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Highland Brides #5
Surrender to the Highlander
Edith Drummond owes her life to Niels Buchanan and his brothers. Waking after an illness to a castle overrun by rugged Highlanders is disconcerting, but so is learning that she’s slowly being poisoned. Niels insists on staying by her side, and Edith soon discovers that even more dangerous is her wild attraction to the fierce warrior.
Niels has never met a more courageous—or enticing—woman than Lady Edith. The idea of such a bonny lass being forced to enter a nunnery is more than any red-blooded Scotsman could bear. He’ll gladly marry her himself. But while sweeping her off her feet is easy, it’ll take all his skill to defeat her family’s relentless enemies, and convince her to surrender to his sweet embrace.
Niels has never met a more courageous—or enticing—woman than Lady Edith. The idea of such a bonny lass being forced to enter a nunnery is more than any red-blooded Scotsman could bear. He’ll gladly marry her himself. But while sweeping her off her feet is easy, it’ll take all his skill to defeat her family’s relentless enemies, and convince her to surrender to his sweet embrace.
384 pages, ebook
First published January 30, 2018
894 people are currently reading
2474 people want to read
About the author
Lynsay Sands
124 books12.2k followersLYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author who is known for her hysterical historicals as well as the popular Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series. With her witty and charming personality, Sands describes books as, “Waking dreams or stories, tales to amuse, entertain and distract us from everyday life.” She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there are occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Visit her official website at www.lynsaysands.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 414 reviews
February 19, 2022
Another B movie plot brought to life by Sands.
And by that I mean these aren't particularly good. This Highlander series is outrageous and cheesy as fuck.
But make no mistake.<--I'm 100% ok with this.
Mostly.
I recently read and liked Sands' The Wrong Highlander, so I grabbed this one in the hopes of hearing more of the soap opera story with a sexy accent.
Buyer beware! Sean William Doyle was the narrator for this book and he...kinda ruined it for me.
His character accents are really good, but his regular 'narrator voice' sounds like a parody of a British snob voice. Like someone faking a snotty British accent to be funny, you know what I mean?
By the end of the book, I was completely over it.
And it wasn't the only thing I was over by the time the story was done. There was honestly too much sex. It got to the point where I just wanted to move on with the story and find out who was trying to kill Edith. Enough with the pebbled nipples and moaning into each other's mouths already. We know they like to bump uglies with each other, now move on.
I did really like the whole murder-mystery stuff! It was (for a cheeseball highland romance) a pretty twisty little plot. Again, please don't mistake what I'm saying here.
This isn't an actual good mystery. I'm just saying it was better than I thought it would be for what it was.
As far as the love story between Edith & Niels? They're both super vanilla characters and they had a super vanilla romance. You know how these sorts of series have a separate book devoted to the spunky heroine, the tough heroine, the crafty heroin, the bookish heroine, etc.? Yeah? Well, Edith is the milquetoast heroine. She's...nice. And she wants to please everyone.
Niels? He's the male version of Edith. Just sort of that good guy that everyone relies on. Nothing wrong with that! <--in real life
But for a romance novel, I prefer a little spice.
But on the whole, they were nice and I was rooting for these kids to get their HEA.
Now I know I said I liked the mystery about the killer, but I have to say the end of that mystery was a complete dumpster fire. I liked zero things about the way it wrapped up.
Ok. This wasn't some terrible book that I had to force my way through, so if you're into this series or you're just (like me) looking for a kilt romance, you might dig it.
But between the less than amazing narration, the vanilla bean main characters, the excessive sex scenes, and the cringy victim-blaming at the end?
This one is one I'd recommend most people skip over.
And by that I mean these aren't particularly good. This Highlander series is outrageous and cheesy as fuck.
But make no mistake.<--I'm 100% ok with this.
Mostly.
I recently read and liked Sands' The Wrong Highlander, so I grabbed this one in the hopes of hearing more of the soap opera story with a sexy accent.
Buyer beware! Sean William Doyle was the narrator for this book and he...kinda ruined it for me.
His character accents are really good, but his regular 'narrator voice' sounds like a parody of a British snob voice. Like someone faking a snotty British accent to be funny, you know what I mean?
By the end of the book, I was completely over it.
And it wasn't the only thing I was over by the time the story was done. There was honestly too much sex. It got to the point where I just wanted to move on with the story and find out who was trying to kill Edith. Enough with the pebbled nipples and moaning into each other's mouths already. We know they like to bump uglies with each other, now move on.
I did really like the whole murder-mystery stuff! It was (for a cheeseball highland romance) a pretty twisty little plot. Again, please don't mistake what I'm saying here.
This isn't an actual good mystery. I'm just saying it was better than I thought it would be for what it was.
As far as the love story between Edith & Niels? They're both super vanilla characters and they had a super vanilla romance. You know how these sorts of series have a separate book devoted to the spunky heroine, the tough heroine, the crafty heroin, the bookish heroine, etc.? Yeah? Well, Edith is the milquetoast heroine. She's...nice. And she wants to please everyone.
Niels? He's the male version of Edith. Just sort of that good guy that everyone relies on. Nothing wrong with that! <--in real life
But for a romance novel, I prefer a little spice.
But on the whole, they were nice and I was rooting for these kids to get their HEA.
Now I know I said I liked the mystery about the killer, but I have to say the end of that mystery was a complete dumpster fire. I liked zero things about the way it wrapped up.
Ok. This wasn't some terrible book that I had to force my way through, so if you're into this series or you're just (like me) looking for a kilt romance, you might dig it.
But between the less than amazing narration, the vanilla bean main characters, the excessive sex scenes, and the cringy victim-blaming at the end?
This one is one I'd recommend most people skip over.
July 14, 2018
This is book #5 in the highlanders brides series! I’m devouring these books like candy! I just can’t stop! In this one, it is about one of the Buchanan brothers again; I have to say that I find these brothers highly amusing!!! Their family dynamics crack me up!!! Even though they tease each other fiercely, they are loyal to each other and the love they have for one another is heartwarming!!! I can’t get enough, and I’m glad the next book is going to be about the oldest brother!!!
On top of all the family love... we get such humorous scenes through out the story! In the funniest scene in this book, it took place on the main characters wedding night!!! It was so friggen funny!!! That humour is always present in a Lyndsay Sands book!
I’m moving onto the next story right away, and then I will be done and have to wait. This makes me sad, But I am so happy that I have gotten to read all seven of the books right away!! I highly recommend this Scottish historical romance to lovers of this genre! It is more than worth it!
On top of all the family love... we get such humorous scenes through out the story! In the funniest scene in this book, it took place on the main characters wedding night!!! It was so friggen funny!!! That humour is always present in a Lyndsay Sands book!
I’m moving onto the next story right away, and then I will be done and have to wait. This makes me sad, But I am so happy that I have gotten to read all seven of the books right away!! I highly recommend this Scottish historical romance to lovers of this genre! It is more than worth it!
November 6, 2022
Surrender to the Higlander is a fun read. Especially when the heroine is so naive. Miss Sands adding some humor on it. I like the whole story just OK.
