tolerates and feeds her animal collection so they don't die after she repeatedly forgets about them after rescuing them. Oh, and that he's randy enough that he thinks it's a good idea to bring her to orgasm with his hand while they are riding a horse, surrounded by soldiers...while she is holding an injured fox and a stoat. (Sidenote: this is the moment when I began to suspect that this whole series, and this book in particular, is an elaborate prank on readers.)
This has to be my last book of this series, even if it continues--and honestly, I've read way too many already. Like the others, this features a bizarre and unpredictable plot that manages to be boring as well. As usual, the heroine is imperiled and the hero continually makes stupid choices. There are crazy women, priests making women fearful of sex, and Scottish clans doing clan things (mostly riding horses from keep to keep).
If you love this series, then you will probably like this. If you are indifferent to the series (maybe, like me, you've read it out of habit), just skip this one. If you are new to the series, pick an earlier one featuring the Buchanan brothers and leave it at that.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
A hero whose main defining feature is that, besides being handsome, he tolerates and feeds her animal collection so they don't die after she repeatedly forgets about them after rescuing them. Oh, and that he's randy enough that he thinks it's a good idea to bring her to orgasm with his hand while they are riding a horse, surrounded by soldiers...while she is holding an injured fox and a stoat. (Sidenote: this is the moment when I began to suspect that this whole series, and this book in particular, is an elaborate prank on readers.)
This has to be my last book of this series, even if it continues--and honestly, I've read way too many already. Like the others, this features a bizarre and unpredictable plot that manages to be boring as well. As usual, the heroine is imperiled and the hero continually makes stupid choices. There are crazy women, priests making women fearful of sex, and Scottish clans doing clan things (mostly riding horses from keep to keep).
If you love this series, then you will probably like this. If you are indifferent to the series (maybe, like me, you've read it out of habit), just skip this one. If you are new to the series, pick an earlier one featuring the Buchanan brothers and leave it at that.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
July 7, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up for Lovey, Stubborn Bastard, and baby stoats
First and most importantly, no baby stoats were injured in the writing of this novel. But if one had been, I’m sure Claray, the animal whisperer and heroine of this novel, would have nursed it back to health.
When the reader is introduced to Claray, she is contemplating jumping out a castle window to her death to avoid being forced into marriage by her uncle, who is scheming with the bridegroom to have the rest of her family murdered in order to take over her father’s lands when she inherits. Her father’s emissary, a mercenary called The Wolf, swoops in and saves her before this can happen. The Wolf, Conall, has been a mercenary since he was sixteen, after his family and most of his clan were poisoned and he barely escaped death, whisked away by an uncle to safety and his identity obscured by a new name and placement in another household until the murderer could be found. Twenty-two years later the murderer has never been found. This sounds heavy and grim, but fear not: Lynsay Sands writes medieval lite, where girls are charmingly naive, men are braw, and the woods are full of critters that need to be saved so it’s no scarier than an animated Disney movie.
Claray can’t go into the woods to relieve herself without returning with an injured rabbit or fox cub or baby stoat. Conall finds this both annoying and oddly entrancing and it doesn’t take a fortune teller to know where this is going. But the getting there is entertaining, even though the narrative does tend to get bogged down in animal rescue details, and cleaning-up-a-castle details, and provisioning a clan details, and rather long passages of interior monologues, the main reason for my rating.
But this was still a fun book with likeable characters and villains who get justice served by blade and fang, and I had a good time reading it.
First and most importantly, no baby stoats were injured in the writing of this novel. But if one had been, I’m sure Claray, the animal whisperer and heroine of this novel, would have nursed it back to health.
When the reader is introduced to Claray, she is contemplating jumping out a castle window to her death to avoid being forced into marriage by her uncle, who is scheming with the bridegroom to have the rest of her family murdered in order to take over her father’s lands when she inherits. Her father’s emissary, a mercenary called The Wolf, swoops in and saves her before this can happen. The Wolf, Conall, has been a mercenary since he was sixteen, after his family and most of his clan were poisoned and he barely escaped death, whisked away by an uncle to safety and his identity obscured by a new name and placement in another household until the murderer could be found. Twenty-two years later the murderer has never been found. This sounds heavy and grim, but fear not: Lynsay Sands writes medieval lite, where girls are charmingly naive, men are braw, and the woods are full of critters that need to be saved so it’s no scarier than an animated Disney movie.
Claray can’t go into the woods to relieve herself without returning with an injured rabbit or fox cub or baby stoat. Conall finds this both annoying and oddly entrancing and it doesn’t take a fortune teller to know where this is going. But the getting there is entertaining, even though the narrative does tend to get bogged down in animal rescue details, and cleaning-up-a-castle details, and provisioning a clan details, and rather long passages of interior monologues, the main reason for my rating.
But this was still a fun book with likeable characters and villains who get justice served by blade and fang, and I had a good time reading it.
December 21, 2025
Re-read on audio: Dec 2025.
4 Stars...🤩 Another Scottish Laird's story told in the way only Lynsay Sands can.. 😍 Having read so many books by her and especially in this series, the plots are very similar.. damsel-in-distress..knight-in-shining armor Scottish Laird in plaid to the rescue.. some dangerous situations.. an explosive chemistry between the M & F..and finally a happily ever after ❤️ ❤️.. And yet I love it every single time.. 🤩 😍 Highly recommended to all fans of Lynsay Sands!! 👍 👍
4 Stars...🤩 Another Scottish Laird's story told in the way only Lynsay Sands can.. 😍 Having read so many books by her and especially in this series, the plots are very similar.. damsel-in-distress..
January 28, 2022
I enjoyed this more than the other books in this series, probably because of the inclusion of animals. Somehow wounded animals always manage to find the heroine, Claray. She takes them home with her and nurses them back to health. It was amusing to read the hero, the Wolf/Bryson, and his warriors' reaction to this during their travel to Claray's father's home.
By the way, I like how quickly the story began. There was no prologue about the hero witnessing his family's murder via poison. All of that would be explained in later chapters, which I thought worked well for my current mood when I was listening to the audiobook. There were a few intimate scenes outdoors. 😏😏😏
The villains were easily disposed of, just like the previous books. I don't think there was an epilogue.
By the way, I like how quickly the story began. There was no prologue about the hero witnessing his family's murder via poison. All of that would be explained in later chapters, which I thought worked well for my current mood when I was listening to the audiobook. There were a few intimate scenes outdoors. 😏😏😏
The villains were easily disposed of, just like the previous books. I don't think there was an epilogue.
November 14, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.
A good and interesting read.
This book is more entertaining than the other books in the series.
The heroine is more interesting and is Not TSTL…. But she is naive and a little too innocent.
I like the inclusion of animals in this book and the heroines connection to them/with them etc.
But at the same time...her character is a little bit over the top and like a Disney character (Snow White etc.) when it comes to the animals.
And the hero in this book is also interesting.
The story had a better flow and was not as jumbled as the other books in the series.
The villain/villains are not glaringly obvious in this book …like they are in the others.
Good chemistry.
Read
March 19, 2022DNF 60% I found myself really struggling with this one. I couldn't get attached to either MCs. It took me 2 weeks to get to 60% and every time I picked it up it felt like a chore.
I decided to give it up, maybe I'll finish it some other time or maybe not...
I decided to give it up, maybe I'll finish it some other time or maybe not...
June 15, 2025
Highland Wolf just didn’t have much in the way of story or substance. The inciting plotline we’re shown at the beginning of the book gets completely dropped and never plays a role again. Meanwhile we’re bashed over the head with repetitious exposition about stuff we’ve been told multiple times before. Huge chunks of the book were taken up by descriptions of cleaning out an old abandoned castle just to pad out the page count. The hero was pretty bland and uninspiring and the heroine was an unbelievable Disney princess. And the villain’s motivations boil down to “I’m just crazy like that,” which is always lame.
