As my first true Highlander romance (both MCs are from Scottish clans), I really enjoyed this book. This is the first in a new series, The MacPherson Clan, and begins when the new MacPherson laird must return home after being away at war in France, to claim his birthright which includes a betrothal to another clan. But in those years, Shane has lived and seen a lot and needs time to adjust to his new role and the idea of a new bride. Enter Lindsey. She’s tough yet beautiful, has been made to serve her cousins and uncle, and desperately needs saving from his borderline abusive and harassing home. When Shane intercedes on an almost assault in progress on Lindsey, it would only make sense that the two of them could help each other out. He can provide a safe space by marrying her AND get out of his betrothal.

It should be no surprise that there are lots of secrets between characters—it’s mentioned in the title! Lindsey also has her secrets and is supposed to be betrothed to the new MacPherson laird, but after living with her horrid uncle, she wants nothing to do with this clan. The storytelling was very thought out and developed and I enjoyed the saga-type story that developed between Shane, Lindsey, and their families. I got the feeling that this would make for a great movie: there’s the evil stepmother, the brawny MMC who has been emotionally scarred, the pure and good FMC, the warring clans with a fight scene…it read like an epic novel and I became invested in these characters.

The secrets and slight miscommunication did seem to last for a bit longer than I would’ve liked, but the reconciliation was well worth it. I also would’ve liked to see a little more steam? I think it’s because some scenes were danced around and I wanted to feel their intimate connection instead of just being told about it or having a scene begin only to have the end one sentence later. I enjoyed Lindsey as a heroine and liked her POV the most (probably because as a woman. I could relate to her more emotionally?) She volunteers and works tirelessly, she loves hard, and she gives 100%. It would’ve been interesting to see her secret ousted a little earlier because although Shane’s secret hurts her, she also carries some of the blame. The next book most likely will be Alec’s, but I’d love to see a future story between Ronan and Tory. I have a feeling those two would be on fire for one another. This was a great first Highlander romance and would definitely recommend Allison B. Hanson for her storytelling ability. I received an early copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟.75 rounded up to 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭
CWs: decapitation, death in war, threat to pregnant lady, attempted sexual assault, death of a spouse (mentioned, off page), drunkenness (brief)

I enjoyed this book. Lindsay and Shane were both easy to love. I liked the building of their backstories and the tensions of their own personal conflicts. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

His Secret Highland Bride by Allison B. Hanson was a fun book to read and I am thankful to Entangled Publishing, LLC for gifting this book to me for review! If you enjoy romance books set in the highlands full of older customs and cultures this is your kind of book! The chemistry between Shane and Lindsay is fun to observe throughout the story. Both are pledged to marry the other yet have no desire to do so. A twist of fate has them meeting each other without uncovering their true identities and they get married but have yet to discover who they really are truly married to! The secrets, twists to the plot and the clans being on the brink of war really captivated me. Overall it is an easy read and I enjoyed being immersed in the story!

Shane Macpherson is returning from war, gone from his lands for five years , his father who ruled the clan, died and now the clan needs a leader and an arranged marriage. Shane is a widow and finds similarities in Lindsay.

Lindsay Wallace is living with her creepy uncle and Cousins who treat her more like a maid/ slave vs family. She wants to return home away from the MacPherson clan that she considers horrible and even the guards are crude and free range.

Both don’t know who the other is as they lie about their true identity, yet are suppose to be in an arranged marriage. They do have feelings for each other of “ peace” and comfort, while trying to resist the arranged marriage and marry each other first.

It is slow paced but very easy to read, believable and enjoyed the ride . I will have to look at other books by Allison B. Hanson, she has a detailed way of writing and grabs the readers.

Thank you Entangled publishing, NetGalley and Hanson for the fun read!

Review of His Secret Highland Bride

Allison B. Hanson's "His Secret Highland Bride" takes readers on a captivating journey to the Scottish Highlands in 1695. From the beginning, Hanson skillfully immerses you in the lives of Shane, a returning soldier from France, and Lindsey, a laird's daughter. The narrative weaves a compelling tale of hidden identities, duty, an arranged marriage, and the complexities of grief and guilt.

The characters are well drawn, with Shane and Lindsey's evolving relationship at the heart of the story. As they navigate their secrets against the backdrop of impending war, the reader is kept wondering if they will choose duty over personal happiness.

Hanson's character development shines throughout the book, drawing readers in and leaving them eager for more. While the story is engaging, there were moments where the plot felt slightly stagnant, with a sense of circling before moving forward.

Overall, "His Secret Highland Bride" is a delightful read for fans of historical romance. Allison B. Hanson crafted a compelling story that lingered with me long after the final page.
Thank you Allison B. Hanson, Entangled Publishing LLC, and Net Galley for this ARC to read and review.

~ARC~ Slow build romance. It is a good read. Takes a moment to adapt to the Scottish way of speaking but it is a good book. Treun is definitely a main character!

