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Devil of the Highlands #3
The Hellion and the Highlander
From the NYT bestselling author of "Devil of the Highlands" and "Taming the Highland Bride", here comes another exciting and humorous historical romance as only Lynsay Sands can tell it.
Only one man could set her heart ablaze . . .
Lady Averill Mortagne learned to control her fierce temper as a young girl. But if her father insists on parading her before one more English lord who looks askance at her flame-colored hair, she'll simply scream! Her only respite is the time she spends with Kade Stewart, the wounded Scot her brother brought home from the Crusades. Who could have imagined a Highland warrior would be the only gentleman around?
Lady Averill helped save his life, and for that Kade is truly grateful. She is also almost unbearably beautiful, but he could never subject such a sweet and gentle lady to the rough life of a Stewart laird's bride . . . or could he? When she braves an unexpected danger by his side, Averill will prove to Kade that her heart is as fiery as her hair . . . and that submitting to their scorching passion would be heaven indeed.
Only one man could set her heart ablaze . . .
Lady Averill Mortagne learned to control her fierce temper as a young girl. But if her father insists on parading her before one more English lord who looks askance at her flame-colored hair, she'll simply scream! Her only respite is the time she spends with Kade Stewart, the wounded Scot her brother brought home from the Crusades. Who could have imagined a Highland warrior would be the only gentleman around?
Lady Averill helped save his life, and for that Kade is truly grateful. She is also almost unbearably beautiful, but he could never subject such a sweet and gentle lady to the rough life of a Stewart laird's bride . . . or could he? When she braves an unexpected danger by his side, Averill will prove to Kade that her heart is as fiery as her hair . . . and that submitting to their scorching passion would be heaven indeed.
373 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 3, 2010
290 people are currently reading
3340 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 338 reviews
September 15, 2010
OMG !!! I loved this book so much that I ranted about it for DAYS !!! After a surprise read from another series (Brenda Joyce's Masters of Time) I have been completely obsessed with all things Highlander. Whenever I get a book in the mail, my hubby will look at me as if to say "So babe, what is it? Vampire? Werewolf" and then after seeing the look of giddiness and me almost SWOON, he adds, "Oohhh Highlander". I'm a big fan of Lynsay's Argeneau Vampires series (I own them all) and have loved her previous two Highland romances (Taming the Highland Bride and Devil of the Highlands) This book was HILARIOUS. Like "Oh my goodness, soda just shot out my nose I'm laughing so hard and OUCH I just hit my head on the chair as I catapulted off it in hysterics" Don't get me wrong, this book is FILLED with plenty of deep sigh and romantic gush moments (hello?? It is Highlanders we're talking about) but the author wrote some scenes that I will FOREVER laugh over. Imagine if you will, living in a time where you don't sit around with your girlfriends talking about boys and what you'd like to do with them. You don't live in a time when watching TV can be considered sex education in and of itself or most importantly, you don't have the pleasure *cough* of watching Lady Gaga strut her stuff in scandalous and provocative "clothing". Sex was a private matter, with ALOT of misconceptions surrounding it and for poor Averill on her wedding night, she must rely on the servant women for her "education". This instructive conversation ALONE is worth reading the book for!! But where the book becomes priceless is when you read how Averill applies her new knowledge - much to the shock, horror and amazement of Kade, her new husband. Let me just say that milking is for COWS and telling a man that his "piffle" is handsome is more likely to get you laughed at than ravished.The humor used in the book was VERY much appreciated because honestly, for some of us, wasn't our first times just a little awkward because we just weren't sure what to expect? (that's not to say I'm admitting anything because.. just so you know I WAS FABULOUS lol) It made Averill endearing and her inner dialogue kept me glued to the pages. I very LOUDY share that this is a MUST read for Highlander addicts and for anyone who loves a good chuckle with their romance.
October 14, 2024
The Hellion and the Highlander is book three in the Devil of the Highlands series by Lynsay Sands.
This novel can be read as a stand-a-lone, so you don’t have to read in order.
I had an enjoyable time with this historical romance. It was nice to move out of my comfort genre zone and try something different. It’s a little funny in that every time Averill and Kade tried to have some sexy time, things kept interrupting them, and they couldn’t fulfill what they started. Eventually they get to have their time, but all those interruptions where funny. We do get a little mystery on who is trying to kill of Kade and Averill finally lets her true self come out to the world.
This novel was an ok read. It was relaxing, a bit funny, and a quick read.
Rated: 3 Stars
This novel can be read as a stand-a-lone, so you don’t have to read in order.
I had an enjoyable time with this historical romance. It was nice to move out of my comfort genre zone and try something different. It’s a little funny in that every time Averill and Kade tried to have some sexy time, things kept interrupting them, and they couldn’t fulfill what they started. Eventually they get to have their time, but all those interruptions where funny. We do get a little mystery on who is trying to kill of Kade and Averill finally lets her true self come out to the world.
This novel was an ok read. It was relaxing, a bit funny, and a quick read.
Rated: 3 Stars
April 25, 2023
DID NOT FINISH SUPREME. real rating: 1/2 star
The Book: The Hellion and the Highlander (#3) by Lynsay Sands
Genre: Romance
Crime: Perpetuating rapist enabling mentality
How It Goes Down: (SPOILERS AHEAD)
Lady Averill (the heroine) has already had a run-in with with her husband's brother -- a well established serial rapist. An unpleasant groping that was stopped. By the main almost rape, Sands has written Averill to have overcome her timidity and a strong female ready to take most situations in hand. However after the brother beats her and is between her legs lifting up his clothing and a maid stops him by hitting him over the head... Averill begins making excuses to protect her husband.
Oh yes, as the horrified maid (and readers) listen on, Averill explains her husband will surely have to carry the guilt of killing his own brother for the crime he has committed, and Averill wishes to spare him that decision. Thankfully the maid threatens to tell the Laird what has happened if she does not. Incidentally, she tells her husband half-truths and that's only because of the nasty state of her face.
To compound this giant ball of "what the fuuuuu?" the Laird goes in to speak with his brother, figures out that he didn't just beat up his wife, but because he found his brother unconscious on the bed (and knowing his brothers previous indiscretions) comes to the conclusion of a rape attempt. Twists of all twists, the brother is not unconscious but dead. And the kicker? The kicker that seals the fury I have for this particular portion of the book? When Lady Averill is told her attacker is dead she still lies for the bastard. I'm sorry, but that's not exactly the type of heroine I want to be reading in a book. Moreover, it makes no sense! Averill has no background of being an enabler, so why would she suddenly start now when she spilled the beans the first time she was groped?
The Book: The Hellion and the Highlander (#3) by Lynsay Sands
Genre: Romance
Crime: Perpetuating rapist enabling mentality
How It Goes Down: (SPOILERS AHEAD)
Lady Averill (the heroine) has already had a run-in with with her husband's brother -- a well established serial rapist. An unpleasant groping that was stopped. By the main almost rape, Sands has written Averill to have overcome her timidity and a strong female ready to take most situations in hand. However after the brother beats her and is between her legs lifting up his clothing and a maid stops him by hitting him over the head... Averill begins making excuses to protect her husband.
Oh yes, as the horrified maid (and readers) listen on, Averill explains her husband will surely have to carry the guilt of killing his own brother for the crime he has committed, and Averill wishes to spare him that decision. Thankfully the maid threatens to tell the Laird what has happened if she does not. Incidentally, she tells her husband half-truths and that's only because of the nasty state of her face.
