Highland Wolf by Lynsay Sands book 10 in the Highland Brides series. Again another winner every time I see a ACR on netgalley for a book by Miss Sands i click and then pray I get one. Well after many years I made it!!! 
I was so excited because I already know I'm going to get Mystery, Romance, Angst, Intrigue and Comedy! Plus a couple I'm going to adore, love and root for.
So what did I get? All of the above! Plus I got Lady Claray MacFarlane and Highland warrior the Wolf.   Bryson/Conall  MacDonald! 

They call him the Wolf. The mercenary's courage and prowess in battle are known throughout the Highlands, and with his handsome face and black-as-sin hair, he was as intelligent and deadly as the wolf he was named for...

But the Wolf is also Claray's betrothed. Thought to have been killed as a child, he'd been in hiding all these years. Now, he's determined to earn enough coin to rebuild his home, reclaim his birthright, and honor his marriage contract to Claray. For he's fallen for the tender-hearted lass...and he will do anything to protect her and their future together

What I loved about this is while the story is heartbreakingly tragic in some part's , Ms. Sands adds moments of levity ,and  light-heartedness that are so subtle. Such as Claray's affinity to find all sorts of animal's and the names so comes up with for them, Squeak, Lovey, and Stubborn Bastard..Conall in his own gruff lovable way making sure the animals are always cared for. These things added an human element to it, that made you connected with these characters. The story is a definite reread!
****I received an arc from NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers  for an honest review. Thank you !

2 stars out of 5

Highland Wolf follows Claray as she is stolen on her wedding day to a man she hates, by a mercenary known as The Wolf. Little does she know, The Wolf is actually her first betrothed, a man she thought had died years ago.

It seems like every Lynsay Sands Highlander book is caught in the same time loop as the others. A fast paced, sweet romance that is seemingly over by the first half, and a ridiculous almost murder plot to follow up in the second half. Sometimes this formula works for me and is just a fun time to read, but other times it just feels like a waste of my reading time. Sadly, Highland Wolf was the latter. I couldn't connect to the main characters at all and I dont know if that's from lack of background information or character arc or what. They just never held my interest and I couldn't care less about their romance. This isn't good set up for me to enjoy the rest of the romance novel. The secondary action plot didn't make any sense to me either, and none of the side characters held up that story. I just wish any of the characters were interesting so I could've enjoyed at least that aspect.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fast-paced and I wanted to find out what would happen. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

So this is book 10 in the Highland Brides series but honestly this book can absolutely be read as a stand alone. In this one we get Lady Claray MacFarlane and Bryson MacDonald AKA Conall AKA The Wolf's story. Claray is rescued from an unwanted marriage by the Wolf. She learns while they are traveling that her father sent him to save her. And now he and his soldiers are tasked with bringing her to her father safely. But in so doing, Conall begins to know the girl that was always meant to be his. And he has to decide if the time has come to come out of the shadows and begin their life, or to really let her go. 

Ok so let me start by saying that I was slightly confused when I first started reading this as to how it connected to the other books in this series. And it took a bit before I fully understood how it did connect. But even before I figured it out, I really enjoyed this one! Claray is this special soul who has a beautiful connection with animals. And not just certain types, but all animals. I loved watching how she would suddenly have another animal that needed to be helped. And the fact that they love her just as much as she loves them is something I really liked! The thing I didn't like, she believed her betrothed had died. I get why they let her believe that but they also didn't let her move on with her life. To actually have a life. I didn't like that. Conall has been through a horrible ordeal with happened to not only his parents and family but his whole clan. But when he finally meets his betrothed and spends time with her, he truly likes her even if he thinks she naive. I loved their chemistry together and the fact that they actually like each other. The fact that they have more to the mystery of what happened to his clan, that just made the story better in my opinion. All in all, an enjoyable read. I just hope the next book is more connected so that I can figure out who it is!

Since her betrothed was killed when they were both children, Lady Claray MacFarlane assumed she’d never marry, and she certainly didn’t imagine her grasping uncle forcing her to marry a stranger. That’s exactly what would’ve happened if not for the mysterious warrior who rescued her just before the ceremony.

Known as the Wolf, a skilled and sought-after mercenary, Claray is unsure what to make of her rescuer, but she can’t help but appreciate his attractiveness and obvious intelligence. Little does she know, he is also her betrothed, having been living in hiding all this time and not dead at all. He’s spent the last twelve years earning enough money to rebuild his home and take his place as laird, fulfilling his marriage contract with Claray in the process. But all too quickly, he finds himself losing his heart to his lovely new bride and he’ll do anything to keep her safe and guard the future they’re building together.

