The synopsis pretty much sums up the first few chapters and all of the details and secrets of Marian’s “Mari” hellish marriage to the duke are brought to light early on, which lead to some rather lengthy lulls in the story that merely re-hash the reasons why this couple are adamant about not falling in love.
HOWEVER, the salvation of this story lies within its characters. Cameron may be the war chief of clan MacKinlay, but he is also a big old teddy bear when dealing with Mari’s fears and endearingly bumbling in his attempts to coax his wife out of her protective shell.
And Mari, bless her heart, has endured the kind of hellish torture that leaves more scars on your soul than your body, but still she remains courageous and warm-hearted enough to recognize that her accidental husband is a treasure to be appreciated.
While there are the lulls I mentioned earlier, within those lulls there are also uniquely beautiful scenes that help to forge the kind of bond that makes the final acts of this story not only believable but incredibly touching.
The secondary characters in this story were also pretty amazing and I was honestly surprised to discover upon gathering the book details for this review, that this was the first in the series and not the second as I had assumed, given the many references to Mari’s sister Kenna and her husband, the MacKinlay laird’s own romantic adventure. Having never read this author before and being impressed enough by this story to want to go read theirs, I will admit to being both confused and disappointed. If Ms. Hanson does intend to release Kenna and Lachlan’s story the order in the series seems a bit odd and if not, then the teases and breadcrumbs indicating a larger story for these characters was very naughty indeed.
Overall, Her Accidental Highlander Husband is a satisfying read and requires only a little patience on the readers part to enjoy the journey completely.

Marian Fletcher Blackley, Duchess of Endsmere, is on the run. She has just killed her husband in self-defense, but that matters little to the English. Marian makes it all the way to Scotland and manages to escape the Crown by the skin of her teeth. Thank goodness she ran into War Chief Cameron Mackinlay first.

Cam is surprised when a beautiful woman runs straight into his arms., but even more surprised when he finds himself claiming to be her husband in order to save her life. He never intended it to be an actual marriage, but unfortunately, due to Scots law, they are legally wed. Cam tries to resist at first, but before long, he begins to see the benefits of having a real marriage. What will happen when the law finally catches up to Marian?

Allison B. Hanson is a new-to-me author. HER ACCIDENTAL HIGHLANDER HUSBAND is the first in her Clan Mackinlay series and it starts off with a bang. From page one, we are thrown right into an adventure fraught with danger. Marian was in an abusive relationship, and in self-defense ended it. She's got nowhere to go except maybe to her sister's home in Scotland. Marian meets Cam along the way, and wonder of wonders, he is a good friend of her sister's. Cam coaxes her from her shell and teaches her that not all men are cruel like her husband. Together, they grow to trust one another and their love builds slowly, but surely. Their story is one for the keeper shelf.

Such an interesting historical. Good solid characters and writing help move the story along quite nicely. Enjoyed

Spousal abuse is always a touchy subject ,but In the days of the Scottish Clan Vs. English Lords it was even more devastating for the woman because a husband has the right to discipline his wife & children in whatever manner he deems sufficient.

Marian just knew that if she did not fight back that she was about to take her last breath on this Earth. She killed her husband the English Duke. Poor Marian was half English and Scottish, but unfortunately all the English saw was her Scottish heritage!

Running for her life she somehow ended up handfasting to a diehard bachelor, Scottish War Chief Cameron MacKinlay!

This is one book you don’t want to miss reading because the fireworks and how this bachelor is about to fall down the rabbit hole of LOVE!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

This book has two of my favorite tropes: marriage of convenience and friends-to-lovers. The overall story is great and the author really knows how to evoke emotions from the readers with hard-hitting dialogues from the characters. The beginning and ending parts are so engaging and fast-paced while the middle parts are tame and quiet. I really rooted for Mari and Cam, as partners and as individuals by their own. I liked both of their characterization and really felt their humanity. I commend the author for being able to write realistic characters that struggles, made mistakes, and act as a real human being.