To compound this giant ball of "what the fuuuuu?" the Laird goes in to speak with his brother, figures out that he didn't just beat up his wife, but because he found his brother unconscious on the bed (and knowing his brothers previous indiscretions) comes to the conclusion of a rape attempt. Twists of all twists, the brother is not unconscious but dead. And the kicker? The kicker that seals the fury I have for this particular portion of the book? When Lady Averill is told her attacker is dead she still lies for the bastard. I'm sorry, but that's not exactly the type of heroine I want to be reading in a book. Moreover, it makes no sense! Averill has no background of being an enabler, so why would she suddenly start now when she spilled the beans the first time she was groped?
November 6, 2015
Nothing bad just that I felt like I was listening to the first 2 books again! Too similar!
July 13, 2025
Story: 4.5 stars
Audio: 4 stars
Definitely the best book of the series ❤️❤️ Great MCs and I loved the supporting characters too, especially Will. I wish the series would have continued with his story next. The narrator’s voice and narration had improved since the first book, more emotion and clear accents.. it was quite entertaining overall.
Audio: 4 stars
Definitely the best book of the series ❤️❤️ Great MCs and I loved the supporting characters too, especially Will. I wish the series would have continued with his story next. The narrator’s voice and narration had improved since the first book, more emotion and clear accents.. it was quite entertaining overall.
September 16, 2015
Is it good or bad when the best you can say about the book is: "It's ok.'? Some would say it's not a glowing recommendation but when you have read as many bad bodice riper novels as me... *shudders*
The Hellion and the Highlander didn't blow my mind or dazzle me with sizzling chemistry but it was a relaxing and sometimes even a bit funny quick read.
What to expect:
- Hero who wants a smart wife with spirit, not only good looks.
- Heroine who is confident (for medieval ages) and takes matters into her own hands
- Light mystery with murder attempts (and I was surprised who was the culprit)
- Some funny and clumsy events during a couple of first sex scenes. I loved those details. Because it's never perfect at first and there are always some mishaps. ;)
The Hellion and the Highlander didn't blow my mind or dazzle me with sizzling chemistry but it was a relaxing and sometimes even a bit funny quick read.
What to expect:
- Hero who wants a smart wife with spirit, not only good looks.
- Heroine who is confident (for medieval ages) and takes matters into her own hands
- Light mystery with murder attempts (and I was surprised who was the culprit)
- Some funny and clumsy events during a couple of first sex scenes. I loved those details. Because it's never perfect at first and there are always some mishaps. ;)
September 13, 2018
This was a decent book, though it strayed a bit too far into the hokey supposed-to-be-fun scenarios that always make me roll my eyes. The hero and heroine were decent if uninspiring and the mystery provided a reasonable way to keep the plot moving. I just wasn't terribly moved by Kade and Averill's romance. They never spent enough time together to really form a bond and had a serious communication problem that I'll discuss in the spoiler. I downloaded this book on Hoopla from my library to listen to during a long drive to the beach and had no trouble putting it down upon arrival and reading two whole other books before finally returning to it. There wasn't anything horribly wrong with it, it was just sort of meh.
All in all, it was an okay story. The lack of communication between the MCs was kind of annoying and kept their relationship from feeling more than superficial. I wasn't a huge fan of the goofy things that kept happening to prevent them having sex but judging from the reviews they were a lot of people's favorite part so YMMV. It wasn't bad but just kind of meh. Kade healed from all his near-death experiences very, very quickly and Averill never really seemed all that worried about him, honestly so yeah, kind of weak on the romance. I didn't hate it but I'll never read it again.
All in all, it was an okay story. The lack of communication between the MCs was kind of annoying and kept their relationship from feeling more than superficial. I wasn't a huge fan of the goofy things that kept happening to prevent them having sex but judging from the reviews they were a lot of people's favorite part so YMMV. It wasn't bad but just kind of meh. Kade healed from all his near-death experiences very, very quickly and Averill never really seemed all that worried about him, honestly so yeah, kind of weak on the romance. I didn't hate it but I'll never read it again.
July 16, 2022
Rating: 4.6 / 5
If I had to describe the heroines of this series, I'd have to say they're as follows:
Evelinde is the clumsy and curious eccentric,
Merry is the no-nonsense, take-charge warrior, and
Averill is the naive, people-pleasing trickster.
*pause*
Yeah, not exactly a "hellion", to be honest on Averill's part, which kind of disappoints in terms of what the title of the book was promising. I mean, alliteration's fine and all, but your story should back it up, I'd say.
Ahem, anyway, what we've got in this story is a love developing between Averill and Kade, and by far they're the ones who get to know each other the most before marrying. Additionally, what stands out about their story is that Averill by far has the worst childhood upbringing of any heroine in this series.
I kid you not, I thought hers was the worst.
Sure, Evelinde had the evil stepmother...
And Merry had to keep her home from falling apart as a result of her drunk family...
...but at least neither of them had their real mother try to get to the hide their "tempers" (although, ahem, I really don't think that Averill has one, hence she is not a "hellion"), and none of them were told their entire lives that they're ugly and so no one wants them.
Poor Averill does have this to contend with however, and while it's sweet in how she and Kade communicate and Kade boosters up her confidence by a lot (and not to mention that the sexual fumbling is hilarious on Averill's part), it's also disheartening to think of what Averill must have gone through her entire life as a result.
Additionally, to be honest at the end I would have loved for there to be an epilogue, maybe one in which all three couples are brought together for Christmas or something? Just saying, that would have been nice in terms of a really "complete" ending.
All in all, this is still a great read though, and a great end to the trilogy, but I'm personally ranking it slightly lower than the other two, as I would have preferred a bit more depth on the ending, and a bit more justification for Averill's personality in the title of this book.
From the series though, definitely Devil of the Highlands is my favourite though!
If I had to describe the heroines of this series, I'd have to say they're as follows:
Evelinde is the clumsy and curious eccentric,
Merry is the no-nonsense, take-charge warrior, and
Averill is the naive, people-pleasing trickster.
*pause*
Yeah, not exactly a "hellion", to be honest on Averill's part, which kind of disappoints in terms of what the title of the book was promising. I mean, alliteration's fine and all, but your story should back it up, I'd say.
Ahem, anyway, what we've got in this story is a love developing between Averill and Kade, and by far they're the ones who get to know each other the most before marrying. Additionally, what stands out about their story is that Averill by far has the worst childhood upbringing of any heroine in this series.
I kid you not, I thought hers was the worst.
Sure, Evelinde had the evil stepmother...
And Merry had to keep her home from falling apart as a result of her drunk family...
...but at least neither of them had their real mother try to get to the hide their "tempers" (although, ahem, I really don't think that Averill has one, hence she is not a "hellion"), and none of them were told their entire lives that they're ugly and so no one wants them.
Poor Averill does have this to contend with however, and while it's sweet in how she and Kade communicate and Kade boosters up her confidence by a lot (and not to mention that the sexual fumbling is hilarious on Averill's part), it's also disheartening to think of what Averill must have gone through her entire life as a result.
Additionally, to be honest at the end I would have loved for there to be an epilogue, maybe one in which all three couples are brought together for Christmas or something? Just saying, that would have been nice in terms of a really "complete" ending.
All in all, this is still a great read though, and a great end to the trilogy, but I'm personally ranking it slightly lower than the other two, as I would have preferred a bit more depth on the ending, and a bit more justification for Averill's personality in the title of this book.
