Member Reviews
This review is my honest review in exchange for a free arc from netgalley.
This is the second book I have read about the sisters. At first I just thought it was familiar but then it dawned on me.
Clementine and her sisters have recently discovered they are the rightful heirs to a family dynasty. They are each a Lady.
After years of living in east end poverty each of the sisters bow has the time and money to shine.
Clementine is a budding fashion designer and she soon integrates herself into the local community of the family pad in the highlands by making herself known.
She makes friends with the locals including Rory.
Rory and his large family love in the next farm.
I loved the unassuming nature of Lady Clem and the abrasive but ultimately kind hearted Otto.
In short, this is a favourite series of books and I will be recommending them and also seeking the other out to catch
Strange this one, it looked like a Rom com but the romance and comedy were absent for most of it. I loved the village life, the castle, the scenery, the villagers and the uplifting way Clem dusted herself off and got back on her feet again.
I found the narrative a bit odd, skipping around from person to person; some of the characters were well developed and likeable but others were forgettable or just mentioned in passing which made some of the scenes seem chaotic and difficult to follow. I was really interested in Rory but he spent next to no time with Clem and there was nothing much resembling chemistry, tension or romance between them. I was also bemused at the scenes at the V & A which seemed far fetched to me. I wish the romance and relationships between people and the community as a whole had been a bigger part of this than the art sub plot, that left me cold.
This is part of a series and I haven’t read the others and I think I missed quite a bit of the backstory in doing that.
I’m sure if romance isn’t your thing and you’re looking for something quirky and escapist this will fit the bill but it wasn’t really for me I’m afraid, sorry.
I fell in love with the story almost immediately even though at first I didn’t like Clem or Otto at all. But as the story continued and I got to know them better I started to like them and eventually I came to adore them.
I am very much like those two, I have a temper on me but I can apologize when I am wrong.
Oh and Rory...nice, gorgeous Rory...I wish I had my own Rory.
All in all High Heels in the Highlands was a highly enjoyable romance story, with some twists and lots of fun and love.
I only realized this was not the first book in a series after I started reading but that didn’t bother me and I’m pretty sure you can read it without knowledge of the other books.
I’m giving 4 stars though because the ending killed me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for my copy.
A genuinely warm, feel-good book. Clem and her sisters have just inherited their families estates and it’s clems responsibility to go and spend time at the Scottish highlands estate and see how it is run. The entire electrics need rewiring, the kitchen needs redoing and the main housekeeper Otto has no desire to greet Clem warmly.
Clem sets up her business (designing) in the old ballroom and sets to work designing her own new collection - using the antiques in the house as inspiration. The locals are warm and friendly to her and her designing is going well... until her older sister decides the highlands estate needs to generate an income and a coach load of tourists arrives to disrupt her work!
It is a funny, romantic book and I loved the main character Clem who was a petite whirlwind. The humour in the book was funny and I liked the fact there were multiple different locations and lots of interesting characters. I would love to read books about the other sisters and see how they’re coping after inheriting both money and new responsibilities.
The book itself was slightly random though, it did jump into a part of a crime drama halfway through (no spoilers!) that made me feel like I was reading a completely different book for a chapter or two - but it was interesting, kept the pace of the book quite quick and explained the unique personality of one of the main characters!
All in all, a lovely book that I’d recommend to family and friends.
First of all I hadn’t realised this was part of a series. It doesn’t matter as it works well as a stand-alone but I usually like to explore the whole set in order. Great story with some great characters ( I especially loved Ottoline) . I’ve read many similar castle stories but this was an enjoyable read.
Loved this romantic books! Was lovely to read about Clem in the highlands. All the other characters add to the story especially the dynamic between Clem & Otto. Perfect summer read
This was a super cute romantic comedy! Clementine is hilarious as she navigates the new role and responsibility of being a Lady. Her relationship with Otto, the head housekeeper, was endearing. I loved seeing their relationship start off so rocky and rough to strong and full of familial love.
Rory Cowan, the love interest, was perfect for Clementine. He balanced her out, and wasn't afraid to say so!
I feel like this story could've moved at a faster pace.... Some parts were definitely filler, and didn't really add to the story. Overall though.... A fun and cute read for the romantic at heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for gifting me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It took a couple of days of me sitting on this book for me to be able to write this review because i didn't know how to put into words how I feel about it, so I am going to try my best here. ****Spoilers will be included****
The visualization in this book was BEAUTIFUL. The author did a great job transporting us to the setting.
K, so Clem gets sent to this castle that her sister gets in an inheritance. She doesn't tell her sisters off the bat that she just lost her job and her boyfriend and has no problem saying YES to a month away just like that. Not realistic. I don't care what you do for a living. Why did nobody question her sooner?
