*claps hands*

Hello and welcome to another meeting of the Review Club. And what’s the first rule of the Review Club?

*nods*

That is correct! *points finger*

What’s said within these reviews stays within these reviews!

In other words when Laura (i.e. moi!) gets overly emosh and gushy – You. Do. Not. Repeat. It!

Are we all agreed?

Because it’s just us, can I make a confession? Well, as you all know by now, I have a bit of an historical-romance-fiction-addiction going on. Yet, I generally steer clear of Scottish ones. “Why?”, you may ask. Well, this Scots girl has a bit of an aversion to the overabundance of doonas and kens that can be found in some historical stories.

I’m happy to report that there wasn’t a doona in sight, and although there was a sprinkling of kens, I was so absorbed in the story that I didn’t give them a second thought!

After living the last few years in her own personal hell, I loved watching Marian learn to live, love, and above all, trust once again. (*whispers* She didn’t hit the Duke hard enough in my opinion.)

A wife was never in Cameron’s plans. As the war chief for the Clan MacKinlay, he is a man laden with responsibilities and knows better than most how quickly a life can be cut short. Why risk your heart under such circumstances?

I’ve got one word for Cam – swoon! He may give off an air of ‘Don’t mess with me!’ but he is one rugged, gorgeous, gentle, caring specimen of man-mountain-deliciousness. Come on, can you imagine having that rumbling brogue whispering all sorts of naughty delights in your ear?...

Right? Hot AF!

*coughs*

Where was I?

Ah...

My heart was in my mouth towards the end of the story worrying if it was all going to work out. Honestly, I was doing my best Braveheart impersonation, ranting about those blasted English, and shouting ‘Freedom’ at the top of my lungs! Okay, I admit that my words were a bit bluer *shrugs*. I got caught up – it happens *blushes*.

This book was everything I love about historical romance. Cam and Mari’s story is full of drama, suspense, intrigue, passion, and love.

In short, I can’t wait for the next in the series!

This is an amazing book. The storyline was excellent. It was full of danger, death, fear, doubts, threats but more importantly it was full of love and loyalty. Marian/Mari killed her husband in self-defense. After five years of severe sadistic physical abuse and emotional abuse she feared for her life and the deed was done. Knowing she would hang for killing a peer of the realm she ran. It took her a month to reach Dunardy in Scotland where her younger sister lived and was married to the laird. I feel the author did justice to Mari's behavior. For example, fear around men, when feeling threatened whether real or imagined she would automatically jerk away, fearing saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing that would result in a beating, withdrawal from society, feeling ugly, ashamed of herself and her body. When she was with Cameron/Cam she was constantly nervous, worried and fearful. Luckily for Mari, Cam was a gentle giant. He was the war chief for the MacKinlay Clan and was an exceptional warrior. But when not in battle he was kind, fun, gentle, considerate, did not jump to conclusions, would blame himself when anything went wrong but more importantly, he had patience for Mari. He knew she was damaged inside and out and gave her the respect and space she needed without her asking. This is a moving emotional realistic raw account of two people healing each other. An excellent read and I highly recommend it.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. This book was just amazing. I just lost myself in this story and didn’t want it to end. It was really well written and just drew in you into these characters lives. I look forward to seeing what’s next from this author.

I enjoyed the book. Plot was not too original but it is enjoyable anyways. I always enjoy happy ends.

Rating 4.5/5*

This historical romance starts with Marian Fletcher Blackley, Duchess of Endsmere killing her abusive husband, running off to seek sanctuary with her sister in Scotland, about to be captured by bounty hunters who are chasing her when pleads with a stranger for help. That stranger is War Chief Cameron MacKinlay and, to protect her, he claims they’re chasing the wrong person as she’s his wife . . . . however, with the material around their wrists they are now handfasted and really married to each other in Scottish law!

