ARC Review: The Highlander's Return by Lynsay Sands

Graeme Gunn is a warrior through and through. Content for his brother William to hold the title of clan chief, he left home years ago, battling his way through Scotland as a mercenary. When news arrives of William’s death, Graeme is forced to return to everything he left behind, including his brother’s shy young widow, Annella Mackay. But the beautiful, determined woman he finds at the keep is nothing like the quiet virgin he remembers…

Annella Mackay once had hopes for a loving marriage, a dream that shattered when her husband abandoned her. Hiding her pain, she took on the responsibilities of both laird and lady for the Gunn clan with spirit. But when she learns her husband is dead, she realizes she finally has a chance at a new dream, and she won’t let anything deter her plans. Not even Graeme, no matter how strong her attraction to the gruff and stubborn warrior…

It's a clash of will and passion unlike anything they’ve known, especially when Graeme decides to stay and claim his title. But as the clan faces the threat of a hidden enemy, Graeme and Annella must fight for their home together…and they realize they are also fighting for their love.

I'm so happy to see that Lynsay Sands has a new historical for me to read. She is one of the few that I still read. I was sad when last year we didn't get one. I was so happy to go back to the beginning of the series with the daughter of Annabel and Ross from An English Bride in Scotland. 

Annella is one of my favorite heroines. She is tough yet sweet. She works hard taking care of the people under her while always wondering what she did wrong that caused her husband to leave her one their wedding night. Add to that a mother-in-law who is distasteful and finds everything wrong and a brother-in-law that won't leave you alone and you have a tough life. 

Graeme doesn't understand what's going on at home. He's been gone since his brother took charge and got married. He's back with his brother's body and a whole lot of questions. When he first sees Annella, he's lost. 

I really liked these two together. They match each other well. Graeme need to help and protect Annella goes a bit too far. He's unfair to her and doesn't realize that he's now making her feel useless. The best part of this story is that because they do care about each other they finally learn how to talk to each other and become a better couple. 

This is a fun quick moving story that keeps you reading. Sadly, now I have to wait for her next book. 

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