His Secret Highland Bride is a swoon-worthy Highland romance packed with tension, heart, and just the right amount of grit. Shane and Lindsay are a fiery, lovable pair whose chemistry leaps off the page, and their journey from reluctant allies to something deeper is both satisfying and emotional. Allison B. Hanson captures the danger and loyalty of clan life beautifully, though a few pacing issues kept it just shy of perfect. Still, it’s a compelling, romantic read I couldn’t put down—and I’ll definitely be back for more.

#HisSecretHighlandBride #AllisonBHanson #HighlandRomance #HistoricalRomance #ScottishRomance #NetGalley

Thanks to Ms. Hanson, NetGalley, and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The writing was too simplistic and mechanical which makes the characters, especially the main male character, to act so dry and emotionless. I find the reading experience to be so slow and boring.

Overall, this book was fairly good. The storyline is exactly what you would think, given the cover art (which is not a bad thing!). There does seem to be an influx of highland romance, and I am a major appreciator of that particular type of romance :)

We always love an outwardly grumpy MMC, who has a sense of honor and a six pack. You can never go wrong with that. Add in a fiery FMC, and it’s a magical combination. It is slightly cliche, but that doesn’t make it bad, or not worth the read. Cliches can be a good, escapist book. However, just keep that in mind.

The writing could be a little more sophisticated, but again, it’s what you would get with this genre. Again, not to say that it isn’t good, just something of which to be mindful.

From NetGalley and Entangled Publishing

<b>Next installment from an auto-buy author and did not disappoint in the least.</b>
Another book in the Clan MacKinlay Series. This one is a stand-alone in the same universe. Each book is so good on its own, but the nods and links to the other books in the series just make it a bit more fun to read. As with the other books in the series, the author demonstrates remarkable ability to set a wonderful pace of story with well-rounded characters. The books are immersive and welcoming.

<b>Amazing characters who are loveable and flawed. Just like real people. </b>
The author is SO. GOOD. at her characters. They are so amazing and irritating and flawed and spectacular. They keep their secrets to protect themselves and the ones they love. They make decisions to save everyone but themselves. They finally see that they are important and that others love them and can share the burdens, too.
Just. Like. Us.
Every time I read this author, I love the story, I love the characters, they get themselves in trouble, and then they have a happily ever after. I’m over here kicking my feet in giddiness every time.

<b>The Final Verdict:</b> Once again, I implore you to read this author’s work.

<b>Stars</b> 5
<b>Would I Recommend?</b> Yes

A captivating historical romance with a beautiful setting of the Scottish highlands The chemistry between Shane and Lindsay is palpable and while the plot has some predictable points, the development of the romance makes it a delightful read.
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really loved this book! Super great storyline. Unforgettable characters. And a great romance to boot. A great addition to any library!

I love a highland romance, something about the accent and the wildness is really fun. Thank you to Allison Hanson and Netgalley for the ARC!

Yes yes yes! I just loved reading this. I got into highlanders because of outlander and reading this honestly made me want my own Scottish/Irish man. Characters were nicely build and have enough emotion to capture your attention.

As someone who loves reading all different genres of historical romance, I quite enjoyed this novel from a new-to-me author. The romance was engaging and the chemistry was sizzling. I will definitely be on the look out for more books from this author in the future.

I am a fool for all things Scottish and Irish so I know this would be right up my alley.

This one is full of clans, homeland broody men, war, promises and secrets.

Wonderful book.

I love secret identity stories, this is a bit slow but I enjoyed it. Shane wasn’t ready to take on his duties so he hid out and met Lindsey, who was who he was supposed to wed, but neither let on who they actually were. They had good chemistry and I really enjoy the Highlander theme. I would probably read her next books as well!

Hello Fellow Readers,

This was a delightful read—secret Identities, Hateful Villians, and 'Family' and romances that are not as forbidden as they seem. I don't know much about the Scottish Highlands, but I now realize that I need to read more stories that take place here. I also need to read more novels by Hanson, she writes romance wonderfully. There is much angst and pain in this, so if that is not your cup of tea you should skip this. Shane, a guilt-ridden widow and Lindsay, a pawn to be used for marriage, have great chemistry together, and I was rooting for their happily ever after.

Overall, a great slow burn romance.

What a great highlander novel! As someone who is newer to highlander novels , Allison Hanson has me wanting more. The characters are written wonderfully and I am able to easily find them relatable. The love he has for his wife starts a clan war that is easily won through friendships and new heads of families wanting peace. Each has their own secrets that lead to many misunderstandings. The book ends with a Happily Ever After that has me quickly recommending it to all my friends that are looking for books to read.

I look forward to reading more books by Allison!

I am always looking for highland romance books. Its about the only historicals that interest me. This is a new to me author and I liked the concept from the blurb.