This was a madcap Highland romp, with an old school highlander romance feel and I adored that. This one has a sweet, but at times silly heroine, a grumpy alpha hero, and plenty of the road trip shenanigans Sands is known for. The grumpy sunshine aspect is strong here and was very charming for me. I was happy to see that things started moving right along almost immediately at the start of this book.  Sands has outdone herself with the craziness of this villain and the motive, but in a good way. I absolutely adore these more classic style highlander romances and this one hit the spot for me, holding my attention as nothing has in some time. Conall was just the right amount of gruff, yet sweetly protective and Claray had enough smarts and know-how to not be over the top in her sweetness and naivete. Claray’s care for animals was hilarious in the frequency with which she encountered injured creatures and in their abject devotion to her, but I loved that these animals also became characters in their own rights and had roles in the story. It was also lovely to spend some time with Ross and Anabel from the first book in the series as well. As is typical of highlander romances, the family ties were strong here and I really loved that we got that too. I found this, despite touching on some darker themes, to be a light, riotously entertaining story, and it’s a new, low angst comfort read for me. The ending was perhaps a little abrupt, but that still did not detract from my liking for the story.

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

If you have read a historical romance book you know you'll find drama, drama, passion/bedroom scene, drama, and then more drama.  What I love most about Highland Wolf by Lynsay Sands is that there is drama, passion, and amazing comedic relief.

Our hero rescues our heroine minutes before she marries an evil man. While on the way to her father's home she manages to find and rescue a bunny, a baby stote, and a baby fox. She also has a horse that follows her around like a dog and a wolf that is the largest anyone has seen. All this leads to many, many moments that literally made me laugh out loud.  Mixed into these moments is sincerity, passion, love, and revenge.

The book was wonderful and I highly recommend it just like I would any historical romance written by Lynsay Sands; just don't read them in public because when your laugh your head off people look at you in a very weird manner.

I just reviewed Highland Wolf by Lynsay Sands. #HighlandWolf #NetGalley

I’m obsessed with Lynsay Sands highlander romances. They are sweet, steamy and always funny. This one was no exception.

It starts off with Claray being rescued from a forced marriage by The Wolf. And right away the laughs happen with her rescuing baby animals every time she leaves camp.

There’s the someone trying to kill them mystery that’s a staple of this series as it’s a spin-off of the Buchanan books so we get to see some previous couples. The danger adds to the fun and lends itself to steamy scenes in adventurous places.

First of all, this book was written by one of my favorite authors. Ms Sands writes highlanders like nobody's business. A talented lady writes a alpha male with all muscle and brawn. Oh, love kilts, on or off.
Lady Claray MacFarlane is a dreamer of sort who likes to imagine her wedding day would be fabulous. But her greedy uncle drags her to the alter to wed someone she doesn't know. Then a savior of a man, snatches her from her uncle and rides away before the i do's. Claray wonders who is this great hulk of a man taking her from her wedding? (I would be glad if I was her)
The man is called the "Wolf" and is really Clarey's betrothed who was suppose killed a long time ago, but well, he's real enough. The highlander wants his life back and that includes his home, birthright and his little woman. No one will stop him from his dreams either.
A great adventure with lots of kissing and love scenes to swoon over. Love this book.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an hones review.

Highland Wolf
Highland Brides
by Lynsay Sands

I received an e-arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First of all this cover alone is almost enough for a one-click. In case you were wondering, yes the scene featured on the cover does happen in the book and it does not disappoint.

This book has everything anyone could ask for in a highlander romance and more. Arranged marriage, kidnap/rescue, a long journey, childhood trauma to form depth of character and my personal favorite - abandoned castle renovations. I love a renovation in a book. There are heart warming family moments, there’s gardening. There is a naive conundrum of whether or not god intended for marital relations to be enjoyed. Our heroine is a friend to animals and this plays a rather large and in my mind adorably hilarious pet of the story. Despite all this sunshine buttery goodness there is yet still intrigue and mystery and somehow an ending that took me by surprise. A rollicking highland romance romp and a thoroughly good time. Steam factor is high, open door, trigger warning parent death. 
A great read. 5/5

I’ve never read a Lynsay Sands book before but I know she’s known for her wacky highlander romances so I was super stoked to receive this arc. 
This starts out with Connell kidnapping/rescuing Claray from her wedding, quite an interesting beginning! The first half of the book was so much fun and had me grinning like a Cheshire Cat whenever Claray adopted a new animal companion. Claray and Connell were wonderful characters. Claray is a Disney princess (reminded me a lot of Snow White actually!). Animals love her and she’s kind, clever and full of sunshine. Connell looks like he could kill you but is actually a cinnamon roll. I loved how understanding and respectful he was of Claray and her needs. They really were perfect for each other. 
The story’s pacing did slow down a bit in the middle but picks right back up towards the 70% mark. I did feel the big reveal was a bit silly but I suppose it made sense with the tone of the novel but it was hard to take seriously. I’m just glad we didn’t have to deal with it for long. 
The steamy scenes were mild but still good. I particularly liked the river and pond ones the best. 
I would recommend this to readers who are on the mood for: Snow White retelling/inspired romance, medieval romance, Highlander romance, similar to Tessa Dare, sunshine heroine, cinnamon roll hero, road trip romance.

