Review by Ronny
Series Name: The Highland Brides, # 4
Falling for the Highlander is a fun, swoony Highland romance that has me falling more in love with Lynsay’s writing.
Favourite Quote:
Dougal, stared into the clear sky blue of her eyes and thought that a man could easily get lost in their cerulean depths.
Book Synopsis:
Lady Murine Carmichael has known her share of bad luck. But when her debt-ridden half-brother tries to sell her off in exchange for a few Scottish horses, it’s the final straw. If keeping her freedom means escaping through harsh countryside alone, so be it. She has barely begun her journey when she lands an unlikely escort—the brawny Highlander who just refused to buy her virtue.
Dougall Buchanan was disgusted by Lord Danvries’ shameful offer, but Murine herself tempts him beyond measure. Even bedraggled and dusty, the lass glows with beauty and bravery. Dougall wants to do more than just help her flee. He wants to protect her—with his life and his heart—if she’ll only let him. For Murine may be pursued by a powerful foe, but nothing compares to the fiery courage of a Highlander in love.
Review:
God, I love this series. Just when I think it can’t get any better, I read the next installment and fall more in love with the world Lynsay has created. This is the fourth book in the series, and I am delighted to say that we now get to spend time with the Buchanan brothers, who we met in the previous book. These brothers are loud, chaotic, and love to josh around with each other. When I first met them, I instantly fell in love with them and the bond they share. They are just so much fun, and my god, they are good at being a hero you are drawn to. I am also delighted to say that there are seven brothers (I believe), which means there will be seven books centred on gorgeous heroes. Dougall is the first brother to find his fated mate, and his story does not disappoint. Like any good historical hero, Dougall has no plans or desire to settle down and get married, but the moment he lays his eyes on Murine, he knows his world has been dramatically changed, and those carefully laid plans are out the door. Lynsay is a master at giving her readers a hero who has never had romantic feelings until the heroine enters his world, and then he becomes a man obsessed with her… sigh. I really can’t get enough of this of micro-trope.
This book has it all: lots of action, a dangerous mystery, fun, swoony banter, and a chemistry between the two MCs that is just so delicious. Murine finds herself in a perilous situation; her half-brother is determined to use her to gain access to a large sum of money. Murine decides that she needs to take her future into her own hands and flees her brother’s keep. Her journey doesn’t go according to plan, and she crosses paths with Dougall and a few of his brothers. When Dougall learns that Murine is a close friend of his sister and that she saved his sister’s life, they vow to help get Murine to his destination. But any good bookworm knows that their journey is going to be filled with danger and secret lusty moments, and by the time they get to their destination, they are going to be super in love with each other. I really enjoyed this story. It was interesting, and the mystery and danger surrounding Murine and her family, who have had a string of tragic bad luck, kept me guessing until the end. That element of danger helped heighten the emotions coursing through this book, making for an even more addictive reading experience.
What made this book stand out even more for me was that the two MCs were enjoyable to be around. I’ve already professed my love for Dougall and his brothers. He is truly a great twist on the modern historical hero. He possesses those gruff, broody hero qualities that I thoroughly enjoy without exhibiting many of the red flags that older historical heroes may have had. He is just a fabulous man who is strong, has a dry sense of humour, and will kill anyone who tries to hurt Murine. Murine is an interesting heroine; for those who have read the previous books in the series, you know that Murine is prone to fainting spells. This condition often leads others to write her off as weak, but behind that condition lies an intelligent and competent woman. I like her; she is fun, witty, and just someone I enjoy being around. She truly finds her strength in this book.
The romance is spicy and swoony. I love it when two characters are forced to be together, and despite their many attempts to stop it, they still end up falling madly in love with one another. I liked the way their relationship progressed; yes, some insta-lust feelings are floating around, but both are aware of how their current life situation will affect the other. They both consider how being together will affect the other person and their plans for the future. Of course, everything will turn out, and they will get their HEA, but it was nice to see how their lusty actions would change their lives. I love an alpha male who becomes this panicky mother hen. His new life mission is to ensure that the heroine is safe and happy, and if anyone hurts her, god help them. That touch her and die micro-trope is catnip to my soul.
If you’re looking for a Highland romance series to get lost in, then you need to check out the Highland Brides series, as it’s a captivating series, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
