Member Reviews

4.5 stars -- Insofar as such things can be "objectively" measured, I have to say that I think this is one of the highest quality books from this author I have read (and I am a lover of all things Lynsay Sands, as you know :)). The balance of romance and adventure/suspense, as well as the internal vs. external conflict, were very well balanced, which made for a perfectly paced read. Added in a fantastic heroine with a lot of courage and the hero we've been waiting for for SO long... yeah. This hit all my favorite parts of Sands' writing, and it's probably my second favorite entry in the series. We've only got one brother left... I will be so sad to leave the Buchanans behind!

CW: Frank depictions of physical abuse/violence, murder, & suicide

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I didn't realize this was the 9th book in the series. That is a good thing for those of you who don't like long series books, and it is also good if you do. These books can be read in order or out of order. I love Lynsay Sands as a writer. I have read a few of her other books and given them as presents and people concur that she tells a great story. This is the story of Rory and Elesande. He is a Highland Scot and she is a half Scot half English lady who has been beaten to near death. She is able to escape and follows her mother's instructions to find Rory and his men to help her get to their family's holdings in Scotland. Rory happens to be a healer and not one to entertain the lassies. But this one is special - and she needs him like no one has ever needed him before.

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This historical romance held promise, but I couldn't get past the depiction of violence that happened in the beginning. When I read these stories, I look to escape to another time full of romance and conflict. I don't like reading about violence, and I don't want to read the rest of the book. This book is definitely not for me! I am grateful to Netgalley and Avon for sending me this advanced reader's copy and this is my honest review.

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What can I say?
Lynsay Sands + Highlanders = me swooning, every time!

I adored this entry in the Highland Brides series, where younger Buchanan brother and healer Rory finally breaks out of his secondary character status and proves he's more than worthy of being the hero of his own tale- and absolutely ready to take on the protection of a brave and beautiful woman who has found herself in a bit of trouble.

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The story development gets better with each novel. There are less repetitive phrases, which make me crazy. Thank you for editing them out!
I really loved this book. It is my fav so far of all the men on kilts that Sands has written: Great detail, characters, storyline, pace, etc.

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I rarely read historical romance anymore, but this book was a reminder as to why I used to only read them. There is nothing better than a good highlander historical romance novel. What I wouldn't give to go back in time for a day and meet a few of these highlanders.

I've not read any of the other books in the series so I can say without a doubt that you can read this as a standalone. I was never once lost, character wise. They do mention some of the other Buchanan's and I gotta say, I am going to have to go back and start this series from the start. I think I will enjoy reading about Rory's siblings. Great book!

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This book has many great aspects. The mild gender swap that she is the injured hero and he is the healer who falls in love with his patient was a fun twist on a classic trope. The action and intrigue created a story that has nothing to do with romance, even though it was a solid complement to the budding romance aspect. The characters are interesting, well developed and very smart. The ensemble cast provided lots of support and well established the setting of the series.

However, the plot was a bit on the side of heavy lifting. While the prose is well written, there was a lot of detail that seemed to exist just for the sake of detail. Without spoilers, the main goal of the story is easily accomplished, and could have been so from the start had anyone taken a step to do so. This left a bit of that frustrated feeling you get in Rom-coms where maybe if anyone just used some critical thinking skills all this could have been solved long ago. While everything gets wrapped up neatly (almost too much so) it leaves a lot of the plot hanging there as nothing more than a device to further the “falling in love on a long road trip” trope. Given Sands’ reputation in the world of Romance writing, and all the good aspects of this book, I am going to dive into some more of the series in the hopes that this is a just a one off that didn't hit the mark.

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I love Lynsay Sands historical romances. They are genuinely farces, with sweet characters. I have been waiting for Rory's book for a while. He was my favorite character, and I'm glad he finally got his story. I love that his heroine is also a healer, and I love how she manipulates all the various characters to get them to do what she wants, but not in a mean way. I love how open everyone is about their feelings in this book, also.