The only critique I have for this book is that the transition to different scenes in a chapter is so abrupt and anticlimactic. It's so obvious and not great in my opinion. There are also a lot of chapters were thoughts/phrases are being repeatedly stated over and over again. I mean, I understand Mari's situation and her cautious nature because of the trauma she had experienced and she always reminds herself that she's safe now and there's nothing to worry about. But, I think there are better ways to show that in the story and not just repeat the same exact words/sentences from chapter to chapter. Nonetheless, the story is still good and I don't think the flaws in the writing lessen the quality of the overall story.

The ending is also great and realistic, it made me cry. I legit don't know if I want this book to have a happy ever after or a bittersweet or a straight tragic ending. I low-key want this to end on either a bittersweet or tragic note, since I've never read a historical romance book having a not happy ending, and I think there's a good reason for the characters to have a bittersweet one. This is the first book that even though the ending isn't my choice of ending if I were to write the book, it still gives me satisfaction and made me happy.

Overall, the story is great. The characters are relatable and worth rooting for. The last few chapters are phenomenal, and evokes all the tears and emotions inside you. The writing is simple and nothing special. The cover has a calm and pleasing allure to the eyes, too bad there's no Mari in there. But still, totally worth it and five out of five stars! And I would definitely read more from this author. Highly recommended!

My first book by this new to me author and already I ended up crying late into the night! I really enjoyed the story of Cam and Mari! As they slowly fell in love and how the each acted to protect the other! I hope there's a story for Liam soon! Thank you for the advanced copy, it was an extremely good read!

This was a happy surprise for me! I have never read this author before but I love a marriage of convenience trope, as well as Scottish heros, and the blurb describing the premise promised all of that. And it really delivered.

I can't spoil the way these two meet and end up together because it's DELIGHTFUL. But still, this is not a rom-com. Mari finds herself married to Cam after fleeing to her sister's home in Scotland after murdering her abusive husband in self defense. All of this happens IN THE FIRST CHAPTER. The last few reads I've had were a bit slow in pacing, and this book starts off with a bang and keeps delivering. The plot moves quickly, with a lot of action and character development. I was quickly sucked into the story and didn't want to put it down.

Cam is a true cinnamon roll hero. No brooding, reluctant hero here. He understands Mari's past trauma and cares for her just as he should. Mari is a heroine with quiet strength. She's not your typical hoyden "strong" heroine, but someone who has endured true trauma and survived. In fact, the abuse she suffers on page warrants a trigger warning for those sensitive to domestic violence.

This was really an enjoyable and easy read with a great emotional arc. There were a lot of great secondary characters, and even though there were some serious things that the characters had to deal with, the book didn't feel heavy the whole time. The ending, and the seemingly impossible situation these two faced, truly tugged at my emotions. I'm glad I took a chance on this one, and would definitely read future books in the series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Marian Blackley. Duchess of Endsmere killed her husband and knew she would hang for it, even though it was self-defence. Escape to the highlands of Scotland is her only hope. Our poor heroine has lived in terror for years and that leaves more than just physical scars.

Cameron ManKinley is the war chief in his brother's clan just as his father was. He decided that because he will aways be on the front line in any battle, he should never marry. His Laird, however is trying to force a wife on him. Our hero is a true warrior and thinks he can fight his problems away. He will soon learn patience.

A very emotional story that will have you reaching for the tissues more than once. Our characters have to face the might of the British aristocracy who hate the Scots. You will not want to put this down once you start.

I loved it.