This is a rivetting romance with great characters together with plenty of suspense and action. The danger from the English posed by Marian staying with the MacKinlay clan causes all kinds of rifts and tensions as Marian is determined not to make the clan suffer from her actions. As the romance between her and Cameron develops it portrays the difficulties experienced by victims of spousal abuse even after the abusive relationship has ended. Cameron may well be the fierce and determined War Chief, but he’s also kind, considerate, patient and loving – what a hero! As secrets regarding her relationship with her first husband are revealed, Cameron is determined to help her feel safe and in no way threatened by him. He attempts to give her confidence to voice her annoyance with him but these back fire leading to some lovely moments. However, it is the last few chapters that are the most moving in this story – but I’ll leave you to read it for yourself to discover just why!

This is a superb historical romantic suspense and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys this genre – or maybe would like to try it to see if they enjoy it!

Thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

Her Accidental Highland Husband by Allison B. Hanson
Clan MacKinlay #1

Kill or be killed
That was her choice
Kill him she did and then
She ran for her life.

Dogs on her heels
Men on horses
She ran and breathless
She saw a braw man.

Climbing him like a tree
She whispered in his ear
Would he save her
Or turn her away.

A pursuer asked her a question
He asked her again
The braw man and she answered
And the words spoken changed their lives forever.

This was a wonderful book! The introduction captured my attention and the way Cam and Mari met was perfection. I loved it from beginning to end!

What I liked:
* Mari: raised to make the perfect match, obedient, abused by her husband, fearful but stronger than she knew. I really liked her character.
* Cam: a man that avoided love and marriage, a devoted friend, humorous, intelligent, a man who loved deeply once he fell. He was a man I admired.
* Kenna and Lachlan: sister and brother-in-law to Mari, truly in love with one another, put the clan first though it wasn’t always easy.
* The Dowager Duchess of Endsmere: a curmudgeonly old woman guarding her heart, suffered a loss long ago, and has secrets that might save a life
* The whole story…the highs and lows, happy times and sad one, all of it from beginning to end!

What I did not like:
* That women were considered no better than possessions to be treated as the men in their lives chose
* The laws of the times

Did I like this book? Definitely
Would I read more in this series? As soon as possible!

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing-Amara for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

I enjoyed the book most of the time. The characters were well written and the romance was a slow burner, which I think suited the pair. I got a bit annoyed with the pairs constant repetition of their reasonings. I think most readers can remember why somebody doesn't want to get married or has a fear or being abused and doesn't need it repeated again and agin.

Good and bad here... overall I loved the story line, really intriguing, captures you, starts off great.
Then the middle stalls and stalls, saying the same thing over and over.
The ending picked up and was going along great until its just.... over.

I am really torn with this novel because I so loved the story. The author is a good writer. But the format of the story didn't work for me. The entire middle section as mentioned was the same points, the words just said in different ways over and over to fill pages. The story didn't progress, it tried to but then would come back to the same thing. I felt that Ms. Hanson could have been so much more cleaver and really worked the mid-story into something better, The characters were also a bit shallow. Not too steamy, much left to the imagination. A sweet love story.
The ending was rushed, it started to uptick and get good then just ended which was a real let down.
I will check out more of this authors books because I enjoyed this for the most part but with the repetitiveness and a flat middle section, I can only do 3 stars. .

Book:Her Accidental Highlander Husband
By Allison B. Hanson

Series: Clan MacKinlay , Book #1

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
Tartan Book Reviews
Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb’s Kilted Book Review Blog

Heat Rating: Sweet ❤️

Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars and Kilts


Scotland

Marian Fletcher Blackley, Duchess of Endsmere, killed her husband in self defense. Her husband had been abusing her secretly for years as she has the scars to prove it. Afterall, she was only defending herself, yet the English court won’t see it that way at all and would execute this Scottish lass in a heartbeat. This includes the fact he was a Duke, even if his wife is his duchess, as she does not have a scratch on her. However, the English nobility will see her as nothing but a dirty Scot ‘murdering a peer of the realm! Marian’s family had forced her into a marriage with a man that hated her. Now was time for her great escape in Marian’s opinion, the only safe place was to her sister in Scotland, where her sister lives and is married to Laird MacKinlay. One thing she knew for sure is she would never again get shackled to any man in matrimony and give him power to dominate and humiliate her ever again! Nor has she any interest of being any man’s slave to hurt her both mentally and physically ever again.

