New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands returns to the Highlands of Scotland in her hottest new historical romance yet!
Highlander Campbell Sinclair is no stranger to battle, so when he sees a lad attacked by bandits, he jumps into the fray. He didn’t count on being stabbed. Grateful to the boy for nursing him back to health, Cam offers to accompany Jo safely to his destination. But … destination. But when he accidentally comes across the lad bathing in the river, Cam discovers that Jo is actually Joan . . . with the most sinful of curves.
Joan promised her mother that she would deliver a scroll to the clan MacKay. But traveling alone is dangerous, even disguised as a boy. When a Scottish warrior lends his aid, she is more than relieved . . . until he surprises her with lingering kisses and caresses that prove her disguise hasn’t fooled him. As their passion ignites, will the secrets of the scroll force a wedding . . . and lead to a love she’s never known?
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You have to read this book if you read An English Bride in Scotland and want to revisit the characters and uncover a unknown family secret that involves the conniving sister. This is a sweet story about discovering who you are and falling in love with someone who does not judge where you come from or who your parents were. Loved both books and recommend all of Lynsay Sands Highlander romance books.
This was my first book by this author. I know, I’m late to the party. And I can’t wait to read more of her books. I loved the strong, independent heroine even when she second-guessed her worth when faced with the reality that she’d been raised to be a healer but was actually nobility. She faced some class shock, but her Scottish Laird loved her for who she was, and that’s all anyone wants. That’s real. That’s lasting. Great read.
Loved this book, and made me laugh out load more then once… really enjoying this series.
Absolutely loved it!!
I’ve read many a book by Lynsay Sands but I’ve never listened to one in audio format before. I think I’m in love with the book, the hero, and the narrator.
I have enjoyed Ms. Sands’ Scottish heroes in the past because they are usually so hunky, heroic and sexy. The heroines can be plucky, strong, and engaging and are always a good fit for the hero. Until now, I’ve only read them in my head and I have no gift for accents. Bring on the narrator in the audio book, Kieron Elliot, and my book experience just shot to new heights. It was an overload of pleasure and enjoyment. The narrator had a BROGUE!!!
I thought Cam was a fine hero. He showed his honor early on when he came upon a young man being beaten. Not for a second did he hesitate to come to the lad’s rescue even though he was outnumbered. The camaraderie between the two as they traveled to deliver the mysterious scroll the lad had in his care was clear, comfortable and sweet. That complacent feeling was yanked right out of the story when the hero came across Jo clearing the dust of travel off in a river. The narrator brought to life Cam’s astonishment when he discovered Jo was a Joan. I listened to that part twice, grinning from ear to ear both times.
At that moment I realized that Joan was no ordinary heroine. She had qualities that made “Jo” earn Cam’s respect, but as a woman? It was doubly impressive because Joan wasn’t a fainter, she’s a doer. I have to respect a person who doesn’t let life hold her down after being delivered devastating news – the loss of her mom and the place she called home. I appreciated that Cam came to the same conclusion – being a woman did not change the fact that she earned his respect. But, once he knew that he was a she, that opened up a Pandora’s Box – they were traveling alone and the chemistry was starting to sizzle and pop. Romance readers know it’s only a matter of time.
Since this is an audio book, I want to share an observation. Some narrators fit the characters they’re reading, male or female. There are some male narrators whose voice simply doesn’t lend itself well to a higher pitched lady’s voice. Not so with Mr. Elliott. He brought Cam’s growly lower voice to life and did an effortless job of creating a convincing and ear pleasing voice for Joan.
Supposedly it should take about 10 hours to listen to the audio version of the book, but like Ms. Sands’ print novels, time flew as I lost myself within the story. A 384 page book would take me about 3.5 uninterrupted hours to read, so it couldn’t have taken me that much longer to listen, did it? I didn’t fast forward even once – it was ALL GREAT! That’s because the story was great. All the characters – from Joan’s aunt and uncle, Cam’s mom and dad, the ladies that were there to marry Cam … yes, there was quite the mix-up that made things interesting over all.
There was a bit of suspense too because someone is trying to harm Joan. I thought for sure I knew who it was. The mystery to solve is, why? Why would someone go to those lengths to get rid of her? And, how far was the villain willing to go? The answer surprised me.
I thought I was going to blush scarlet when the narrator started reading the bed scenes between Cam and Joan. It wasn’t as bad as I feared because I forgot how well Ms. Sands writes them. They serve a purpose and weren’t placed there just to titillate. So, I listened and blushed just a little.
To Marry a Scottish Laird had every element I enjoy in a well-written romance. A plot that kept my interest, parts that made me gasp and scenes that made me giggle and chortle. There were surprises aplenty with near misses as Joan survived the attempts to harm her. Best of all was the romance flourishing between the two of them and the happy ever after delivered with a wonderful closing scene in the epilogue. I strongly believe that Cam and Joan’s romance story is a perfect read in any format, audio or print and I credit that to the strong writing skills that Ms. Sands is known for. I’m a happy … listener.
Satisfying and Fast-Paced
This story has a bit of adventure, humor, and mystery. I didn’t think it was very romantic, especially in the beginning. Jo was truly surprised by Cam’s advances, and I think it would have been more honorable had he reigned himself in and allowed their camaraderie to develop. That being said, I enjoyed reading this book.
I love lynsay sands and all her books. This one is just a Classic love story and no matter how many times I read it, it still leaves me wanting more.
As the son of a Highland laird, Campbell Sinclair knows how to handle himself in battle, so when he sees a young boy being beaten by thieves, he steps in to help. Unfortunately, Cam is stabbed in the process and since the boy, Jo so competently nursed him back to health, Cam offers to escort him to his destination. But the tone of their journey changes considerably when Cam learns that Jo is short for Joan and his companion is actually a lovely young woman.
Joan is fulfilling a deathbed promise to her late mother by delivering a scroll to Lady MacKay and disguised herself as a boy to make the travel slightly less dangerous. She’s glad to have Cam’s protection until he makes it more than clear that he’s seen through her disguise. Passion arises quickly between them, leading to a forced wedding that may be exactly what they both need.
This was a charming story in typical Sands style. Campbell and Joan had a physical relationship that turned into more and was almost derailed by miscommunication, but I really liked them together. The villain here was a bit obvious, but I liked how the danger element brought out Cam’s protectiveness of Joan. My only complaint is that after the villain is identified nothing really happened and, unless I missed something, we’re not notified of any punishment. That left this feeling a bit unfinished to me, but otherwise this was a satisfying read with likable characters and I’m continuing the series.
Started out ok then went downhill from there. Boring.
Love this book and the whole series, the characters are great. There are not enough words to describe this authors way with a story to keep one interested and to keep you coming back for the next book. Great!
Exceptional story. Strong characters. Well worth a second and third read at a later date.
Love all of her books
Love this book. Anything written by Lynsay Sands is amazing. She never disappoints.
So far I have enjoyed the whole series.
I love anything highland,easy reading and witty characters.Like this author
This is the second book in the Highland Brides series and each book can be read as a standalone title. I just loved getting to reenter this world and meet some great new characters. This story takes places several years after the events of the first book in this series An English Bride in Scotland and focuses on Campbell Sinclair and Joan. I just fell in love with these new characters and I just had so much fun with them. I loved getting to see their journey together and I just couldn’t get enough of them. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Quite a plot twist that I didn’t see coming. Great to revisit characters in previous books.
I really recommend this one if in to Historical Romances.
I completed this book in 2 days I just could not put it down. This is just an amazing story by an amazing author