Then, she meets the staff, one of whom is Otto... Who honestly was just horrible and should have been fired right off the bat.
Then comes along Rory, who saves her from a ditch where she is stuck below a sheep. You read that right.... And their "relationship" is the most awkward, cringey thing i have ever read. There is no steady progress of anything that would justify the thought that it would end up being a healthy relationship.
Technically, the castle is older sister, Ari's .. who is missing from like 80% of the story, castle related decisions and yeah, if she wasn't in the book, I doubt she'd be missed. For someone who just inherited a castle, and a title, you'd think she'd be around more.
Clem is very.... I want to say "self involved" but that's not the word i am looking for.
She only thinks about her first and foremost. Sure, it's healthy, but when your very pregnant "friend's" water breaks during her wedding in a dress you designed, don't screech out that she better not ruin the dress. Bravo! Smooth.
Or! When she finds all the fabric and clothing in the castle... First thing she does is start using them for her business. Doesn't clarify anything about them, nope, it's for her now.
We get introduced to so many plot points but then there's no resolution... there are also parts that could have used two much more, like the conversations with people that helped with Mari's veil. It would have been so wholesome. I hate that we missed out on that.
And then all goes well at this fashion show that she was designing for, she goes back to the castle to find out Rory is at the church for "the wedding". Bunch of confusion here for Clem because even though Rory has spoken about his family and past, she met a bunch of his family and parts of his past *coughJANETcough*, they were at a wedding not long before that THAT WAS PRETTY SIGNIFICANT TO BOTH OF THEM, nobody mentioned the details of this wedding? Hmm...
An easy read, I'll give it that, but a lot of plot holes. A lot of questions unanswered. Details that were not necessary. Quick and messy end.
Not sure I will be recommending this. Sorry, it wasn't for me.
A charming upbeat rom-com with a bit of mystery/adventure thrown in. Set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands with interesting and funny characters. A perfect escapist read. I loved this book.
Since I am an American, I did not realize this is part of a series. Wish I had known this before reading. I just could not find the main character likable at first. Maybe because I do not have the English background to understand what a person from East London should act and talk like. But I continued on and she kinda grew on me. I found the rom com part of the book a bit lacking. They were barely together and little wishing on either part to be together. It was mostly just convenience. Even Ottoline's big reveal seemed out of the blue. There were not many bread crumbs to lead you to the reveal. I might add that I love the name Ottoline. What a great name. But her interactions with Clem just seemed to be a bit much. I would probably give the book a C+. And if you asked me now why I finished it, I am not sure I would have a good answer for you.
I loved this book! I was delighted to find it was another book in the lives of the Hiverton Sisters, I'd previously read Ari's story. I have to say I gobbled it up and it's the perfect bit of escapism we need during these times. It has a well-paced plot, a great cast of ensemble characters and several unruly pets which always add to proceedings. The landscape and the buildings are also characters in their own right and it all adds up to a really good read!
Clem is a great character, a feisty fast-thinking girl who sometimes opens her mouth before putting her brain in gear - I really liked how the relationship between her and Otto developed through the book. They are delightfully spikey at the start but things change.....
Clem's exuberance and love of fashion really comes through, I could really see her dancing in the ballroom round all the dummies with vintage clothes on - it's my most memorable scene from the book.
I liked the way the romance didn't take over the plot - there was plenty going on that held any 'excessive mushiness' at bay but it did keep your interest.
I did pick up echoes of Lucinda Riley's Seven Sisters series but I really did like this story and am looking forward to more please! So grab a cuppa, find your favourite chair and disappear for a couple of hours with this lovely little gem.
Thank you to Hera and Net Galley for an advance reading copy.
A lovely feel good story, I hadnt realised there were others in the series but it in no way ruined the story.
It is set in a castle in Scotland which 5 sisters inherit. The character Clementine or Clemmy for short goes to the castle to see what they (the sisters ) can do to turn it around rather than selling it. Clemmy falls in love with the castle and even manages to make friends with its formidable live in house keeper Ottioline in the end.
A definite must read, I wanted to go and live in the castle myself
High Heels in the Highlands by Liz Hurley
****This ARC was provided by NetGalley for a free and honest review.**** First of all, this book is part of a series about the Hiverton Sisters. This book may be read alone but if you’re someone who likes to read entires series, just a heads up. Clementine has just lost everything- her job, her boyfriend and her clothing designs. However, she did gain a castle in the Scottish Highlands and the title of “Lady.” Since she has no ties, she decides to go explore their family’s newly inherited castle herself. She finds the castle needs quite a bit of work and the cranky housekeeper, Otto, is still living there. Clem and Otto do not get along at first but after a series of adventures and secrets, they decide to work together to save the family name and the castle. Clem keeps finding herself in predicaments and local, Rory, seems to always be there to help. I enjoyed this book. It was filled with great descriptions, characters, plot twists and a little intrigue.
