This was cute! Bryce and Dorie's backstories were touching and heartwarming. Their journey was nothing short of charming. I really enjoyed the premise and the pacing kept my attention. Bryce was chivalrous and a good man though not without his flaws. And Dorie's sweet spirit was adorable even though she was naive at times. It hit a bit of a wall for me around the 50% mark where the plot seemed to slow down, but overall a very satisfying read.

Another great addition to the series. Each one, surprisingly, getting better. With the mounting tension of a great battle and the healing angst, Bryce and Dorie’s story was better than expected. Book provided by NetGalley.

Even though this series has two books so far, I can confidently say that it is going to be one of my favorite series of all-time! I loved everything on the book itself and the series so far. Allison Hanson's writing is so easy-to-read and enjoyable as well. I can really feel the emotions of the characters while reading and I can truly feel them as if they were real people. This book has so many great characters in it and I loved the family aspect of it. The yearning in this book is so good, I felt my heart ache every time the characters are hurting. I loved how different kinds of love were discussed and internalized by the characters in this book and how they learn so many different things about life and love. I loved how the book ended as well, it's the perfect ending for Dorie and she deserves the best in life. I'm looking forward to the third book in this series, which I believed to be about Liam as the war chief and Lady Evelyn Stewart. I just finish this book and yet I'm already excited to read the next one and to read more from the author.

Dorie comes from an extremely difficult past and it has shaped her personality to deal with the issues in a very difficult way. Bryce is still unable to handle the grief over the loss of his wife and child. They end up in a marriage though not of their choice but bring in warmth and affection into their forced relationship. They do have chemistry but they will need to clear up by first revealing their deep secrets to move ahead in their lives. Dorie’s long lost father turning up brings in more confusion in their lives though it actually helps bring them together.

The interesting scenarios along with very likable characters makes this a very engaging read.

Bryce and Dorie have some great chemistry! A lot of this book was a fun, adventurous, emotional highland romp that did what it was supposed to do: take me away from 2020. Unfortunately, there were some aspects of Bryce's and Dorie's respective narratives that really didn't click for me. For one, Bryce messes up a lot—perhaps too much compared with how easily he's forgiven. I love me some groveling, but this isn't really it. Part of that failure to connect is for me, I think, because of the physical and emotional distance between Bryce and Dorie, who spend most of the first part of this book apart, and though Bryce reflects on how he's constantly failed his wife, there isn't really anything pulling him closer to her or drawing him to love her beyond obligation—even just time spent together.

Real Danger abounded in this highland escapade, which is often my jam, but I was sad that while the McCurdy situation provided a solid tragic backstory, it didn't end up carrying through as a substantial threat to the end, just a loose end to be tied up. Another small issue I had was the traditional marriage-and-a-baby epilogue, which gets old and somewhat reduces women to childbearing. In this case, Dorie had even been concerned a few chapters from the end about her ability to produce a child, but that fear wasn't addressed other than to show her success in the epilogue—missing the opportunity for Bryce to assure his wife that she's not just a broodmare to him, that he loves her no matter what, etc.

Note: major trigger warnings for a character with thoughts of suicide, having a plan, and preparing to act on it

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This isn't something I would normally request, I'm definitely more into contemporary romance. I'm trying to branch out a bit, so I can better help the customers that come through my store. That being said, I really really enjoyed this. I honestly couldn't put it down. Like I said, I'm definitely a newbie when it comes to this genre of romance but the characters were well written and the rest of the writing had my heart dropping and aching for both Bryce and Dorie. I'm going to look for the first book in this series and it will definitely be on my list of recommendations!

Although this is book 2, you don't have to read book 1 to follow. I didn't and didn't have any problems. What drew me to this was the fact that the female lead was a quiet and good woman. Sometimes (okay, often) I get annoyed with the overwhelming amount of books that try to have a badass woman taking on the world by herself and it's just ridiculously unbelievable. This was a great reprieve from that.

Dorie has spent the last 9 years locked inside her room and no longer speaking. The last time she spoke, her words are what caused herself to be locked up and her mother to lose her life. She dreams of being rescued by a great man...or even just finding someone to love her. So when she is loaded up and taken to wed another clan, she's actually quite excited because she's finally getting away from the hell that has been her life.

Bryce is war chief for his cousin's clan. He lost his wife and baby girl years ago when they had gotten sick. He has spent this whole time blaming himself for not being there and uses his grief as a shield to hide away from the world and everyone in it. He has absolutely no desire to marry again, but he can't go against his laird's order to do so for an alliance.