Truly Emotional Love Story:
My first time reading this author and what a treat this story was. I enjoyed both H and h characters along with the supporting cast. Their desirous attraction and their emotional struggles throughout the entire story certainly kept my interest. There were some unneeded repetitive parts which wasn't necessary. I didn't enjoy the repeating reminders of Shane and Lindsay's situation. 
The story is filled with tension, heartfelt confessions, memories, a swoon worthy first kiss, fan worthy intimate scenes, many "OMG" shouts, and a villain that left me wondering?
I really did enjoy the story and this new author for me, and I will certainly look forward to reading the next book of the series
📣Special Mention to the charming dog Treun that brought much enjoyment to the story.
✔ Mature Rating💋💋💋💋

This book was a surprising change from my normal contemporary reads. The pace was a little slow in the beginning but once it got going I could not put the book down!

Lindsay and Shane are trying to avoid an unwanted arranged marriage, together they come to the arrangement to get married to solve their problems. With both of them hiding bits and pieces of their true identity, everything hits the fan when the truth comes out.

Lindsay is the calm and easy going wife Shane needs after losing his previous wife and the struggles of who and what’s he’s meant to be. Shane shows Lindsay that she has someone to rely on and take care of her along with valuing her thoughts and ideas. The chemistry between the two is extremely relatable and I love seeing FMCs and MCs helping each other overcome a trauma.

Thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to give my opinion on this ebook.

I was instantly transported to 1695 Scotland and found myself falling in love with a Scottish soldier within the first few pages!

If you’re a fan of cozy history romance with a bit of spice add this to your list.

The suspense from hidden identities, arranged marriage and clan conflicts kept me eagerly interested.
I read this in two sittings!

The MMC Shane while being kind, chivalrous, and loyal is keeping secrets that could tear everything apart.

The FMC Lindsey who is brave and resilient has secrets of her own.

This book had me feeling all the feels and I would recommend it to anyone.

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled PublishingLLC for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions of this book are my own.

This is an awesome story. A case of mistaken identity sees Shane and Lindsay married to each other. The plot is great as it gives the reader many opportunities to be entertained by the events taking place. The characters are wonderful as they both try to keep their identity hidden when everything around them is falling apart. The dialogue is smart and witty and keeps the reader turning the pages. Well done!

4.5 stars

Sweet and swoony. With bonus dog.
Mostly fade to black.
My first book by this author, I will definitely be reading more.

Recommended.

After fighting abroad for five years, Shane MacPherson, now a guilt and grief-stricken widower is back in Scotland and must take over as Laird of his clan now that his father has passed away. He must also honor an agreement made by his father to marry the Laird of the Wallace clan’s daughter. He is on his way home to Cluny Castle to face the responsibilities bearing down on him, when he comes across a woman being assaulted on his lands, he is horrified to realize the men are MacPhersons and intervenes. This is when he meets Lindsay and with her, he finds peace for the first time since his beloved wife died. She seems to understand his grief and helps him heal. Yet neither is quite honest with the other, Shane believes Lindsay to be a maid and she believes him to be a simple soldier. They find a bit of happiness together and though they both think they are promised to others thanks to their fathers, they plan to defy them by marrying. But eventually Shane must return home and it is there that his short-lived happiness ends.

Lindsay Wallace was sent to the MacPherson clan by her mother to tend her ailing aunt, but when she arrived it was to learn that her aunt had already passed. She tries to help her uncle and his children, but is treated horribly by them and wants to return home. Her parents refuse and inform her of her impeding nuptials to the Laird of the MacPhersons. After the way she has been treated by them, Lindsay wants nothing to do with the MacPherson clan and certainly doesn’t want to marry their Laird. Shane is the only MacPherson she has met who seems honorable and they form a friendship of sort. She agrees to marry him to save herself, but wonders if she is doing the right thing, since he clearly still loves his first wife. When they return to Shane’s home, Cluny Castle, the truth comes out and any chance of happiness she might have had vanishes.

I am torn about this book, the writing was good and the characters likable, but the pace of the story was slow and the misunderstandings and misassumptions dragged on way too long to be truly enjoyable. The story has a lot going on and a lot of action, but relies heavily on misunderstanding, secrets and lies to keep the story moving forward – all of which become tiresome to the reader, especially when the issues could have easily been resolved with a bit of honest conversation. Personally, I didn’t feel any chemistry between Shane and Lindsay – he was still in love with his wife and blamed himself for her death, making it almost impossible for him to move on and then when he decided that it was time, he found something else to feel guilty about – UGH! And Lindsay wasn’t much better, she was a hypocrite who was quick to jump to conclusions and to judge and very slow to forgive – Double UGH! I didn’t hate this book, but I didn’t love it and wouldn’t read it again. This is the first book in the and while I didn’t care for this story, I would definitely read the next book.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *

My very first📚✨ARC REVIEW✨📚

✨Star rating: 3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4

Shane is a Scottish soldier returning from war. But his return also holds a new title as laird of the MacPherson clan, with the passing of his father in his absence. And if that were not enough, he also has been given word that he betrothed to a woman he’s never met; an agreement made by his father before his death. Shane does not want either of these duties, especially the marriage.