January 18, 2022
The book opens with Claray MacFarlane being dragged to the chapel to marry. She was visiting her cousin when her uncle proceeded to force her to marry her father’s neighbor Laird MacNaughton, in a plan to obtain her father’s estate. But thankfully she is saved from that fate when she is rescued by the warrior known as the Wolf – Conall MacDonald. He tells her he has been sent by her father to bring her home. And they set out immediately to avoid a confrontation with the MacNaughton. What Claray doesn’t know is Conall is actually Bryson MacDonald – her betrothed, whom she has been led to believe died 22 years ago. Something that is a bit a tender subject, since her father has refused to consider any other suitors for her.
When his entire family and most of his clan were murdered, he escaped and made his way to his uncle Ross MacKay who changed his name and sent him to be raised by the Sinclairs. For years he has been working as a mercenary, intending to return to his family home Deagh Fhortan. Only a handful of people know he didn’t die with his family, Claray’s father among them. For years he has been asking Conall to marry Claray, and for years Conall has put him off. But now that she is in danger, he knows the time has come. During their travels back to her father’s house, he has come to know her and is very attracted to her, which is evidenced by the heated kisses they share. But he also admires her and is amused by her and her proclivity to find wounded/abandoned animals.
They reach her father’s home and they are met by the MacKay and two of her Buchanan cousins. They marry and set off to reclaim Deagh Fhortan. They arrive and have their work cut out for them, but things are going well between them and it seems like they will have their HEA. But it is soon clear that someone is still trying to kill them – but is it the MacNaughton or the person who killed Conall’s family?
This was a fun addition to the series and the book was classic Lynsay Sands. The book is chock full of humor, steamy love scenes, wonderful characters, more than one deranged lunatic, a great supporting cast, several rescued animals, a couple of surprising twists, and finally a well-deserved HEA. I will admit that book did have a bit of a “Disney Princess” feel to it, but with steamy love scenes instead of bursts of spontaneous song. But it was fun and I enjoyed it. It is the tenth book in the series, but this book is very loosely connected and can easily be read as a standalone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
When his entire family and most of his clan were murdered, he escaped and made his way to his uncle Ross MacKay who changed his name and sent him to be raised by the Sinclairs. For years he has been working as a mercenary, intending to return to his family home Deagh Fhortan. Only a handful of people know he didn’t die with his family, Claray’s father among them. For years he has been asking Conall to marry Claray, and for years Conall has put him off. But now that she is in danger, he knows the time has come. During their travels back to her father’s house, he has come to know her and is very attracted to her, which is evidenced by the heated kisses they share. But he also admires her and is amused by her and her proclivity to find wounded/abandoned animals.
They reach her father’s home and they are met by the MacKay and two of her Buchanan cousins. They marry and set off to reclaim Deagh Fhortan. They arrive and have their work cut out for them, but things are going well between them and it seems like they will have their HEA. But it is soon clear that someone is still trying to kill them – but is it the MacNaughton or the person who killed Conall’s family?
This was a fun addition to the series and the book was classic Lynsay Sands. The book is chock full of humor, steamy love scenes, wonderful characters, more than one deranged lunatic, a great supporting cast, several rescued animals, a couple of surprising twists, and finally a well-deserved HEA. I will admit that book did have a bit of a “Disney Princess” feel to it, but with steamy love scenes instead of bursts of spontaneous song. But it was fun and I enjoyed it. It is the tenth book in the series, but this book is very loosely connected and can easily be read as a standalone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
January 18, 2022
Highland Wolf is the tenth book in the Highland Brides series by Lynsay Sands, and it follows Claray MacFarlane as she is rescued before an unwanted wedding by a feared mercenary called the Wolf. While traveling with Wolf, aka Conall, Claray learns he was sent by her father and is her betrothed. As the pair and Conall’s soldiers take Claray back to her father, they must face their past and their growing feelings for each other.
Claray is a great protagonist. She has a unique connection with animals, and her gentle and kind nature endear her to animals and people alike. She has a collection of animals, all in need of extra care, that follow her wherever she goes. It’s almost like she has a sixth sense for animals in need, and she is drawn to them wherever she goes. It’s a heart-warming, if a bit far-fetched, aspect of the plot, and I love how devoted the animals are to her and she to them.
Claray is a little flaky, and she is easily distracted, but she is also inquisitive and selfless. She is a worrier, which I totally relate to, and I like how patient and understanding Conall is when talking of her worries. His gentle reassurances and uncanny ability to know when she is most anxious aren’t his only great qualities. He is protective and proud, and he has a fierce determination. He is an honorable man with good intentions, though he can be a bit domineering at times. A leader, Conall wants to reclaim the land and role he lost when his entire family was murdered. This fuels him, as does his ever-growing feelings for Claray.
Claray and Conall have wonderful chemistry, and their growing feelings for each other are lovely. Conall is a patient man, and he treats Claray and his followers well. However, he is keeping secrets from Claray, and I was curious to see how she would react when she learned them. Their connection runs deeper than Claray originally knew, which adds to the romantic nature of their story.
Threats from their present and from Conall’s past add intrigue, danger, and adventure to the story, and there are several shocking revelations in regard to Conall and the murder of his family. It’s an interesting and well-paced plot, and I was surprised by some of the antagonists and their motivations.
Something else I really like about this series is the vivid setting. The author’s descriptions of the Scottish Highlands are vivid and immersive, which really pulls you into the story. This is the tenth book in the series, but you don’t have to read the other books to follow this one. However, reading the previous books definitely provides context and explores the relationships and love stories of several characters in this book. This isn’t my favorite in the series, but it is an entertaining read, and I liked the introduction of some intriguing characters that I’m hoping will be the focus of future books. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Lynsay Sands, and Avon for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Claray is a great protagonist. She has a unique connection with animals, and her gentle and kind nature endear her to animals and people alike. She has a collection of animals, all in need of extra care, that follow her wherever she goes. It’s almost like she has a sixth sense for animals in need, and she is drawn to them wherever she goes. It’s a heart-warming, if a bit far-fetched, aspect of the plot, and I love how devoted the animals are to her and she to them.
Claray is a little flaky, and she is easily distracted, but she is also inquisitive and selfless. She is a worrier, which I totally relate to, and I like how patient and understanding Conall is when talking of her worries. His gentle reassurances and uncanny ability to know when she is most anxious aren’t his only great qualities. He is protective and proud, and he has a fierce determination. He is an honorable man with good intentions, though he can be a bit domineering at times. A leader, Conall wants to reclaim the land and role he lost when his entire family was murdered. This fuels him, as does his ever-growing feelings for Claray.
Claray and Conall have wonderful chemistry, and their growing feelings for each other are lovely. Conall is a patient man, and he treats Claray and his followers well. However, he is keeping secrets from Claray, and I was curious to see how she would react when she learned them. Their connection runs deeper than Claray originally knew, which adds to the romantic nature of their story.
Threats from their present and from Conall’s past add intrigue, danger, and adventure to the story, and there are several shocking revelations in regard to Conall and the murder of his family. It’s an interesting and well-paced plot, and I was surprised by some of the antagonists and their motivations.