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High Heels in the Highlands is the fourth book in The Hiverton series. The cover page mentions it to be an uplifting, heart-warming romantic comedy; and it is exactly that! Ari, Clem, Nick, Paddy and Aster–are the five Hiverton sisters. Brought up in a loving family, the death of their parents under unforeseen circumstances leads to Ari and Clem becoming the guardians for the younger siblings. I simply adored the powerful bond the sister’s share. Each one so different from the other in temperament and behavior; and yet always there for each other.
An unexpected inheritance brings about a change in fortune. From a dirt-poor family, they become Countesses or Ladies–owners of the vast Hiverton Estate in Scotland. Ari, the eldest daughter, inherits a castle after the demise of their maternal uncle. An uncle they never knew existed!
The main protagonist of this cute rom-com is Clem. She is not a ‘perfect’ heroine, she has her flaws. Prone to sudden outbursts, reading disabilities, foul-mouthed and yet underneath all her quirks is a kind-hearted person who is helpful and forgiving. She is a talented fashion designer, who is deceived by her boss, Symeon Fransesco. Clem volunteers to visit the Ruacoddy Castle and understand the affairs of the estate. She starts off on the wrong foot with Ottoline Farano, or Otto the Housekeeper, who is rude, judgmental and bossy. The relationship mellows with time, as both learn to trust each other and develop a warm and beautiful friendship.
A visit to the supermarket on a snowy evening turns exciting, as she falls into a ditch trying to free a trapped sheep. And therein comes our hero, Rory Gowan, a local farmer. It is not love at first sight, for he is an awful bearded man who looks dreadful to Clem. But with time their friendship blossoms into love, and a surprising confession by Clem in front of an entire congregation seals the deal.
Clem explores the castle, and a surprise discovery in the attic helps the sisters in coming up with a plan to keep the castle in the family, and not sell it. Everything seems to go well until the discovery of a fake art piece in the prestigious V&A gallery. Unfortunately for Clem, the person who has forged the art piece is close to her, and the idea of turning the person into the cops fills her with dread. Will the sisters save the castle, and the person involved?
Exotic locales, terrible weather, friendly yet quirky locals, a fashion show and on top of all - a heist makes this an exciting and delightful read.
A must read for every die-hard romantic out there!
Thank you #NetGalley and #HeraBooks for the ARC.
The Forth in the series but you don't have to have readthe first two but I do recommend them. Ace story. High heels definetley come in to it and make you laugh. As for the houes keeper Otto, just a brilliant character. Loved her. The love element with Clem was great..Lots of small stories in the book. The fashion element great.. A must read. So glad I have discovered Liz Hurley. Can't wait for number 5
This was such a cute book! I loved the setting and the premise of the castle. Clem was a thoroughly enjoyable protagonist to read about. A fashion designer with a tragic past, she deals with the inheritance of a castle in Scotland with her sisters. I'll be looking for the other books in the series to read as well!
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was mesmerized by the characters that roared to life in this book. Clementine and Ottoline’s relationship was incredible and something that we don’t see enough of in contemporary fiction. Thank you for writing this Ms Hurley - you now have a new fan.
Really enjoyed this one. Clem is one of 5 sisters who inherited a lot of property and money when their uncle died. Clem offers to go to Scotland and check out the estate there, and see what should be done with the money pit. When she gets there, she has a lot of negative run-ins with Otto, the housekeeper. Both have short tempers and butt heads a lot. She also meets Rory, a local sheep farmer, and they too butt heads a lot. I like how while they are all quarreling, they are also learning to respect each other too, as they learn to understand each other. Clem is a clothing designer, and finds a lot of old costumes and fabric, and builds on it for a future exhibit in London. Between meeting the locals, and dealing with her 4 sisters this book kept me pushing to find out the end. Highly recommend this one, and while it is the 3rd book, I didn't feel lost. I have the 2nd one and will start that one next. Fun series and books.
I thought this book was a lot of fun! The characters were likable. I wouldn't say the story was eloquently written; however, the tone fit the atmosphere. There was a bit of a plot twist and the romance wasn't the main driver in this book. I found myself smiling several times throughout the book. Overall it's a lighthearted, feel good read.
A cute rags to riches type story with a fun setting, romance and a little intrigue thrown in. I liked the thawing of relations between Clem and Ottie and their eventual friendship even though a lot of their initial conflict could have been resolved by having a simple conversation. The Scottish setting was good as was the mix of supporting characters. Clem was a bit hit and miss for me at times and I do wish there had been a little more time spent with her budding relationship with Rory. Overall an easy read.