I really enjoyed this new book in the Highland Bride's series. Lynsay's writing makes you feel like you're journeying through the wilds of Highland Scotland with the characters, enjoying the feel of muscular arms around you while galloping on horseback. The smell of heather and fresh rain on the wind

If you've been a fan of her work for awhile you know pretty much what to expect with her stories. A big brawny Highland hero who's soft side only comes out for his lady, a sweet as sunshine heroine loved by almost everyone, an unknown bad guy causing trouble, usually a mystery that needs solving, and hidden castle passageways. It's comforting, like enjoying a bowl of homemade soup on a cold rainy day

Claray had a penchant for rescuing and befriending wounded animals (which I found utterly charming), they became as important to the story as the human side characters. She was hardworking and loyal and I liked that nothing really got her down. Conall started out surly and gruff but it didn't take long for his soft side to come out, he acted like the rescued animals were a nuisance but he was so nurturing with them. SWOON

Overall if you're in the mood for a quick, low drama/low angst, steamy Highland read this series will always hit the spot

If you are looking for a fun, low angst, face paced Highlander romance than definitely look no further than Lynsay Sands and this novel! Sands knows how to utilize her formula, charm and skill to craft a perfect escape. I find Sands' novels to be easily accessible, to have a comforting style to them, and just an absolute delight that will keep you turning the pages till you reach the end. Sands characters are fun, the situations are engaging and Sands knows how to perfect balance a campy nature with romance that create a delicious novel of delight, intrigue and sensual romance.

This novel opens up with Claray being rescued from her greedy uncle, who is trying to force her into a marriage with someone she does not know. Claray is swept away by the Wolf, Conall. Conall has spent years as a mercenary with a mysterious past and now he is finally ready to claim his inheritance. Upon their journey home Claray and Conall find themselves quickly charmed and attracted by the other.

This novel is meant to be a fun and campy romp, the heroine is charming in a fun and silly way. She might at times seem a bit naive but she has a open and kind heart. She is constantly finding and helping wild creatures. Conall finds this endearing and sweet and he never complains but rather helps and supports her endeavor. Conall is pretty open and understanding of Claray, he never pushes her too far, he never looks down upon her or makes her feel like her thoughts and opinions are lacking. I found their relationship to be sensual and steamy, their chemistry burns hot and Conall is actually very respectful of Claray and does listen to her and not push past what she is willing to give.  

If you love a quick and fun read, then look no further. The stakes may seem ridiculously high at times, the murder mystery heightened and campy but these elements are all crafted in a perfectly delightful way to establish a fun and corky tone in which to create a blazingly quick romance with a fairly high level of steam. Definitely don't go into this romance expecting a depth of understanding or emotion, it is truly built to be pure entertainment and it does its job in a perfect and entertaining way.

I've read many others in this series, but not all. One thing is clear - these books have a pattern. All the same tropes, just rearranged in different ways. I do not totally mind, since they're generally tropes I like. But these novels really do lack originality.

This one did have an interlude when the characters were rebuilding an old castle that I really liked. 

I do wish the two main characters didn't fall in love so fast. 

The ending was a bit unhinged and the villain came out of absolutely nowhere, but it was all par for the course for The Highland Brides series, so I'd expect nothing less.

Highland Wolf, book #10 of Lynsay Sands Highland Brides series is another winner.   Sands is a go to auto-buy author for me as I can always count on adventure, intrigue, humor and a guaranteed HEA in her stories.  Claray is a sweet and giving person who has a sixth sense when it comes to animals and is forever rescuing beasties of all sizes.   Connell happens to have another name, a nickname and a past shrouded in tragedy.  He literally rides in and rescues her in the nick of time.  Claray willingly goes along thinking it can’t be any worse than the forced marriage her uncle was about to subject her to.  There are multiple villains in this story, and one I totally did not see coming.  Overall, a wonderful story about coming together and working for a common purpose.  

This is my honest review and I thank NetGalley, Avon & Harper Voyager for the ARC copy.

Highland Wolf by Lynsay Sands is book 10 in the Highland Brides Series. This is the story of Conall MacDonald 'Wolf" and Claray MacFarlane. I have read all the previous books which did help with my enjoyment of this one, but I did feel it can be a standalone book. Claray had been promised to Bryson MacDonald by her father when she was younger. But Bryson and his family where all killed or so Claray thought. Now in their present day we have Claray being kidnapped by her Uncle Ross MacKay to try to force her into marriage that would secure a deal for him. But she is recrudesced by Conall who was sent by her father to save her. Unknown to her Conall is actually Bryson the man she was to marry but he had escaped when his family was attacked and very few people know that he survived.
This book was so good must as the other book in this series. I highly recommend Ms. Sands writing, it is hot, funny and so moving with her stories.