Neil and Eden certainly has good chemistry. Their chemistry is sweet and tender. Eden certainly a very naive and clueless heroine.
3 stars
Neil and Eden certainly has good chemistry. Their chemistry is sweet and tender. Eden certainly a very naive and clueless heroine.
3 stars
January 29, 2018
Even in the Scottish Highlands, Lynsay Sands melts my heart and brings me nothing but happiness. The story of Edith and Niels was fun, exciting and sexy. A little bit of intrigue and a determined man looking out for the most amazing woman he has met combines for some fun and interesting times.
Niels was a Buchanan through and through. Grouchy, fierce and when he meets the woman he wants, he will stop at nothing to protect and save her … no matter how many times some one tries to kill her. And, there is nothing that he won't do to get her into his bed. But, he did have a loving side as well and I loved watching him go from intrigued with Edith to falling in love with her.
Edith had no idea why anyone would want her dead. She knows that she will be delegated to the Abbey if her new sister-in-law has anything to say about it. But, until she returns, it's her responsibility to take care of Drummond and it's residents. And, honestly, once she is feeling better, she can't wait to spend some time with the strapping Niels. He intrigues her, protects her and is very interesting.
As they start trying to figure out who the murder is in the Keep, Niels and Edith get closer and closer. He will not allow Edith to waste her life at the Abbey and there is nothing that her brother and sister-in-law can do if she is married. And, he can't wait to bed her. But, when the truth comes out, Edith has some decisions to make that could break her heart.
Lynsay Sands can write Historical Romance. Lynsay Sands can write Paranormal. Lynsay Sands can write the alphabet and I would read it. I love her style of writing and she always brings the Highlands to life. I can hear the Scottish Brogue in my head as I am reading the story. She makes me laugh and smile and always hope for the best with the wonderful characters that she pens. Her woman are strong but sweet and her men are always brawny and steamy. She wrote so many interesting secondary characters in Surrender to the Highlander but none so adorable as Ronson. Luckily, there are few more Buchanan's that have to meet the woman of their dreams and I am anticipating watching each one of the give away their hearts.
November 7, 2022
⭐💫
1½ stars.
This story was too formulaic and repetitive. (In everything from the story to the characters)
The murderer and the murder mystery in this story is over the top with 10+ victims and is overly tangled and convoluted.
And both the grief and trauma/assault is glossed over.
Yes, the murderer is a very horrible person that killed many people and this person could maybe have done more to save themselves in the past…. and this person should and could have done more to save other people (their child etc.) from getting hurt or worse.
But the heroine’s speech where she was victim blaming this person’s past... when this person was a teenager and had horrible and terrible things done to them repeatedly…. was rather off-putting but also kind of unnecessary and out of place in the story.
And the ending is rather lacking and things are not really resolved in a good way so the ending just feels abrupt.
And the heroine is not stupid really …. but says and does things the makes her seem like she is not the sharpest tool in the shed.
July 30, 2018
DNF somewhere around 65%
I give up. I just can't with this book.
The beginning was fine. Ish. Tolerable. Nothing terrible. The writing was okay, the romance was pretty nonexistent but there was time for it to get better. Then we have the disastrous wedding night scene. Edith wants to know what to expect on her wedding night and asks her maid to tell her how to please a man. The maid is of course just as ignorant as Edith but passes on what she's heard. Which leads to Edith smearing preserves all over her new husband's “fiddle”, a term this book uses for man bits way too often, and then she also spreads it all over her lady bits. And as she's trying to please her new husband, she throws up said preserves all over his fiddle. Honestly, I think the point that Edith was both ignorant about sex and poisoned could have been achieved in a number of less horrifying ways, but hey, what do I know.
As cringe-worthy as that scene was, I think I could have finished the book if it wasn't for the complete lack of chemistry between the MCs and the lack of romance as a whole throughout the book. It just wasn't romantic, plain and simple. Neils' brother tells Neils that he is obviously in love with his wife and his response is the usual “What are you talking about it? I'm not in love with her.” His brother's response to this was a little different from the usual. His response is basically “Of course you are! When Edith was just poisoned, you freaked out and carried her around the castle while naked with your fiddle covered in vomit!” Then he's like..."Oh! I see what you mean."
Ah, yes. Nothing screams love like a vomit covered crotch.
And honestly, I didn't even think Neils was in love with her yet. I thought that his romantic epiphany was premature and forced.
I dnf'ed the previous book Falling for the Highlander but I thought I'd give this one a try and I'm once again dnf-ing. Safe to say I'm done with the series.
I give up. I just can't with this book.
The beginning was fine. Ish. Tolerable. Nothing terrible. The writing was okay, the romance was pretty nonexistent but there was time for it to get better. Then we have the disastrous wedding night scene. Edith wants to know what to expect on her wedding night and asks her maid to tell her how to please a man. The maid is of course just as ignorant as Edith but passes on what she's heard. Which leads to Edith smearing preserves all over her new husband's “fiddle”, a term this book uses for man bits way too often, and then she also spreads it all over her lady bits. And as she's trying to please her new husband, she throws up said preserves all over his fiddle. Honestly, I think the point that Edith was both ignorant about sex and poisoned could have been achieved in a number of less horrifying ways, but hey, what do I know.
As cringe-worthy as that scene was, I think I could have finished the book if it wasn't for the complete lack of chemistry between the MCs and the lack of romance as a whole throughout the book. It just wasn't romantic, plain and simple. Neils' brother tells Neils that he is obviously in love with his wife and his response is the usual “What are you talking about it? I'm not in love with her.” His brother's response to this was a little different from the usual. His response is basically “Of course you are! When Edith was just poisoned, you freaked out and carried her around the castle while naked with your fiddle covered in vomit!” Then he's like..."Oh! I see what you mean."
Ah, yes. Nothing screams love like a vomit covered crotch.
And honestly, I didn't even think Neils was in love with her yet. I thought that his romantic epiphany was premature and forced.
I dnf'ed the previous book Falling for the Highlander but I thought I'd give this one a try and I'm once again dnf-ing. Safe to say I'm done with the series.
December 20, 2017
I'm slowly getting into Highlander-type books and I couldn't resist the synopsis of this one...even if that cover cannot be taken seriously.
I love love loved Edith and Niels. She's smart and maybe a bit sassy. He's loyal and maybe a bit gruff. Together they have a great rapport, amazing chemistry, and are super easy to root for. All of his brothers are hilarious and I enjoyed the banter between the siblings.
Plot wise, it was entertaining. I liked the poisoning plot line and how Edith didn't allow anyone to push her to the side when it came to figuring things out. My main complaint is that I wanted a bit more at the end. The last chapter was sweet and tied things up, but I would have loved to see more of something from the future.
Overall, it was a quick read with great characters. I'm definitely going to look into other books from the series.
Note: I'm not putting this on the rape shelf because there wasn't an actual scene of rape, but towards the end there is a lot of talk about it.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
I love love loved Edith and Niels. She's smart and maybe a bit sassy. He's loyal and maybe a bit gruff. Together they have a great rapport, amazing chemistry, and are super easy to root for. All of his brothers are hilarious and I enjoyed the banter between the siblings.