Her Accidental Highlander Husband, by Allison B. Hanson. Oh wow! This writer really gives her readers a romance story to fall in love with. Her writing is informative. It shares with the readers details on how people lived their daily lives back then, during historical times.
She provided the readers imagination with descriptions and details of the landscape, the peoples homes and what they ate. This gives them the vision that enhances the story.
The writer doesn’t drift away from the plot of the drama and romance that she wants to give her readers. The book reads with ease. It has a good pace for one to take in what the characters are feeling or going through.
The writer gives her readers suspense, romance and drama that absolutely makes this a good book to read. Cameron and Marion meet in a not so believable situation, but when they do, two people walk away married. Hmh. How did that happened? Makes a woman want to runaway to Scotland. Grab herself a brawny Highlander by his arm and wrap a scarf around their conjoined hands. The writer really focuses on the romance and love that grows between Cameron and Mari. The two come together during a very tragic time in Mari’s life. She flees London to seek out her younger sister Keena in Scotland. Mari meets the Cheiftain Warrior Cam. Instantaneously the two are joined together. They settle into a relationship of convenience. So they say. Cam a warrior whose soul purpose of living, is to protect his family. He can see that Mari is going through something and is running from something.
He works hard at trying to connect with Mari to save her from her nightmares. Together Keena and Cam try to convince Mari that she is safe with them. Slowly Cam’s love that he denies he has for Mari surfaces. And the safety and security from the strong handsome Highlander, has Mari feeling things that she hasn’t felt before. She wants to experience these feelings with Cam desperately.
Cam claims it’s lust and Mari enjoys being literally swept off her feet. The two come together, to explore this burning passion that takes over their lust. That lust transforms over to wild lovemaking. As life begins to settle for the two, Mari’s past resurfaces. And this time the couple can’t ignore it. Suddenly, ugly secrets are revealed. Scars are uncovered. The community turns on their leaders. Kidnappings come into play at almost every turn. People are thrown into the gallows facing execution.
Heated battles are put into action. Revenge has been chilled long enough. And a cold hearted duchess has met her match with a warm hearted, Cheiftain Highland Warrior. I recommend this book. Until next time my fellow readers...read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy. <img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/21abbc6d2f62a80d56d9e8ae6c15dff82ebee8dc" width="80" height="80" alt="25 Book Reviews" title="25 Book Reviews"/>

Marian Fletcher Blackley was groomed for her position as a Duchess but she wasn't prepared for the abuse. Years of pain follows her wedding. When she needs to escape, she runs to her sister Lady Kenna and lands in a marriage that is the complete opposite of her past. She is a hunted woman who has found her home but its up to her to protect it. Emotionally stirring story.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a really good story. It is definitely an emotional read and I did enjoy every minute of it. Looking forward to more.

Interesting storyline, even if a bit implausible. The characters are great and the heightened sense of expectation hanging throughout the story adds to its intrigue. There are a few places that the timeline seems to be off, but overall a good read!

First book by this author. Good Highland romance.
After murdering her husband for fear he would kill her Marian leaves afraid she will be killed for murdering a peer of the realm.
She is almost caught when she runs into War Chief Cameron McKinley. In order to save her they say they are married. This becoming handfasted. As luck would have it he knows her sister.
Adventure ensues with learning about her husband and the English that are after her for murder.

This was freakin awesome! Wow, so much feeling and humor and fantastic characters. I have to admit I was a crying mess for a bit, so be warned. Loved it

With all the Highlander romances out there, you would think there are no more original ideas left to be had - but nope! Allison Hanson has managed to make a very original romance between a Highland soldier and a murderess duchess on the run from the law, and I am here for it. It was so entertaining, and I fell in love with all of the characters. Sure, some things you do have to suspend belief for, but most books I love stretch the realm of possibility a bit. That's why I read them! I loved the creativity, the passion, the romance...it had it all. I'm excited that this is just the first in a series, so I have lots of look forward to.

Cameron MacKinlay had just managed to get out of marrying one woman when he suddenly finds himself with an armful of another one, claiming to be his wife and being chased by English soldiers. Not a fan of the English and always willing to help out a lady in distress, Cameron doesn't deny her claim, and when a piece of her dress wraps around their hands, it becomes all too real. In Scotland, declaring your married while holding hands is as good as being wedded in a church, and now they are both married whether they want it or not. Marian Blackley was the Duchess of Endsmere up until she killed her abusive husband, and she flees to Scotland to be with her sister, who is the wife of a Scottish laird. A Scotswoman herself, she wants to be home, but she isn't able to outrun the law forever. Cameron promises to protect her, but as danger draws closer and Marian is forced to acknowledge the danger she brings to the clan, their budding love may not be enough to save her.