Something else I really like about this series is the vivid setting. The author’s descriptions of the Scottish Highlands are vivid and immersive, which really pulls you into the story. This is the tenth book in the series, but you don’t have to read the other books to follow this one. However, reading the previous books definitely provides context and explores the relationships and love stories of several characters in this book. This isn’t my favorite in the series, but it is an entertaining read, and I liked the introduction of some intriguing characters that I’m hoping will be the focus of future books. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Lynsay Sands, and Avon for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
January 1, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Highland Wolf is a story that I really was eager for, I mean I simply adore this author so much, and even though her books don’t always work for me, as the level of engagement has been less than say some of her more backlisted titles which were some of the books that really had me falling in love with her writing in the first place. I mean I might be the only reader that thinks that her writing now doesn’t feel as “magical” as some of her earlier writings but I still adore her books and will always read them, I am a bit of a Lynsay Sands “STAN” because I will always support and love her work even if they don’t quite wow me as that had done years ago. But I will say that Highland Wolf had the same magic and delight as the first few books of the series had for me. I was in love with this book and it completely swept me away and when I can read a book of this length in under two hours, well you know how much I actually loved it haha
HIGHLAND WOLF IS A SEXY HIGHLANDER ROMANCE THAT FEATURES:
Bryson MacDonald– Warriors, orphan, parents killed when he was young, claiming his clan and his betrothed
Claray MacFarlane– Betrothed to Bryson (Callan), lover and defender of animals, vegetarian, kidnapped by uncle
In Highland Wolf, we begin in the story with Claray MacFarlane. Claray was once betrothed to Bryson but when his family was murdered and much of his clan disbanded, she had thought that the future was lost to her including that family her father never filled grieved and their memories still haunt him to this day. But now Claray’s uncle is trying to force her into a marriage that she doesn’t want and is fully against her father’s wishes, and Claray has been raised to be strong and fight for herself. But she might have little choice if her uncle forces the issue. But then she gets rescued by the “Wolf” who carries her off into the woods and heather and not realizing that this man is her original betrothed, the boy many thought to have “died” alongside his parents. But he is very much alive, determined to start anew with his bride and rebuild his clan. But their lives are in danger and only together will they be able to find out why and who has been behind everything all of this time.
Highland Wolf was such a wonderful story and from the beginning of the book, I was totally drawn into this one here. I just couldn’t seem to get enough of it and I COULDNT put this one down. Now as much as I love this family and this series, it’s been a while since one of these books by this author has really pulled me in like this so BRAVO to Lynsay Sands for cultivating such a story here. I really was captivated by everything happening in this book here and I will say that in historical romance and most especially medieval eras, there is something about arranged marriages in romance that I just gravitate towards and this book really was perfect in every way. I absolutely adored the characters. The hero is so stoic, serious all of the TIME, and is a bit of an alpha male, but not overbearing or controlling at all and the smexy times that are relayed in this story were so well done. It is one of the sexier romances I have read in a while. I was highly impressed with this one here and eager to see more.
The heroine was such a delight though. I really love how well she balances out the hero. He is definitely more bitter and serious at times. I mean if you look at what he went through in his younger years, losing everything and having to work in secret for so long. So it does make sense that his personality would be a bit darker than you normally see in this authors’ heroes right? But the heroine was fun. She has such a passion for saving injured animals, or those that are abandoned and has a whole menagerie, and seeing how she captivates all the men around her into caring for these animals was hilarious. She just has this charm surrounding her personality that is so intriguing. And you just love seeing what she delivers here right? So I was highly intrigued into seeing how she really fit into the story and as you get to know her character and what she brings to the table with this marriage, you see how much that “The Wolf” truly needs a wife like her. They really together bring so much to the relationship that is valid.
Overall I found Highland Wolf to be an exciting, laugh-out-loud adventure-filled romance that delivers in its beauty of the highlands, the depths of love, and the brightness of sensuality.
Highland Wolf is a story that I really was eager for, I mean I simply adore this author so much, and even though her books don’t always work for me, as the level of engagement has been less than say some of her more backlisted titles which were some of the books that really had me falling in love with her writing in the first place. I mean I might be the only reader that thinks that her writing now doesn’t feel as “magical” as some of her earlier writings but I still adore her books and will always read them, I am a bit of a Lynsay Sands “STAN” because I will always support and love her work even if they don’t quite wow me as that had done years ago. But I will say that Highland Wolf had the same magic and delight as the first few books of the series had for me. I was in love with this book and it completely swept me away and when I can read a book of this length in under two hours, well you know how much I actually loved it haha
HIGHLAND WOLF IS A SEXY HIGHLANDER ROMANCE THAT FEATURES:
Bryson MacDonald– Warriors, orphan, parents killed when he was young, claiming his clan and his betrothed
Claray MacFarlane– Betrothed to Bryson (Callan), lover and defender of animals, vegetarian, kidnapped by uncle
In Highland Wolf, we begin in the story with Claray MacFarlane. Claray was once betrothed to Bryson but when his family was murdered and much of his clan disbanded, she had thought that the future was lost to her including that family her father never filled grieved and their memories still haunt him to this day. But now Claray’s uncle is trying to force her into a marriage that she doesn’t want and is fully against her father’s wishes, and Claray has been raised to be strong and fight for herself. But she might have little choice if her uncle forces the issue. But then she gets rescued by the “Wolf” who carries her off into the woods and heather and not realizing that this man is her original betrothed, the boy many thought to have “died” alongside his parents. But he is very much alive, determined to start anew with his bride and rebuild his clan. But their lives are in danger and only together will they be able to find out why and who has been behind everything all of this time.
Highland Wolf was such a wonderful story and from the beginning of the book, I was totally drawn into this one here. I just couldn’t seem to get enough of it and I COULDNT put this one down. Now as much as I love this family and this series, it’s been a while since one of these books by this author has really pulled me in like this so BRAVO to Lynsay Sands for cultivating such a story here. I really was captivated by everything happening in this book here and I will say that in historical romance and most especially medieval eras, there is something about arranged marriages in romance that I just gravitate towards and this book really was perfect in every way. I absolutely adored the characters. The hero is so stoic, serious all of the TIME, and is a bit of an alpha male, but not overbearing or controlling at all and the smexy times that are relayed in this story were so well done. It is one of the sexier romances I have read in a while. I was highly impressed with this one here and eager to see more.
The heroine was such a delight though. I really love how well she balances out the hero. He is definitely more bitter and serious at times. I mean if you look at what he went through in his younger years, losing everything and having to work in secret for so long. So it does make sense that his personality would be a bit darker than you normally see in this authors’ heroes right? But the heroine was fun. She has such a passion for saving injured animals, or those that are abandoned and has a whole menagerie, and seeing how she captivates all the men around her into caring for these animals was hilarious. She just has this charm surrounding her personality that is so intriguing. And you just love seeing what she delivers here right? So I was highly intrigued into seeing how she really fit into the story and as you get to know her character and what she brings to the table with this marriage, you see how much that “The Wolf” truly needs a wife like her. They really together bring so much to the relationship that is valid.
Overall I found Highland Wolf to be an exciting, laugh-out-loud adventure-filled romance that delivers in its beauty of the highlands, the depths of love, and the brightness of sensuality.
January 11, 2022
Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: Highland Brides #10
Publication Date: 1/25/22
Period: Medieval – Highlands of Scotland
Number of Pages: 384
After looking at the various reviews for this book, I’ve come to the conclusion that you just need to read the book to decide what you think about it. Personally, I enjoyed this book and all of the previous books in the series. I always enjoy this author’s books because there is always a witty side to the story along with a serious fight-for-your-life side. In this book, the witty (lighthearted) side is the female lead’s affinity for finding, rescuing, and healing animals – while the male lead growls, but helps care for them. Picture the old Walt Disney version of Cinderella – only with Cinderella helping the animals instead of them helping her.