Lindsay is the daughter of a laird, promised to the MacPherson Laird so that their clans might form an alliance. But spending some time with her aunt’s family on MacPherson land, she has no interest in making a home with this clan.

Both troubled by their unwanted duties, when they meet by chance outside of the village, Shane and Lindsay separately decide to keep their identities secret from one another, even as they form an agreement that might get them both out of their unwanted engagements.

The first third of this book I struggled with. It set the plot and basis for Shane and Lindsay’s relationship, but their constant inner dialogue about why they could never love one another, and why their duties weighed on them felt overly repetitive. This is where my review lost half of a star.

As the story progressed though, there were surprises and conflicts that kept me reading. The two main characters sticking to their secrets made for a bit of suspense, and Deirdre, Shane’s greedy stepmother and a snake of a character, had me seething. My initial impression of the book shifted and it turned into a quite enjoyable read.

I am so grateful to have been able to read an advance copy of this book! Thank you to Entangled Publishing, Allison B Hanson, and NetGalley !

They married each other to avoid marrying… each other. The trope is unusual but the romance is emotional, steamy mixed with some action packed scenes in the middle of treachery and larceny. Never a dull moment reading this novel.

I gave His Secret Highland Bride four ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you Net Galley, Entangled Publishing and Allison Hanson for this ARC to read and review. These are my honest opinions.

I normally read books that are more in depth and require thought on my part. But, every now and then, I need a good palette cleanser and I loved this book for that.

This is a romance set in the Scottish Highlands. It reminded me of older romances I’ve read, where the plot is the romance - instead of the romance being a side scene to a bigger plot. So, as a romance plot, it was perfect.

It captured my attention and held it. I got immersed in the story and the characters and really felt attached to them.

Shane and Lindsay meet, lie about who they are to each other and get married anyway. Then they fall in love with the “fake” versions of each other. What could go wrong, right?

There were secrets and some twists and turns and a really good backstory. I really enjoyed this book!

Rating: 4.5/5
I received eARC for my honest opinion.

This book has a lot of secrets in it, and when you think that some might spill out or that the ones holding the secrets will talk, they don’t. You will find in this book romance, second chances, secrets, miscommunication, and of course learning to trust your instincts.

I really enjoyed this historical romance and to have it in the Scottish Highlands made it “chef’s kiss”. This book is about 2 characters whose fathers have arranged their marriage. Shane does not want to remarry again, because he feels if he does, he is letting down his dead wife when they made their vows. Lindsay is not happy to marry because when she took care of her aunt who was ill saw how Shane’s father treated his clan members and didn't think highly of them. With a chance encounter Shane and Lindsay don’t fully tell each other who they’re but over some time they become close and wed… even when knowing that they’re both promised to another, or so they think…

I thought the world building was done well, and the plot was easy to follow. I thought the pace of the book was done well and I didn’t have any problems with understanding what was going on or who was talking. The attention to details when it comes to their emotions, and how they're handling them. This was my first Allison Hanson book, and it will not be my last. I loved the characters and I found them to be easy to connect with.

I found Lindsey so easy to relate to, I want to have her as my friend. She is smart, strong, determined, she thinks outside of the box and isn’t scared to get her hands dirty. I like that she didn’t just bow down for anyone, but instead played it smart. I loved the chemistry that Lindsey and Shane had, and it was right away but the slow burn to get them to the moment was done well.

I found Shane to be a little bit gloomy about his dead wife and having feelings for someone else but at the same time I could understand. I liked how it was written and how the author handled his grief. I enjoyed that he was a good guy through and through and that he wouldn’t put up with anyone thinking that they could hurt any women in his clan. If I was in Lindsay's shoes I would have fallen head over heels for Shane too.

If you want a historical romance, with great chemistry, a little heartbreak, a second chance at love, and of course action, you should pick up this book.

I want to thank NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.

I loved this story so much. The connection between Shane and Lindsay was incredible. It was such a sweet story.

His Secret Highland Bride by Allison B. Hanson is an engaging read for fans of Scottish highland romance. This captivating novel takes readers on a thrilling journey through themes of grief, secrets, and betrayal, ultimately leading to a heartwarming exploration of angst, chemistry, love, and forgiveness. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions as I delved into this enchanting tale set in the beautiful Scottish highlands.

This was a gripping story from beginning to end. Heartbreaking with promises of hope, Lindsay and Shane’s story will leave you wanting more. Complete with evil step mother, this fairytale has everything you need to snuggle up and read from beginning to end.
5 stars!!

Upon picking up this book, I couldn't get a famous TV show I'm obsessed with out of my mind. As I read I just kept thinking of that actors voice. I truly enjoyed this book that was filled with love, appreciation, patience and miscommunication. I think I have found a new or renewed appreciation for Scottish history!