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☆ ☆ 1/2 STARS
Let me just start this by saying I should have known how steamy this book was from its cover! I usually ignore this as books with some steamy times generally have half-naked men on the cover and they’re only moderately steamy. This book was definitely an exception to the rule. Not always in a bad way but occasionally it was like WOW. That’s some stamina right there, haha! So besides from that…
Book Blurb:
Four Buchanan brothers have found their brides…only three more to go in this scintillating romance from New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands…
Lady Dwyn Innes feels utterly out of place among the eligible women who’ve descended on Buchanan Keep, vying for the attention of the last unmarried brothers. She isn’t long-legged and slender like her sisters, or flirtatious and wily like other lasses. Since her betrothed died, Dwyn has resigned herself to becoming an old maid. Yet a chance encounter with a stranger in the orchard awakens her to a new world of sensation and possibility…
After weeks away, Geordie Buchanan returns to find his home swarming with potential brides, thanks to his loving but interfering family. But one lass in particular draws his attention from the moment he spies her climbing a tree. Lady Dwyn is not nearly as plain as she thinks. Her lush figure and eager kisses delight him, as does her honesty. But the real test lies ahead: eliminating a hidden enemy, so that he and Dwyn can seal their Highland passion with a vow.
Characters:
Dwyn – I actually quite liked Dwyn. She was smart, brave and genuine. I really liked the way she didn’t let the competition to win a suitor make her turn vain. I felt like she held her role as broodmare and bargaining chip for her father’s land quite well… all things considering. She was just making the best of a shitty situation and happened to get lucky that Geordie was a decent guy, if only a bit virile…
Geordie – Honestly the man was a beast. In a good way? Depending on how much stamina you have. I felt like he played one role in this though – overprotective and amorous. He did show some progressive thought when he insisted on ‘asking’ for Dwyn’s hand in marriage rather than just taking her father’s permission as a done deal. This was mostly accurate to the events of time period though so I couldn’t hate him completely for this. Plots like this will still never sit quite right with me though!
Side Characters – The other Buchanan brothers were HILARIOUS. I loved them and honestly the family dynamic kept me interested when I got bored of all the smexy times and ended up skim reading a few pages. Yes… they’re explicitly descriptive. If this is your cup of tea then you’d probably like this book. For me it was all just a bit too much.
This book had great pacing and was a relatively easy read. There were only a few instances were the ‘ye’ and ‘ere’ phonetic-type writing got me caught up. I generally enjoy the Highland Historical Romance genre so most of these are familiar to me. It added a charming element to the story but not everyone is a fan of that, so it’s something to bear in mind I suppose. Similarly, this story also had multiple POV from Dwyn and Geordie’s perspectives. It wasn’t always outlined or made clear but considering this was an un-proofed draft that might change with publishing.
My only other concern with this book were the endless amounts of dramatic, semi-violent events that plagued Dwyn and Geordie’s HEA. They were quickly resolved though and with the inclusion of ANOTHER passionate moment, the HEA got back on track. It felt like this cycle repeated itself three or so times during the book. This was a bit like whiplash as I read it all in one sitting but would be better suited for those who read books in multiple sessions. Then perhaps each sitting would have an interesting mini adventurous story arc to get through.
// do you enjoy reading highland romances? what are your thoughts on them? //
lmaoooooo my first thought when I saw this was how hot the cover was XD and then i saw your comment and cracked up.
toooo much sexy times can make me uncomfortable so I get what you mean exactly. and WHEW that type of whiplash can surely be way too much especially at once. great review!
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It’s not just the hulking muscles but did you check out that windswept hair?? Practically GQ level 😂 I don’t mind sex scenes but damn I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read a book with so many! They weren’t carbon copies either so this author definitely has creativity down pat. Meh, it was a fun read anyway 😂 thanks Amanda!
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I’ve never read a highland romance, or any of those other historical romance bodice-ripper types. And honestly… it’s cos I can’t get past the covers!! I just find them ugly ooops!!!
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‘Bodice-ripper’ 😂😂 that’s so perfectly descriptive it’s like you’ve actually read this book! I have to admit I’m not a fan of the hulking muscles and windswept hair either. Unless it’s a sports romance. Then it’s fair game! 😍
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You got me at stamina! LOL I haven’t read a highland romance in years. Great review!
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It was certainly commendable! Dwyn was a lucky lady 😉😂 thanks Yolanda!
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🤣
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I have read one highlander romance in my life. And it was a vampire highlander so may or may not count, lol. I love when romances have a strong family or found family element, too bad this one was a real mixed bag. Fantastic review though. 😀
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I think vamp highland romance count! Also… what book was it? I’ve never heard of vamp highlands but I’m keen to try! 😂😅 thanks Kitty Marie!
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Haha it was A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole, first in a series. And actually he’s a highlander werewolf, not sure if that’s more or less appealing lol. The heroine is a vamp, just got them mixed up. Will be reviewing it soon actually.
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Ooh I LOVED that one! 💙✨ I know it might not be everyone’s cup of tea but Kresley Coles’ Immortals After Dark is one of my favs. The heroes are always so perfectly grumpy and they make me happy after reading them! Lothaire is my fav from that series 💙 can’t wait to read your thoughts on the first book!
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hahahaha what a mistake to read this while on a self-imposed break at my work desk 😂 i’m trying so hard to control my laughter! love your comment about the man being a beast! lmaooo i’ve never read any highland historical romances, i never thought they’d be for me? for some reason i always assume they also don’t have a lot of steam considering… the time period? or am i just being naive? haha i do like some steamy times in my reads but i totally get what you mean when you say it’s boring when it’s repeated so often–like yeah, we get it. haha great review, Jen!
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Thanks Dini!! Ooh you’ve never read one? If you like romance, slow-burn and steamy times then you’re def missing out! Despite the time period they’re just as steamy as other romances, if not more so sometimes? The whole marriage and consummation thing is big for the genre. Hope you didn’t get too many stares for laughing 😂 I get that on the train when I blog hop and randomly start laughing when everyone’s silent 🙈
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What a cover! 🤣 I have been reading more Romance lately but honestly, I am not a fan of the sexy times. 😂 they just aren’t for me and make me giggle. I usually just skip them.
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HAHA it’s certainly risqué! I don’t mind the odd steamy scene but this one just had them EVERYWHERE. Some of them were definitely giggle-worthy 😛
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