Bryson MacDonald was betrothed when he was but a babe (as was the custom in that time period). However, at the age of six, his parents and most of his clan were poisoned and died a horrible death. Bryson was meant to have consumed that poison as well, but he didn’t. He’d snuck downstairs to observe the adults and witnessed the deaths. He managed to escape to his uncle’s home where the rescue included them convincing the rest of the world that he had also died. Otherwise, the villain would keep trying until they succeeded in finishing Bryson off. So, his uncle changed his name to Conall, and fostered him out to The Sinclair. Bryson/Conall grew to be a fearsome warrior and earned his spurs at the very early age of sixteen. He has been hiring himself and his warriors out as mercenaries for the past twelve years. His only goal has been to earn enough money to return to his home, Castle Deagh Fhortan, and restore it – turning it into the happy home it once was.
Claray MacFarlane’s uncle has absconded with her and is forcing her to marry Maldouen MacNaughton. She has no choice because there is no way to escape. Just as her uncle is dragging her to the chapel for the wedding, three riders approach. She recognizes one of them as The Wolf who is one of the most fearsome warriors in Scotland. What is he doing here? He approaches her uncle and hands him a scroll – while reaching down and scooping her up onto his horse with him. RESCUED! The Wolf had rescued her – and for some reason – she isn’t fearful of him – just grateful. Her father had sent him and they were on their way back to her home.
Claray had always wondered why her father hadn’t arranged another marriage for her after her betrothed had died. Yet, every time she brought it up, he got angry with her and stopped the conversation. She’d given up on her dreams of a husband and family long ago and accepted that she’d live in her father’s keep and be its mistress for the rest of her days.
Claray and Conall spend days and days together during the long trek to her father’s home and they become close. When he tells her who he really is, she has little time to digest the information before he and her father have her standing before the priest and then whisk her off to Castle Deagh Fhortan. The haste is to keep her free from MacNaughton who isn’t one to give up easily. The danger is two-fold – MacNaughton giving chase AND the murderer who killed his entire clan twenty-two years ago.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and admired both Claray and Conall. I would have rated it 5-stars except I thought one of the antagonists was dealt with far too easily. The other, however, kept you guessing to the end and parts of it were more than surprising. I would have liked seeing Conall and his warriors taking a more proactive approach to finding out who the murderer was rather than just sitting back and waiting for things to happen. Yes, I know it had been twenty-two years, but most of the surviving members of the clan were right there – it would have been easy enough to at least question them about what they remember.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Highland Brides #10
Publication Date: 1/25/22
Period: Medieval – Highlands of Scotland
Number of Pages: 384
After looking at the various reviews for this book, I’ve come to the conclusion that you just need to read the book to decide what you think about it. Personally, I enjoyed this book and all of the previous books in the series. I always enjoy this author’s books because there is always a witty side to the story along with a serious fight-for-your-life side. In this book, the witty (lighthearted) side is the female lead’s affinity for finding, rescuing, and healing animals – while the male lead growls, but helps care for them. Picture the old Walt Disney version of Cinderella – only with Cinderella helping the animals instead of them helping her.
Bryson MacDonald was betrothed when he was but a babe (as was the custom in that time period). However, at the age of six, his parents and most of his clan were poisoned and died a horrible death. Bryson was meant to have consumed that poison as well, but he didn’t. He’d snuck downstairs to observe the adults and witnessed the deaths. He managed to escape to his uncle’s home where the rescue included them convincing the rest of the world that he had also died. Otherwise, the villain would keep trying until they succeeded in finishing Bryson off. So, his uncle changed his name to Conall, and fostered him out to The Sinclair. Bryson/Conall grew to be a fearsome warrior and earned his spurs at the very early age of sixteen. He has been hiring himself and his warriors out as mercenaries for the past twelve years. His only goal has been to earn enough money to return to his home, Castle Deagh Fhortan, and restore it – turning it into the happy home it once was.
Claray MacFarlane’s uncle has absconded with her and is forcing her to marry Maldouen MacNaughton. She has no choice because there is no way to escape. Just as her uncle is dragging her to the chapel for the wedding, three riders approach. She recognizes one of them as The Wolf who is one of the most fearsome warriors in Scotland. What is he doing here? He approaches her uncle and hands him a scroll – while reaching down and scooping her up onto his horse with him. RESCUED! The Wolf had rescued her – and for some reason – she isn’t fearful of him – just grateful. Her father had sent him and they were on their way back to her home.
Claray had always wondered why her father hadn’t arranged another marriage for her after her betrothed had died. Yet, every time she brought it up, he got angry with her and stopped the conversation. She’d given up on her dreams of a husband and family long ago and accepted that she’d live in her father’s keep and be its mistress for the rest of her days.
Claray and Conall spend days and days together during the long trek to her father’s home and they become close. When he tells her who he really is, she has little time to digest the information before he and her father have her standing before the priest and then whisk her off to Castle Deagh Fhortan. The haste is to keep her free from MacNaughton who isn’t one to give up easily. The danger is two-fold – MacNaughton giving chase AND the murderer who killed his entire clan twenty-two years ago.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and admired both Claray and Conall. I would have rated it 5-stars except I thought one of the antagonists was dealt with far too easily. The other, however, kept you guessing to the end and parts of it were more than surprising. I would have liked seeing Conall and his warriors taking a more proactive approach to finding out who the murderer was rather than just sitting back and waiting for things to happen. Yes, I know it had been twenty-two years, but most of the surviving members of the clan were right there – it would have been easy enough to at least question them about what they remember.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 10, 2021
I've read Lynsay Sands books before but "Highland Wolf" is one that I am not sure on how to review. In some parts it was a sweet highland romance and in others there was some twists and turns that I was not expecting. Claray, the heroine was likeable but seemed immature and too pure in character. Then there is Connell who is alluded to being this invincible hero. Their marriage happens early in the story and thus begins the twists and action. There was a bit too much going on in the plot for me and at times some things became unbelievable for an HR. This one fell a bit short for me but I do welcome more reads from the author.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 7, 2022
I have read and enjoyed this entire series. Most of the first books I read back to back. After taking a break before acquiring #10, it was refreshing. Claray was a heroine after my own heart. I loved her. The Wolf was her perfect mate and an honorable man who did a great job recovering from the death of his entire clan. The villain was extreme, but I didn't figure out the mystery. Highly recommend.
January 25, 2022
Since her betrothed was killed when they were both children, Lady Claray MacFarlane assumed she’d never marry, and she certainly didn’t imagine her grasping uncle forcing her to marry a stranger. That’s exactly what would’ve happened if not for the mysterious warrior who rescued her just before the ceremony.
Known as the Wolf, a skilled and sought-after mercenary, Claray is unsure what to make of her rescuer, but she can’t help but appreciate his attractiveness and obvious intelligence. Little does she know, he is also her betrothed, having been living in hiding all this time and not dead at all. He’s spent the last twelve years earning enough money to rebuild his home and take his place as laird, fulfilling his marriage contract with Claray in the process. But all too quickly, he finds himself losing his heart to his lovely new bride and he’ll do anything to keep her safe and guard the future they’re building together.
This was a madcap Highland romp, with an old school highlander romance feel and I adored that. This one has a sweet, but at times silly heroine, a grumpy alpha hero, and plenty of the road trip shenanigans Sands is known for. The grumpy sunshine aspect is strong here and was very charming for me. I was happy to see that things started moving right along almost immediately at the start of this book. Sands has outdone herself with the craziness of this villain and the motive, but in a good way. I absolutely adore these more classic style highlander romances and this one hit the spot for me, holding my attention as nothing has in some time. Conall was just the right amount of gruff, yet sweetly protective and Claray had enough smarts and know-how to not be over the top in her sweetness and naivete. Claray’s care for animals was hilarious in the frequency with which she encountered injured creatures and in their abject devotion to her, but I loved that these animals also became characters in their own rights and had roles in the story. It was also lovely to spend some time with Ross and Anabel from the first book in the series as well. As is typical of highlander romances, the family ties were strong here and I really loved that we got that too. I found this, despite touching on some darker themes, to be a light, riotously entertaining story, and it’s a new, low angst comfort read for me. The ending was perhaps a little abrupt, but that still did not detract from my liking for the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Known as the Wolf, a skilled and sought-after mercenary, Claray is unsure what to make of her rescuer, but she can’t help but appreciate his attractiveness and obvious intelligence. Little does she know, he is also her betrothed, having been living in hiding all this time and not dead at all. He’s spent the last twelve years earning enough money to rebuild his home and take his place as laird, fulfilling his marriage contract with Claray in the process. But all too quickly, he finds himself losing his heart to his lovely new bride and he’ll do anything to keep her safe and guard the future they’re building together.