Plot wise, it was entertaining. I liked the poisoning plot line and how Edith didn't allow anyone to push her to the side when it came to figuring things out. My main complaint is that I wanted a bit more at the end. The last chapter was sweet and tied things up, but I would have loved to see more of something from the future.
Overall, it was a quick read with great characters. I'm definitely going to look into other books from the series.
Note: I'm not putting this on the rape shelf because there wasn't an actual scene of rape, but towards the end there is a lot of talk about it.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
December 6, 2022
Audio version: 8/23/22
Re-Read: 4/3/2021
3 stars!! Liked it... but it was not as enjoyable as the previous books in this series. Story had everything- romance, mystery, likable H&h, humor.. but there was a lack of chemistry between the H&h 😬and therefore I missed the under current of steam that is typically found in a book by Ms Sands. However, the story was pretty thrilling and the villain was totally unexpected. 😱, but I do wish there was an epilogue or something.. the ending seemed rushed. 🤔
Re-Read: 4/3/2021
3 stars!! Liked it... but it was not as enjoyable as the previous books in this series. Story had everything- romance, mystery, likable H&h, humor.. but there was a lack of chemistry between the H&h 😬and therefore I missed the under current of steam that is typically found in a book by Ms Sands. However, the story was pretty thrilling and the villain was totally unexpected. 😱, but I do wish there was an epilogue or something.. the ending seemed rushed. 🤔
March 24, 2019
Sands sure takes formulaic to the next level. Cue murderous intent, sidestepped grief that would neutralize a normal human, convenient confession, plot apropos death of villain, inappropriate sex scene between strangers, rushed marriage and a plethora of siblings.
E for effort I guess?
This one wasn't even funny, and she sometimes can be.
I would even add that the speed at which he assaulted her person the moment they were alone, while a kid was nearby, was frankly insulting. a) she had barely recovered from an illness b) she was a gentlewoman, have you no respect? c) yo, there is a kid a few feet away, why is your hand between her legs? Have you no broughtupsy, y'all just met, show some class!
This book is also massively freehanded with the killing. Sheesh Louise, Dear Author, you don’t need to massacre ~14 people to prove that murdering villainy is afoot. Excessive much. Can we keep things conservative perhaps? 3 is a nice normal number. Lah.
I have tired of reading the same book by Sands over and over again. And the template was not good to start with, so it wears unimaginatively thin. Key word unimaginative.
E for effort I guess?
This one wasn't even funny, and she sometimes can be.
I would even add that the speed at which he assaulted her person the moment they were alone, while a kid was nearby, was frankly insulting. a) she had barely recovered from an illness b) she was a gentlewoman, have you no respect? c) yo, there is a kid a few feet away, why is your hand between her legs? Have you no broughtupsy, y'all just met, show some class!
This book is also massively freehanded with the killing. Sheesh Louise, Dear Author, you don’t need to massacre ~14 people to prove that murdering villainy is afoot. Excessive much. Can we keep things conservative perhaps? 3 is a nice normal number. Lah.
I have tired of reading the same book by Sands over and over again. And the template was not good to start with, so it wears unimaginatively thin. Key word unimaginative.
January 24, 2018
Whenever I see a new Lynsay Sands historical, I get grabby hands! I know every book is going to be a quick fun read that has me laughing out loud, and Surrender to the Highlander was no exception. While you can probably read these books as standalones, I think you will have much more fun with the series if you start at the beginning, with An English Bride in Scotland.
I am totally head over heels in love with the Buchanan family. While I think my favorite is the broody and scarred Aulay, I can't deny that I would love to hang out with the fun-loving Buchanan brood who tease and taunt each other at every turn.
Our hero in this installment is Neils Buchanan, the third son in the family line-up. Saidh Buchanan, the sole sister who is currently large with child, persuades the boys to go check on her friend who had been ill and stopped responded to messages. The boys reluctantly make their way to Drummond keep and quickly discover that someone wishes the Drummonds harm and has been doing a speedy job of dispatching of the family. Neils was a great hero. He was a large lusty lad who was protective over our heroine and determined to discover who meant her harm. Neils wasn't as humorous as some of the brothers, but his reaction to humorous situations was endearing and made me love him all the more.
Edith Drummond has lost most of her family and has been hanging on to her own life by a thread. When the Buchanan brothers show up on her door and discover that she has been poisoned, Edith must come to terms with the idea that her family was murdered and someone is actively trying to kill her. But with the big brawny Highlander dogging her tail, Edith has a hard time focusing on the danger when she is distracted by steamy kisses and erm... other things. Surprisingly, Edith had me laughing out loud more than the Buchanans. I had tears coming out of my eyes on Edith's wedding night and her implementation of the advice she had gotten from a maid. I still crack up just thinking about it. Edith was a good heroine, somewhat careless with her safety, but she was likable and fun and a good match for Neils.
Given Edith's poisoning and illness, this romance was not instalove. There was definitely instant attraction on both sides, but the romance unfolded at a nice pace along with the rest of the story. Both danger and humorous obstacles were thrown in Neils and Edith's path, and they handled everything with aplomb. I enjoyed seeing both the buildup and some of their life following the marriage, and I was glad that the some of the Buchanan brothers had a heavy presence in the story.
Surrender to the Highlander was a perfect blend of romance, mystery, suspense and humor. I will be waiting for the next installment on pins and needles.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Avon.
July 14, 2023
this was definitely something that I read, for sure some words on a page, not sure how to feel about it beyond that
January 17, 2018
I received this book for free from Edelweiss/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I was introduced to Lynsay Sands historical romances through Jennifer from Feminist Fairy Tale Reviews. I've read quite a few of her books at this point. Generally I enjoy them, but they rarely leave lasting impressions on me. That's the case with Surrender to the Highlander. It was a completely fine read, but once I finished, I forgot about it.
Surrender to the Highlander is about Edith Drummond and Neils Buchanan. Neils and a few of his brothers go to Edith's home at the urging of their sister. When Neils arrives, he discovers Edith is very ill. Everyone at the castle believes Edith will soon die, but Niels and his brothers help her recover. They realize that Edith might have been poisoned, and so Neils and his brother stay on to help sort out the mystery. And of course, Edith and Neils fall for each other.
Both Neils and Edith were easy characters to like. Edith is the daughter of a laird, but her father and her older brother passed away quickly, while Edith was sick. She's kind, and cares very much about the people that rely on her family to help them. It was so clear how much her people respected Edith and were happy that she recovered from the poisoning.
Neils was great too. He's also the son of a laird, but he's a younger son. I loved seeing him take on responsibility while trying to figure out who the baddie was. I also really enjoyed seeing his relationship with his brothers.
I absolutely did want Neils and Edith to get together. They made a great couple and a great team as they took over running the keep. That said, they really aren't a memorable couple. As is often the case with Lynsay Sands historicals, the characters would sometimes do something silly, more as a way to move the plot along, than really something these characters would actually do.
