This book was not like anything else I have read from this author. It took me a minute to get in to it and I REALLY had to suspend my disbelief. I enjoyed the romance, but I kept having to remind myself that while so many of the things happening were unbelievable, this was a FANTASY story. I have never seen Brigadoon so I am not familiar with the likeness of this story to the movie/show. Also, I do not know how many pages this story was (it was not listed anywhere), but it felt longer to me than a novella would. Pretty good read overall.

I was gifted this advanced reader copy from NetGalley and I’m very thankful! This was a nice, cute, quick love story! Novellas are not generally for me because they are too short and I need MORE, but this one gave such a fairy tale vibe that it definitely left you with a warm heart. Plus, you can’t beat a Christmas miracle, right?

I love the story of Brigadoon and jumped at the chance to read a favorite author's take on it. It was delightful and a quick and easy read.

Maren and her friend get lost in the Scottish Highlands and rescued by a handsome Scottish Laird. Duncan and Maren have an instant connection and feel as if they've always known each other. But Maren can't stay and Duncan can't leave. So where does that leave them both?

This was a charming story set in Highglen, a hidden and magical kingdom that has been protected from the world and time there moves slower. It was fun watching Maren discover all the kingdom had to offer as well as meeting Duncan's family and the villagers. Plus there are several fun surprises for Maren throughout the story.

If you're not a fan of insta-love stories, I think you'd still like this book. I thought the way the author wrote it and wove Maren and Duncan's story together was well done and didn't feel rushed. Very cute!

Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further. No language that I can remember.

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

Happy Reading!!!

3 stars for the entertainment factor.

It's a Christmas themed novella based on the movie Brigadoon. Just like the movie, it's set in Scotland, they get lost, and there's a magical village from the 17th century.

It's of the super-cheesy, insta-love kind of sort. Maren, an American in Scotland to find her mother's brother, and Duncan, a Scottish laird, fall in love at first sight, despite the improbabilities and obstacles.

If you can suspend your belief and get past the implausibility, the story and characters are cute and it was a light, easy read.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

i immensely dislike when i donʼt finish advanced copies, but yeah, shit happens. i didnʼt really connect with any of these characters at all. the fact that itʼs a novella, and i didnʼt have the energy to get through it, took my dnf to a different level. i read one of sariah wilsonʼs books, “chemistry of love,” and i liked that book so much, so i was kinda bummed that I felt differently about this novella.

still, thank you to sariah wilson & netgalley for this e-arc!

"Almost Like Being in Love" by Sariah Wilson sounds like a charming and heartwarming story set in the picturesque Scottish Highlands. The book promises an enchanting blend of romance, mystery, and the magic of Scotland.

The plot revolves around Maren Kelly and her friend Penny, who find themselves lost in the Scottish Highlands during a severe blizzard. Despite their challenging circumstances, Maren is determined to fulfill her ailing mother's wish of experiencing the beauty and wonder of Scotland. This premise sets the stage for an adventurous and potentially life-changing journey.

The introduction of Duncan Campbell, a dashing and seemingly timeless figure, adds an intriguing element to the story. The setting of Duncan's castle in the village of Highglen, with its holiday cheer and welcoming atmosphere, creates a comforting backdrop for the unfolding romance.

The familiarity Maren feels in Highglen and the strong connection she experiences with Duncan hint at a love story that goes beyond the ordinary. Readers can expect a tale of soulmates and miracles against the backdrop of a captivating Scottish winter.

The book's title, "Almost Like Being in Love," suggests a theme of love and the idea that sometimes the most unexpected circumstances can lead to the deepest connections. It hints at the possibility of a lasting and profound romance, which is sure to resonate with fans of heartwarming love stories.

Overall, "Almost Like Being in Love" appears to be a delightful read for those who enjoy romance novels set in enchanting locations, with a touch of magic and mystery to keep readers engaged and hopeful for a happily ever after.

A lovely whimsical story. Time travelling back to the 17th century to meet the love of your life.
Falling in love despite all the odds. This story will make you smile and remember the falling head long into love feelings

Delightful Christmas read! Maren and Duncan are delicious together. Yes, it's turbocharged but sweet instalove, and for a fairytale Christmas novella that's perfect.

If you need a dose of Brigadoon, Scottish dialogue, kilts and oatcakes, grief and love, this is absolutely perfect! you cannae miss with our wee lassie Maren and the hot Laird Duncan - even in the 17th century. And there's a HEA for everyone - I just loved it!

Thank you so much NetGalley, the author and the publisher, it was a delight :)

A magical tale indeed.. the chemistry between the hero and heroine was obvious from the jump! I loved that both the hero and heroine had strong family and friend connections and it was interesting to watch their relationship unfold! A trip to Scotland sounds great you ken 😉😂

This was difficult to read, even as just a novella. I couldn't get past how improbable Maren's reaction is. 400 years difference would be an extreme culture shock and difficult to transition to. She and Duncan fell in love with no real reasoning or build up.....

“Almost Like Being in Love” is a cutie, Hallmark-y holiday story that reminded me of “Outlander” meets “The Knight Before Christmas.”