This was a madcap Highland romp, with an old school highlander romance feel and I adored that. This one has a sweet, but at times silly heroine, a grumpy alpha hero, and plenty of the road trip shenanigans Sands is known for. The grumpy sunshine aspect is strong here and was very charming for me. I was happy to see that things started moving right along almost immediately at the start of this book. Sands has outdone herself with the craziness of this villain and the motive, but in a good way. I absolutely adore these more classic style highlander romances and this one hit the spot for me, holding my attention as nothing has in some time. Conall was just the right amount of gruff, yet sweetly protective and Claray had enough smarts and know-how to not be over the top in her sweetness and naivete. Claray’s care for animals was hilarious in the frequency with which she encountered injured creatures and in their abject devotion to her, but I loved that these animals also became characters in their own rights and had roles in the story. It was also lovely to spend some time with Ross and Anabel from the first book in the series as well. As is typical of highlander romances, the family ties were strong here and I really loved that we got that too. I found this, despite touching on some darker themes, to be a light, riotously entertaining story, and it’s a new, low angst comfort read for me. The ending was perhaps a little abrupt, but that still did not detract from my liking for the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
November 21, 2021
I am not sure what I just read and I am highly surprised I didn’t DNF this book. The amount of improbability included in this story makes it read like a fairytale versus a historical highlander romance. The female MC is absent minded enough to forget basic needs while she magically rescues, charms, tames, or bewitches wild animals. (queue the Disney magic) The male MC seems to have no backbone and it appears his main purpose is to take care of his new brides menagerie of animals whilst restoring his family’s previous castle/keep at magical speed. There is not a lot of romance between the MC they pretty much go from strangers to marriage to consummation, again with the speed of light and no deep conversations or connection.
To top ALL of this off the villain of the story and the reasons behind it are just ridiculous—worse than a very low budget amateur movie.
I do NOT recommend this book unless you want to waste some brain cells and time. Total disaster and disappointment to the series.
1.5 Stars ⭐️ | 3 Flames 🔥
To top ALL of this off the villain of the story and the reasons behind it are just ridiculous—worse than a very low budget amateur movie.
I do NOT recommend this book unless you want to waste some brain cells and time. Total disaster and disappointment to the series.
1.5 Stars ⭐️ | 3 Flames 🔥
January 19, 2022
all of these lynsay sands highlander books are like this: a super fast paced romance in the first half of the book, then a semi boring plot line to set up a ridiculous murder attempt in the second half. sometimes both aspect are on the fun side, sadly this book was not. i missed the brothers from the other Highlander books and didn’t know any of these side characters so maybe that’s what had me tuning out of the non-romance plot lines. overall just very blah and not worth my time tbh
October 25, 2023
Well hello Daddy Wolf 😏😏😏
This is the closest thing you will get to a highlander retelling of Snow White, in my expert opinion.
The Highland Wolf rescues Claray from a potential deadly marriage but doesn’t tell her who he really is and what his plans are for her.
Claray thought her betrothed was dead and would never marry. Now she is praying for someone to save her from being forced to marry a horrible Laird. It’s a good thing Claray loves animals because a wolf comes to her rescue 😏😏🐺
This is the closest thing you will get to a highlander retelling of Snow White, in my expert opinion.
The Highland Wolf rescues Claray from a potential deadly marriage but doesn’t tell her who he really is and what his plans are for her.
Claray thought her betrothed was dead and would never marry. Now she is praying for someone to save her from being forced to marry a horrible Laird. It’s a good thing Claray loves animals because a wolf comes to her rescue 😏😏🐺
January 28, 2022
Ok I have to admit even I didn't see that ending coming, for once. Bot that was well done and Connall/Byrson and Claray were great together. Dying for the next book.
Full review coming soon to the blog.
Full review coming soon to the blog.
August 19, 2021
For all those who would like to take a short trip to the mystical world of the Highlands, Lynsay Sands and its latest novel ‘Highland Wolf’ are a sure ticket. Romantic, sensual and interesting story that guarantees several hours of enjoyment .....
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
Read
June 18, 2023What in the heck did I just read? I was really looking forward to a new book in the Highland Brides series -- After having read the other 9 books in this series (liking some more than others) this felt like a weird departure and I'm baffled. In fact, I had to double check to see if it was a Lynsay Sands book because it felt so different.
This was like a Disney princess heroine, Claray, a sweet Snow White/Princess Aurora type, who has a love for helpless creatures that she is compelled to save -- and Conall/Bryson who is a hot, sexy, warrior who is also a kind, patient, gentle man who indulges his bride her sweetness, flightlyness and love of saving critters... They like each other from the beginning, and they keep liking each other.
Claray is being dragged to marry against her will to jerk when she is whisked away by Conall (aka Bryson aka her thought dead betrothed)... and she's relieved not to have to marry the jerk but is otherwise unconcerned that a STRANGER TO HER, A WARRIOR KNOWN AS THE WOLF with 300 SOLDIERS, HAS ABDUCTED HER!!! Nestled on his lap, she sleeps, a lot (she's reallll tired) and whenever she ventures into the woods for a pee she finds wee critters and has to nurse them back to health. Over the course of the days-long-ride, while sitting in the lap of Conall, HE NEVER TELLS HER that he's her betrothed, where he's taking her, what his plans are... DAYS OF RIDING TOGETHER, BODY-TO-BODY, she asks no questions, he gives no explanation. So, as you might imagine, Claray is constantly surprised, because she doesn't ever know what's happening...
Did I mention she looooves animals and animals love her? On that days-long-no-talking-mostly-sleeping-horse-ride she rescues an injured bunny, an orphaned weeks-old stoat and an orphaned fox... to go with her previously rescued pet wolf, stubborn stallion (that follows her around like a puppy) and the other animals too numerous to regurgitate here.
They finally arrive at Claray's home, they quickly marry, they go on another days-long-no-talking-lots-of-sleeping journey to his former home which has been neglected for 20 years and needs a major remodel. When Claray has a panic attack, about all the work that needs doing , Callan kisses it better... His magical sexy lips make everrrrrything better... There's a attempt on their lives from an unknown enemy, then there's a lengthy bit of home remodel project (lots of details about the repairs -- like an old-timey HGTV episode -- so many pages on how they cleaned the moss and mold with old wine, restocking and remodeling the kitchen, building furniture, beeswax candles and rush mats for sleeping and on and on and on) SO. MANY. DETAILS. ABOUT. RESTORING. THE. KEEP. 🙄
Did Lynsay do a house remodel that inspired this book?
Ok. So the villains are absurd... not going to spoil it... but I LOL'd. The Scooby-Doo confession was hilarious. THEN when Priceless!!!
Did this feel like a big departure in tone and style for those of you who read the series or is it just me?
There are many positive reviews so clearly I'm in the minority here... but I'm ok with that.
1.5 stars
This was like a Disney princess heroine, Claray, a sweet Snow White/Princess Aurora type, who has a love for helpless creatures that she is compelled to save -- and Conall/Bryson who is a hot, sexy, warrior who is also a kind, patient, gentle man who indulges his bride her sweetness, flightlyness and love of saving critters... They like each other from the beginning, and they keep liking each other.
