I really loved Brodie and Laurel together. I also loved that there were so many characters that I could love and hate throughout the book. I was not expecting the twist but I thought it was great! The epilogue was also super sweet. 

I didn’t expect some of the plot lines and while the story was interesting I kind of wish it had picked one or two to really focus on and build. I think it would have made the character development and arc for Madeline and Fingal better. At times their growth felt forced. 

I was really looking forward to this book but I found both Arabella and Lachlan annoying. This was a huge let down after Blair and Hardi’s story. To be honest I had to start skimming just to force myself to finish the book. It’s not the worst in the series but the chemistry wasn’t great and both MCs were kind of unlikable. 

This has to be one of the best, if not the best, book in the series. Hardi and Blair were perfect. The tension and chemistry was perfect. The pacing, the plot. This book had the perfect amount of everything. I can’t wait for Lachlan’s story next. Even though this is a spin off from the Sinclair series, I think the Sutherland stories are actually the best. 

This book easily could have been 100 pages shorter. And I would have started by cutting out all of the cringe scenes related to the racism/colorism plot line. It was so badly done. There were also so many times where it just felt like everything was being recapped over and over again. The MMC is terrible for at least 85% of the book, and I don’t think he’s ever actually likable. This book just dragged so much.

I loved the story between Eoin and Cairstine. It had so many great tropes and Eoin is so sweet. Content warnings for assault. 

As far as arranged marriage romances go, this one was pretty messy, considering Ewan is a womanizer. Things were pretty dark in the first half of the book and kind of sad in the second. The weirdest part about the book was the heavily religious conversations sprinkled throughout. But it was an enjoyable read and I’m really excited for Eoin’s story!

I love Maude and Kieran! They might be my favorite couple in the whole series. I wouldn’t exactly call this a slow burn romance though since the mutual attraction and interest is communicated pretty early on. But there was definitely a lot of anticipation and tension building up to the wedding and the way the relationship grows is absolutely sweet!

Isa and Ric were a sweet couple. I read this as part of the highland ladies series so it was nice to see the other side of the couple teased in the first book in the series. The story wasn’t incredibly suspenseful the way you typically expect a story about a spy to be though. 

About a third of the way into this book the story started to drag. I had a hard time getting into it again until after half way through. It was disappointing considering how excited I was for Elizabeth and Edward’s story after having it teased in previous books. Hopefully this is just a one off, as I’ve enjoyed so many books by this author before.