So, if you're looking for something easy and stress-free, and you like historical romances, try Surrender to the Highlander by Lynsay Sands out. However I do think there are better Lynsay Sands books that this one.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
Surrender to the Highlander is about Edith Drummond and Neils Buchanan. Neils and a few of his brothers go to Edith's home at the urging of their sister. When Neils arrives, he discovers Edith is very ill. Everyone at the castle believes Edith will soon die, but Niels and his brothers help her recover. They realize that Edith might have been poisoned, and so Neils and his brother stay on to help sort out the mystery. And of course, Edith and Neils fall for each other.
Both Neils and Edith were easy characters to like. Edith is the daughter of a laird, but her father and her older brother passed away quickly, while Edith was sick. She's kind, and cares very much about the people that rely on her family to help them. It was so clear how much her people respected Edith and were happy that she recovered from the poisoning.
Neils was great too. He's also the son of a laird, but he's a younger son. I loved seeing him take on responsibility while trying to figure out who the baddie was. I also really enjoyed seeing his relationship with his brothers.
I absolutely did want Neils and Edith to get together. They made a great couple and a great team as they took over running the keep. That said, they really aren't a memorable couple. As is often the case with Lynsay Sands historicals, the characters would sometimes do something silly, more as a way to move the plot along, than really something these characters would actually do.
So, if you're looking for something easy and stress-free, and you like historical romances, try Surrender to the Highlander by Lynsay Sands out. However I do think there are better Lynsay Sands books that this one.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
December 23, 2017
Who wouldn't want the Buchanans to save them? But waking to find them all over your castle, yeah that could be a little scary.
Edith, at times seems like her personality was undetermined. But most of the time she was stubborn and head-strong.
Niels, full highland male. Very protective.
The Buchanans and Edith have quite a mystery on their hands to solve, with lots of heartache in store for Edith.
Twist at the end.
*I received my copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
Edith, at times seems like her personality was undetermined. But most of the time she was stubborn and head-strong.
Niels, full highland male. Very protective.
The Buchanans and Edith have quite a mystery on their hands to solve, with lots of heartache in store for Edith.
Twist at the end.
*I received my copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
January 23, 2022
Same plot as the other books in this series. 🙄
April 18, 2018
Dinna fash yersel'
Hey, guess what! Get ready to journey back to the good old days of Scotland. Yep, those were the days when lassies were lassies and laddies were brawny and said "dinna" a lot.
It's been a while since I've read a Lindsay Sands. I couldn't remember why I didn't read her anymore. I remember loving The Deed. I also remember enjoying her vampire books, until I became tired of the gazillion cell-phone conversation her characters had. Regardless, I picked up Surrender to the Highlander and started to read. I actually found myself enjoying it and then something happened - I remembered why I haven't read Ms. Sands in a while. Let's examine my epiphany.
Our main characters in this story are Edith Drummond and Neils Buchanan. By the way, Neils Buchanan is the series connector. He has a bunch of brothers: Alick, Geordie, and Rory. Rory is the doctor-brother. There is also a sister by the name of Saidh, but her story was the previous one. Hey, and by the way, how does one pronounce Saidh? I went online and listened to different pronunciations. There were all kinds of pronunciations, from said, as in said, to c-ad, c-ed, sin-o, ci-ad, ce-ad-ded, sid and just plain c. I bet I'm not the only one who becomes distracted when it comes to certain Romanceland names. They may look pretty, but pronouncing them is a whole different matter. Anyway, back to Edith and Neils.
Saidh is worried about her friend Edith. She hasn't heard from her in a long time and she is suspicious things are not quite right at the Drummond castle. But, Saidh can't find out because she's about 20 months pregnant with a giant cow and cannot ride a horse to the Drummond castle. Her husband will not leave her side, so she coerces her brothers into investigating. The four brothers grudgingly agree and they are off.
Getting into the castle. When they arrive at the castle they are not allowed into it and a very long funny scene begins between the brothers and the guards. It reminded me a little of an old Laurel and Hardy movie. Eventually the four brothers are allowed into the castle and we meet more characters: Ronson, the cute Romanceland orphan boy with his trusty giant dog, Laddie; Ronson's grandmother; Tormod, the Laird's first; and Cawley, the Laird's second. There are also a bunch of assorted servants all over the place. It's actually quite crowded. It has to be crowded because someone is killing them off and the more people who get murdered, the smaller our suspects list becomes. Edith's father and two of her brothers have already died, and someone has poisoned her. Her brother, Brodie has taken off along with his wife, and are in hiding - at least that's what we are told. Oh, I forgot, there may be spoilers ahead, to say nothing of the red herrings.
Anyway, someone has poisoned poor Edith and she's in some kind of poison coma. Lucky for her Rory is a doctor and after lots and lots of discussion by all the guys, they arrive at the conclusion that her food was poisoned or maybe it was her mead or cider - whatever, there was a bigggg discussion. I did not know which of the brothers Edith was going to end up with. At first I thought maybe Rory was the one, but ‘twas not to be. Nope, Neils was the first one Edith's eyes landed on when she finally opened them. Well, not really the first one, that would be the snoring Alick. Alick was on guard duty. Neils was the first one whose arms she collapsed into. She is instantly attracted to Neils and they start to talk about who is trying to murder her. He and his brothers and her servants try to protect her, but she occasionally turns into a TSTL heroine and wanders off into the castle by herself. She just cannot abide waking poor Neils from his sound sleep, the poor dear, even if someone is poisoning her food and shooting arrows at her. She just tip-toes over him. Yes, another sleeping brother on guard duty.
How to catch a murderer. It was while I was reading a scene in which a detailed discussion was going on that my light bulb went off. A bunch of the guys were talking, in detail, on how to catch the killer. Now I remembered why I haven't read Ms. Sands in a while. These how-to discussions were done more than once in this book and were all quite pointless. They had to have been word count fillers, I see no other reason for them being there. There were pages and pages of things like - I paraphrase: "you walk into a room and turn around and say, “oh, where is so and so”. Then turn to your left and trip over the stairs and then say, so everyone can hear, “I'm going up stairs now - by myself - all alone - with no one to protect me”. Then Tormod will go here and Rory will go there and Neils will go there and Alick will be under the bed waiting". On and on and on and on. Then you know what? Someone gets thrown over the castle wall and the conspirators don't do the plan. They forget their brother under the bed. None of the clever we-have-a-plan conspirators see anything. There wasn’t anyone in the hallway, stairs, closet, table, chair, etc. The whole conversation was a waste of time. Then I was presented with an OMG moment.
OMG moment. So, we have a killer on the loose. We don't know who. We don't know how they are getting from place to place without being seen. We have discussions, and plans, and more discussions and a heroine who just can't seem to stay in one place. Tormod. You remember Tormod? He's the big kahuna of the castle, he's the First, the guard, the protector. Oh, geewillikers guys, did Tormod forget to mention there are secret passages throughout the castle? Really, Tormod! Do you think it might have come in handy to know there were secret passages? And, this is the guy who is supposed to be guarding the castle. But wait, there are more moments in this story. Our Ewwwwww moment.