War Chief, Cameron MacKinlay, watched his mother’s heart shatter into a million pieces when she lost her husband. A loss she will never get over, as her husband’s death totally destroyed her. It broke his heart watching his mother in so much pain as boy. He promised himself that he would never go through such heartbreak and misery in his life nor put a wife through that heartache! His life was fine the way it was - with his position in his Clan, his property, and the people of his clan. Unfortunately his Laird want him to make a marriage alliance with an enemy clan. Cam refuses the alliance and is being punished breaking rock when he life takes a new turn. He soon encounters a woman looking like a woodland fairy Queen falling into his braw arms! This woodland fairy is also running for her dear life from this bloody sassenach bounty hunter, who is right on her very bonny arse as his dogs are nipping at her heels! Wanting to protect this bonny lass from the hated english he claims she is his wife, they both agreed they were married to each other. Not realizing the conditions with witnesses, they had just entered a handfasting marriage agreement which is legal and binding for a year and a day. They can’t end the marriage if Mari has a child during that time or if they never conceive they can dissolve the marriage agreement. Yet the law is the law, Cam soon realizes he will do anything to protect her! Will this marriage be anything more than a marriage in name only? Will the English catch on to their charade and arrest and execute Mairi for the Duke’s murder? Will the Laird ever find a groom to get his marriage alliance with an enemy clan? So many possibilities but what will the conclusion be? Read and find out!

All I can say is wow! My first book by this author, but definitely won’t be my last. I am no stranger to Entangled publishers and their talented authors!It seems each Scottish historical book I have read from these publishers is always brilliant and this seems to follow the same path, which I have read previously. So if you enjoy Entangled authors like Lori Anne Bailey, Heather McCollum, Jennifer Trethewey, E. Elizabeth Watson then you will definitely enjoy Allison B. Hanson too.

It was a riveting fast paced, page turning, romantic adventure that Scottish historical readers will love. In addition it is a definite emotional, nail biter with so many twists and turns i was holding on at the edge of my seat! I absolutely loved this book the setting was breathtaking, the multidimensional characters were absolutely brilliant , magnificent dialogue and the plotting kept me on my toes, never knowing what to anticipate next! This book just blew me away and I read in one sitting. I can’t wait to read the next book from this author!



Disclaimer: I received an advance reader’s copy from Entangled Publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

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What a great story! I was wondering how one would go about accidentally getting married, but for Mari's sake... I glad she accidentally married Cam! I loved the characters and couldn't help pulling for them. They both came from some dark places to find each other (fate, of course). I love the depth of the characters, the scenery, the development of the romance-after-the-marriage. Well done! This is my first book from this author, and I look forward to reading more from her. Loved it!

I’ve enjoyed Her Accidental Highlander Husband though for me this story moved way to slowly. It’s a historical set largely in Scotland during the reign of Charles I and subsequently the Cromwell era. I thought author Allison B Hanson did an excellent job of depicting the appalling situation faced by women victims of violent husbands at that time in history, particularly when those husbands happen to be peers of the realm.
I truly felt for poor Marian, stuck between a rock and a hard place after escaping from her monster of a husband only to be pursued as a murderer for killing him in self defence. I loved Cam, a Highland war chief with a soft centre. He was a perfect foil for Marian’s anxiety though it turned out he had his own concerns.
Although the pace was slowish the story held my interest. I desperately want3d to know whether and how Marian would be able to have the murder charge overturned and as it happened help came from an unexpected place. A nice ending to an interesting story.

