Aveline Sutton has a plan to save Grace, her mistress and best friend, once they reach the Isle of Mull and Aros Castle. By switching identities Ava will protect Grace from a marriage she fears. Telling one lie leads to another until everything falls apart. Will the Beast of Aros find his heart? Nothing better or worse than to read the last page hoping for more. Mild descriptive open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

The Beast of Aros Castle is an amazing beginning to a series with Ava and Grace running from Grace’s half-brother. He is a bit gross besides being evil! The switch up of brides to protect each other is written in such a way as to keep you wondering when the Beast/Tor will discover the deception.

Ava is the mischievous one who is loyal to Grace, sister of her heart. Their childhoods bonded them more than the average mistress and maid. Ava seems to be the stronger of the two and is definitely the thinker and planner. Yet, when it counts, Grace draws from an inner strength she did not realize was there.

Tor had no plans to marry; not trusting women. He is a Scottish warrior through and through. Grace continues to be afraid of him. Ava sees a softer side of him.

This a great story of trust, love and healing any one would enjoy. I loved the who section about the Gaelic word crine! Too funny!

Tor is a sexy, virile Scotsman determined not to go through with the betrothal arranged by his father. Ava is a clever, resourceful Englishwoman posing as the titled lady promised to him. Returning to England will put her into the clutches of a brutal man. So she sets out to use her wits and feminine wiles to seduce the reluctant chieftain into marriage.

Heather McCollum is an accomplished historical author. I loved Ava's strength and Tor's devotion, despite his wariness at giving in to another woman after his first wife betrayed him. This book has a lighthearted, funny tone, yet the stakes are high and the action tense. This novel will appeal to fans of Highlander romance.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.

I love Highlander, just so so de, and I have been a fan of Heather for a little while. So I have some issues with this book, no dont think that I didn't like it, I did though I did have some issues with it. I did dislike that Avan lied to Tor and kept lying to him however I respected her acknowlodging his feelings. Tor you are mighty, mighty why in the world would you let another woman kiss you, not once but twice this chick even got naked you are going to tell me you couldn't stop that, that my friends was what pissed me up.

The Beast of Aros Castle by Heather McCollum
Highland Isles #1

The first book I read by this author was the second book in this series. I was hooked but could not get my hands on the first book in the series. Having given up on that I moved on only to have come across a copy recently. It is always nice to be able to read all of the books in a series in order, but this series does not require that as each book is capable of standing alone. That said, it is nice to have read Tor and Ava’s story…finally.

What I liked:
* Aveline “Ava” Sutton: orphan taken in by the Ellington family, friend and companion to Grace Ellington, not really a member of the family. I liked her spirit, willingness to take care of Grace and inspiration to get away from Vincent Ellington. The lie was not the best choice but perhaps her only choice…or the only healthy one.
Torquil “Tor” Maclean: strong, dependable, damaged, closed off, a good man that proves not to have a heart of stone. A bit stubborn but finally wises up.
* Grace Ellington: a good friend to Ava, more of a sister than a superior, a bit of a mouse but she does come into her own later in the series and finds a great HEA, too.
* Mairi and Joan: sister and mother of Tor and both strong women. I wished Mairi had not had to go through what she did BUT do remember her story and how she found her HEA in a later book.
* The interaction between Ava and Tor – until the lie was revealed – that was a bit of a bummer
* The men on Aros: more than one could star in his own story
* A good introduction to the series
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Vincent Ellington: a bully and brute that deserved what came his way…eventually
* The lie…I suppose it was necessary to create tension but…
* Mairi’s situation at her new home after she married

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? I already have :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

I liked this book.

Ava and Grace are desperate to escape Grace's vile half brother Vincent. So they hatch a mad scheme to marry Grace off to a business associate of her father's in Scotland.

Tor is the chieftain of the Maclean's of Mull and is referred to as the Beast of Aros. His father has recently passed and asked Tor to marry his associates daughter to protect the clan from the English. Tor has flat out refused to marry Lady Grace. Tor was married once before and betrayed by his wife, he really doesn't trust women and especially not English women.