Ewwwwww moment. Edith is a total innocent, I mean she is a clueless innocent. She and Neils marry part way through the story. She wants to please her man, so she asks her maid for instructions. Actually, some of this discussion was quite humorous. Edith has no idea what her maid is talking about. I even chuckled through their conversation. If only Ms. Sands hadn't gone a step further. Ms. Sands just doesn’t seem to know when to stop. You see innocent Edith, on the advice of her maid, smears some kind of dark fruit preserve all over Neils winkee-dink. (This is to make it taste good.) But, she hasn’t stopped there, she has inserted some preserve in her lady-channel, if you know what I mean. Well, my little Petunia's, remember Edith has been poisoned in the past. It seems that once again she has been poisoned and in the middle of enjoying the placements of preserves, she throws up. All over everything, including Neils' Timothy Toad. You might think that's the Ewwwwww moment - nope. Rory, the doctor-brother, sees Neils’ preserve-laden Timothy Toad and suggests that Neils clean up. He also suggests that Neils clean up Edith because he can see preserves "seeping" from her golden vessel. That was my Ewwwwww moment. But wait, there is one more moment; the villain wrap-up moment.
The villain wrap-up moment. You know over the years, I have seen movies or read books which have villains exposing allllll the reasons they have for killing a gazillion people. This is the first time I have ever seen the heroine, the woman who the villain is trying to kill, sit down with the villain and discuss allll the reasons why. It was just toooo ridiculous for words. By the way the death toll was 14 in this book, not counting the horses.
Bottom line. What started out as a humorous romantic story took a turn half way through. The conversations surrounding the “who-done-its” were just pointless. The heroine, the First, and the brothers were not the brightest bulbs in the package. And, there were just too many "moments" which kicked me out of the story. This book did not work for me, I was very disappointed that what started out promising ended up being very awkward. Sorry to say I cannot recommend Surrender to the Highlander.
KaysBlog
Hey, guess what! Get ready to journey back to the good old days of Scotland. Yep, those were the days when lassies were lassies and laddies were brawny and said "dinna" a lot.
It's been a while since I've read a Lindsay Sands. I couldn't remember why I didn't read her anymore. I remember loving The Deed. I also remember enjoying her vampire books, until I became tired of the gazillion cell-phone conversation her characters had. Regardless, I picked up Surrender to the Highlander and started to read. I actually found myself enjoying it and then something happened - I remembered why I haven't read Ms. Sands in a while. Let's examine my epiphany.
Our main characters in this story are Edith Drummond and Neils Buchanan. By the way, Neils Buchanan is the series connector. He has a bunch of brothers: Alick, Geordie, and Rory. Rory is the doctor-brother. There is also a sister by the name of Saidh, but her story was the previous one. Hey, and by the way, how does one pronounce Saidh? I went online and listened to different pronunciations. There were all kinds of pronunciations, from said, as in said, to c-ad, c-ed, sin-o, ci-ad, ce-ad-ded, sid and just plain c. I bet I'm not the only one who becomes distracted when it comes to certain Romanceland names. They may look pretty, but pronouncing them is a whole different matter. Anyway, back to Edith and Neils.
Saidh is worried about her friend Edith. She hasn't heard from her in a long time and she is suspicious things are not quite right at the Drummond castle. But, Saidh can't find out because she's about 20 months pregnant with a giant cow and cannot ride a horse to the Drummond castle. Her husband will not leave her side, so she coerces her brothers into investigating. The four brothers grudgingly agree and they are off.
Getting into the castle. When they arrive at the castle they are not allowed into it and a very long funny scene begins between the brothers and the guards. It reminded me a little of an old Laurel and Hardy movie. Eventually the four brothers are allowed into the castle and we meet more characters: Ronson, the cute Romanceland orphan boy with his trusty giant dog, Laddie; Ronson's grandmother; Tormod, the Laird's first; and Cawley, the Laird's second. There are also a bunch of assorted servants all over the place. It's actually quite crowded. It has to be crowded because someone is killing them off and the more people who get murdered, the smaller our suspects list becomes. Edith's father and two of her brothers have already died, and someone has poisoned her. Her brother, Brodie has taken off along with his wife, and are in hiding - at least that's what we are told. Oh, I forgot, there may be spoilers ahead, to say nothing of the red herrings.
Anyway, someone has poisoned poor Edith and she's in some kind of poison coma. Lucky for her Rory is a doctor and after lots and lots of discussion by all the guys, they arrive at the conclusion that her food was poisoned or maybe it was her mead or cider - whatever, there was a bigggg discussion. I did not know which of the brothers Edith was going to end up with. At first I thought maybe Rory was the one, but ‘twas not to be. Nope, Neils was the first one Edith's eyes landed on when she finally opened them. Well, not really the first one, that would be the snoring Alick. Alick was on guard duty. Neils was the first one whose arms she collapsed into. She is instantly attracted to Neils and they start to talk about who is trying to murder her. He and his brothers and her servants try to protect her, but she occasionally turns into a TSTL heroine and wanders off into the castle by herself. She just cannot abide waking poor Neils from his sound sleep, the poor dear, even if someone is poisoning her food and shooting arrows at her. She just tip-toes over him. Yes, another sleeping brother on guard duty.
How to catch a murderer. It was while I was reading a scene in which a detailed discussion was going on that my light bulb went off. A bunch of the guys were talking, in detail, on how to catch the killer. Now I remembered why I haven't read Ms. Sands in a while. These how-to discussions were done more than once in this book and were all quite pointless. They had to have been word count fillers, I see no other reason for them being there. There were pages and pages of things like - I paraphrase: "you walk into a room and turn around and say, “oh, where is so and so”. Then turn to your left and trip over the stairs and then say, so everyone can hear, “I'm going up stairs now - by myself - all alone - with no one to protect me”. Then Tormod will go here and Rory will go there and Neils will go there and Alick will be under the bed waiting". On and on and on and on. Then you know what? Someone gets thrown over the castle wall and the conspirators don't do the plan. They forget their brother under the bed. None of the clever we-have-a-plan conspirators see anything. There wasn’t anyone in the hallway, stairs, closet, table, chair, etc. The whole conversation was a waste of time. Then I was presented with an OMG moment.
OMG moment. So, we have a killer on the loose. We don't know who. We don't know how they are getting from place to place without being seen. We have discussions, and plans, and more discussions and a heroine who just can't seem to stay in one place. Tormod. You remember Tormod? He's the big kahuna of the castle, he's the First, the guard, the protector. Oh, geewillikers guys, did Tormod forget to mention there are secret passages throughout the castle? Really, Tormod! Do you think it might have come in handy to know there were secret passages? And, this is the guy who is supposed to be guarding the castle. But wait, there are more moments in this story. Our Ewwwwww moment.