Bryce is appalled by the way that Dorie is treated by her own family and promises to take care of her. Although he does make it clear that he will never love her. His determination to stay away from her has him failing horribly at caring for her when she is almost killed multiple times. Fortunately, it isn't hard for all of them to figure out who's behind it. With little other choice, Bryce has Dorie stay at the castle with him from then on. And during that time it's no surprise that these two get closer to one another. Dorie is obviously falling in love with her husband, while Bryce still refuses to let her touch his heart. Despite the fact that she makes him happy with more than just her body.

When Dorie's real father shows up is when things start to change. Dorie starts to question what she really wants in life and if she deserves more than a husband who refuses to love her. Her father is very powerful man and with his help she can change her life. She desperately wants Bryce to admit he wants her and in the end they each make their choice.

I will say that at this point, around 70%, I got kind of bored with the story. Things started to get repeated a lot and the two of them were just sort of aggravating. I wasn't feeling it anymore. The last 10% was a little better with a battle against the clan that Dorie once belonged to. It seemed rather short to me, but whatever. But then Dorie does something so out of character for her that I was floored by her absolute stupidity. Like, really!? The ending was also so very, very predictable.

I received a copy of this book as an ARC on NetGalley.

This is my second book by this author, my first was the first in this series and it sent me double a couple months long highlander reading adventure. Ms. Hanson does not disappoint in the second installment of the Clan MacKinlay series. The story of both these characters (Dorie and Bryce) both having such tragic back stories and how they have their own ups and downs through out the book is wonderful. There are a few twists in the book that I did not see coming, and they were fun surprises. I would defiantly say though you have to read the first in the series to get the complete world building picture.

This is a great read for any Highlander romance readers out there.

To be certain, your emotions will go every which way while reading this story! I even needed tissues for some scenes, they were so touching. Beautifully written amidst a Highland background, with an amazing cast of characters.

For nine long years, Dorie has been kept a prisoner in her room until one day she's brought to an enemy clan to marry the war chief, Bryce. With only a ragged dress and no shoes, plus seeming to be a mute, Bryce is not only aghast at how she's been treated, he vows to protect her with his name. Having lost a beloved wife and child years before, he tells Dorie he will never give her his heart because it's buried with his family. At first she's happy with that because she at last has freedom to enjoy the outdoors and not be locked in and abused. As passions take over, she does fall in love with him but she wonders if that will ever be enough. When she finally meets her real father, decisions must be made, no matter the heartbreak.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

ARC received for review

Almost as good as the previous book. I didn't shed tears, but my heart did hurt for Bryce and Dorie. They have both had a rough past, hers more so than his, but in the end true love wins. Loved seeing the previous couples and their help with this relationship. Can't wait to see who's next.

3.5 Stars, rounded up for author potential.

What I liked:
A good historical that doesn't use a ton of historical dialect where I'm translating everything.
No caricature villains in pain sight causing mayhem for ages.
Awesome maternal figures that don't play on the evil stepmother stereotype

What I didn't like:
Its a bit long. The flow stalls at points because it needs to push forward without a good way to get there.
If you like a self-sabotaging, broody man hung up on someone else the entire book, this is for you. Unfortunately that's not really my jam.

Verdict:
I enjoyed this read, would read more by this author but probably wouldn't read this one again.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dorie McCurdy has lived for years as a prisoner, terrified and unwilling to speak. Bryce MacKinlay Campbell, war chief of Clan MacKinlay, is a widower shrouded in grief, clinging to pain and loneliness after the loss of his beloved wife and daughter. When Bryce is forced to marry Dorie for an alliance between their clans, he pledges to provide for her, but not live with her or love her. Dorie finds herself building a new life, and thawing her husband's frozen heart...but when family secrets are revealed, Bryce has to choose to love her or let her go.

This is the second book in the Clan MacKinlay series. It can be read as a stand alone. The first book is great, but this one is even better! I really enjoy the author's writing style. It's completely engaging and emotional. I'm not usually a book-crier, but this one definitely had me in tears.

Bryce is broken. He's content to live with the pain of his loss and doesn't have any intention of moving forward...until his laid pushes him. Dorie is equally damaged, living as a mute because of the consequences of her childhood words. Bryce and Dorie learn to respect and admire each other. Little by little, they build each other back up. I was rooting for them the whole time!

Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Feuding Families, Widower, Protector, Rags to Riches

Trigger warning: thoughts of suicide

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #HerReluctantHighlanderHusband #NetGalley

This book was given to me as an arc from netgalley in return for my honest review. This is my voluntary review. My thoughts and opinions.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Trope: second chance at love

If you know me, you know I love me a good historical Scottish romance. It's been awhile since I read a good one too. I gave this book a high rating not because I'm partial to liking Scottish Romance but in truth, I thought this book was wonderful and beautifully written. There will also be alot left out, as this is a 400 page book. You'll have to read this lovely book to get all the full details. But bear with me, I'll do my best to explain. Here it goes.

The character background and character build up was so intense. Because of that it went into great emotional depths. 32% into the book I cried for the first time. It was the first love scene. I only expected bliss. But this is what I felt and got. There was so much anguish yet it was balanced out by happiness. I felt the hurt, quilt, and the shame that radiated from the hero. I also felt the pain the heroine suffered through as a child, and the light that finally sheds through giving her hope, and lastly happiness.

Bryce was married before, and was deeply in love with Maggie. She was his first love, and to him she was also the last. His late wife and child died of a fever while he was called away on duty. On his return he found them both dead in the home they shared. From that day forward, He became a broken person. He lived with quilt, and pain. He was alive and but dead. Yes, his lungs were breathing air, but his heart was long gone.

Dorie was not always mute. But when her mother died, she chose to never speak again. In her mind, she thought that the last words she'd spoken were the words that condemned her mother to her early grave. To keep safe, she lost her voice. For nine years she was a mute, and out of all those years she was also kept prisoner under lock and key.


The two clans needed to form alliance. Therefore the clans arranged the marriage between Bryce war chief of MacKinlay who would be expected to marry Dorie, daughter to the laird of the McCurdy. Bryce did not ever want to marry again. It didn't set right with him, Knowing he could never love another woman. His heart was already taken. To love another would be considered disrespect to his dead wife Maggie. As for Dorie, she had no idea what was going on until the last moments. As she was kept prisoner and treated morbidly bad. To her this was her chance to finally escape. Anything would be better than being locked away. When they first lay eyes on eachother he was appalled. To be a laird's daughter she was in rags, looked malnourished, had no shoes, was mute, and was physically abused right in front of his eyes. He being who was put a immediate stop to it. For her she thought he was handsome.

Although Bryce did not want to marry he had a duty and he would carry it out. He would provide for Dorie. He would give her home, food, and money. But that was it. She would be on her own. It would be a marriage only through name.

Little did he know he would fall truly and madly in love. He had to fight with his own inner demons just to be with her, and to be free of Maggie. His inner demons were consisted of quilt, and forbiddance of loving another woman. He had to fight himself to get over the death of Maggie and his child. In his heart he felt if he was there, he could've saved them both. He had to forgive himself before he could love again. Dorie finally separated from him to give him peace and to relieve him of his duty. That was when he finally realized he wanted her. Not only did he wanted her, he needed, and he loved her.

Dorie learns to trust again. She starts to speak again not to humans but to her beloved dog. Although Bryce never wanted to marry her, he treats her extremely well with all due respect. He also tells her, I will do my best to keep you happy as I am now your husband but I could never love you. I give you no reason to ever love me in return. It doesn't bother her at first because they are nothing but mere strangers. As time passes by, feelings starts to form. He knows that she could talk but doesn't push her until they finally make love. He tells her you have to tell me in words that you want me for me to make love to you. That's when she speaks for the first time to human in nine years. She begins to talk to him but only with him .She begins to trust, wait for him, and her love begins to bloom. At first she thinks that her love would be enough for the both of them. Seeing all the beautiful couples around her, and seeing how it is to have their love returned makes a huge impact on her heart. She decides to give him his freedom. She will not settle, and she felt she deserved to be loved in return. So she leaves....

From there on out they both fight for their love, especially him. Their happily after was hard won considering everything they've ever been through. I was so happy for them.

This was my first book by this author, and I will continue to read her. I only hope the rest are as good as this one.

Her Reluctant Highlander Husband is a fantastic historical romance that follows two wounded people from enemy clans who find each other under the most unlikely circumstances. When Bryce, war chief of Clan MacKinlay, and Dorie, the daughter of an enemy clan leader, learn that they are to marry, neither is happy. However, Bryce, who lost his first wife and child years ago and has no desire to remarry, sees how maltreated Dorie seems and vows to marry and protect her. With secrets, lost love, and past abuse plaguing Dorie and Bryce, can this reluctant pair find love or will fear and the past keep them apart?