Grace is terrified of the "Beast" and Ava decides that she will impersonate Grace and marry Tor in her place. When they arrive they are informed that Tor will not marry Grace and that they can just go back to England. This is not an option for the ladies and Ava finagles her way to the castle.

Tor is struck by Ava's beauty, but still refuses to let them stay or to consider marriage. The first scene where they meet is absolutely hilarious and Ava manages to convince Tor to let them stay and consider marriage.

The story is entertaining and at times emotional. There are some very funny moments, some steamy loves scenes, lots of secrets, a jealous ex-lover, some terrifying and violent moments and a whole host of secondary characters. The book is pretty well written and flows well, but the ending was a bit disappointing, I felt like there were many things that needed to be addressed that where just ignored. I think an epilogue would have gone a long way to clearing up these issues and could have made this a 5 star book.

I did enjoy the book and would recommend it and I would definitely read more from this author.

I loved this story!! The chemistry between Ava and Tor was red hot!

I really like Ava. She would do anything to protect Grace, even if that means pretending to be her and marrying her intended. Tor needs honesty in a relationship, so when he realizes that he has been tricked, we all wonder if their budding relationship can withstand the duplicity.

A wonderful start to what I am sure will be an amazing series!

Grace’s family was a noble family and Ava was a commoner but Ava had been taken in by in by Grace’s family. Ava and Grace are like sisters. After Grace’s mom died there was only the girls and Grace’s sickly father and her step brother Vincent. Vincent had tried to force himself on Grace and he had also made advances to Grace. Vincent was a vile man. Ava comes up with a plan so she and Grace can escape. Grace is to marry Tor her father’s business partner and Ava will be her maid/companion. Then they are off to Scotland but Grace got cold cold feet so Ava pretended to be her. But Tir won’t let them in and told them to go back home but that is not an option for the two women so Ava talks Tor into letting them in and getting to know her. R Tor had been tricked into marriage before and his first wife had lied to him so he kicked her out but when she died he felt guilty about her death. Tor wanted nothing to do with marriage and a wife who may be another liar. Tor’s father had recently died but had asked Tor to marry Grace his business partner’s daughter to keep his clan safe from the English. Then a previous lover of Tor’s is widowed and returns to the castle as she still wants Tor. Ava sees Tor but not him pushing the woman away.
I loved this book. I loved the plot and pace and I felt it was well written. I loved Grace’s and Ava’s relationship; I chuckled at times while reading this book. I loved how Tor changed as the book went on. A lot of emotions come through in this book. I loved the mystery and suspense in this book also. There was also some hot love scenes. I hated Vincent and was glad he got what was coming to him. I loved Tor’s loyalty to his clan. I loved the characters and the ins and outs to this book and I highly recommend.

This was a new author for me, and I have to say that I will be reading more from her. I really enjoyed this book. The story was well-written and moved at a nice pace. The characters were likable and very interesting. The story has action, drama, suspense, emotion and wonderful romance, as well as a villain that you will love to hate. Well done and highly recommended!

I have read many books written by Heather McCollum and seem to enjoy each one more than the last one I read. The Beast of Aros Castle is no exception. She blends a wonderful story with some danger, great characters, and of course, a villain. Grace and Ava, her maid need to escape their home and Grace's half brother before her father dies. Vincent has been after the girls, especially Ava with nothing good in mind. Vincent is convinced to let Grace marry their the son of their father's friend.. So the two ladies travel to Scotland with Vincent's promise that he will have Ava at some point. Grace, the more timid of the two, is afraid to marry someone whom is known as the beast so she and Ava swap places. Tor, the laird of Aros Castle has been betrayed and though it's been ten years, he refuses to trust women. In order to keep Mull Isle and his people safe from the English who are occupying Scotland he agrees to marry. Will Ava come clean and reveal the switch? If she does will Tor be able to forgive her? And just where does Vincent figure into all of this? To me, there is nothing better than a good tale with a Scottish setting and this story does not disappoint. It is a great read. Can't wait to visit the area again with Cullen in the next book in the series.