Ewwwwww moment. Edith is a total innocent, I mean she is a clueless innocent. She and Neils marry part way through the story. She wants to please her man, so she asks her maid for instructions. Actually, some of this discussion was quite humorous. Edith has no idea what her maid is talking about. I even chuckled through their conversation. If only Ms. Sands hadn't gone a step further. Ms. Sands just doesn’t seem to know when to stop. You see innocent Edith, on the advice of her maid, smears some kind of dark fruit preserve all over Neils winkee-dink. (This is to make it taste good.) But, she hasn’t stopped there, she has inserted some preserve in her lady-channel, if you know what I mean. Well, my little Petunia's, remember Edith has been poisoned in the past. It seems that once again she has been poisoned and in the middle of enjoying the placements of preserves, she throws up. All over everything, including Neils' Timothy Toad. You might think that's the Ewwwwww moment - nope. Rory, the doctor-brother, sees Neils’ preserve-laden Timothy Toad and suggests that Neils clean up. He also suggests that Neils clean up Edith because he can see preserves "seeping" from her golden vessel. That was my Ewwwwww moment. But wait, there is one more moment; the villain wrap-up moment.
The villain wrap-up moment. You know over the years, I have seen movies or read books which have villains exposing allllll the reasons they have for killing a gazillion people. This is the first time I have ever seen the heroine, the woman who the villain is trying to kill, sit down with the villain and discuss allll the reasons why. It was just toooo ridiculous for words. By the way the death toll was 14 in this book, not counting the horses.
Bottom line. What started out as a humorous romantic story took a turn half way through. The conversations surrounding the “who-done-its” were just pointless. The heroine, the First, and the brothers were not the brightest bulbs in the package. And, there were just too many "moments" which kicked me out of the story. This book did not work for me, I was very disappointed that what started out promising ended up being very awkward. Sorry to say I cannot recommend Surrender to the Highlander.
KaysBlog
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2018
Review & Giveaway: SURRENDER TO THE HIGHLANDER by Lynsay Sands https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-abi
Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated 4.5 Stars
When Lynsay Sands releases a book I immediately grab a copy because I know I’m going to enjoy it. Her historical and paranormal romance series are a great mix of humor and hot romance. SURRENDER TO THE HIGHLANDER is the fifth book in Lynsay Sands' Scottish Highlander Series, but each book is a standalone and you do not need to read the previous before picking up this one. I highly recommend the entire series though and the characters are connected. SURRENDER TO THE HIGHLANDER is Neil Buchanan and Edith’s story and they were introduced in previous books. Neil is one of Siadh’s many brothers and Edith is one of her close friends. Their story had a mystery, some humor and some steamy romance. I highly recommend this series for historical romance lovers looking for hot Scottish romances. They’re addicting!
*Review copy provided by the Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Kindle http://amzn.to/2gcc7sK
✦SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER SERIES BY LYNSAY SANDS✦
Book 1. An English Bride in Scotland ➢ http://amzn.to/2kPJIMn
Book 2. To Marry a Scottish Laird ➢ http://amzn.to/2kPS9XP
Book 3. The Highlander Takes a Bride ➢ http://amzn.to/2lhjMKo | Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2QJ
Book 4. Falling for the Highlander ➢ http://amzn.to/2kKacz9 | Review 4.5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-7OV
Book 5. Surrender to the Highlander ➢ http://amzn.to/2gcc7sK
Book 6. The Highlander's Promise (Releasing 6/26/18) ➢ http://amzn.to/2nqAaHV
Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated 4.5 Stars
When Lynsay Sands releases a book I immediately grab a copy because I know I’m going to enjoy it. Her historical and paranormal romance series are a great mix of humor and hot romance. SURRENDER TO THE HIGHLANDER is the fifth book in Lynsay Sands' Scottish Highlander Series, but each book is a standalone and you do not need to read the previous before picking up this one. I highly recommend the entire series though and the characters are connected. SURRENDER TO THE HIGHLANDER is Neil Buchanan and Edith’s story and they were introduced in previous books. Neil is one of Siadh’s many brothers and Edith is one of her close friends. Their story had a mystery, some humor and some steamy romance. I highly recommend this series for historical romance lovers looking for hot Scottish romances. They’re addicting!
*Review copy provided by the Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Kindle http://amzn.to/2gcc7sK
✦SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER SERIES BY LYNSAY SANDS✦
Book 1. An English Bride in Scotland ➢ http://amzn.to/2kPJIMn
Book 2. To Marry a Scottish Laird ➢ http://amzn.to/2kPS9XP
Book 3. The Highlander Takes a Bride ➢ http://amzn.to/2lhjMKo | Review http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2QJ
Book 4. Falling for the Highlander ➢ http://amzn.to/2kKacz9 | Review 4.5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-7OV
Book 5. Surrender to the Highlander ➢ http://amzn.to/2gcc7sK
Book 6. The Highlander's Promise (Releasing 6/26/18) ➢ http://amzn.to/2nqAaHV
July 25, 2019
Big caveat here: the portrayal of sexual assault/abuse in this is far too glib in a crucial scene IMO. It was quite a sour note in an otherwise very enjoyable book
That said, this delivers the lighthearted Sands goodness that really works for me: likeable heroine + hero, quasi-marriage of convenience where they are moving from like to love, and a nice little mystery plot thrown in as the main plot engine. Rompy loch-y fun - yes please
That said, this delivers the lighthearted Sands goodness that really works for me: likeable heroine + hero, quasi-marriage of convenience where they are moving from like to love, and a nice little mystery plot thrown in as the main plot engine. Rompy loch-y fun - yes please
January 30, 2021
I liked both the hero and the heroine. However, this series has too many crazy, psycho, murderous women! It was great the first time, but it's starting to get redundant now.
January 27, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A sexy tale that takes you make to breathtaking Scotland with its cool breezes, beautiful scenery and a murder mystery with a matching love story to curl your toes!!!
There is nothing that I like better than relaxing with a good book but when it comes to Lynsay Sands I always know that I am in for a good ride no matter if its paranormal or her historical settings. Now I have to say that this Highlander series is so amazing, and her best historical books she has ever written. I just love this family, and boy each member is so SEXY and I would totally go back in time for one of these hunks. But I will say that Niels might be one of my favorite heroes in the series which is saying alot...since there are some great heroes. From the first time, I saw this cover...I knew I had to pick this book so I am so grateful that Avon Books and Lynsay Sands gave me this opportunity because I had a BLAST!!
Our key players in the story are:
Niels Buchanan, is the third son of the group, he doesn't have a hope of finding a wife anytime soon, he is the younger son after all. Niels is protective, kind and tender.
Edith Drummond, is the only daughter, but now is recovering from being poisoned and losing her father and brothers to murder. Edith is endearing, spirited and kind hearted.
I was thrilled to pick up this book and get into it pretty dang quickly. The story sets off when the sister of the family, Saidh, asks her brothers to go check on her friend Edith, whom lives pretty close and she hasn't heard from in a while. With Saidh very pregnant, the brothers go to check on Edith. When they arrive, they have a feeling that there is more going on than meets the eye. When they discover that Edith's father and brothers except one have all died and that is Edith is sick from being poisoned, they know that they must discover what is really going on.