From the series though, definitely Devil of the Highlands is my favourite though!
June 29, 2025
This is the third book by Lynsay Sands I have read, and it’s the third one to mention some level of poisoning/ putting something in someone’s drink. I feel like this woman should not be trusted near the punch bowl at the event. Something is up with that.
I did like this better than The Deed because the MMC isn’t an adorable oaf. Kade is a little more gruff, and I’m into it. The title isn’t aptly named, though, because Avarill holds in her tempter most of the time. At no point is she a “hellion.” I kept waiting, but no. We have glimpses of a temper and a woman with whom no one wants to spar words or wits. However, she never fully emerges.
This book falls prey to what I find in many publications much after the year 2000: robust beginnings that wilt under the weight of quickly resolved conflict, hampered love scenes, and low stakes. I wanna love it, but it’s just middle of the road for me.
Abysmally bad? No. Really good and highly recommend? No.
No hate, just lukewarm feels. 🤷🏻♀️
I will continue my search for what I would consider a top tier Lynsay Sands book. She’s prolific, so it could take a while 🤣
3.5 ⭐️
I did like this better than The Deed because the MMC isn’t an adorable oaf. Kade is a little more gruff, and I’m into it. The title isn’t aptly named, though, because Avarill holds in her tempter most of the time. At no point is she a “hellion.” I kept waiting, but no. We have glimpses of a temper and a woman with whom no one wants to spar words or wits. However, she never fully emerges.
This book falls prey to what I find in many publications much after the year 2000: robust beginnings that wilt under the weight of quickly resolved conflict, hampered love scenes, and low stakes. I wanna love it, but it’s just middle of the road for me.
Abysmally bad? No. Really good and highly recommend? No.
No hate, just lukewarm feels. 🤷🏻♀️
I will continue my search for what I would consider a top tier Lynsay Sands book. She’s prolific, so it could take a while 🤣
3.5 ⭐️
October 8, 2014
This is the second book I've read by Ms. Sands. The first An English Bride in Scotland, I enjoyed very much; this one I liked even better! Ms. Sands has a gift for creating stories that have the perfect blend of romance, intrigue, and LOL humor. This book had me ROTFL at times, it was that funny! The romance between Averill and Kade is also extremely sweet. As for the intrigue, that incorporated a well crafted mystery that kept me guessing until the very end!
Averill and Kade meet, when her brother Will (I LOVED Will!) brings home an injured Kade from the Crusades, and she nurses him back to health. Averill is a sweet, smart, clever, woman, blessed with the heart of an angel. She also has the unfortunate luck of having bright red hair, and a small strawberry shaped mark on her face...both if which, according to the English, are marks of the devil. As a result, Averill's father has been having an extremely difficult time finding a husband for her.
When yet another suitor rejects Averill, Will proposes to Kade that he should marry her. Kade likes Averill very much. He thinks she's really sweet and her enjoys her company. The problem is, he thinks she's too sweet. A woman as soft and kind-hearted as Averill wouldn't last a day in the rugged Highlands! According to Kade "Were bandits to beset Averill, I fear she'd thank them for troubling themselves." LOL When there is an incident with yet another suitor, which proves that Averill is far from the sweet-tempered lass she portrays herself to be, Kade happily agrees to a marriage with her.
The wedding night is something to behold and is one of the funniest scenes in the book! I literally laughed until I cried, and even subjected my poor husband to a reading of the scene. LOL In any event, after the two are married they journey to Kade's home, Stewart, in the Highlands. Kade's father and younger brothers are useless drunks, and it is Kade's intent to force his father to cede the title to him, so he can begin reparations to their lands and people. While journeying to Stewart, and throughout the rest of the story, there are several attempts against Kade's life. But, for the life of him, Kade cannot figure out why someone would want to kill him.
The story progresses at a nice, quick pace. It is thoroughly engaging and kept me enthralled from cover to cover! As I've come to expect from Ms. Sands, the book is well written; the characters three dimensional to such an extent that they seem to come alive within the pages of the book. FYI Ms. Sands has her characters speak in heavily accented brogue. Here's an example from the book: But diya no' let her go...I'll rip yer guts out with me bare hands and feed 'em to ye ere cutting off yer head." This is especially true of Kade and the other Scottish characters.
It didn't bother me whatsoever and I was easily able to follow along. I actually like it when authors use that type of language for their characters, as it makes it easier for me to slip into the time period. Nevertheless, I know that there are many readers who do not enjoy it, so I figured I'd give a heads-up.
I loved everything about this book, but what I loved the most is how Kade LOVED Averill! Poor Averill has been raised with the belief that she is unattractive, unappealingly smart, and must always, always, keep her temper in check. The traits she has been taught to abhor about herself, are exactly the ones that Kade loves the most! Sigh!
I very highly recommend this book as an awesome read! FYI, this is not a clean romance. Happy reading!
Averill and Kade meet, when her brother Will (I LOVED Will!) brings home an injured Kade from the Crusades, and she nurses him back to health. Averill is a sweet, smart, clever, woman, blessed with the heart of an angel. She also has the unfortunate luck of having bright red hair, and a small strawberry shaped mark on her face...both if which, according to the English, are marks of the devil. As a result, Averill's father has been having an extremely difficult time finding a husband for her.
When yet another suitor rejects Averill, Will proposes to Kade that he should marry her. Kade likes Averill very much. He thinks she's really sweet and her enjoys her company. The problem is, he thinks she's too sweet. A woman as soft and kind-hearted as Averill wouldn't last a day in the rugged Highlands! According to Kade "Were bandits to beset Averill, I fear she'd thank them for troubling themselves." LOL When there is an incident with yet another suitor, which proves that Averill is far from the sweet-tempered lass she portrays herself to be, Kade happily agrees to a marriage with her.
The wedding night is something to behold and is one of the funniest scenes in the book! I literally laughed until I cried, and even subjected my poor husband to a reading of the scene. LOL In any event, after the two are married they journey to Kade's home, Stewart, in the Highlands. Kade's father and younger brothers are useless drunks, and it is Kade's intent to force his father to cede the title to him, so he can begin reparations to their lands and people. While journeying to Stewart, and throughout the rest of the story, there are several attempts against Kade's life. But, for the life of him, Kade cannot figure out why someone would want to kill him.
The story progresses at a nice, quick pace. It is thoroughly engaging and kept me enthralled from cover to cover! As I've come to expect from Ms. Sands, the book is well written; the characters three dimensional to such an extent that they seem to come alive within the pages of the book. FYI Ms. Sands has her characters speak in heavily accented brogue. Here's an example from the book: But diya no' let her go...I'll rip yer guts out with me bare hands and feed 'em to ye ere cutting off yer head." This is especially true of Kade and the other Scottish characters.
It didn't bother me whatsoever and I was easily able to follow along. I actually like it when authors use that type of language for their characters, as it makes it easier for me to slip into the time period. Nevertheless, I know that there are many readers who do not enjoy it, so I figured I'd give a heads-up.
I loved everything about this book, but what I loved the most is how Kade LOVED Averill! Poor Averill has been raised with the belief that she is unattractive, unappealingly smart, and must always, always, keep her temper in check. The traits she has been taught to abhor about herself, are exactly the ones that Kade loves the most! Sigh!
I very highly recommend this book as an awesome read! FYI, this is not a clean romance. Happy reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2016
I'm glad that I read The Hellion & The Highlander. I can't believe I missed it or should say forgot about it. Because it's been so long it took me a few minutes to remember the series. I'm happy to say that it did come back to me. Thank goodness, it really helped with the story.