I loved Highland historical romance and this was the first novel I've read by this author. I LOVED it. It was fresh and the characters were terrific. Strong heroine, honorable and strong hero. I can't wait for more from this author!

The beast was not exactly what I was expecting but more than I could have desired. Tor was all that I have come to love in a highlander. Hot. Sexy. Alpha. Protective. And we must not forget broody. He had extra elements to intensify his character and allow him to grow throughout the read. He was distrusting of women. As fate would have it he finds one such woman that intrigues him, temps him, she lures him in and then fate as the bitch she is shows him that there are more truths to be told. Tor, Ava, Grace all have their fates tested and a new truth placed before them on the beautiful isle in the Scottish Highlands.

Ava and Grace had been through so much. They have been together for a long time and now they braved a whole new world together, but Grace could not do what was needed. So, Ava took over and their starts their adventure in a new land. Ava was strong, intelligent, beautiful, and a commoner. She was not of privilege or peerage. Grace was truly Ava’s rock, confidant, friend, everything. This was a strong bonding friendship.

Heather McCollum shows how true friendship should be. She gives a story that was detailed but not overwhelming. She adds twist. She gives a villain that was more than just sick and twisted. Tor was a man that had to step out of where he sheltered himself. She did a good job traversing him through the storm. I very much enjoyed this read. Looking for a historical romance that will give you a since of home, shelter, safety, friendship. Then pick up The Beast of Aros Castle.

I wouldn’t mind letting the beast take a bite out of me!
Of course he’s all alpha male, he’s a Scottish warrior. No one was penetrating his walls, castle or heart. So he thought. Ava had other plans, and she wasted no time carrying them out. She also thought her walls were inpenetrable, but Tor proved her wrong. She first worked her way into his mother’s heart (naturally… there was no plotting involved) and then she wrapped his men around her finger.
The plot setup was good, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. Timid Grace balanced out Ava’s feistiness, but I loved Ava’s sense of adventure, her loyalty, and her desire to protect. In these, and other areas, she was the perfect match for Tor.
The romance started out a little thinner than I’d expected. They ended up kissing alot, and for a moment I thought the relationship would be based soley on their physical attraction. Throughout the story, I wished for Ava to just be honest, especially since Tor had been deceived into the marriage before, but I guess there wouldn’t have been much of a story if she’d confessed early on. My feelings went back and forth. I really liked her in most regards; but I liked Tor as well, and she could’ve (and should’ve) been honest with him, especially at the point that he told her he only wanted an heir.
Anyway the story was pretty good. I liked the supporting characters, and I’m always up for the Scottish.

Book: The Beast of Aros Castle by Heather McCollum

Series: Highland Isles, Book 1

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
Tartan Book Reviews
Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Setting: Hot

Overall Setting: 5/5 stars

Ava Sutton is running away from a treacherous, malicious and hazardous step- brother! Her friend Grace's step-brother who has no issue with incest. He is a sick individual that should be put in an insane asylum!

At breakneck speed she heads back to Scotland before she is found. So she disguises herself as a titled English lady. She must convince the chief of Clan MacLean's of Aros to marry her before she is found out by this unstable man. The problem is Tor MacLean swore off women forever, even tries to scare off Ava. A marriage his father arranged, problem is Tor is extremely attracted to her loveliness and her ardor. His infatuation just seems to increase and he doesn't know what to do with these feelings!

As for Ava time is of the essence before the madman catches up to her! Another problem is Tor does not trust women! For good reason too since his first wife was dishonest with him. When Ava comes clean with her lies and dishonesty, Tor is furious! This only proves to him that women can't be trusted. What can Ava do to to prove herself that this was a desperate moment where she had no choice.

This book was so action packed filled with riveting adventure and a quick paced page turner! I literally could not put this book down! It was that amazing which I totally loved.

I so can't wait until the next book in the series as this was just magnificent! Filled with emotions including betrayal, blackmail, corruptness, selfishness, fraud, dishonesty, threatening, forgiveness, love and passion. The emotions and feeling in this book are absolutely incredible. You actually become so attached to this book. I can't recommend it enough and can't want until Heather McCollum’s next installment!

