4.5 stars

What a great read! It was not exactly what I was expecting - but that only made it better!

Theo has inherited an earldom and a castle in the highlands from the grandfather he never knew, he is recently returned from the war where he lost his leg and possibly his mind.

Annabel has been living at the castle with her aunt for years and is shocked when Theo and his siblings show up. Annabel has had a hard life and the castle is the first real home she has ever had so there is no way Annabel is leaving, especially not now that her sister and niece have shown up seeking sanctuary. So Annabel sets out to make Theo leave. Some of her efforts are funny and some are ridiculous - but none of them are going to work!

Theo has no desire to host Annabel and her aunt - he is going to get rid of them just as soon as he can manage it. Annabel is a hoyden and makes him uncomfortable. He just wants to be left alone to brood and suffer in silence. He has tremendous survivor's guilt in conjunction with PTSD. He believes he is not worthy and nothing Annabel does will change his mind.

These two share an attraction, but neither is in a position to offer themselves. Once they begin to open up to each other, they sizzle. But Theo is convinced that he has nothing to offer and pushes Annabel away, time and time again.

When things come to a head with her sister, Annabel turns to Theo for help. Trust is not something Annabel gives lightly and the reader can feel how hard it was for her to trust him. Theo does not disappoint and really shows the wonderful, loving man he really is under his scars and gruff exterior.

But some wounds are too deep to easily heal and even after Annabel professes her love, Theo pushes her away again. It takes him almost no time to realize his mistake, but Theo knows that he will have to heal himself before he can offer Annabel his love in return.

This was a great book, it is well written, flows perfectly, is emotional, funny, suspenseful, has some really good and sweet (but spicy) love scenes, a great cast of secondary characters and a very hard earned HEA.

I highly recommend this book and will be looking for future installments to this series.

A historical romance, set in Scotland, with a difference from the usual brawny heroes included in such a setting. A light and easy read, with an interesting storyline and characters. Good for a cosy rainy afternoon's reading.

I received this from Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This is the first in a new series by Lily maxton. The series does look like it holds promise. I like the character growth that occurred during this book. I just wasn't over the moon in love with it.

This book was a good read. The plot and the characters were well developed. While this novel contains romance, it also involved overcoming your past and accepting the person you can or have become.
Annabel Lockhart lives at Llynmore Castle with her aunt. She was orphaned at a young age and was moved from home to home by her relatives. She felt like she never belonged anywhere until she reach Llynmore and now enjoys all the freedoms she has.
Theo Townsend finds out he is the new earl to Llynmore Castle. He and his siblings travel to the Highlands to the castle. Theo has many wounds, internally and externally from his army days. He keeps his emotions bottled up and keeps himself at times away from others.
Theo finds Annabel at the castle and wants her to leave. Annabel has no intention of leaving and tries to make Theo leave. Annabel is unable to discourage Theo from leaving. Theo planned to provide accommodations for Annabel and her aunt once he heard back from his solicitor.
Annabel is keeping a secret from Theo. She hides her sister and niece in the castle. She does not know the true reason why they came to her and are in hiding. She will do whatever she can to protect them, even if it means not telling Theo. Theo knows Annabel is keeping something from him. Eventually Annabel confides in him and he agrees to help. Theo and Annabel begin to see the other in a different light. They begin to fall in love with the other. Theo feels since he cannot get past his injuries, he cannot be with Annabel, no matter how he feels and at times has hurt her with his words because he is frustrated with himself. Will Theo be able to overcome the scars his carries and realize he should be with Annabel before she leaves forever?