Edith wakes up and discovers that she hasn't just been ill, but poisoned and that someone has been killing off members of her family. She quickly bonds with Saidh's brothers including the sexy as sin Niels, the one brother that draws her attention more than the others. There is something about the way he cares for her and protects her that she finds exhilarating. Edith has little hope for marriage, since her brother, the one left alive but abandoned them to care for his wife, plans on sending her to be a nun once he returns. Edith has lost pretty much her whole family, but she remains strong and steady. I love the inner strength that we see come from her.
What pleased me most about this book, was that this book just pulled me in so quickly. I just didn't want to put it away at all!! I was having way too much fun with the brothers and the quick and fun ways that they go about teasing each other, to the sizzling romance and the murder mystery and trying to discover who the REAL killer is. I really enjoyed this side of the plot though, it just kept me on the edge of my seat wondering who it would be. Honestly....this author definitely gives you some delightful twists because the Villain of the story is NOT who you expect at all. The sensuality and sweet innocence of the romance were purely delightful. The heroine especially just made me "aww" honestly. I just love the "creative" ways she goes about trying to please Niels in bed. I wanted to laugh and cry for her, but also seeing this in a romance just made me smile. We see how much "fun" these two can have in bed and I always love seeing that. These moments really balanced out the more serious toned plot builds on the story.
Truly a most entertaining romance that gives you laughs and smiles all around and guaranteed to make you swoon!!
A sexy tale that takes you make to breathtaking Scotland with its cool breezes, beautiful scenery and a murder mystery with a matching love story to curl your toes!!!
There is nothing that I like better than relaxing with a good book but when it comes to Lynsay Sands I always know that I am in for a good ride no matter if its paranormal or her historical settings. Now I have to say that this Highlander series is so amazing, and her best historical books she has ever written. I just love this family, and boy each member is so SEXY and I would totally go back in time for one of these hunks. But I will say that Niels might be one of my favorite heroes in the series which is saying alot...since there are some great heroes. From the first time, I saw this cover...I knew I had to pick this book so I am so grateful that Avon Books and Lynsay Sands gave me this opportunity because I had a BLAST!!
Our key players in the story are:
Niels Buchanan, is the third son of the group, he doesn't have a hope of finding a wife anytime soon, he is the younger son after all. Niels is protective, kind and tender.
Edith Drummond, is the only daughter, but now is recovering from being poisoned and losing her father and brothers to murder. Edith is endearing, spirited and kind hearted.
I was thrilled to pick up this book and get into it pretty dang quickly. The story sets off when the sister of the family, Saidh, asks her brothers to go check on her friend Edith, whom lives pretty close and she hasn't heard from in a while. With Saidh very pregnant, the brothers go to check on Edith. When they arrive, they have a feeling that there is more going on than meets the eye. When they discover that Edith's father and brothers except one have all died and that is Edith is sick from being poisoned, they know that they must discover what is really going on.
Edith wakes up and discovers that she hasn't just been ill, but poisoned and that someone has been killing off members of her family. She quickly bonds with Saidh's brothers including the sexy as sin Niels, the one brother that draws her attention more than the others. There is something about the way he cares for her and protects her that she finds exhilarating. Edith has little hope for marriage, since her brother, the one left alive but abandoned them to care for his wife, plans on sending her to be a nun once he returns. Edith has lost pretty much her whole family, but she remains strong and steady. I love the inner strength that we see come from her.
I think ye're a fine woman, beatuiful and smart. More importantly, ye're kind too. Ye care fer the well-being o'yer people, and ye take in strays who need a home. Ye've a good heart, Edith, and I like that about ye.
What pleased me most about this book, was that this book just pulled me in so quickly. I just didn't want to put it away at all!! I was having way too much fun with the brothers and the quick and fun ways that they go about teasing each other, to the sizzling romance and the murder mystery and trying to discover who the REAL killer is. I really enjoyed this side of the plot though, it just kept me on the edge of my seat wondering who it would be. Honestly....this author definitely gives you some delightful twists because the Villain of the story is NOT who you expect at all. The sensuality and sweet innocence of the romance were purely delightful. The heroine especially just made me "aww" honestly. I just love the "creative" ways she goes about trying to please Niels in bed. I wanted to laugh and cry for her, but also seeing this in a romance just made me smile. We see how much "fun" these two can have in bed and I always love seeing that. These moments really balanced out the more serious toned plot builds on the story.
Truly a most entertaining romance that gives you laughs and smiles all around and guaranteed to make you swoon!!
March 13, 2023
When Niels Buchanan's sister Saidh has not heard from her friend Edith in weeks she sends them to find out if her friend is well. Upon reaching Drummond, they discover an illness has ravaged her father the laird and her brothers and has left Edith near death. But the illness appears to in actuality be a nefarious plot against Edith's family. Having vowed to protect Edith, Niels finds the longer they are in close contact the more his feelings of protection towards her turn into something more.
Yet again I love a Lynsay Sands Highlander Bride novel, and enjoyed reading Niels and Edith's story. When the Buchanan brother's are involved there is sure to be some hilarity to follow. With the spotlight on Niels it was nice to learn more about his character and to see his instant protectiveness towards Edith from the moment he sees her unconscious/ill. And when she wakes, the way Edith cares for her people and they for her is quickly illustrated to the reader. The part in the novel with the shields in the bailey after Niels, Edith and his brothers return from the hunting lodge really resonated with me. And with each Highlander Brides novel we find suspense, murder, and intrigue around every corner and Surrender to the Highlander is packed more than the previous in the series, keeping the reading pulled in, until the last page.
Yet again I love a Lynsay Sands Highlander Bride novel, and enjoyed reading Niels and Edith's story. When the Buchanan brother's are involved there is sure to be some hilarity to follow. With the spotlight on Niels it was nice to learn more about his character and to see his instant protectiveness towards Edith from the moment he sees her unconscious/ill. And when she wakes, the way Edith cares for her people and they for her is quickly illustrated to the reader. The part in the novel with the shields in the bailey after Niels, Edith and his brothers return from the hunting lodge really resonated with me. And with each Highlander Brides novel we find suspense, murder, and intrigue around every corner and Surrender to the Highlander is packed more than the previous in the series, keeping the reading pulled in, until the last page.
February 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! I've only recently started reading highlander romances, and I'm still iffy on if I love or hate them. A big part of that is the dialect, making the dialogue sometimes hard to schlep through. I feel that the dialect in Surrender to the Highlander was a little heavy handed, and also inconsistent. Edith would say "not" in one breath and in the next say "no' ". Another character would refer to something as "my plaid" on one page and later "me plaid". After just finishing another highlander romance where they used "nae" for not, it felt uncomfortable to me to read the shifting "no'/not" in this book. I also REALLY didn't like Ronson's swearing. He supposedly picked it up from Niels and his brothers, but you never see the adults actually swearing that much, and certainly not that disgustingly. I felt it was overdone and off-putting and could have been handled with a little more delicate of a hand. And that's it, for what I didn't like, let's get on to all the things I loved!!
