Review by Ronny
Series Name: Highland Brides, # 9
Highland Treasure is an epic, high-stakes romance that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Favourite Quote:
Rory had woken up in the middle of the night to find himself in the same position he’d been in when he woke the first morning of this journey—on his back with Elysande’s head on his shoulder and her body half on him, her arm and leg thrown over him with abandon. He’d lain there for the longest time trying to decide what to do about it, but in the end he’d just settled back, enjoying the heat from her body and inhaling her scent and wondering what it would be like to wake up every morning like this, with this woman in his arms.
Book Synopsis:
After escaping from the English soldiers who attacked her home and imprisoned her in a dungeon, Lady Elysande de Valance is grateful for the rugged Scots who are escorting her to safety in the Highlands. Even with danger dogging their every step, she hadn’t expected to welcome the strong comforting embrace of their leader, Rory Buchanan. They say he’s a healer, but she finds the heat of his touch does so much more…
Let his brothers get married—Rory is too busy tending to the sick to be bothered with wooing a bride. But when he is tasked with accompanying a family friend’s “treasure” to the Highlands, he is surprised to learn the treasure is a beautiful woman on the run—and even more surprised to discover bruises hidden by her veil. Rory makes it his mission to tend to her injuries and protect her, but the thought of losing her makes him realize that perhaps it is his heart that is most in need of healing…
Review:
God, this book nearly destroyed me in the most glorious way. Have you ever read a book that you have to keep putting down because you need to bask in everything that you have just read? I couldn’t help but smile and…… squeal happily while reading this book. This is the ninth book in the Highland Brides series. If you are new to this series, fear not; this book can be read as a stand-alone. The majority of the books in this series have focused on the Buchanan brothers (who I absolutely adore with every fibre of my being). They are a boisterous group of men who just attract danger and chaos. Each brother has gotten their own story, and this book is Rory’s time in the spotlight. I think this may be one of my favourite, if not my favourite, books in this series. There is just something about two characters falling in love when the stakes around them are so high and so dangerous. It just makes their love story that much more powerful and memorable.
This book starts with a bang; we meet Elysande, who has woken up in a dungeon after being beaten by the man who has killed her family. This heightened element of danger carries on throughout the majority of this story. You don’t get too many breaks where you and the characters feel like they can actually take a breath and let your guard down. This sense of impending danger creates a really addictive reading experience. You just don’t know what to expect. The characters are on this quest/journey to get to Elysande’s relatives in Scotland. Elysande has a letter that needs to be sent to the King of England, and her relatives in Scotland should be able to help her deliver it safely. The problem is the enemy who is responsible for killing Elysande’s family is determined to kill Elysande before she can deliver the letter. This whole story takes place on “the road,” which means there are lots of one-bed situations or having to sleep together in order to stay warm and secure. The two MCs are also forced to stick together in order to stay safe. It means that they are constantly interacting with each other, and it’s just so delicious.
Elysande’s character is put through the ringers in this book. She suffers and suffers a lot. The extent of her injuries shows readers, Rory, and his men the urgency and seriousness of this mission they find themselves on. Elysande endures herself with the men she is travelling with. Her courage and ability to keep a level head despite everything really gained their respect. I personally liked her as a character. She is brave, kind, and an incredibly likable character. She handled the challenges around her with a level head and wit.
Rory is a quieter, gentler hero than his brothers. He is the group’s healer and knows that is his place in the family and on expeditions. His interactions with Elysande have left him feeling unsettled and lost because she is also a healer and doesn’t need his help with attending to her injuries, but she does need his strength as a warrior. Rory knows he is a good warrior and likes the idea of being Elysande’s protector.
The romance between Rory and Elysande unfolds differently from past couples in the series. Their chemistry leaps from the pages right from the start, but it doesn’t take center stage because of the pressing danger closing in on them. Because, in some respects, the romance isn’t front and center, it made those quiet, sweet, and, yes, swoony moments more enjoyable. Lynsay did a great job at giving her readers just enough romance to keep them invested in the characters. She also shows her readers how great these two are together and that when they finally get together, you will not be disappointed. And I wasn’t.
Highland Treasure is an epic Highland romance that I could not put down.