I highly recommend this book to readers of historical romance which will absolutely love it!

This is a voluntarily advance e-reader copy given by the publisher through NetGalley. All words, thoughts and ideas are my own.

4.5 STARS
"The Beast of Aros Castle" by Heather McCollum. An enjoyable Scottish/English Historical romance that has some action, a touch of angst, a bit of humor and, of course, love. Our main characters are Ava and Tor. I truly liked both. Ava is brave and courageous yet so vulnerable and longing for love, my heart hurt a bit for her. Tor, of course, is strong and gruff and sexy too. He has steeled himself against love due to past hurts but isn't as prepared as he thinks to do battle with Ava. There are many secondary characters that were fun and delightful, although there are quite a few and at times, I grew a little confused as to who was who. The plot of this tale, while not a new one, was still well done and flowed effortlessly and gave the reader a little bit of everything. This is my first book by Ms. McCollum but I don't expect it to be my last. It was a read that kept me turning each page eagerly, all the while running the wave of emotions from joy to sadness to anger to hurt to love. If historical romances with adorable yet strong heroines and sexy Scottish Heroes that wear kilts are your thing, don't miss this one. (Received copy for honest review)

Publisher's Description:
Ava Sutton is on the run from a dangerous man and makes her way safely to Scotland. Masquerading as a titled, English lady, she must convince the darkly handsome chief of the Macleans of Aros to wed her before she is tracked down.

Tor Maclean, the new chief of Aros Castle, has sworn off marriage. Despite his efforts to scare away the Englishwoman his father arranged for him to wed, Tor is nonetheless drawn to her passion and beauty. But he doesn't know if he can forgive the untruths that have come to light for a chance at a once in a lifetime love...
My Thoughts:
Although I had not previously read any titles by Heather McCollum I have yet to find a book presented by Entangled Publishing that I haven't at least liked and most of the time loved the read.
As I said this is my first time reading this particular author but I wasn't at all disappointed in the quality of the read. I love a good Highland story and this one most assuredly qualifies. I will be on the lookout for additional titles as well as more in this new series by this author.
I was not however in love with the character of our heroine. She just puts on too many airs and seem pretentious to the extreme. Come on, who does this sort of thing when supposedly running for one's life even if it is to save her own life as well as that of her friend.
Our hero on the other hand drew me in from the first. I know his actions are not always perceived as noble but he does have the right to feel that there was some deception and betrayal on our heroine's part.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5 stars for character development and storyline and a sensual rating of 3.5 of 5 flames.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley from the publisher to read and give a voluntary review.
This in no way altered or affected my opinion of this title.

Tor Maclean, the new chief of Aros Castle, has sworn off marriage. Ava and Grace are desperate to escape Grace's vile half-brother Vincent. Grace has sworn not to marry so Ava knows she must act to save them from Vincent by masquerading as a titled, English lady. She must convince the darkly handsome chief of the Macleans of Aros to wed her before she is tracked down. There are secrets to overcome and some funny moments for these two as Ava tries to convince Tor to let them stay and marry her. This is a captivating story that was such fun to read!
I received an ARC copy from Net Galley and this is my honest opinion and review.

Great Read! Lots of drama and emotion in this fast-paced highland read. I was hooked from beginning to end. The chemistry between Tor and Ava is passionate and steamy. I loved it!

I loved this book. It was the cover that originally drew me to this. Tor and Ava are a great couple. Both damaged by their past. It was nice to see them being put back together little by little. 1st book I've read by the author and it won't be the last.

Aveline Sutton has arranged a way for herself and her best friend to escape the clutches of her friend's older step brother. He has always threatened them, but with his father on his deathbed will soon have legal power over them. A marriage to a Scottish Laird may be all that can save them.
Laird Torquil Maclean has no intention of marrying an English noblewoman just to protect his clan, even if his father asked him on his deathbed. One bad marriage has made him suspicious.
Our heroine is prepared to sacrifice herself to protect the only family she knows.
A historical romance that shows us just how powerless women of that time were. A story full of emotion and fear for our female characters.
A very enjoyable read.