I didn't LOVE this book. But I would try out more from the author. It was a ton of slow moving filler to get to the HEA. Secrets were kept for too long and characters were just plain oblivious to what was right in front of their faces. Characters running away into other clans just added unnecessary drama. The allotted feelings of betrayal felt lopsided.

Had a slow start, however it was action packed from the beginning, lots of secrets kept that damaged the relationship from both sides, however each of them redeemed themselves suitably. As much I enjoyed reading it, it was rather predictable as most historical romances tend to be, I do however recommend it to anyone who loves historical romance.

"His Secret Highland Bride" is a captivating historical romance novel that unravels the tale of Lindsey, a dignified noblewoman, and Shane, a commendable war hero. Set against the backdrop of an arranged marriage, a Scottish laird, war, and personal grief, the storyline keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Lindsey is a noblewoman, destined to marry the laird of a Scottish clan, while Shane is a decorated war hero haunted by his past, returning to claim what is rightfully his – the title of laird. Fate brings them together under ordinary circumstances when Shane steps in to rescue Lindsey from a precarious situation. This incident sparks a friendship between them, although they both grapple with a budding attraction that they're determined to suppress, considering they are each bound to marry someone else due to agreements made on their behalf.

The plot takes a twist when Lindsey is brutally assaulted by her own uncle. Shane steps in, providing her with the safety and protection she desperately needs by marrying her. With this act, he not only saves her from a dire situation but also provides her with a haven of love and security.

When word gets out about Shane's return, his family encourages him to lay claim to his inherited title of laird. However, he chooses to withhold this information from Lindsey, preferring to keep the peace and harmony that has begun to flourish in their unexpected married life.

However, trouble brews on the horizon when his cunning stepmother squanders the clan's wealth and flees with what remains, igniting a full-blown war between the clans. The novel stands out for its strong female lead character and offers an engaging narrative that readers can swiftly get through, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

✨ Publication date: May 13, 2024✨

Shane MacPherson has come home again after fighting in France for 5 years alongside his step brother. Shane isn’t coming home the way he left though, having married and lost his wife within a year he is a broken man. Clan MacPherson is depending on him now that his dad is gone and his step mother has spent all the funds, it’s his turn to take his place as Laird.

Shane is dreading what he knows needs to be done so decides to live in his Step Brothers cabin in the outskirts of the village until he is ready to take his place.

Lindsay Wallace has been sent to the MacPherson clan first to help out an awful uncle raise his even more awful brood of boys after their mother dies. Her true reason for being there is her betrothal to the new MacPherson laird but she would do anything to not meet and marry him.

Lindsay meets a shy soldier back from war with deep regrets and secrets but she can’t help feeling the chemistry between them. She marries him in hopes he can love her someday and will keep her from the loveless marriage she was sure to be stuck in.

What happens when the very thing you were running away from is exactly what you’re looking for? I enjoyed this book but I didn’t love Shane’s character that much. I’m used to strong, decisive Highlanders and he was portrayed as quite weak. I would read this author again though as the story flowed well. This is a 3 star read for me.

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

#NetGalley #allisonbhanson #hissecrethighlandbride

I received these from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a pretty good highlander story but I have to say I was not in love with it. It drove me crazy that the characters just did not talk to each other it would have solved a bunch of problems. Then I did not like how everything came down to the guy being the bad guy I think she needed to take some of the blame. Otherwise it was a fairly decent read.

3.5 ⭐️

Shane and Lindsay are fated to marry as Shane comes back to be the laird of his clan and Lindsay’s dad has married her off to him. By sheer chance, they end up meeting, falling in love, and marrying without realizing they were supposed to marry anyways. Shane was an emotionally wounded, protective man and Lindsay was a fierce, independent woman, and together they help each other heal from past traumas.

I don’t love the keeping a huge secret trope, but I do love a good falling in love before you know you’re fated trope. The big battle toward the end was very anticlimactic - I think the whole thing lasted 3 pages despite the worry and prep taking a solid 30. But it did get them to the bigger climax of finding where their stolen money had gone, so I understand downplaying it a little.

Overall, it was a cute story, but my favorite character was the dog Tre, not one of the humans. Except maybe Tori, she was a spitfire and I’d love to see how she makes her own life turn out.

Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing/Amara for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Shane has returned home after being out of the country for years. He's back to takeover as laird after the death of his father. But he's not quite ready for them to all know he's back yet, so he stays in his stepbrother's cottage in the woods and enjoys his peace for as long as he can. While there, he happens across a young woman who peaks his interest. Lindsay is in the country to marry the laird. The arrangement has been made with her father. But she isn't happy in the area and wants to find a way to get sent home.

Shane and Lindsay meet and are quickly drawn to one another. But they know they have other obligations - - they just don't realize that it's to each other. If only they really talked to one another, it sure would help. But it does keep things interesting in the book as they fall in love with one another and are dreading the day that their real lives catch up to them.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.