I always enjoy reading historical's by Lynsay Sands, she has the type of characters that I enjoy. Her books always contain enough humor and romance to make the story enjoyable. Her writing is very easy to get into. If you haven't read her before you don't know what you are missing.
Like I said, this is the third book in the Devil of the Highlands. Each of the three books are connected so they should be read in order. Of course there is only three so that shouldn't be a issue.
I think you'll really enjoy both Lady Averill Mortagne & Kade Stewart. Both are perfect for each other. Averill might come off as meek but you'll soon learn she's not. Kade soon figures that out. Of course like so many of Sands stories their road to happiness isn't a easy one. But you'll be happy to be along for the ride.
When Kade becomes Laird so easily you'd think all will be going smooth in their future. Of course that's a little hard when someone is trying to kill Kade. Poor Kade!
I'm so glad that I caught up on this series. Of course I'm behind a few more of hers so....
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
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Romancing the Readers Facebook Page:
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I always enjoy reading historical's by Lynsay Sands, she has the type of characters that I enjoy. Her books always contain enough humor and romance to make the story enjoyable. Her writing is very easy to get into. If you haven't read her before you don't know what you are missing.
Like I said, this is the third book in the Devil of the Highlands. Each of the three books are connected so they should be read in order. Of course there is only three so that shouldn't be a issue.
I think you'll really enjoy both Lady Averill Mortagne & Kade Stewart. Both are perfect for each other. Averill might come off as meek but you'll soon learn she's not. Kade soon figures that out. Of course like so many of Sands stories their road to happiness isn't a easy one. But you'll be happy to be along for the ride.
When Kade becomes Laird so easily you'd think all will be going smooth in their future. Of course that's a little hard when someone is trying to kill Kade. Poor Kade!
I'm so glad that I caught up on this series. Of course I'm behind a few more of hers so....
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
Romancing the Readers Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
April 11, 2017
The Hellion and the Highlander
4 Stars
Averill Mortagne is a fiery redhead with a strawberry birthmark, a nervous stammer and an intelligent mind. All of this makes it virtually impossible for her father to find her a suitable (or not so suitable) husband. That is until her brother, Will, returns from the Crusades with an injured comrade-in-arms, Kade Stewert. Kade and Averill grow closer as she nurses him back to health, and after their marriage travel to Scotland to take up residence at the Stewert keep. Unfortunately, someone has other plans for Kade and has no qualms killing the young warrior…
A quick and entertaining read with a charming romance and a solid suspense plot.
While Averill is not much of a hellion, she is a sweet and charming heroine with a strong backbone, and Kade is a courageous soldier and an honorable man. Their romance is characterized by an intense chemistry (despite the numerous interruptions to their amorous intentions) and an endearing emotional connection.
The assassination plot is similar to the previous book but more logical even though the revelation of the villain is quite sudden. The secondary characters are well developed and it is possible that Sands had plans for additional books, but alas ,they never materialized - perhaps sometime in the future.
4 Stars
Averill Mortagne is a fiery redhead with a strawberry birthmark, a nervous stammer and an intelligent mind. All of this makes it virtually impossible for her father to find her a suitable (or not so suitable) husband. That is until her brother, Will, returns from the Crusades with an injured comrade-in-arms, Kade Stewert. Kade and Averill grow closer as she nurses him back to health, and after their marriage travel to Scotland to take up residence at the Stewert keep. Unfortunately, someone has other plans for Kade and has no qualms killing the young warrior…
A quick and entertaining read with a charming romance and a solid suspense plot.
While Averill is not much of a hellion, she is a sweet and charming heroine with a strong backbone, and Kade is a courageous soldier and an honorable man. Their romance is characterized by an intense chemistry (despite the numerous interruptions to their amorous intentions) and an endearing emotional connection.
The assassination plot is similar to the previous book but more logical even though the revelation of the villain is quite sudden. The secondary characters are well developed and it is possible that Sands had plans for additional books, but alas ,they never materialized - perhaps sometime in the future.
October 12, 2013
3.5 stars.
3rd book in this series. Main characters are Kade Steward, Lady Averill.
Book starts out with Kade awakening from a head injury to a womans voice, that voice belongs to Averill who is telling him tales. Averill has "orange" hair, a stawberry birthmark, and a temper. Unable to find a English husband to wed her due to her being labeled "devils spawn" due to the aformentioned traits.
However, Kade likes all of that including Averill herself. They marry and like the other books in this series things start to happen. Near misses with arrows, falling rocks, missing men, drunken steward men, and more arrows all happen in this story. Someone is apparently trying to kill Kade...go figure.
Plenty of funny parts some drama and only two tuppin' parts but not for lack of trying. It was a quick read, I devoured it in a day but couldn't give it anymore stars due to the repeaditiveness of the plot from this series. If you read all 3 books you'll understand what I mean. You can read as a stand-alone and enjoy it as well.
3rd book in this series. Main characters are Kade Steward, Lady Averill.
Book starts out with Kade awakening from a head injury to a womans voice, that voice belongs to Averill who is telling him tales. Averill has "orange" hair, a stawberry birthmark, and a temper. Unable to find a English husband to wed her due to her being labeled "devils spawn" due to the aformentioned traits.
However, Kade likes all of that including Averill herself. They marry and like the other books in this series things start to happen. Near misses with arrows, falling rocks, missing men, drunken steward men, and more arrows all happen in this story. Someone is apparently trying to kill Kade...go figure.
Plenty of funny parts some drama and only two tuppin' parts but not for lack of trying. It was a quick read, I devoured it in a day but couldn't give it anymore stars due to the repeaditiveness of the plot from this series. If you read all 3 books you'll understand what I mean. You can read as a stand-alone and enjoy it as well.
August 25, 2013
3.5+ stars
So much to love about this book... we finally get to meet Kade Stewart, Merry's eldest brother. And there's finally resolution to clan Stewart.
But there's a lot of heart-breaking scenes in this book, some due to whiskey and jealousy, and some due to plain cruelty and superstition. I was horrified at Averill's rejection because of RED hair and a strawberry birthmark! And I was put out at her over not telling Kade the whole truth of what his brother Brodie did or tried to do to her.
The mystery in this book is a little better than the other two books. It's harder to figure out who's behind it all until closer to the reveal.
Averill and Kade are amazing together. I like them both individually and as a couple. And I loved seeing the Devil and his bride again. Wish we could have seen Merry and her hubby, too, because this is the last in the trilogy.
But all's well that ends well.
So much to love about this book... we finally get to meet Kade Stewart, Merry's eldest brother. And there's finally resolution to clan Stewart.
But there's a lot of heart-breaking scenes in this book, some due to whiskey and jealousy, and some due to plain cruelty and superstition. I was horrified at Averill's rejection because of RED hair and a strawberry birthmark! And I was put out at her over not telling Kade the whole truth of what his brother Brodie did or tried to do to her.
The mystery in this book is a little better than the other two books. It's harder to figure out who's behind it all until closer to the reveal.
Averill and Kade are amazing together. I like them both individually and as a couple. And I loved seeing the Devil and his bride again. Wish we could have seen Merry and her hubby, too, because this is the last in the trilogy.
But all's well that ends well.
October 27, 2016
Another lovely story by Lindsay Sands. I wanted something fun and light and this book delievered.