Having read this author before but this is first time in this genre. I was happy too that this is the beginning of a series. Marian has it rough and on the run. She ends up in Scotland where her sister is. Oh the surprise will be on how this takes a turn when she does get there she is saved by a War Chief whom has that one declaration of not gonna marry business. Cameron will get it turned around too and the chemistry will climb. As it continues we will be given a good tale to read with also seeing some hearts taken.

Her Accidental Highlander Husband by Allison B. Hanson is an exceptionally well written tale.
The storyline will grab you from the start and hold you in awe. The characters are engaging, charming and realistic. An emotional rollercoaster that will make you cry, laugh, and so many other emotions as you watch Marian and Cam’s story, come to life. While part of a series, "MacKinley Clan."I feel it can be read as a stand alone.
An interesting and unpredictable story of love, danger, and so much more. An enjoyable and satisfying read.
#NetGalley, #HerAccidentalHighlanderHusband, #AllisonBHanson, #EntangledAmara


"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however,  these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR

Cameron MacKinlay certainly did not come up short here, my fellow Scottish romance book loving friends. And I’m not just talking about his mountain of manly muscle build and his well earned beast of a warrior’s heart on the battlefield reputation. When it came to clan, family, and helping the defenseless, he was also an alpha protective, gentle giant who would tear anyone limb from limb who threatened them. You might say his only flaw was his at first determined stance never to love knucleheadedness. Even that though was done with well meaning but misguided intentions.

Marian had made one heck of an unavoidable mess when she finally had no choice but to fight back against her abusive duke of a husband. Patience and resourcefulness got her into Cameron’s arms and heart, but it was her own courage that would truly determine their fate.

I honestly don’t want to give anything away here, so my review will have to be brief. Just know that I did enjoy meeting and spending time with this main couple and the supporting cast of characters. It was a surprisingly romantic, sweet, emotional read, especially near the verra end. Make no mistake though, there are plenty of graphic smexy scenes after they get to know and trust one another. Sir Galahad had nothing over this handsome Scottish type knight in shining armor. Joan of Arc would have been proud of Lady Mairen, as well.

Title: Her Accidental Highlander Husband, Series: Clan MacKinlay (Book 1), Author: Allison B. Hanson, Pages: 400, stand-alone but part of a series, damsel in distress, afraid to love hero, graphic steam, some violence, flashbacks of spousal abuse, HEA, romance safe, no OW OM drama, no cheating, no love triangle, longer than I expected.

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, NetGalley, or PR firm.)

Pure escapism is what I look for in a highlander romance and this first book in Allison B. Hanson's new Clan MacKinley series definitely fits the bill.

]War chief Cameron MacKinlay has resolved to stay a bachelor, but when Marian Blackley runs out of the woods - pursued by an English bounty hunter, determined to bring her to justice for murdering her abusive husband - she turns his world upside down when she climbs him like a tree. Before he's really sure what is going on, they are handfasted and soon agree that theirs will be a marriage in name only.

That first meeting, the premise, the push and pull of their relationship - such a fun read, though I think I blinked and missed the moment of transition from "must resist this attraction" and "let's consummate this thing," and despite the darker themes involving Mari's first husband. While I was relieved that the author avoided the old romance stereotype of the homosexual villain, I found that I would have preferred rolling my eyes at that cliche to reading about (however briefly) the depravity that was revealed.

With humor, drama, action, and romance, this is an enjoyable first-in-series story. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

This review refers to a digital copy I voluntarily read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher, and contains only my own honest opinions. A positive review was not required.

After years with a husband, a Duke no less, who took abuse to an extreme level, and facing the distinct possibility that this time would cost her life, Marion strikes first. Now he’s dead and she is running for her life. Cameron, War Chief of Clan MacKinlay, is clearing boulders from a field on MacKinlay land when a woman screaming for help streaks from the woods into his arms. To save her from the English tracker who intends to take her back to London for trial for her husband’s murder, Cameron declares he and Marion are married. It works, for the moment. Neither wants to be married, but a marriage of convenience might work to their advantage. He doesn’t have to marry the Laird’s daughter, and she is protected by the clan. A perfect solution? Probably not.