Claray is being dragged to marry against her will to jerk when she is whisked away by Conall (aka Bryson aka her thought dead betrothed)... and she's relieved not to have to marry the jerk but is otherwise unconcerned that a STRANGER TO HER, A WARRIOR KNOWN AS THE WOLF with 300 SOLDIERS, HAS ABDUCTED HER!!! Nestled on his lap, she sleeps, a lot (she's reallll tired) and whenever she ventures into the woods for a pee she finds wee critters and has to nurse them back to health. Over the course of the days-long-ride, while sitting in the lap of Conall, HE NEVER TELLS HER that he's her betrothed, where he's taking her, what his plans are... DAYS OF RIDING TOGETHER, BODY-TO-BODY, she asks no questions, he gives no explanation. So, as you might imagine, Claray is constantly surprised, because she doesn't ever know what's happening...
Did I mention she looooves animals and animals love her? On that days-long-no-talking-mostly-sleeping-horse-ride she rescues an injured bunny, an orphaned weeks-old stoat and an orphaned fox... to go with her previously rescued pet wolf, stubborn stallion (that follows her around like a puppy) and the other animals too numerous to regurgitate here.
They finally arrive at Claray's home, they quickly marry, they go on another days-long-no-talking-lots-of-sleeping journey to his former home which has been neglected for 20 years and needs a major remodel. When Claray has a panic attack, about all the work that needs doing , Callan kisses it better... His magical sexy lips make everrrrrything better... There's a attempt on their lives from an unknown enemy, then there's a lengthy bit of home remodel project (lots of details about the repairs -- like an old-timey HGTV episode -- so many pages on how they cleaned the moss and mold with old wine, restocking and remodeling the kitchen, building furniture, beeswax candles and rush mats for sleeping and on and on and on) SO. MANY. DETAILS. ABOUT. RESTORING. THE. KEEP. 🙄
Did Lynsay do a house remodel that inspired this book?
Ok. So the villains are absurd... not going to spoil it... but I LOL'd. The Scooby-Doo confession was hilarious. THEN when Priceless!!!
Did this feel like a big departure in tone and style for those of you who read the series or is it just me?
There are many positive reviews so clearly I'm in the minority here... but I'm ok with that.
1.5 stars
April 25, 2025
Books I own. Favorite Book Cover.
Medieval Romance, Scottish Romance, Romance/Mystery. Other Tropes: Betrothed in Childhood, Disguise, Kidnapped.
Couple betrothed in Childhood by both parents. One set of parents were murdered and the family MacKay's hid the identity of their child until he was 30 and had to abduct his betrothed from the clutches of another man intent on bettering himself with lands. The h is Claray MacFarlane 22, eldest of 7 children and first cousins with the Buchanan's. The H is Conall aka the Wolf and his real name Bryson MacDonald. Alik Buchanan is the same age as Claray and they are close. Claray has a fondness for healing wounded and abandoned animals. She has two favorite pets, a Black Stallion called Stubborn Bastard for good reason; she is the only one that can ride him. The second is lovey a wolf who saves both Conall and Claray from Mhairi. Conall and his army saved Claray from having to marry an evil man MacNaughton who wanted to marry to get her lands and kill off all of her family. plus possibly her Uncle Kerr who made the deal. This is a story of murder, betrayal, marriage, lust, love, family, hope, justice. The love scenes were lusty but not too many. The mystery of who wanted to kill all the MacDonald's is revealed near the end. It is a shock and a surprise and the motive was to do with sex and sin. Claray reminded me of Lisa Kleypas's series, The Hathaway's youngest sister who took care of many animals in the book " Love in the Afternoon." I gave this book 4 stars.
Medieval Romance, Scottish Romance, Romance/Mystery. Other Tropes: Betrothed in Childhood, Disguise, Kidnapped.
Couple betrothed in Childhood by both parents. One set of parents were murdered and the family MacKay's hid the identity of their child until he was 30 and had to abduct his betrothed from the clutches of another man intent on bettering himself with lands. The h is Claray MacFarlane 22, eldest of 7 children and first cousins with the Buchanan's. The H is Conall aka the Wolf and his real name Bryson MacDonald. Alik Buchanan is the same age as Claray and they are close. Claray has a fondness for healing wounded and abandoned animals. She has two favorite pets, a Black Stallion called Stubborn Bastard for good reason; she is the only one that can ride him. The second is lovey a wolf who saves both Conall and Claray from Mhairi. Conall and his army saved Claray from having to marry an evil man MacNaughton who wanted to marry to get her lands and kill off all of her family. plus possibly her Uncle Kerr who made the deal. This is a story of murder, betrayal, marriage, lust, love, family, hope, justice. The love scenes were lusty but not too many. The mystery of who wanted to kill all the MacDonald's is revealed near the end. It is a shock and a surprise and the motive was to do with sex and sin. Claray reminded me of Lisa Kleypas's series, The Hathaway's youngest sister who took care of many animals in the book " Love in the Afternoon." I gave this book 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2022
Book:Highland Wolf
By Lynsay Sands
Series: Highland Brides, Book #10
Number of Pages: 384
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: January 25, 2022
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags
Scotland
Lady Claray MacFarlane’s Uncle who is also Laird Gilchrist Kerr, has abducted his own niece! Kerr is now forcing his niece to marry a man that her father, Laird MacFarlane, has refused on several occasions! As they all know this man Maldouen MacNaughton, is a vile and malicious man with a violent streak! In addition he is only interested in filling his pockets with gold and financial gain. Yet her greedy Uncle does not care about her feelings or welfare at all and is threatening her entire family to get his way. Except as he is dragging her to the alter they get blocked by the handsome Laird Wolf and his three men who grab Claray and takes off meeting his three hundred mercenary warriors in a secluded area. What surprises him the most she isn’t frightened but falls asleep like a kitten in his lap.
This Wolf is a man who was a mercenary who belonged to no clan but an honorable one who always was on the right side of the law and would win. Even the local bards and troubadour’s would tell stories or sing songs about his winnings in highly romantic light. Something he did not enjoy of his overnight popularity since getting his spurs so young. This Laird Wolf had gotten a message from Claray’s father to rescue his daughter plus this was also the Wolf’s betrothed! Except Claray thinks he’s been dead since he was six years old as they havre been betrothed since infancy. Except Claray think is he is dead as his real name is Bryson MacDonald whose parents were the Laird Bean and Lady Giorsal MacDonald of castle Deagh Fhortan. As they were all murdered through poison when he was six years old. Bryson who they renamed Conall to hide his identity from the true killers who murdered his clan and the few survivors were hidden by the his Aunt Annabel and Uncle Ross MacKays ( An English Bride in Scotland, book #1). Claray’s parents also knew his real identity as they all were protecting and hiding him.
As Conall got older he felt most of the MacDonald’s that survived knew his real name due that he looked so much like his father. His friends still called him Conall, even knowing his real name and os Laird Wolf was his mercenary name. Of course more followed him knowing his real identity too and became mercenaries with him as they knew he had been saving money to rebuild his clan and his people. Many of the survivors are with him and he knows the only way to save this Claray is to marry her. Before he never knew her and knew her father was going to break their betrothal arrangement if he didn’t marry Claray. Well he didn’t even know who she was and would of agreed, but now that he knows this beautiful wee woman he wasn’t going to let anyone else have her. He was jealous when his cousin flirted with her. So he does exactly which happens early on in this adventure. He finds this woman who is also a vengitarian and the savior of orphaned and abused and defenseless animals she finds in the forest. A habit he knows he must stop but doesn’t have the heart to, yet soon this attraction turns to love. Except both of them have targets on their backs, as their lives are in danger from the man she never married who is obsessed with her inheritance and also the muderer of his parents and clan has never been found and they have had a couple close calls. For Conall/ Bryson his biggest surprise was this woman who he craves had found a soft spot in the center of his heart.