This was a breezy, quick-paced holiday romance that’s worth picking up if you want cozy, curled-up-by-the-fire holiday vibes! (perfect to read with some cocoa or cider).

As far as the plot goes— I wasn’t a huge fan of the Insta-love romance between our main characters. The novella essentially starts in second act with very little “build up” before the whole time travel debacle and the issues between blending their worlds seemed a little brushed over. Still, I think that I would definitely pick this up again!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Swoon. Swoon, Swoon.

Those three words aren't enough, but will have to do for now.

Maren is out looking for her long-lost uncle when she stumbles upon a magical Scottish village during the Christmas season.

If that sentence doesn't get you excited, I don't know what will.

This novella is so romantic and beautifully written that you'll be wanting to be cozied up with a cup of wassail near a crackling fireplace, perhaps even with some Celtic Christmas music faintly playing in the background.

The descriptions of Scotland are so amazing that anyone will get wanderlust, and wishing that you could actually visit Highglen.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest review.

Almost Like Being in Love by Sariah Wilson was charming, humorous and so captivating.
This book is pure fun. The characters are so loveable, their relationship and dynamic is entertaining and adorable. I didn't want to say goodbye to them at the end.
The story also has a very likable cast of supporting characters.
Appealing characters, amusing and moving descriptions, and immersive writing style I had the best time with this book.
Almost Like Being in Love was an adorably unique story that had a lot of heart and was a ton of fun.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Montlake for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Like everything else I've read by Sariah Wilson I fell in love with this book from the very beginning. This is one that you won't be able to put down once you start it. I was laughing and crying the entire time I was reading it. I loved that it had Outlander vibes. I loved the chemistry between Maren and Duncan as well as Maren and Duncan's family. The ending has me hoping for more as I fell in love with all of the characters.

Very cheesy, very implausible, but ultimately pretty charming and easy reading.

It's a modern take on Brigadoon, where Americans Maren and Penny accidentally stumble across a magical Scottish village when trying to find out what happened to Maren's uncle who disappeared decades ago. The village only appears at random intervals, and while time marches on at a normal pace in the regular world, time is much slower in the magical village.

Maren instantly falls in love with the village's Laird, and I mean instantly. Love at first sight, indeed. They join in with the clan's holiday celebrations until it's time for Maren and Penny to return to the real world.

I don't so much mind the magical village where time doesn't pass, but it was inconsistent. The week they spend in the village was also a week they had been missing in the real world. Then, later, when Maren and Declan are reunited, it had been five days for him but eleven months for her. I don't care if it's magic, just make it consistent magic, you know?

That and the insta-love were too much for me, but I can see how this book could be enjoyed by the right audience. It's cute and heartwarming and full of cheer, just not for me.

Sweep yourself up in the Scottish Highlands in this amazing five-star read. I will be honest when I realised that it was a time travelling woman being magically swept up in time travel and finding the man of her dreams and living happily ever after, I wasn’t expecting much, as that’s the type of story I avoid, and by any other author I wouldn’t have bothered, but as it was Sariah Wilson I gave it a go, as they have a wonderful way of sweeping you into the story, twirling you round as they dance a jig. Highglen sounds amazing, and my brain has been sparking with story ideas where they could go with this one, but honestly even if they stop at just this one visit my heart would be full. You will care so deeply for all of the Campbells and the visitors to the glen, they will worm their way into your heart as you read each page.

This was a cute story with lots of festive feeling and traditions explored which I enjoyed. While I expect the romance to be quick in a novella, it was just far too rushed for my own personal taste in this book and made it hard to invest heavily in the relationship between the two Bain characters. I also felt the friendship between Maren and Penny was more tell than show the closeness and it did take a suspension of belief that they had almost no struggles adapting to 17th century Scotland in Winter.
Overall though I had fun reading this story and would recommend if you’re looking for something that feels festive without being overly Christmassy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free arc of this novella in exchange for an honest review.

This was a sweet, fun Christmas novella with a time travel twist that I could totally see as a Hallmark movie!

Maren and her friend Penny are traveling in the Scottish Highlands when they are stranded after their car breaks down. While trying to find help they are transported to the village of Highglen in the past where she meets Duncan. The time travel aspect and the villagers knowledge of it were so well done. It was well thought out, so the details all fit nicely in the novella length story. This allowed for the focus to really be on Maren and Duncan falling for one another. Their romance is insta-love, and while that's normally not my favorite it worked here. I would have loved more from this world and these characters and hope Sariah writes more about Highglen someday!

Short, sweet, swoony, Christmassy... the perfect novella to kick off the cooler months and get ready for the holiday season! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this one in advance of publication.

This is an incredibly cute Christmas novella! Given it is short and chritmasy I was expecting a light story so I was pleasantly surprised by the emotional depth. While I am not sure I believe in love at first sight it worked for me in this story. I enjoyed Maren and Duncan’s connection and felt like it was deep even though it happened quickly. I loved how this book celebrated all kinds of love not just romantic love. This was my first read by Sariah Wilson but it won't be my last! Once I picked this one up I couldn’t put it down! A must add to your holiday season TBR!