'The Beast of Aros Castle' by Heather McCollum is book One in the "Highland Isles" series. This is the story of Tor and Ava. Ava was taken in by Grace's family when she was a baby. Grace and Ava are like sisters with Ava being the more protective one of the two. So after Grace's mother died there is just the father and the stepbrother, Grace and herself. Problem is that the father is now sick and the Step-brother is evil. He wants Ava and has tried a few times to take her. In addition, he has even started to make advances to his step-sister Grace. Ava comes up with a plan to help Grace and her escape but setting up a Marriage to Grace's father business friend. So they are both off to Scotland with Grace sitting to marry and Ava being maid/companion. But Grace gets cold feet when she hears what a 'Beast" Tor is. So they switch places but when they arrive Tor refuses to let them in because he doesn't want to marry. Ava gets him to agree to give them a chance to get to know each other. Tor first wife was a dishonest and he does not wish to marry again because he doesn't trust his next wife to be honest either.
Wow...this book hit so many emotions along with some funny spots. I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait for more by Ms. McCollum! "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Aveline Sutton, Ava to her friends and her friend Lady Grace Ellington grew up together when Grace's mother, the Countess takes Ava in after her own mother dies and raises her along side Grace. As Edgar Ellington, the Earl of Somerset lies dying, Grace's half brother the next Earl, Vincent Ellington, tells Ava all of the things she will need to do to make up for the care his family had given her over the years, and that includes his half sister, he's not above incestuous notions. Needing to escape him, they forge a betrothal with Tor Macleans father for Tor and Grace.
However, the two switch places and when they get there, Tor does not agree with the proposal, and vows to send them both back.

Ava needs to seduce Tor into agreeing to marry, even though he says he has no heart and she won't lose hers, because under no circumstances can they be sent back into the evil clutches of Vincent.

So here is the question, does she succeed? And will either of them find that hearts have a mind of their own?

Captivating and exciting, it will keep you turning the pages. I loved it

I voluntarily received an advanced readers copy from Netgalley

It’s a classic, folks. The Beast of Aros Castle had all the classic elements I’ve come to enjoy in a great romantic read from this particular genre. Reluctant to love doesn’t even begin to describe Laird Tor. This handsome, mountain of muscle has been manipulated in the past, and he’s too manly to ever let that happen again. But those big strong walls around his heart don’t stand a chance when Lady Ava storms his castle ready to do whatever is necessary to protect herself and her lifelong friend, Grace, from an evil threat.

With engaging writing that flowed seamlessly across the pages, I journeyed along with this sassy/sweet/loyal heroine and the stubborn/been burnt before widow hero as their chemistry/attraction then ultimately love would not be denied. But when the truth is finally revealed regarding Ava and Grace’s identity, Tor’s past and pride puts this main couple in jeopardy of being ripped part, especially with the predictable return of an evil villain.

Speaking of predictability, the author did a great job of taking what could have been a too predictable story line and turned it into a suspenseful, romantic tale filled with angst, danger, twists and turns, and a very sweet, heart-melting conclusion.

Here’s to hoping you’ll feel the same about this one, my fellow Scottish romance book-loving friends. This “new to me” author has definitely caught my attention, and I hope to read the rest of this series and more books by her, as well.

Rating: 4.5 stars, would have been 5 stars if not for the brief OW drama.

Title: The Beast of Aros Castle, Series: Highland Isles (Book 1), Author: Heather McCullom, Pages: 228, stand-alone but part of a series, HEA, Verra steamy scenes, sassy/sweet/loyal virgin heroine, laird/widow hero reluctant to wed/love, OTT evil relative villain, some OW drama, no OM drama, hiding a secret, no love triangle, attempted rape scene, pushes her away.

(This review is based on advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, Edelweiss, and Barnes & Noble.)

The Beast of Aros Castle by Heather McCollum is Book 1 of the Highland Isles Series.

Yum - serious deliciousness all in between the covers of this fantastic read! Definite must-read!

Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.

The Beast of Aros Castle by Heather Mccollum is an exciting new series, "Highland Isles". Set against the backdrop off the coast of Scotland, on the Isle of Mull.

This is, Tor Maclean, the new chief of Aros Castle, and Ava's story, an English lady. Fast paced, page turner filled with danger, passion, secrets, deceit, betrayal, challenges, greed, and romance.

Can Ava, find her HEA in the arms of Tor, a dangerous Highland chief? Or will all be lost to the deception and lies, told by Ava to save her beloved friend?

I was glued to the pages of this fascinating dramatic romance. Ms. McCollum did not disappoint me with her vivid descriptions, her captivating characters and the storyline was intriguing and masterfully written.
A must read Highland Romance! I can't to read Book 2 in this fantastic series! Grab a copy for yourself!
I received a complimentary copy.

Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

I found this book on netgalley and received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I was initially drawn to this book for a few reasons. The cover caught my eye (yummy!) and the blurb sounded fun – who doesn’t love a good Highland story every now and again? While I have never read anything else by Heather McCollum, it is the first in a series, so I knew I wouldn’t be missing out on any backstory, inside jokes, or character nuances. It was published by one of my preferred publishing houses, as well, so I decided to give it a go.