I love Dorie and Bryce! They are so different, yet they relate to each other well. They both struggle to open up, trust others, and examine their true feelings. They fear losing the people they love, and they both understand the pain and grief of loss and the guilt of surviving. I think that their connection grows deeper and stronger because of their shared experiences.

I also like how much Bryce and Dorie respect and admire each other. Bryce knows Dorie’s secret but waits for her to reveal it to the others. He also knows about the decade of abuse Dorie received at the hands of her father and brother, and he does what he can to help her. Dorie understands Bryce’s conflicting and complex feelings when it comes to love, marriage, and commitment, and she gives him the time and patience to heal. They are both self-sacrificing and determined to do what’s best for the other before thinking of their own wants and feelings.

There’s another character in the book that stole the show for me – Rascal. I loved Dorie’s loyal, protective, fearsome, and lovable dog! Rascal helped Dorie to heal and was Dorie’s first real friend. He helped her feel safe and loved, and she helped her and Bryce more times than I can count. Rascal is an endearing and heroic pup that I absolutely adored!

Her Reluctant Highlander Husband is a heart-warming and, at times, heartbreaking story that I very much enjoyed. It made me feel all of the feels, especially when it came to Bryce and Dorie’s pasts. He mourned his wife and daughter so much and felt such guilt about moving on. Dorie’s story of guilt, abuse, neglect, and subsequent PTSD is equally heart-wrenching. They are a couple that deserves a happy ending, which I so hoped for!

Finally, I have to comment on the poignant messages about understanding different kinds of love, learning to live again after loss, escaping and healing from abusive people, and supporting family. The author weaves powerful and thought-provoking messages throughout the story. Plus, the romance is positively swoon-worthy! Thanks so much to Netgalley, Entangled Publishing, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Bryce is ordered to marry Dorie as part of a deal with another clan to get rights to access the sea. Bryce doesn't want to as he has been heartbroken for a long time over the loss of his wife and daughter, but will do so for his laird and the good of the clan. Dorie has been a prisoner in her home for 10 years and has not spoken to anyone as her words hurt someone once. She has been treated poorly as evidenced by her tattered gown and lack of shoes. Bryce marries Dorie, but deicdes that she'll reside in their cottage and he'll stay in the castle. Dorie appreciates all the kindness shown to her and the affection of her adopted dog, Rascal. We see Dorie and Bryce's relationship change over the course of the story, but problems still exist.

Bryce was stubborn. While one could understand his grief over losing his family, his refusal to accept the possibility of happiness was frustrating. Dorie's search for love and acceptance was heartbreaking, but her immaturity influenced her decisions

I enjoyed the first half of the story more than than the second half. I didn't read the other stories in what appears to be a series, but this story can be read as a standalone.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this first book in the series so when I saw that this ARC was available I had to have it and I read it as soon as I got it even though I was in the middle of another ARC.
Bryce lost his wife and daughter to fever when he was away on clan business since then he has lived half a life tempting fate to reunite him with his family. As war chief his hand is promised in marriage to secure access to the water for shipping.
Dorie has been locked as a prisoner since she was a child but from the moment she sees Bryce she knows she can depend upon him to protect her.
Bryce does want to love another but there relationship is so sweet and the ending is perfect.
I loved the characters and the story. Can't wait for what is next from this author.

Historical romance isn’t alway my jam, but this one was so well done that I didn’t want to put it down. A little Jude Devereaux, a little Maya Banks, and a lot angsty, this was a great read. Dorie wants love and is sure she’ll never have it, while Bryce once had love and is sure he never wants it again. Add in the treachery of someone wanting Dorie dead and the truth of her family, and you’ve got a lot to worry about.

I did want to cry for Dorie when Bryce seemed willing to walk away from all that they had, but their misery was actually well worth the time it took for Bryce to get his head on straight. It definitely helped that her father was willing to be a tad underhanded to prove a point. I’d definitely read more from this author about these clans.

It's okay.
Not my favourite troupe, Hero still in love with his dead wife.
Hero's first wife and child have died and he's not moved on.
Heroine is a virgin.
He's not a man-whore type.
I felt the lack of moving went on too long, to at least 85%.
HEA?
Epilogue.