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This story is simply wonderful! Great plot, simply excellent characters who find a way to capture your heart as they struggle to survive. I don't ever review by giving spoilers. This story is about a young woman who has lost everything - her parents, her castle, and almost her life; and the man who helps her find her way back. Well written, my heart ached at some parts of this story, and gloried at others. Elysande and Rory are a perfect couple and I'm so glad I got to share their story! Enjoy!

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This book was filled with romance, adventure and excitement. Lady Elysande de Valance beaten and imprisoned by the man who killed her family. Finding a healer, protector and so much more in Rory Buchanan, Trying to out-smart the English soldiers to get to Scotland safely. This story keep you wanting to read, because you want to know, why she is being followed, who is the one that is betraying her and will there be love for her and Rory.

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I enjoyed the dialogue and the characters. I'm glad that Rory finally got his story. Although, the plot is very similar to many of her other books.

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This is my first non vampire book by Lyndsay Sands. I wasn't sure what to expect... Mostly because it's been years since I've read a historical romance and I figured that writing styles have changed from my original introduction into the genre.

Sands as an author is entertaining and she creates excellent characters with great banter. Elysande and Rory kept me reading and enjoying each page. I did read this as a stand alone, I couldn't tell you if it should be read thst way or not, but other than keeping past characters straight I didn't feel like a missed a lot.
I'd love to read the previous and future Buchanan novels.

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3.5 STARS

HIGHLAND TREASURE by Lynsay Sands. This was a fun tale telling the story of Rory and Elysande. I adored Rory. Having read many of the previous books in this series, Rory has a special place in my heart - he is a truly caring individual. Elysande was just ok for me. I didn't adore her, but didn't hate her either. The danger was real for these two and the journey they took to assure Elysande's freedom was filled with mishaps and hurts. I do like this author's style of writing and it flowed effortlessly. However, I did feel the ending to be a bit rushed. There were many facets of the story that were, in my opinion, very neatly taken care of. I would have loved to have been witness to some of that action as well. Overall, not a bad tale, just, for me, not as earth shattering of some of the previous books. (received NetGalley ARC for honest review)

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Of all of the books in the Highland Brides series, the stories about the Buchanan brothers have been my favorites. Rory's story is filled with humor, suspense, and of course, romance. Lady Elysande, while in distress, is not in any way weak. Highland Treasure was another entertaining read in the series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but those who have read the other books in the series will be more familiar with the secondary characters.

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Half Scot Elysande must get a warning of a traitorous plot to the English king during her flight to safety in Scotland. Scot Rory is one of the men sent to escort her. Elysande’s entire family have been brutally killed and Elysande herself beaten nearly to death by the English traitors searching for the evidence her family had against them. Aside from being her escort, her savior, Rory is a healer who looks after her health on the journey. Will love blossom on this difficult trek?
Rory and Elysande were well drawn and likable. Their motives and interactions were realistic. They were engaging as well. The plot had just enough thrill to carry it on. However, I was not wowed like I often am by a book by Lynsay Sands. Everything was ‘just enough”: just engaging enough, just likable enough, just thrilling enough. It wasn’t fresh, brilliant, sparkling and that is what I normally expect from Ms. Sands.
I don’t think I would purchase this for my library as it died not rate high enough on my scale and I have a limited budget.

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I have seen this authors name and read a few reviews for her books, however this is the first book I have read from this author.
The description drew my interest immediately and I couldn't wait to start reading. I enjoyed the writing style and found it easy to become immersed in the story. The heroine, Elysande, captured my interest from the start with her determination and strength. The hero, Rory, being a healer and not the conventional swaggering knight was likable.
However, I kept waiting.... waiting for the party to finally end their travel and get to Sinclair land, waiting for the spy in the group to be discovered waiting for Elysande and Rory to deliver their message to the king, waiting for the confrontation between Elysande and De Buci, (which never happened) the man who killed her parents, beat her and took over her family home. The traveling took up over half of the book!
When the spy was finally outed, it wasn't a surprise at all. And instead of him meeting his fate at the hands of Elysande, or Du Buci, he jumps over the side of the ship and swims off....
And then suddenly, there is an epilogue where Elysande is pregnant and married to Rory and appears before the king, who eventually agrees to the marriage and just as quickly they are back on Rory's land in Scotland where Elysande's people join them, then the end.
While I enjoyed this book overall, I wasn't a fan of all the time spent on travelling and then the sudden epilogue. I have however already purchased another of the author's titles and will give it a try.

