I am new to historical romance category, having only read four books, and DNF another three. I have to say I stayed up till the early hours of the morning finishing this book, I couldn't put it down.

Right off the bat, the character building is on point, the growing connection between all the characters are pure (Cam and Mari the most) and doesn't ever seemed forced within the story. I also LOVED the couple of twists and turns towards the end, one was totally out of the blue but worked perfectly within the story and connected a lot of dots. I will say again, none of these felt forced, the story had a natural flow throughout it. Personally I have become very picky with books, I need natural connection and world building. This book hits all the marks and more for what I think a historical romance should be.

I am going to be reading this whole series as it comes out and going to find all back log of books from this author to read. The enjoyment from this book was a wonderful surprise, and worth losing sleep over.

After Marian Fletcher Blackley, Duchess of Endsmere, kills her abusive husband in self- defense, she flees to her sister’s clan in Scotland in search of refuge. Pursued by authorities in England, Mari runs into Cameron MacKinlay, the War Chief of her sister’s clan, and, in an attemp to save Mari, Cam claims her as his wife. They agree to remain wed in name only since neither really wants to be married. But can they resist their growing feelings for each other, and what will happen when her past comes back to haunt her?

Her Accidental Highland Husband is a captivating and steamy historical romance with well-developed characters and a page-turning plot. Cam is a patient man, more attuned to his wife’s needs than his own. I find his character interesting, as his personality is so different from the stern warrior facade he presents to the world. Cam is funny and sometimes awkward. He is affectionate and warm, and he is amazing with children. In contrast, Cam is also fierce, bloodthirsty, and relentless in battle. He is a protector, a gentle giant, passionate with a good heart, all of which endears him to Mari.

Mari is a fascinating character, as well. A victim of abuse and on the run from her past, Mari struggles with fear, guilt, and shame. She longs to feel safe again, and living with Cam goes a long way toward her healing. Mari never had freedom, bound by the expectations of her family and the abuse of her first husband, but living with Cam and her sister’s family changes things for her. It changes her. Under their protection, Mari grows more confident and self-assured.

The romance between Mari and Cam is, of course, one of my favorite parts of the story. I love how awkward Cam initially is with Mari. This strong and confident male is brought to his knees by an unassuming and frightened woman, which makes him a little less intimidating and even more appealing in Mari’s eyes. Cam is smitten with Mari from the start. He admires her strength, resilience, and bravery, and he finds her charming and beautiful. However, Mari and Cam both resist their feelings. Cam’s recollections of the past and his mother’s grief over losing her War Chief husband, and Mari’s abuse at the hands of her first husband make both of these characters afraid to love.

Another fantastic aspect of the story is the character’s reverence for books and the written word. As Mari and Cam get to know each other, they use writing as a way to express feelings that prove too difficult to say out loud. When Mari is separated from her sister, they also write to each other, as do other characters in the story. The use of letters throughout the novel adds to the character development and plot progression and appeals to the book lover and writer in me.

Her Accidental Highlander Husband is a great story for readers who like steamy historical romances with well-developed characters and an interesting story-line. Though it is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Marion, Duchess of Endsmere, killed her husband. She doesn't regret it. And he deserved it. But she has to run. And she runs directly into an enormous Clan War Cheiftan named Cameron MacKinlay. He doesn't want a wife and he doesn't want love but this tiny duchess grabs on to him - and he refuses to let go. No matter who comes to take her away.

This was new to me series, author, and a period of history I don't tend to read about - but who can say no to a fake marriage and marriage of convenience with a man in a kilt? Marion is at times not too stupid to live - but maybe - too courageous to live? She is selfless and slowly warms to her unintended husband and her own happiness. Cameron though - is a fabulous hero. A gentle alpha hero with a heart of gold - who definitely won't catch feelings. Definitely. The pacing was a bit slow in the middle and Ms Hanson makes you wait for that HEA but it is definitely there.

CW/ TW: domestic abuse (not between the MCs), graphic self defense (page one), pedophilia, incest, PTSD

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

Definitely got some Outlander vibes from this story, no time travel though. It was a quick read, and I liked how Cam was patient and gentle with Mari. Mari's back story with her husband was...not great.

TW: Physical Abuse, Rape

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review

Cute enough. Didn’t sizzle. Characters were sweet.