Almost Like Being in Love by Sariah Wilson. Pub Date: November 14, 2023. Rating: 3 stars. Even though this was a novella, it took me way longer than it should have to read it. Centered around themes of time travel and the magic of Christmas, this novel has instalove as a focal part of the storyline and I found it really hard to believe. I think the themes of community, family and love were great but the main relationship was not relatable at all. Thanks to #netgalley and #montlake for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This holiday romance blends the charm of modern-day Scotland with a touch of seventeenth-century magic. With its enchanting setting, delightful characters, and a dash of whimsy, this novel is the perfect escape for anyone looking to believe in the magic of love.

Maren Kelly's journey to honor her mother's wishes starts with misadventure—a snowstorm in the Scottish Highlands and a rescue by the impossibly handsome Duncan Campbell. From the moment Maren steps into the picturesque village of Highglen and its cozy castle, the story blossoms into a romantic fairytale. Duncan's old-world charm and the undeniable connection between him and Maren make their love story feel both passionate and destined.

The author blends contemporary elements with the historical setting, creating a believable and enchanting world. The descriptions of the Scottish landscape are vivid and evocative, transporting the reader to the snowy Highlands. The chemistry between Maren and Duncan is electric, and the mystery of their seemingly predestined connection keeps you turning pages.

I received a copy from the publisher, Montlake, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

This was a sweet Christmas novella! I was a little nervous about the time travel aspect going into it because I don't often love time travel romances. But I thought this vanishing Christmas village was such a neat concept.
I wish the story was longer because it was a little hard to connect with the romance, it happened so fast. But I did love learning about the old Scottish traditions for the 12 days of Christmas! And overall this was a feel-good, happy holiday story that was easy to sit down and read quickly. Similar to a Hallmark movie!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the egalley of this book!

This was short, and I really enjoyed that. Because I didn't love the story overall. I had a hard time getting interested in this one.

Sariah Wilson is a machine, and I love her books. Almost Like Being in Love is no exception.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

Well this was a fun little novella. Very insta love which isn't my favorite trope to read. The little time traveling Christmas village was cute and the characters were fun. It was a fun time reading and perfect for one sitting.

I loved the atmoshphere and traditions in this one. I will say in the back 1/3rd I was a tiny bit bored but the lady 10ish % had me sobbing!

Absolutely love Sariah’s books. This is a fun time travel book.

Bonus? It’s in Scotland!

Yes. In my mind Sam Heughan read me this book in his beautiful accent.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

(Loved this book!)

I can't believe I haven't started reading this book earlier. It was sooo sweet! I also thought it was very original, even though ofcourse this had some Outlander vibes. I loved how the MC had this wonderful time in a completely different century, but still felt so connected to her own century. I also really liked the little things coming together throughout the story.

If you like a romance novel with a Scottish lord, but without all the usual smut there's nowadays, then this is your book! I read it in 2 days and have already recommended it to a friend.

Major instalove and some magical realism thrown in, but this holiday romance was cute and charming. I liked it.

Almost Like Being in Love by Sariah Wilson was amazing. The characters are well-developed and the plot engaging. A delight to read. I highly recommend this!

**Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the e-ARC. All opinions expressed are voluntary and my own.**

Fun time-travel romance with Scottish flair

I really enjoyed this time-travel romance novella. The audiobook was awesome! The insta-love trope worked for this novella.

I would rate this PG, maybe for PG-13 for swoony kisses.

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

Almost Like Being in Love by Sariah Wilson is a fun, quick, insta-love holiday read. Maren is an American on a trip with her best friend where they end up getting caught in a blizzard in the Scottish highlands. Rescued by a Scottsman and transported back in time, it's pretty much love at first sight when Maren sets eyes on her rescuer Duncan. But she can't stay forever and needs to decide whether she will choose and remain where she is or return back to her time. What will she choose?
Overall, a fun light-hearted story and good references to Scottish theme and tradition.

Here we have a cute and short story that includes different worlds, traditions and insta-love to name a few.

What appealed to me first was the cute cover and the fact that this is my first time reading something from Sariah Wilson.

If you are looking for an cute and quick romance book/novella then this might be a fit for you.

I loved this book!! It was fabulous and well done. The characters were on point and I thought the plot was well developed. I would recommend this book to others.

This was very short and sweet, with a very cute setting. The novella has the instalove trope, which is not really my favourite so this fell a bit flat for me. I do like the authors writing, so I will check out more of her books.

First thought: Scottish Hottie, Time Travel, Secret Village, and Fate are all an automatic YES reads for me. I didn’t want it to end, this is the perfectly sweet and clean romantic fairytale that makes you believe in love and happy every afters.

Maren mother has terminal cancer. Her Mom’s last ask is for Maren to go to Scotland with her best friend Penny and look for her Uncle who’s been missing for 25years. He was last seen in the Scottish Highlands, and solving this mystery is important.

That is how Maren and Penny end up on a small back road in the Scottish highlands at the beginning of a snowstorm. To make matters worse the car just broke down and they have no service. Now instead of an adventure to find her Uncle they are at risk of dying of hypothermia.

But fate had other plans and Maren sees light in the forest, so they leave the car and her and Penny trek into the forest in search of help. The last thing she remembers is seeing some hot Scottish guy pick her up. She had a feeling this is someone she knew.

Duncan is the laird of Highglen and his family lives in a castle because for them it isn’t the 20th century but actually the 17th. He lives in a magical town that only appears in the real world during a crazy winter storm at random times throughout history, and time doesn’t past the same for them.

Maren and Penny awake to a Scottish holiday festivities in a castle in the 1700s, they wouldn’t believe this was possible if they weren’t living it. They been given the gift of spending a week before the village disappeared again for who knows how many years.

The only problem is Maren and Duncan have an insta connection and time is not on their side. And the dating rules of the 1700s are something to get use to.

Literally Themes you’ll find:

* Magical Realism
* Insta-Love
* Different Worlds
* 1700s Dating Rules
* Limited Time
* Scottish Holiday Traditions
* Sweet and Clean

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What a fun, cute rom-com. I loved how it was a quick paced read and how they had an insta love. If you need a pallet cleanser this is perfect for you. Thank you netgalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this.

This was a cute winter romance. I loved the chemistry between both characters and the setting was perfect!! Nothing too deep or emotional, just a lovely easy read