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Loved this whole series by Lynsay Sands and this was a very good addition. Glad to see Rory get his happily ever after. Looking forward to the next one in this series. FYI it works totally as a stand alone but is fun to have the full backstory of the secondary characters.

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Elysande is on the run from a wicked Baron, trying to escape to the Highlands to extended family. After a plea for help from her mother, Elysande is paired up with Rory Buchanan and what a crazy adventure awaits!

Highland Treasure was a gripping and -eventually-humorous read! You have to get through some heavy, but the pockets of humor will have you laughing in no time.

There’s the fast and furious chase and hey, reputation concerns...she’s a single female traveling with 8 guys...the people of Carlisle didn’t know what hit them! I adored Rory and his guys—tough, marshmallowy, and an absolute lovable Scottish crew! Then there’s the heartfelt supporting cast of characters-talk about hilarity-and romance-wise, sigh...Rory and Elysande had the whole swoony, sloooow burn down pat!

Overall, this was a wonderful read and a delightful way to close out my vacation!!

I received an advance reader copy from Avonbooks/HarperVoyagerUS and this is my honest review.

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I find myself quite picky when it comes to my historical romances. I expect a lot from them. I am exceedingly happy when an author has a bit of intrigue and can keep it going throughout the book. I was delighted that Lynsay Sands was able to provide an excellent pace that kept me turning the pages of Highland Treasure.

The heroine waking up beaten in the dungeon of her own castle was a successful hook. It drew me into the story and I was dying to know what the villain was after. I enjoyed being reintroduced to Rory and the Buchanan Clan members. The story was well paced, with good dialogue and a story that I wanted to follow all of the way to the end.

I personally love a natural progression to a romance. Not too slow and not too fast. I feel a successful romance needs to truly build the relationship. The heroine and the hero had their romance develop through a mutual respect. The heroine was intelligent, insightful and strong. Rory recognized this about Elysande and loved her for all of these traits. I would highly recommend this book to people who enjoy the romance novels of Mary Balogh, Johanna Lindsey and Sarah MacLean.

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This book was very intense. Usually this author puts out a book that is on the sweet side, but that didn't happen until later in the book. The heroine lives with her parents in their holding in England. The reader comes into the story after the heroine has been beaten almost to death, but no broken bones. Her mother, who was born a Scot, has been beaten to where every bone in her body is broken and she is partially paralyzed. The mother and daughter depend on their loyal servants to rescue her and take her away to family friends who will save her. And that is in the first chapter. Whew! The hero is in England tending to a nobleman who was I'll. The hero is a famous healer who has not seen very much battle in the past, but once he reached his late teens, he trained until he was able to take care of himself and others when danger came. They meet when the hero gets a note to find a treasure in the nearby woods and he finds the heroine, seated on a horse, having to be escorted north to Scotland. The heroine is heavily veiled and dressed to help her sustain the rigors of travel, but the pain is too much. She is described as being black and red from the beating and her face nothing but black lumps from the swelling. This book was very interesting in how illnesses and medical problems were dealt with at that time. The healers had to depend on herbs, bark and roots in order to relieve pain and swelling. This book was a fierce read from beginning to end. Once I understood what was going on, I could not put the book down. There was so much intrigue and action, but there was also humor and laughter. I highly recommend this story with 5 stars. It was a good story that grabs the reader right from the start. The characters are likeable and human. The story reads smooth ln y and quickly and the beginning and end are concise. 5 stars and I wish I could give more

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