Get swept aways in Conall and Claray’s adventure and read another magnificent Lynsay Sands novel from start to finish. A book I couldn’t put down and highly recommend. You can read this as stand alone book even if you haven’t read the other books in the series. Of course I love connecting the character dots myself like seeing an older version of ee'Annabel and Ross MacKay who was the very first book in this series
This is the tenth Lynsay Sands book I have read in her wonderful Highland Brides series, it absolutely blew me aways and touched my heart. Me being a. Big animal love and a collector of strays I understood exactly how Claray felt and she made me laugh and smile a lot too, I loved that she her the strong silent hero wrapped around her finger too. This perfect was written in a unique and special way that just draws readers in and o can’t recommend this beautiful enough .
Highland Bride Series by Lynsay Sands
An English Bride In Scotland-Book #1
To Marry A Scottish Laird-Book #2
The Highlander Takes A Bride-Book #3
Falling For The Highlander-Book #4
Surrender to the Highlander-Book #5
The Highlander’s Promise-Book #6
The Wrong Highlander-Book #7
Hunting For The Highlander-Book #8
Highland Treasure-Book #9
Highland Wolf-Book #10
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093H4RWZ7/...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/high...
https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/high...
https://www.harpercollins.com/product...
https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/...
By Lynsay Sands
Series: Highland Brides, Book #10
Number of Pages: 384
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: January 25, 2022
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags
Scotland
Lady Claray MacFarlane’s Uncle who is also Laird Gilchrist Kerr, has abducted his own niece! Kerr is now forcing his niece to marry a man that her father, Laird MacFarlane, has refused on several occasions! As they all know this man Maldouen MacNaughton, is a vile and malicious man with a violent streak! In addition he is only interested in filling his pockets with gold and financial gain. Yet her greedy Uncle does not care about her feelings or welfare at all and is threatening her entire family to get his way. Except as he is dragging her to the alter they get blocked by the handsome Laird Wolf and his three men who grab Claray and takes off meeting his three hundred mercenary warriors in a secluded area. What surprises him the most she isn’t frightened but falls asleep like a kitten in his lap.
This Wolf is a man who was a mercenary who belonged to no clan but an honorable one who always was on the right side of the law and would win. Even the local bards and troubadour’s would tell stories or sing songs about his winnings in highly romantic light. Something he did not enjoy of his overnight popularity since getting his spurs so young. This Laird Wolf had gotten a message from Claray’s father to rescue his daughter plus this was also the Wolf’s betrothed! Except Claray thinks he’s been dead since he was six years old as they havre been betrothed since infancy. Except Claray think is he is dead as his real name is Bryson MacDonald whose parents were the Laird Bean and Lady Giorsal MacDonald of castle Deagh Fhortan. As they were all murdered through poison when he was six years old. Bryson who they renamed Conall to hide his identity from the true killers who murdered his clan and the few survivors were hidden by the his Aunt Annabel and Uncle Ross MacKays ( An English Bride in Scotland, book #1). Claray’s parents also knew his real identity as they all were protecting and hiding him.
As Conall got older he felt most of the MacDonald’s that survived knew his real name due that he looked so much like his father. His friends still called him Conall, even knowing his real name and os Laird Wolf was his mercenary name. Of course more followed him knowing his real identity too and became mercenaries with him as they knew he had been saving money to rebuild his clan and his people. Many of the survivors are with him and he knows the only way to save this Claray is to marry her. Before he never knew her and knew her father was going to break their betrothal arrangement if he didn’t marry Claray. Well he didn’t even know who she was and would of agreed, but now that he knows this beautiful wee woman he wasn’t going to let anyone else have her. He was jealous when his cousin flirted with her. So he does exactly which happens early on in this adventure. He finds this woman who is also a vengitarian and the savior of orphaned and abused and defenseless animals she finds in the forest. A habit he knows he must stop but doesn’t have the heart to, yet soon this attraction turns to love. Except both of them have targets on their backs, as their lives are in danger from the man she never married who is obsessed with her inheritance and also the muderer of his parents and clan has never been found and they have had a couple close calls. For Conall/ Bryson his biggest surprise was this woman who he craves had found a soft spot in the center of his heart.
Get swept aways in Conall and Claray’s adventure and read another magnificent Lynsay Sands novel from start to finish. A book I couldn’t put down and highly recommend. You can read this as stand alone book even if you haven’t read the other books in the series. Of course I love connecting the character dots myself like seeing an older version of ee'Annabel and Ross MacKay who was the very first book in this series
This is the tenth Lynsay Sands book I have read in her wonderful Highland Brides series, it absolutely blew me aways and touched my heart. Me being a. Big animal love and a collector of strays I understood exactly how Claray felt and she made me laugh and smile a lot too, I loved that she her the strong silent hero wrapped around her finger too. This perfect was written in a unique and special way that just draws readers in and o can’t recommend this beautiful enough .
Highland Bride Series by Lynsay Sands
An English Bride In Scotland-Book #1
To Marry A Scottish Laird-Book #2
The Highlander Takes A Bride-Book #3
Falling For The Highlander-Book #4
Surrender to the Highlander-Book #5
The Highlander’s Promise-Book #6
The Wrong Highlander-Book #7
Hunting For The Highlander-Book #8
Highland Treasure-Book #9
Highland Wolf-Book #10
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April 20, 2023
Rating: 3.9 / 5
Not gonna lie, a bit of a trainwreck ending on this one.
Not to spoil anything, but it's like...well, this author follows pretty much the same pattern for the books in this series, but for this book it felt like a lot of build up with a twenty years-old murder to be solved, and then the actual resolution itself was just...
...underwhelming.
It almost felt like the author had run out of ideas of who to make the next killer, so just thought up a whatever conclusion that was kind of similar to the villain in The Highlander Takes a Bride, only not as well done.
So...yeah, a bit of a disappointment, especially when Claray and Conall's romance was so cutesy, especially with all the woodland animals she keeps finding!
Anyway, this book will likely also be near the bottom of the list in terms of ranking the books of this series. Still, one more to go and then I'll give my final series ranking in that review for In Her Highlander's Bed. All in all, it's still a great, 5-star series, but maybe there's a limit to how many times the author can keep using the same formula before she runs out of creative twists to apply to it, I'm thinking.
Not gonna lie, a bit of a trainwreck ending on this one.
Not to spoil anything, but it's like...well, this author follows pretty much the same pattern for the books in this series, but for this book it felt like a lot of build up with a twenty years-old murder to be solved, and then the actual resolution itself was just...
...underwhelming.
It almost felt like the author had run out of ideas of who to make the next killer, so just thought up a whatever conclusion that was kind of similar to the villain in The Highlander Takes a Bride, only not as well done.
So...yeah, a bit of a disappointment, especially when Claray and Conall's romance was so cutesy, especially with all the woodland animals she keeps finding!
Anyway, this book will likely also be near the bottom of the list in terms of ranking the books of this series. Still, one more to go and then I'll give my final series ranking in that review for In Her Highlander's Bed. All in all, it's still a great, 5-star series, but maybe there's a limit to how many times the author can keep using the same formula before she runs out of creative twists to apply to it, I'm thinking.
December 22, 2021
Snow White meets the Highlands in this hilarious tale of a childhood betrothal that ends in wedded bliss. Well, if bliss can be managed while rescuing wild animals every few days and dodging murder attempts by people who want to see you dead. This isn't a retelling of Snow White, to be clear, but she certainly has the animal helpers part down to a science. I didn't start reading this book with the expectation that I would be laughing the whole way through, yet there I was, smiling ear to ear from start to finish. Lynsay Sands is particularly good at bringing humor into seemingly dark situations, and I always know I'm in for a fun time with any of her books. Her book published in January 2021 was actually on my favorite books list for the year, so it's no surprise that this one captured my heart so quickly. While you may see other reviews saying otherwise (this book has a criminally low rating on Goodreads right now), I found this book to be a delight and a nice escape from reality. Are you feeling anxious about the current state of the world? This is the book for you. Would you rather wallow in misery and read a more realistic tale of woe? Move along.
