The Highlander’s Return by Lynsay Sands

On By TracyIn Historical Rom-Com, Medieval (1066-1540), Medieval - Early (410 - 1066), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Part of a Series, Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Highlander's Return (Highland Brides, #12)The Highlander’s Return by Lynsay Sands

Tracy’s Rating: 4/4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Highland Brides #12

Release: September 24, 2024

Since being abandoned by her husband of less than a day, Annella Gunn nee MacKay, has been acting as both Lady and Laird of the castle with no help from her husband’s family, especially his vile mother. Yet despite that, she has been very successful and won the respect of the clan. Now six years later, her husband has been found dead and his bones returned to Scotland. No longer needed to stay with the Gunns she is eager to return home. Hoping her father (Ross MacKay) will find her another husband, hopefully one who will love her and give her children. But she will need the permission of the new Laird, her husband’s younger brother – Graeme Gunn. She is sure he will agree, but her brother convinces her to stay a little while to help Graeme in his new position, after all the man has not been home in years and never thought he would be Laird. She reluctantly agrees and starts to spend time with Graeme, and has to admit to herself that she is attracted to him, more than any man she has ever known. When things get heated between them, Graeme insists on marriage, and she resists, until circumstances force her hand. Can she find the love she has always wanted or is she doomed to living unhappily ever after?

From the moment he returned home and saw Annella tending a clan member, Graeme Gunn knew she was the woman for him. But convincing her was a lot harder than he anticipated. He will need the help of her brother Payton and his fellow mercenaries, Symon and Teague to win her hand. But no sooner than he does, it becomes clear that someone is trying to kill one of them! He will have to figure it out before he loses the only woman he has ever loved.

This book has all the elements that made me a fan of Lynsay Sands! The book is well written, nicely paced and has wonderful characters. It took me a minute to figure out how Annella and Graeme were connected to the “Highland Brides” and then I realized that Annella is next generation of Highland Brides, since she is Ross & Annabel’s daughter from the first book in the series and readers will be delighted to reunite with them in this book. The story classic Sands with her trademark humor, intrigue, and steamy love scenes. The book is filled with mystery, wonderful characters, witty banter, a strong heroine, a sexy highlander hero, great secondary characters, vile villains, a bit of miscommunication and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I will be honest, I am not sure how I feel about how things ended with the villain, I can’t say more without spoilers, but I did find it unsettling, not undeserved, just not quite what I was expecting. Anyway, it was a for the most part, a fun, spicy read that could be read as a standalone title with no problems and a book that I am happy to recommend to my fellow Lyndsay Sands fans.

4 maybe, 4.5 stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

The Cold Light of Day by Anna Lee Huber

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Interwar Period (Nov 1918 - Sep 1939), Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

The Cold Light of Day (Verity Kent, #7)Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Verity Kent Mysteries #7
Publication Date: 9/24/24
Period: June 1920, Dublin, Ireland
Number of Pages: 384

This was a gut-wrenching, breath-holding, rollercoaster ride of a story set in Dublin, Ireland in 1920. In most books, we see one side as good and the other as bad. However, this author presented a very realistic picture of the struggles of both sides where neither was all good nor all bad. This author’s impeccable research and even-handed treatment of the time the story was set made the reader feel as though they were walking down those fearful streets not knowing where an attack might happen.

At the end of the last book, Verity’s friend Alec is sent to Ireland to infiltrate the Irish rebels. This book begins with Verity and Sydney being sent to Ireland to find Alec because he has disappeared and hasn’t reported to any of his fail-safe locations. His handler thinks Alec has become a traitor and is now working for the other side.

Verity is very frightened for Alec because she knows how dangerous the Irish rebels can be. Yet, when they arrive, the city – and country – are in turmoil. It is almost war on the streets and Verity and Sydney have no idea where to begin looking – especially as she doesn’t believe his handler is trustworthy. It appears there is no one to trust except each other. How will they ever find Alec or at least discover what happened to him? Has Alec survived and is hiding somewhere? Has he been murdered or imprisoned?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well-written, exciting story. While it is slower-paced than some of the previous books, it still pulls you into the story and won’t let you go. You feel the fear and anxiety on the streets as well as the exasperation the citizens feel at the government. This author deals with it all very sensitively, but I will mention that the book deals with some fearful and sensitive subjects – so just be mindful.

There is a nice set-up for the next book – or at least it appeared that way. The phosgene cylinders are still missing and are believed to be in Dublin and Ardmore is also there. Therefore, I assume the next book will also be set in Ireland and I can hardly wait to read it.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.