Honestly, I loved this book and enjoyed it more than I probably should. When taken apart, it is nothing exceptional – the writing is good, but it uses several common writing tropes. The characters are familiar, but frustrating. The villain and the overall plot are laid out from the very first page and everything unfolds predictably. And, while it is set in 1522, there was nothing that really anchored it to that time. It could just have easily been set 200 years earlier or 200 years later. But, that summation really does not do justice to the story’s warmth, the well-developed characters, and sense of empathy and relatability the story conveys. This is a book that is certainly worth more than the sum of its parts!

As for the hero and heroine in this story, Ava and Tor, well, I thought they were charming, flawed, and infinitely relatable. Ava is very brave, but also a bit foolish, rushing full speed ahead with her plans when she hasn’t fully thought them through. For most of the book, I wished she and Grace would confide their plight to Tor or any of the secondary characters, which was wholly frustrating, but also understandable when they’re trying to survive day to day. Tor has relationship PTSD and is understandably skittish around Ava. Despite his moniker, he is honorable and can be charming, though he has a way to go before the beast will be warm and fuzzy. He is also very proud and stubborn, which works in his favor in some areas, but holds him back in others. He was particularly slow to speak, and very stubborn, in the last 10% of the book and I mostly wanted to kick him (and Bridget) in this shins for being so frustrating.

In general, I liked this book. For now, it works as a stand-alone novel, but I look forward to more books in this series. If you’re looking for a fun, familiar Highlands romance, I can enthusiastically recommend this one.

This is an honest review in exchange for this ARC. Nice read with great characters. Worth the price for sure.

I liked this book.

Ava and Grace are desperate to escape Grace's vile half brother Vincent. So they hatch a mad scheme to marry Grace off to a business associate of her father's in Scotland.

Tor is the chieftain of the Maclean's of Mull and is referred to as the Beast of Aros. His father has recently passed and asked Tor to marry his associates daughter to protect the clan from the English. Tor has flat out refused to marry Lady Grace. Tor was married once before and betrayed by his wife, he really doesn't trust women and especially not English women.

Grace is terrified of the "Beast" and Ava decides that she will impersonate Grace and marry Tor in her place. When they arrive they are informed that Tor will not marry Grace and that they can just go back to England. This is not an option for the ladies and Ava finagles her way to the castle.

Tor is struck by Ava's beauty, but still refuses to let them stay or to consider marriage. The first scene where they meet is absolutely hilarious and Ava manages to convince Tor to let them stay and consider marriage.

The story is entertaining and at times emotional. There are some very funny moments, some steamy loves scenes, lots of secrets, a jealous ex-lover, some terrifying and violent moments and a whole host of secondary characters. The book is pretty well written and flows well, but the ending was a bit disappointing, I felt like there were many things that needed to be addressed that where just ignored. I think an epilogue would have gone a long way to clearing up these issues and could have made this a 5 star book.

I did enjoy the book and would recommend it and I would definitely read more from this author.

I heart author Heather McCollum's books. :D The characters she brings to the pages whether they are dastardly, comical, charming or downright sizzling - they never cease to entertain from one page to the next. In Ms McCollum's latest novel, The Beast Of Aros Castle, Ava and Grace's crusade held all sorts of challenges and obstacles, not the least of which their subterfuge/deception. Tor from the start added a few beats to this readers heart ;) Even the secondary characters in the story were stand outs in what was a stellar start to the Highland Isles series.
Review copy received from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley

I loved it! A fun romp through the highlands with enjoyable characters. This is my first Heather McCollum book but not my last..

efinitely a buy buy buy book..... in my opinion. I try to not slant reviews and to be honest with all I write in them. So I am going to try again to justify my 5 stars though.... arguably it could be 4. This book has so many depths that I had to go 5 stars. It touches on life and emotions. It has loyalty of kin, loyalty of love as well as loyalty of family. It shows the scars and blemishes that can occur in relationships while still finding love. A mystery, a crime, passion, romance, stubbornness. The characters are strong as well as being intuitive. They are creative as well as being likable. I was engrossed as well as cheering the ladies on in this story. A very well written story. I can only hope the series continues and becomes better with each one. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

This book was much better than I expected it to be. I enjoyed the novel's plot and the characters. The author had a god writing style. There were several plot twists and unexpected revelations, especially about the lead female character. This story contains romance, betrayal, adventure, and most importantly, deception.
Ava Sutton and her mistress, Grace Ellington, flee from their home due to Grace's half-brother Vincent, who wants to control both women. and with Grace's father dying, it is their only option. He wants Ava and will do whatever he can to have her. Grace's father wrote to the chief of Aros Castle to have Grace wed his son, Tor Maclean, the Beast of Aros Castle on the Isle of Mull. Tor does not wish to marry again after his first wife lied about being with child. He believes all women are liars.
Ava switches places with Grace, since she fears Tor. Ava stands up to Tor and he respects her for it. However, Ava and Grace are weaving several lies to protect themselves from Vincent. Ava feels guilty for lying to Tor, especially after she marries him. Tor begins to open up more to Ava, and when she thinks she is pregnant, she knows she must tell the truth. When Vincent comes to the isle to confirm Grace's letter that she is wed and Ava is dead, Tor becomes angry for believing a woman's lies once again. Ava realizes she is in love with Tor and knows how much this hurts him. Tor is dealing with Ava's deceptions, protecting his clan from the English, and his sister. He lies to Vincent to protect Ava, but Vincent is a devious character. Vincent finds Ava alive and Ava goes with him to protect Grace and the people of Aros. Will Tor save Ava from Vincent or will he allow her to suffer at the hands of Vincent? Will Tor be able to forgive Ava and realize they both love each other? Read and find out!!