Claray MacFarlane was prepared to jump to her death to avoid marriage to the vile MacNaughton. Thankfully, as she was being dragged to the altar, she was rescued by the infamous Wolf, a warrior who is praised by all in the highlands for his bravery. Sent by her father to bring her home, Conall is not expecting to be utterly charmed by the small woman who keeps rescuing baby animals every time she takes a break to relieve herself. As they ride to safety, passion sparks a flame, and by the time he arrives at her father's home, it's time for the grand reveal. Conall is actually Bryson MacDonald, Claray's childhood betrothed long thought to be dead, and the man who fully intends to wed her before the night is out. After a quick wedding and steamy bedding, they make their way to Bryson's home, which has been neglected over the years following his parents' murder. While they are wary of MacNaughton coming to claim Claray for his own, they must also watch out for another danger - the murderer who wants to finish what they started all those years ago and kill the one who got away, Bryson.
I adored Claray. She was clever in her knowledge of the politics of her world, and while naive in the ways of sexual urges, she certainly figured it out quickly. The chemistry between her and Conall was off the charts, peaking my interest early on. As soon as she snuggled into him for a nap after he saved her from the unwanted marriage, I knew this was going to be a really cute couple. Her affinity for animals and the way she kept finding one to rescue had me roaring, and the men's reactions to her returning with something small and furry every time was hilarious. After a while they started betting on what would be added next to her menagerie. And then once they reached her father's home and found the rest of her brood, I was dying. Conall was a good sport throughout it all, just shaking his head and accepting every baby she brought home. He was so patient with her, and I really appreciated that the author gave us a hero who didn't try to change the heroine. She would make nonsensical decisions at times, and he rolled with it. Some scolding was needed, but he did it respectfully. They clearly loved each other, and it was shown in every interaction they had. And the steamy scenes? Break out the fans, you'll need some air.
Never disappointed in a Lynsay Sands historical, and I'm certainly not now. Great story, fun characters and a plot that will stay with me for a while. I look forward to reading her next book!
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
Claray MacFarlane was prepared to jump to her death to avoid marriage to the vile MacNaughton. Thankfully, as she was being dragged to the altar, she was rescued by the infamous Wolf, a warrior who is praised by all in the highlands for his bravery. Sent by her father to bring her home, Conall is not expecting to be utterly charmed by the small woman who keeps rescuing baby animals every time she takes a break to relieve herself. As they ride to safety, passion sparks a flame, and by the time he arrives at her father's home, it's time for the grand reveal. Conall is actually Bryson MacDonald, Claray's childhood betrothed long thought to be dead, and the man who fully intends to wed her before the night is out. After a quick wedding and steamy bedding, they make their way to Bryson's home, which has been neglected over the years following his parents' murder. While they are wary of MacNaughton coming to claim Claray for his own, they must also watch out for another danger - the murderer who wants to finish what they started all those years ago and kill the one who got away, Bryson.
I adored Claray. She was clever in her knowledge of the politics of her world, and while naive in the ways of sexual urges, she certainly figured it out quickly. The chemistry between her and Conall was off the charts, peaking my interest early on. As soon as she snuggled into him for a nap after he saved her from the unwanted marriage, I knew this was going to be a really cute couple. Her affinity for animals and the way she kept finding one to rescue had me roaring, and the men's reactions to her returning with something small and furry every time was hilarious. After a while they started betting on what would be added next to her menagerie. And then once they reached her father's home and found the rest of her brood, I was dying. Conall was a good sport throughout it all, just shaking his head and accepting every baby she brought home. He was so patient with her, and I really appreciated that the author gave us a hero who didn't try to change the heroine. She would make nonsensical decisions at times, and he rolled with it. Some scolding was needed, but he did it respectfully. They clearly loved each other, and it was shown in every interaction they had. And the steamy scenes? Break out the fans, you'll need some air.
Never disappointed in a Lynsay Sands historical, and I'm certainly not now. Great story, fun characters and a plot that will stay with me for a while. I look forward to reading her next book!
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
June 7, 2022
eh. fine.
October 20, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with a e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
4/5 stars
Claray and Conall have my whole heart.
Claray is essentially a Disney Princess in the way that sh finds animals that are injured or abandoned and she raises them back to health. Conall, also known by his mercenary name The Wolf, is a strong and silent type, until Claray of course.
Conall saves Claray from being married off against her and her fathers will to another Laird by her uncle and on the journey from McNaughtons back to father's land MacFarlend they get to know each other a bit better. I wish there had been a wee but more tension between the two during this time, but it's still super cute.
This was a one sitting read for me and I just loved how well it flowed. It was simple, fun and easy to read, like I said I wish there was more tension but other than that I adored this read.
4/5 stars
Claray and Conall have my whole heart.
Claray is essentially a Disney Princess in the way that sh finds animals that are injured or abandoned and she raises them back to health. Conall, also known by his mercenary name The Wolf, is a strong and silent type, until Claray of course.
Conall saves Claray from being married off against her and her fathers will to another Laird by her uncle and on the journey from McNaughtons back to father's land MacFarlend they get to know each other a bit better. I wish there had been a wee but more tension between the two during this time, but it's still super cute.
This was a one sitting read for me and I just loved how well it flowed. It was simple, fun and easy to read, like I said I wish there was more tension but other than that I adored this read.
January 25, 2022
Highland Wolf was an arranged marriage situation but with the twist of the original groom coming back! Claray is about to be forced to marry someone she doesn't want to marry because her uncle requires it of her. Luckily for her, Conall, her original betrothed has returned and plans to honor their marriage contact (signed by their parents many years ago).
I liked Conall, the Wolf, as a hero because he is driven, but also devoted. After all that has happened to him, he is more bitter and serious than Claray, who kind of lightens him up a bit. Claray is a great heroine! She is compassionate, loving, and fierce. She is also a bit flighty, which I found endearing. They have to figure out how to stay alive and rebuild Conall's clan after they were wiped out.
Together, I really liked these two and they sold Highland Wolf for me! The story was a bit slow at a few points for me, but my love for the characters made me continue when I might have given up or skimmed.
I liked Conall, the Wolf, as a hero because he is driven, but also devoted. After all that has happened to him, he is more bitter and serious than Claray, who kind of lightens him up a bit. Claray is a great heroine! She is compassionate, loving, and fierce. She is also a bit flighty, which I found endearing. They have to figure out how to stay alive and rebuild Conall's clan after they were wiped out.
Together, I really liked these two and they sold Highland Wolf for me! The story was a bit slow at a few points for me, but my love for the characters made me continue when I might have given up or skimmed.
January 23, 2022
I've read many others in this series, but not all. One thing is clear - these books have a pattern. All the same tropes, just rearranged in different ways. I do not totally mind, since they're generally tropes I like. But these novels really do lack originality.
This one did have an interlude when the characters were rebuilding an old castle that I really liked.
I do wish the two main characters didn't fall in love so fast.
The ending was a bit unhinged and the villain came out of absolutely nowhere, but it was all par for the course for The Highland Brides series, so I'd expect nothing less.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This one did have an interlude when the characters were rebuilding an old castle that I really liked.
I do wish the two main characters didn't fall in love so fast.
The ending was a bit unhinged and the villain came out of absolutely nowhere, but it was all par for the course for The Highland Brides series, so I'd expect nothing less.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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