I liked this installment much better than book two. The character were enjoyable and plot solid. I love how characters from previous books get to make appearances. Lots of heat, but also cleverness, mystery, and humor. I really loved the humor - the wedding night advice from the maids and the scenes where the heroine tried to apply them were especially entertaining.
The first book in this series is still my favourite of the three and so if you decide to just read one book from this series, I definitely recommend to stick with the first one: Devil of the Highlands. It's the best by far.
I liked this installment much better than book two. The character were enjoyable and plot solid. I love how characters from previous books get to make appearances. Lots of heat, but also cleverness, mystery, and humor. I really loved the humor - the wedding night advice from the maids and the scenes where the heroine tried to apply them were especially entertaining.
The first book in this series is still my favourite of the three and so if you decide to just read one book from this series, I definitely recommend to stick with the first one: Devil of the Highlands. It's the best by far.
May 16, 2011
Lady Averill Has been paraded before more men than she can count by her father who despairs of finding a husband for her because of her red hair and devil mark(Birthmark.) She instead, works to help a wounded Scottish nobleman her brother brought home from the Cursades with him. She saves Kade's life, and he finds she is not ugly, and her father keeps saying. Realizing that she is worthy, he marries her, and travels to his homw in Scotland where there is trouble in the making.
October 20, 2015
This one wasn't as amzing as the previous two. The story is great and so is the character but I wanted to know what Kade will do meeting his sister or what Merry baby sex is. Sorry but not having my answers made me hate the book at the end even though I enjoyed it.
May 30, 2012
Super good book and great cover guy!
October 14, 2024
3/5.
It's fun enough.
It's fun enough.
July 18, 2011
Note: This review, and all my reviews, comes from my blog - Romantic Rose's Bookshelf (http://romantic-rosesblog.blogspot.com)
Book 3 in the Devil of the Highlands series
Lady Averill Mortagne is a red-haired, apparently not-so-beautiful English woman (though it's a bit unclear throughout the book), who spends her life reading and nursing the sick back to health. Her father, desperate to get her married, has tried every trick in the book, parading her in front of many snotty English lords - however her red hair, birthmark, and stutter make her unmarriageable. After one attempt to marry her off goes very awry, Lady Averill’s patient offers to marry her - the fast healing Scot, Kade Stewart. Kade was a friend of her brother, Will, and they spent three years in a prison camp together (with a few other men) before making a bold escape that leaves them injured but free. The boat they're traveling on to get back to England, however, crashes into the rocks leaving Kade very badly hurt when they arrive at the Mortagne Manor. Averill, with her expansive knowledge of care-taking, has been helping Kade get well for weeks.
Kade, never one to pass up a good, kind woman offers to marry Averill himself. This was part of my problem with the book. I was hoping to see passion and affection building before the marriage, while Averill cared for him - which didn’t really happen. Kade got better much too quickly for my liking, and thus spent little time getting to know Averill. He practically avoids her before their marriage, and it's hard to see how he could even want to marry her with the little he knows of her. So I assumed I would see something developing after they married. But that also didn’t happen. So I was left floundering in this passionless relationship that seemed built on thin air. This was my first Lynsay Sands book, and I’ve heard she’s quite good, so I was a bit surprised by the lack of development to the relationship. Surprised and disappointed. Another thing I disliked was that Averill called Kade ‘husband’ and not his name throughout the story. To me that exemplified their lack of intimacy. One thing I will say I liked was that Averill acted like a virgin on her wedding night. Finally! A virgin who isn’t a natural sexual dynamo. A break in the cliche - well and humorously done, Sands!
I had a hard time identifying with Kade or Averill. Their internal struggles were hard to connect to and I never formed an emotional bond with their of them. Whiile I thought Averill brave at times and silly at others, I still never really grew to like or dislike her one way or another - and apathy is almost as bad as hatred in romance, when it’s all about feeling and emotion. I could, sometimes, identify with Kade but even then his struggles took on a rather listless and boring quality. Instead of worrying about the state of of the Stewart estate and his brothers with him, I was simply reading about his worries. It was like I was skimming the emotions instead of partaking in them. Sands was never able to get me into the story.
Laddie, a little boy, is adorable, but he was one of the only secondary characters I really connected with or found well-developed. Will was easy to connect with, but his character was lacking a depth necessary to make him a good character. The villain, at the end, didn’t make sense to me. I didn’t really feel the evilness in him, or the motive. It seemed unnatural to me, that he would be the villain after all he and Kade went through, and as a consequence I didn’t get a lot of closure out of the ending. I did enjoy the mini-story involving Kade’s father and brothers and Averill’s plot to get them to stop drinking. That was cute and light-hearted fun. But overall, the secondary characters weren’t an inspiration and the plot was dull and a tad unexciting. I just couldn’t seem to get into Sand’s story, and as such it was missing the suspense and action I was hoping to feel. Was it good? No. Was it funny? you betcha.
“Sexy”ness rating: Hot – and funny.
Overall Rating: D
Bottom Line: While this book was humorous and entertaining, it wasn’t a great read. There were several unique things that set this book apart – an early marriage, an inexperienced heroine (finally, a virgin who isn’t a natural sex tiger) – but I couldn’t really connect with the characters or feel any tension building. It was good, better than average… but not great.
Book 3 in the Devil of the Highlands series
Lady Averill Mortagne is a red-haired, apparently not-so-beautiful English woman (though it's a bit unclear throughout the book), who spends her life reading and nursing the sick back to health. Her father, desperate to get her married, has tried every trick in the book, parading her in front of many snotty English lords - however her red hair, birthmark, and stutter make her unmarriageable. After one attempt to marry her off goes very awry, Lady Averill’s patient offers to marry her - the fast healing Scot, Kade Stewart. Kade was a friend of her brother, Will, and they spent three years in a prison camp together (with a few other men) before making a bold escape that leaves them injured but free. The boat they're traveling on to get back to England, however, crashes into the rocks leaving Kade very badly hurt when they arrive at the Mortagne Manor. Averill, with her expansive knowledge of care-taking, has been helping Kade get well for weeks.
Kade, never one to pass up a good, kind woman offers to marry Averill himself. This was part of my problem with the book. I was hoping to see passion and affection building before the marriage, while Averill cared for him - which didn’t really happen. Kade got better much too quickly for my liking, and thus spent little time getting to know Averill. He practically avoids her before their marriage, and it's hard to see how he could even want to marry her with the little he knows of her. So I assumed I would see something developing after they married. But that also didn’t happen. So I was left floundering in this passionless relationship that seemed built on thin air. This was my first Lynsay Sands book, and I’ve heard she’s quite good, so I was a bit surprised by the lack of development to the relationship. Surprised and disappointed. Another thing I disliked was that Averill called Kade ‘husband’ and not his name throughout the story. To me that exemplified their lack of intimacy. One thing I will say I liked was that Averill acted like a virgin on her wedding night. Finally! A virgin who isn’t a natural sexual dynamo. A break in the cliche - well and humorously done, Sands!
I had a hard time identifying with Kade or Averill. Their internal struggles were hard to connect to and I never formed an emotional bond with their of them. Whiile I thought Averill brave at times and silly at others, I still never really grew to like or dislike her one way or another - and apathy is almost as bad as hatred in romance, when it’s all about feeling and emotion. I could, sometimes, identify with Kade but even then his struggles took on a rather listless and boring quality. Instead of worrying about the state of of the Stewart estate and his brothers with him, I was simply reading about his worries. It was like I was skimming the emotions instead of partaking in them. Sands was never able to get me into the story.