This story is a wild rollercoaster of emotion – laughter, tears (lots of them), worry, uncertainty, hope, and love. Marion is terrified, and who can blame her. She is also a loving person who is willing to sacrifice herself to protect those she cares about. Cameron is tough as nails. He is also gentle and kind, especially with the children, and with Marion. The secondary, or better, supporting characters include Marion’s sister Kenna and her husband Lachlan, Laird of Clan Mackinlay. The villain is dead, so his effect is emotional. When Marion faces trial, and all seems lost, the Dowager Duchess of Endsmere does something totally unexpected. Exciting, engaging, and enjoyable, with characters to fall in love with, I recommend this lovely story.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Her Accidental Highlander Husband is the first book in the Clan MacKinlay series by Allison B. Hanson. A steamy historical romance that pulls you in from the beginning. Hanson's writing style is sure to take you on an emotional roller coaster full of drama, laughs, and heated chemistry. The Clan MacKinlay series starts with a steamy romance that is sure to keep you turning the pages and leave you wanting more!

Her Accidental Highlander Husband is the first book in the new Clan MacKinlay series, and it was a great book to start the series! It was well written and flowed smoothly between chapters. The storyline was interesting, and the characters were amazing. The author did such a great job creating characters that the reader could empathize with. It was so emotional, and I couldn’t put it down until the end because I knew they had to have a happy ending!
Marian Blackley, Duchess of Endsmere, knew that one of them would die that night when her abusive husband came into her room. In self-preservation mode, she kills her husband and must flee England. With limited places to go, she decides to go to Scotland where her younger sister lives. After weeks of traveling, she is so close to her sister’s home, but the English are right behind her. When she runs out into the clearing, she sees a man and asks for his help never expecting to marry him. Marriage was not part of her plan, but it did deter the English at the time. She knows they will come back and as she grows closer to her sister and her sister’s clan; Marian knows she must surrender herself in order to save her sister’s family.
Cameron “Cam” MacKinlay was the war chief for the MacKinlay clan. He never wanted to marry after seeing the devastation his mom went through every time his father left to lead into battle. He never wanted to worry about dying and leaving a wife and children when he went to war. His laird was trying to convince him to marry a daughter from another clan to make an alliance but marrying Marian by accident relieved him of that burden. He vows to keep her safe from the English but who will protect her from herself?
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The book was easy to read and kept my attention. I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really loved this book! Marianne is on the run. She's committed a horrible crime. Cameron is minding his own business when he suddenly finds himself married to Marianne. As his wife, he vows to protect her. Now he just has to help her overcome her fears, and help her learn to trust again. This story addresses the horrible way husbands were allowed to treat their wives many years ago. Cameron's tenderness of treating Marianne brought tears to my eyes. Wonderful story that I'll be sure to follow along in the next book!

4.5 stars. Her Accidental Highlander Husband was a very sweet, romantic tale. After years of abuse, Marian breaks and kills her husband who is an English duke. She escapes to Scotland and is being hunted by the crown. She just makes it to her sister's husband's land and launches herself at a man she sees in the field.

Cameron MacKinley is working in the field when a woman running away from a pack of soldiers and dogs leaps into his arms. What's he to do? Claims she is his wife and by Scotts law they are now married. But Cameron never wanted a wife or a family of his own. Marian certainly never wanted to remarry. But they are stuck with each other now.

Cameron and Marian's love story is very sweet. She has been terribly abused and he is so patient and loving with her. They hide their feelings, but their chemistry is clear for all in their clan to see. Marian knows these days won't last - she is wanted for murder in England. How will they stay together when Marian's past catches up with them?

Very good book - I really enjoyed Cam and Marian's tale. There were love scenes but not erotic - they could have used more heat,