Highland Wolf by Lynsey Sands is a Scottish historical romance with a somewhat stoic hero, a chaotic good heroine, and an amazing cover. While I thought it lacked some emotional depth, I loved the humor and overall stress-free vibes. 

I had just recently been thinking about how I wanted to read a book that wasn’t as much grumpy one + sunshine one as serious one + agent of chaos, and I think Highland Wolf fits the bill. The heroine Claray’s particular brand of chaos comes from her habit of rescuing every hurt animal she comes across, and she has a talent for finding injured creatures. To his credit, Conall accepts her strays with only a few long-suffering sighs. In fact, he goes out of his way to help her with the animals she saves. It certainly isn’t an issue in their relationship. 

In fact, there aren’t any issues in their relationship at all. All the conflict in this book is external. Clary and Conall don’t have any problems as a couple. I can see this being an issue for readers looking for elements of angst in a relationship or some degree of broodiness as a hero. Conall, for all that he is called The Wolf, doesn’t brood. He just sets to work making sure that Claray and all the members of his clan have everything they need to live a good life. Considering the fact that Conall has a fairly tragic backstory and spent over a decade working as a mercenary, I think that some degree of broodiness or emotional pain wouldn’t have been out of place. However, I personally found it really enjoyable to read about an all-around nice guy hero.

Claray is similarly generally pleasant and unbothered. While I do think there were opportunities to add emotional depth to her character by exploring her responses to some of the hurtful things that have happened to her, the absence of those characterizations didn’t bother me much. I had too much fun reading about her antics. Also, the fact that her response to being essentially kidnapped by a strange man is to ~take a nap in his arms~ had me giggling. A minor content warning for readers, though. Claray does struggle a bit to come to terms with embracing her sexuality and enjoying Conall’s attention due to a strict religious background. While this isn’t a major emotional struggle–Claray gets over it pretty quickly–it is a somewhat significant plot point in the book, and readers with major religious trauma may not enjoy this aspect of the book. 

Overall, I had a fantastic time reading this book. I thought it was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed that it was a generally stress-free read. This book is the 10th (?) book in the Highland Brides series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. I actually thought it was the start of a new series, so I never got the sense that I was missing out by having not read any other books in the series. I recommend Highland Wolf to fans of Highland Romances, particularly When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare, and for readers looking for books without much couple conflict, like A Duchess a Day by Charis Michaels.

I’ve read all of the 9 previous books in this series and I loved them!  While I enjoyed this highland romance, I do wish Claray and Conall  had a few more conversations before the water excursion. I felt like they didn’t have much of a relationship, but she was ready to give it all to him, it didn’t fit her character.  I was also strange how much she slept, it felt like she was sleeping most of the book.  I did love the animals! 

Overall enjoyed their story and how their relationship evolved.  However, as a fan of the series it didn’t seem to fit with the 1st 9 books. 

Overall for me it was a 3.5 stars (rounded to 4)

Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Author Lynsay Sands brings another of her jovial and exciting Highland romances to life with all the verve and expert narrative I’ve come to expect since first reading the author’s novel The Key of which I still retain my original purchased paperback version. Sands historicals never fail to entertain the reader putting them into the story for many hours of immersive reading pleasure. 
Highland Wolf is no exception to the author’s consistently riveting prose and crafting of two perfect leads this time with Lady Claray MacFarlane and Mercenary Conall, aptly named “The Wolf” bringing their tender-hearted well written story to the page.  
There follow delightfully funny scenes between Conall and Claray after the Wolf and his men ride into her uncle’s keep and rescue Claray from an impending unwanted arranged marriage. 
This is a marvelous tale of adventure and passion, deceptions and hidden secrets that will surely please all lovers of the Historical Romance genre.

This installment in Sands' historical highlander series takes one step away from the Buchanan brothers, but we are still in their overall social circle and within the world first established in An English Bride in Scotland. This has all the tropes that this author likes to play with, so if you are a fan of the series, you will definitely enjoy this installment, as I did. This also has an additional element with the animals that the heroine has tamed, which added to the overall comedic tone. It made me feel like I was watching Disney's Enchanted sometimes! 

All in all, I think it's a solid installment in this world and this series, and I enjoyed the characters of Claray and Conall, and I could truly believe in their situation and romance.

I just love Lynsay's writing.  Her characters and story always hit the spot when I'm looking for a fun read on a. day I don't want to get out of bed.   

The way she writes always enthralls me to every story.  The humor, the side characters, the descriptions keep me coming back for more.  

You can never go wrong with this amazing author, and I can't wait to dive into the next book!