Laddie, a little boy, is adorable, but he was one of the only secondary characters I really connected with or found well-developed. Will was easy to connect with, but his character was lacking a depth necessary to make him a good character. The villain, at the end, didn’t make sense to me. I didn’t really feel the evilness in him, or the motive. It seemed unnatural to me, that he would be the villain after all he and Kade went through, and as a consequence I didn’t get a lot of closure out of the ending. I did enjoy the mini-story involving Kade’s father and brothers and Averill’s plot to get them to stop drinking. That was cute and light-hearted fun. But overall, the secondary characters weren’t an inspiration and the plot was dull and a tad unexciting. I just couldn’t seem to get into Sand’s story, and as such it was missing the suspense and action I was hoping to feel. Was it good? No. Was it funny? you betcha.
“Sexy”ness rating: Hot – and funny.
Overall Rating: D
Bottom Line: While this book was humorous and entertaining, it wasn’t a great read. There were several unique things that set this book apart – an early marriage, an inexperienced heroine (finally, a virgin who isn’t a natural sex tiger) – but I couldn’t really connect with the characters or feel any tension building. It was good, better than average… but not great.
December 29, 2010
This was a fun light read.
Averill Mortagne believes she is ugly because of words that have been said to her by suitors that her father has paraded her by in the hopes that they would marry her. At the moment she is tending her brother Will's friend, Kade Stewart who has been injured while escaping a prison where they have been held for 3 years. After the last dismal proposal Kade decides that he will marry Averill and take her home to Scotland.
Kade has problems back in Scotland as his father and brothers are drunks and Kade is going ask his father to succeed the title of Laird to him and he thinks there will be problmes with this. In the meantime it seems that someone is trying to kill Kade and for the life of him he doesn't who would want him dead.
Averill Mortagne believes she is ugly because of words that have been said to her by suitors that her father has paraded her by in the hopes that they would marry her. At the moment she is tending her brother Will's friend, Kade Stewart who has been injured while escaping a prison where they have been held for 3 years. After the last dismal proposal Kade decides that he will marry Averill and take her home to Scotland.
Kade has problems back in Scotland as his father and brothers are drunks and Kade is going ask his father to succeed the title of Laird to him and he thinks there will be problmes with this. In the meantime it seems that someone is trying to kill Kade and for the life of him he doesn't who would want him dead.
December 6, 2015
The book is not as the title suggests.
I was prepared to read a book where the girl has a temper and does not submit to the guy easily, e.g. The De Burgh Bride. It was not like that at all. She was someone who is supposed to have a terrible temper, but squashed it. Her temper was shown only twice through the book
1) She kicked a guard in the shin because on her parents' orders, she was forbidden to go after her brother
2) She cursed a lot while talking about her encounter with one of her suitors and his mother
Seriously?? THAT is temper? It is showing temper, but not enough for the title to include the word "Hellion" in it.
I was prepared to read a book where the girl has a temper and does not submit to the guy easily, e.g. The De Burgh Bride. It was not like that at all. She was someone who is supposed to have a terrible temper, but squashed it. Her temper was shown only twice through the book
1) She kicked a guard in the shin because on her parents' orders, she was forbidden to go after her brother
2) She cursed a lot while talking about her encounter with one of her suitors and his mother
Seriously?? THAT is temper? It is showing temper, but not enough for the title to include the word "Hellion" in it.
March 30, 2015
The 3rd installment.
I was looking forward to Kade story.
Nice, Simple less accidents than the previous book.
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I liked Averil its true she was not as hilarious as Merry but I did like her our own medicine women.
I also liked little Laddie and how protective and sweet he was.
and Kade and Will were also liked.
I have something for stories with wounded men who taking care of by ladies and then he fall for her <3
I was looking forward to Kade story.
Nice, Simple less accidents than the previous book.
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I liked Averil its true she was not as hilarious as Merry but I did like her our own medicine women.
I also liked little Laddie and how protective and sweet he was.
and Kade and Will were also liked.
I have something for stories with wounded men who taking care of by ladies and then he fall for her <3
March 1, 2010
This is Bk 3, unofficially. Funny story, gotta love the Highlanders...
October 15, 2016
This story keeps smile on my face from page one till the end. Humorus and light with characters that you just simply must love.
July 30, 2011
Completely satisfying end to a great Highlander trilogy. Definitely will re-read these.
November 8, 2019
“I’ve had years of teasing about my red hair, but I definitely think it toughened me up. If you’re ginger, you end up pretty quick-witted.” –Ed Sheeran
Source: paperback that I own. Rating: MA: mature audience: there is explicit sex, sexual tension and not for the innocent. Trigger warnings for scenes that involve violence, death, and an attempted assault.
This third book follows book 1: ‘Devil of the Highlands’ and book 2: ‘Taming the Highland Bride.’ It is recommended that you read both books to completely understand the background of this story. Though this could be read as a stand-alone, Book 2 establishes the family history behind what Kade Stewart will find when he returns to his father and his two brothers back at Stewart Castle. Not all is right at home. The Stewart men managed to get rid of their pesky sister in book 2. They married her off to her betrothed, Alexander d’Aumesbery, on his return from Tunis [Crusades].
Book 3 opens with Kade Stewart’s return from his own conflicts during the Crusades. He and many of his men were captured and held for three years in Baibar’s prison. Half-starved and forced to work in the hot baking sun, many would never return home. After planning and executing a spectacular escape, Kade along with an injured Will Montagne managed to make it to France where they stayed until Will had healed enough to continue their travels home. They soon found a boat that took them across the Channel back to England. As they neared the English shore, a sudden storm wave wrecked the ship on the rocks and injured Kade. Our story opens weeks later as he regains consciousness and hears a lovely voice talking to him. It was Will’s sister, Lady Averill.
Lord Mortagne loved his daughter. He could not understand why none of the available bachelors he invited to court her dowry... um... her, could see Averill as he did. She was a sweet, gentle-tempered, girl and would make any lord a biddable wife. Lady Averill saw the situation very differently. She knew the reason no one would have her. Despite her splendid dowry, they could not get beyond her flaming-red hair, the birthmark on her face, and the fact that she stuttered. Also, unknown to her family, she had a flaming temper to match her hair that she controlled with an iron fist… or tried to.
You know where this is going. Kade was wondering what was wrong with these English Lords. He loved her hair and thought her strawberry birthmark was adorable and hardly noticeable. He also noticed that she only stuttered when she was nervous. She would make a lovely wife but was way too sweet for what faced him back at Stewart Castle. That is until she planted her fist in Lord What’s-his-name’s face for groping her. It seems she could no longer hide the temper that went with that red hair. He knew then she was the perfect wife for him. The only problem they faced now was who was trying to kill Kade?
This was adorable. I have read these three books several times. They are books on my personal shelf that I can grab and go when I know I’ll be waiting in line or at an appointment. I love the way the author revisits characters from the previous books. I love watching them interact with the new characters as I have come to like them very much. It is almost like a family reunion.
Over the years, I can see a big difference in my opinions of this story from when I read them before. The ‘Three Stooges’ slapstick humor isn’t as funny today as it was back then. Knocking someone senseless or unconscious time and time again gets old. It happened in all three books. Someone was always being coshed on the head and the heroine was called upon to nurse the hero in some fashion. Knowing today what repeated head injuries can do to the brain, I no longer find it an interesting or humorous ploy for a story.