This was probably the most comical way I have read about two people meeting who are destined to fall in love. Cameron is a large man, and she literally climbs him like a tree. From then on, their relationship was something that made me misty-eyed and wanting to go out and find my own love. Marian's backstory was terrible and may trigger those of you who are uncomfortable reading about marital abuse. Her husband was vile, and she had so much healing to do over the course of this story. Thankfully, she was given a hero who was patient, kind, and generous with his love. He didn't care what had happened in the past but instead wanted to make sure Marian had a future. Towards the end, I felt her decisions were a little abrupt, and I worried how their relationship would mend. However, it does, and I think it's all the stronger for it.

I'm very excited for the next book in the series! Clan MacKinlay is fast becoming a favorite of mine, and I'm eager to see who is next up to fall in love.

This was incongruous for me. A cinnamon roll highlander? It sounded like a great idea but didn't work out for me in reality. I think the set up was great I just like my Scots more Alpha.

During one of his abusive attacks, Marian Blackley, Duchess of Endsmere, accidentally kills her husband and flees for her life. War Chief Cameron MacKinlay has vowed never to marry, but when Marian runs into his life - chased by dogs and British trackers - he proclaims her his wife...unintentionally handfasting and making her his in truth.

Cam is a perfect "cinnamon roll" hero, firm on the outside but soft and sweet on the inside. Despite not wanting a marriage, he is protective, gentle, and determined to win Mari over. After suffering years of physical and mental abuse from the Duke, Mari has a sort of PTSD. She wants to trust Cam, but her heart, mind, and body aren't on the same page. She also knows the happiness she's building away from England is on borrowed time.

This is my first experience with this author and it was very enjoyable. I liked the writing style and found the story engaging. The romance was well established and the secondary character were great additions. My interest waned a little near the end as Mari dealt with the problems from her former life, but I would definitely look for the next story in this series.

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #HerAccidentalHighlanderHusband #NetGalley

I read this book in a day. That’s how great it was. I’m sad it’s over. Now I need to check if there’s mire books!! This one gripped me in immediately. I was enthralled from page one. Marian’s tale came crashing in at pave one. It was a heartwarming and heart wrenching story that I loved. So powerful. Book provided by NetGalley.

An easy enjoyable read. A slightly different twist to the typical Highlander/English combination which sets up the background story for this book. The main characters are compatible and I liked both of them especially Cam. The secondary characters were well developed so I never had to stop reading to try remember who this character was and how he/she was related to the main characters.

This is a new author to me. Her writing appealed to me and the plot was strong and hung together throughout the story. The middle of the story was slow but overall a good read.

Until running into War Chief Cameron MacKinlay (literally), Marian’s life has lacked love. She was raised for high society to aid her family’s standing. She was married to an abusive Duke who was not in the marriage for love. She must flee England and return to her homeland of Scotland after killing her husband in self defense. She’s rescued by the War Chief and they end up in a handfasted marriage.

I immediately liked not only the main characters but the supporting characters as well. I’m hoping for spin off books for the other characters - especially Lachlan and Kenna. There is one character introduced late in the book that took my heart and bumped up my rating of the book. I can’t really tell more on this character without spoiling the book though. Told from alternating points of view, the book easily kept my attention and kept me coming back for more.

Marian, or Mari as Cameron nicknames her, is a strong young woman who has endured much abuse - both mental and physical. You can’t help but feel her pain and emotional turmoil. She’s got strength still living within her as witnessed from the start with her escape from England.

Cameron has been hurt by the loss of his parents at a young age. After witnessing his mother’s pain of losing her husband in battle, Cameron has sworn never to take a wife or start a family. Unfortunately, his heart didn’t confer with his head. Marian works her way into his heart from the first moment they meet. I don’t see this as insta-love as Cameron frequently denies his love for Marian. However, I could see it would happen from that first moment.

The author managed to fool me a bit about what was to come in the book. I did not see Marian doing what she did in the end. I also question whether the end results would have actually happened in real life. I’m not sure we’re ever told exactly in what time period the book takes place. If we were, I’ve forgotten. I feel like the ending may have been a bit romanticized. However, I tend to like romanticized endings. So it was right up my alley.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Trigger Warning for domestic abuse, incest, death of a child, ptsd.