The sex scenes were also quite explicit and the sexual humor wasn’t as funny as it was the first few times that I read it. Ignorant, virginal humor isn’t always funny, although some of the ploys still worked. I am always amazed at the sexual prowess these virgins manage on their first sexual experience. It is almost blaze as they just accept… whatever. Having never been touched before… they are quite bold, IMHO [in-my-honest-opinion]. On the flip side to that coin, the reader will: laugh at the humor, sigh as love blossoms between the various couples as they realize they are in love; cringe at the horror of war and its results; and gasp at the reveal of an unsuspecting enemy and the extent to their greed and treachery. In spite of these caveats, I still recommend these as great Scottish Highlander Romances.
Source: paperback that I own. Rating: MA: mature audience: there is explicit sex, sexual tension and not for the innocent. Trigger warnings for scenes that involve violence, death, and an attempted assault.
This third book follows book 1: ‘Devil of the Highlands’ and book 2: ‘Taming the Highland Bride.’ It is recommended that you read both books to completely understand the background of this story. Though this could be read as a stand-alone, Book 2 establishes the family history behind what Kade Stewart will find when he returns to his father and his two brothers back at Stewart Castle. Not all is right at home. The Stewart men managed to get rid of their pesky sister in book 2. They married her off to her betrothed, Alexander d’Aumesbery, on his return from Tunis [Crusades].
Book 3 opens with Kade Stewart’s return from his own conflicts during the Crusades. He and many of his men were captured and held for three years in Baibar’s prison. Half-starved and forced to work in the hot baking sun, many would never return home. After planning and executing a spectacular escape, Kade along with an injured Will Montagne managed to make it to France where they stayed until Will had healed enough to continue their travels home. They soon found a boat that took them across the Channel back to England. As they neared the English shore, a sudden storm wave wrecked the ship on the rocks and injured Kade. Our story opens weeks later as he regains consciousness and hears a lovely voice talking to him. It was Will’s sister, Lady Averill.
Lord Mortagne loved his daughter. He could not understand why none of the available bachelors he invited to court her dowry... um... her, could see Averill as he did. She was a sweet, gentle-tempered, girl and would make any lord a biddable wife. Lady Averill saw the situation very differently. She knew the reason no one would have her. Despite her splendid dowry, they could not get beyond her flaming-red hair, the birthmark on her face, and the fact that she stuttered. Also, unknown to her family, she had a flaming temper to match her hair that she controlled with an iron fist… or tried to.
You know where this is going. Kade was wondering what was wrong with these English Lords. He loved her hair and thought her strawberry birthmark was adorable and hardly noticeable. He also noticed that she only stuttered when she was nervous. She would make a lovely wife but was way too sweet for what faced him back at Stewart Castle. That is until she planted her fist in Lord What’s-his-name’s face for groping her. It seems she could no longer hide the temper that went with that red hair. He knew then she was the perfect wife for him. The only problem they faced now was who was trying to kill Kade?
This was adorable. I have read these three books several times. They are books on my personal shelf that I can grab and go when I know I’ll be waiting in line or at an appointment. I love the way the author revisits characters from the previous books. I love watching them interact with the new characters as I have come to like them very much. It is almost like a family reunion.
Over the years, I can see a big difference in my opinions of this story from when I read them before. The ‘Three Stooges’ slapstick humor isn’t as funny today as it was back then. Knocking someone senseless or unconscious time and time again gets old. It happened in all three books. Someone was always being coshed on the head and the heroine was called upon to nurse the hero in some fashion. Knowing today what repeated head injuries can do to the brain, I no longer find it an interesting or humorous ploy for a story.
The sex scenes were also quite explicit and the sexual humor wasn’t as funny as it was the first few times that I read it. Ignorant, virginal humor isn’t always funny, although some of the ploys still worked. I am always amazed at the sexual prowess these virgins manage on their first sexual experience. It is almost blaze as they just accept… whatever. Having never been touched before… they are quite bold, IMHO [in-my-honest-opinion]. On the flip side to that coin, the reader will: laugh at the humor, sigh as love blossoms between the various couples as they realize they are in love; cringe at the horror of war and its results; and gasp at the reveal of an unsuspecting enemy and the extent to their greed and treachery. In spite of these caveats, I still recommend these as great Scottish Highlander Romances.
October 13, 2021
Two stars because I do like Lynsay Sands' "voice", and if I one-star something, you'd have to hold a gun to my head to get me to read it again.
This book was painful to read for a few different reasons. The female lead's point of tension in the story was a tired one- she has red hair, and a beauty mark on her face, and she laments being clever because nobody wants a red-headed, intelligent wife. Egads!!
The excerpt for the book mentioned the female lead- Averill- had a strong personality, so at first when the men in the story- including the male lead, Kade- made disparaging comments about her talking too much and being disobedient, I anticipated them getting their comeuppance when our heroine was a bad-ass Mother-f*ing B! I was disappointed. We never saw any personality beyond her stutter and her awkward encounters with Kade in the bedroom (or wherever they decided to get busy).
And the intimate scenes???? OH. MY. GOSH. I have NEVER read anything more painfully awkward and embarassing. It is scene after scene of her trying to please him, and fumbling it, layered with his internal monologue of how he could get her to just stop. ACK! NOT what I signed up for in a romance novel! I wanted to punch him in the nads the whole time!
The chemistry between the characters really didn't exist. Where is the banter??? The longing? The romanticism??? It is 300 pages of our "hero" getting repeatedly injured when he thinks "Wife pretty. Me horny." And tries to bang her with zero finesse. But in the last 10 pages of the book, of course, they are head over heels in love... Gag me with a spoon.
The number of times she calls Kade "husband" is nauseating. After the first few chapters, she never calls him by his name again. If I have to read another book where the female lead addresses the mad she married as "husband" six times a page, I'm going to slam my head into a wall.
There was one scene that impressed me at first- our hero gets injured, our heroine rips up her dress to use as bandages to bind his wounds and then lugs him home in the rain on horseback. But wait, OH NO! Her chemise gets soaked and she rides up on horseback practically naked. As embarassing as that would be, I thought "Wow, finally. A badass b*tch moment! You go, Godiva!!" But nay. Naaay! Even this scene had to be ruined.
When his soldiers are regaling the hero of his rescue at the hands of his wife, this horrifying conversation takes place:
The soldier grinned, "Yer a lucky man."
"She did look rather magnificent," Will commented, sounding surprised. "Her hair was soaked and slick to her head, the filmy chemise plastered to her figure."
WHO is Will you ask??? Oh, he's Kade's best friend.. And Averill's BROTHER. Baaaaarf. Nah, bro. Nope. I'm out.
This book was painful to read for a few different reasons. The female lead's point of tension in the story was a tired one- she has red hair, and a beauty mark on her face, and she laments being clever because nobody wants a red-headed, intelligent wife. Egads!!
The excerpt for the book mentioned the female lead- Averill- had a strong personality, so at first when the men in the story- including the male lead, Kade- made disparaging comments about her talking too much and being disobedient, I anticipated them getting their comeuppance when our heroine was a bad-ass Mother-f*ing B! I was disappointed. We never saw any personality beyond her stutter and her awkward encounters with Kade in the bedroom (or wherever they decided to get busy).
And the intimate scenes???? OH. MY. GOSH. I have NEVER read anything more painfully awkward and embarassing. It is scene after scene of her trying to please him, and fumbling it, layered with his internal monologue of how he could get her to just stop. ACK! NOT what I signed up for in a romance novel! I wanted to punch him in the nads the whole time!
The chemistry between the characters really didn't exist. Where is the banter??? The longing? The romanticism??? It is 300 pages of our "hero" getting repeatedly injured when he thinks "Wife pretty. Me horny." And tries to bang her with zero finesse. But in the last 10 pages of the book, of course, they are head over heels in love... Gag me with a spoon.
The number of times she calls Kade "husband" is nauseating. After the first few chapters, she never calls him by his name again. If I have to read another book where the female lead addresses the mad she married as "husband" six times a page, I'm going to slam my head into a wall.
There was one scene that impressed me at first- our hero gets injured, our heroine rips up her dress to use as bandages to bind his wounds and then lugs him home in the rain on horseback. But wait, OH NO! Her chemise gets soaked and she rides up on horseback practically naked. As embarassing as that would be, I thought "Wow, finally. A badass b*tch moment! You go, Godiva!!" But nay. Naaay! Even this scene had to be ruined.
When his soldiers are regaling the hero of his rescue at the hands of his wife, this horrifying conversation takes place:
The soldier grinned, "Yer a lucky man."
"She did look rather magnificent," Will commented, sounding surprised. "Her hair was soaked and slick to her head, the filmy chemise plastered to her figure."
WHO is Will you ask??? Oh, he's Kade's best friend.. And Averill's BROTHER. Baaaaarf. Nah, bro. Nope. I'm out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2024
3.5⭐ / 1.5🌶️
— vibezz
🌱 extreme makeover Scots edition
🏹 murder attempts
🌱 cleaver heroine
🏹 my wife & who did this to you
mini blurb — ✍🏻
After 3 years of imprisonment for fighting in the crusades, Kade is injured on a shipwreck on his way home. During his long convalescence he is taken care by Averill, sister of his dear friend Will.
Averill always had to fight her wild temper, and her look did nothing but make her unappealing in the eyes of the suitors her father tried to introduce her.
But soon after the last of these encounters Averill reveals the temper that she tried so hard to control and that is enough to sparkle interest in the eyes of Kade.
//
this was so cute?! my favorite of the three as in I did non forgot the whole plot after reading it and actually had a good time and laugh during.
I want to to say it was not exactly love at first between Averill and Kade, she grows comfortable with his during his recovery where she tends to him, and he grows fond of her for the same reason but he consider her too sweet and "demure 💅💖 for consider her as a wife for what is expecting him at his castle/home since he knows his sister is not tending after it and his father and brothers are 3 incompetent drunks.
BUT, he has the occasion to see her true character come to life and her brother, basically Kade's BFF pimp her up and they marry. Best marriage ever lmao
Anyhow, Averill was a blast, she was so witty and funny and clever and always positive for what was to come ngl I would have had 3 panics attack a day for what she endured.
The murders attempts were too funny, at this point after all the Lynsay Sands books I've read so far I was a little worried that at 40% into the plot nobody tried to kill anybody, SUS
but not worry, we complessively got:
- a shipwreck
- 3 arrows struck
- 1 falling stone in the head
- 1 hypothetical stranglement
- 1 knife in the neck
- a severe case of blueballs
yeah, fun! 😀
honorable mention to Cullen, I was so happy and so surprised to read about his funny side and the bro-talk between him and Kade 🖤
And fuck Brodie, worst character ever, he got away easily for how horribly he acted, fuck him.
— vibezz
🌱 extreme makeover Scots edition
🏹 murder attempts
🌱 cleaver heroine
🏹 my wife & who did this to you
mini blurb — ✍🏻
After 3 years of imprisonment for fighting in the crusades, Kade is injured on a shipwreck on his way home. During his long convalescence he is taken care by Averill, sister of his dear friend Will.
Averill always had to fight her wild temper, and her look did nothing but make her unappealing in the eyes of the suitors her father tried to introduce her.
But soon after the last of these encounters Averill reveals the temper that she tried so hard to control and that is enough to sparkle interest in the eyes of Kade.
//
this was so cute?! my favorite of the three as in I did non forgot the whole plot after reading it and actually had a good time and laugh during.
I want to to say it was not exactly love at first between Averill and Kade, she grows comfortable with his during his recovery where she tends to him, and he grows fond of her for the same reason but he consider her too sweet and "demure 💅💖 for consider her as a wife for what is expecting him at his castle/home since he knows his sister is not tending after it and his father and brothers are 3 incompetent drunks.
BUT, he has the occasion to see her true character come to life and her brother, basically Kade's BFF pimp her up and they marry. Best marriage ever lmao
Anyhow, Averill was a blast, she was so witty and funny and clever and always positive for what was to come ngl I would have had 3 panics attack a day for what she endured.
The murders attempts were too funny, at this point after all the Lynsay Sands books I've read so far I was a little worried that at 40% into the plot nobody tried to kill anybody, SUS
but not worry, we complessively got:
- a shipwreck
- 3 arrows struck
- 1 falling stone in the head
- 1 hypothetical stranglement
- 1 knife in the neck
- a severe case of blueballs
yeah, fun! 😀
honorable mention to Cullen, I was so happy and so surprised to read about his funny side and the bro-talk between him and Kade 🖤
And fuck Brodie, worst character ever, he got away easily for how horribly he acted, fuck him.
August 6, 2020
I want to give four stars but...
I’m still annoyed with this author’s over used murder mystery plot line. Can’t she think of any other conflict than attempted murder?! I am beyond sick of it.
Having said that, I loved this story and it’s two MC’s. I loved that they had gotten to know each other before it was even a thought that they were going to marry. I laughed when Kade said “aye, I’ll take her”, like she’s a car when he realized she had more fire in her spirit than he’d originally thought. Lol. As insulting as that line is to a feminist like myself it was really to cute not to like it. Lol. I loved there dynamic with each other as they met each other and then after they married the discovery of their passion together. It was a sweet mildly funny read.
This author nearly always writes fantastic female characters with high intelligence and ingenuity. If anything she writes the men as eye candy but complete idiots in this series and the women should be ruling the world lol. My only other complaint is that it ended so abruptly. I was hoping for an epilogue with her being pregnant with the next heroic heroine! Lol. But it didn’t, so I’m annoyed. I did really like this book but that major irritation of her constantly using a murder plot as the conflict of her stories has really gotten to me and I can’t be blind to it anymore. So three stars is as good as I can give it for lacking true originality or creativity.
I’m still annoyed with this author’s over used murder mystery plot line. Can’t she think of any other conflict than attempted murder?! I am beyond sick of it.
Having said that, I loved this story and it’s two MC’s. I loved that they had gotten to know each other before it was even a thought that they were going to marry. I laughed when Kade said “aye, I’ll take her”, like she’s a car when he realized she had more fire in her spirit than he’d originally thought. Lol. As insulting as that line is to a feminist like myself it was really to cute not to like it. Lol. I loved there dynamic with each other as they met each other and then after they married the discovery of their passion together. It was a sweet mildly funny read.
This author nearly always writes fantastic female characters with high intelligence and ingenuity. If anything she writes the men as eye candy but complete idiots in this series and the women should be ruling the world lol. My only other complaint is that it ended so abruptly. I was hoping for an epilogue with her being pregnant with the next heroic heroine! Lol. But it didn’t, so I’m annoyed. I did really like this book but that major irritation of her constantly using a murder plot as the conflict of her stories has really gotten to me and I can’t be blind to it anymore. So three stars is as good as I can give it for lacking true originality or creativity.
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