Surrender the Highlander also focuses a lot on the murder/mystery aspect of the storyline, which is great if you like that kind of thing and less great if you like your romances more emotionally plot driven. I happen to enjoy a little murder and mystery with my romance, so this worked for me! At times I wanted to shake the characters - especially Edith - and yell "That is significant! What are you doing?! Tell Niels and the other people about that, ye gurt dummy!" Without spoiling anything, I will just say that the plot revolves a lot around identifying and catching a murderer, and I kept having my suspicions about who did what and how and why. I was definitely kept guessing, and was super surprised at the big reveal (though I did have some inklings right just a chapter or two before that, so there was definitely foreshadowing!). That part of the plot was handled very masterfully, and I felt it wasn't just a cardboard cutout villain with wishy-washy motives.
I loved Edith, who is both fiery fierce and humbly kind. She works hard with her people and doesn't consider herself above them just because she's lady of the castle. She's very naïve in some things (the fruit preserves!! OMG, I died!!) but isn't afraid to stick up for herself, for her people, and for what she knows is right. She's a strong and compassionate character, and has a great balance to her. Niels is also great, and I do love me a growly over-protective alpha male. Their dynamic is great, and while they only know each other for a short time (the entire book takes place over only a week or so, if I recall correctly) their relationship manages to feel like it develops fairly organically. (No insta-love here! Plenty of insta-lust though…)
This is the fifth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. (I'm living proof, having not read the first four books myself!) It does have some spoilers for what I assume are the first four books in the series, since it talks about four other couples and that's typically the MCs of earlier books making a little cameo. Since I haven't read the first four books though I can't absolutely swear it, though Neils' brother and sister appear to me lead characters in two of them. Anyway, any spoilers aren't much more spoilery than what you already know from reading the blurb on the back cover/Goodreads.
*I received a free copy of this book from Edelweiss+ and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Surrender the Highlander also focuses a lot on the murder/mystery aspect of the storyline, which is great if you like that kind of thing and less great if you like your romances more emotionally plot driven. I happen to enjoy a little murder and mystery with my romance, so this worked for me! At times I wanted to shake the characters - especially Edith - and yell "That is significant! What are you doing?! Tell Niels and the other people about that, ye gurt dummy!" Without spoiling anything, I will just say that the plot revolves a lot around identifying and catching a murderer, and I kept having my suspicions about who did what and how and why. I was definitely kept guessing, and was super surprised at the big reveal (though I did have some inklings right just a chapter or two before that, so there was definitely foreshadowing!). That part of the plot was handled very masterfully, and I felt it wasn't just a cardboard cutout villain with wishy-washy motives.
I loved Edith, who is both fiery fierce and humbly kind. She works hard with her people and doesn't consider herself above them just because she's lady of the castle. She's very naïve in some things (the fruit preserves!! OMG, I died!!) but isn't afraid to stick up for herself, for her people, and for what she knows is right. She's a strong and compassionate character, and has a great balance to her. Niels is also great, and I do love me a growly over-protective alpha male. Their dynamic is great, and while they only know each other for a short time (the entire book takes place over only a week or so, if I recall correctly) their relationship manages to feel like it develops fairly organically. (No insta-love here! Plenty of insta-lust though…)
This is the fifth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. (I'm living proof, having not read the first four books myself!) It does have some spoilers for what I assume are the first four books in the series, since it talks about four other couples and that's typically the MCs of earlier books making a little cameo. Since I haven't read the first four books though I can't absolutely swear it, though Neils' brother and sister appear to me lead characters in two of them. Anyway, any spoilers aren't much more spoilery than what you already know from reading the blurb on the back cover/Goodreads.
*I received a free copy of this book from Edelweiss+ and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
March 5, 2023
The Highland Brides series by Lynsay Sands are quickly becoming some of my favorite Highlander books. I was not expecting this one to deal with a murderer at all; however, I soon became invested in finding out who it was. This book had a little bit of mystery, some romance, and a whole lot of highlanders. While it wasn't my favorite in this series so far, I did really enjoy it. There was a lot of death in this one, so just be prepared before you start and check trigger warnings if you have any. I did listen to this fully on audio, and enjoyed the narrator.
September 29, 2020
Concerned when her friend doesn’t respond to her letters, Saidh Buchanan MacDonnell sends her brothers to Drummond to ensure Edith’s wellbeing. After a weeks-long illness, Edith is surprised when she wakes to find Drummond Castle filled with unknown Highlanders. She’s even more shocked to learn her illness was actually caused by repeated poisoning. Niels Buchanan glues himself to her side as they work to find the poisoner and soon Edith realizes her heart is in danger from Niels and his charm.
Niels has never been more attracted to a woman and can’t bear the thought of such a courageous and beautiful lass being sent to a convent. He decides to marry Edith himself before her brother’s new wife has her sent away. Wooing Edith is easy enough but keeping her safe from whoever is systematically killing off her family members will be his greatest challenge yet.
This was such a cute story. It was amusing and funny in parts, but also sweet, sensual, and suspenseful. Niels and Edith were adorable because it was obvious to everyone that they loved each other but took them much longer to realize it themselves. I also loved how they worked together against Edith’s enemies and they each settled right into their roles at the other’s side. As always, I adored the dynamic between the Buchanan brothers and their steadfast loyalty to each other. The suspense here was well done, with a very creepy edge to it that added to the story as well. This was another classic, enjoyable highlander story and I’m on to Aulay’s story now.
Niels has never been more attracted to a woman and can’t bear the thought of such a courageous and beautiful lass being sent to a convent. He decides to marry Edith himself before her brother’s new wife has her sent away. Wooing Edith is easy enough but keeping her safe from whoever is systematically killing off her family members will be his greatest challenge yet.
This was such a cute story. It was amusing and funny in parts, but also sweet, sensual, and suspenseful. Niels and Edith were adorable because it was obvious to everyone that they loved each other but took them much longer to realize it themselves. I also loved how they worked together against Edith’s enemies and they each settled right into their roles at the other’s side. As always, I adored the dynamic between the Buchanan brothers and their steadfast loyalty to each other. The suspense here was well done, with a very creepy edge to it that added to the story as well. This was another classic, enjoyable highlander story and I’m on to Aulay’s story now.
January 28, 2018
Sands’s Scottish romances are ridiculous and could use a solid editor for the language (if you take the time to pepper in “ken” and “sgian-dubh” you can do the research for a suitable Scots epithet instead of “ai yi yi”) and they are a load of fun to read. I did like this much better than I did the last Highlander romance - the hero and heroine actually discuss plans of action and Edith is treated like a smart person. If you’ve read a lot of Sands, then the murder plot feels a bit rehashed but oh well.
Glad to see the next book coming is for Aulay (finally) then perhaps one for Rory, since he’s actually expressed that he’d like to fall in love.
Bad news for the cover designer though - tartans are the same color in one family (Dougall’s cover had a blue-ish tartan, this one is red, and Aulay’s is green for the next one - they’re all brothers).
Glad to see the next book coming is for Aulay (finally) then perhaps one for Rory, since he’s actually expressed that he’d like to fall in love.
Bad news for the cover designer though - tartans are the same color in one family (Dougall’s cover had a blue-ish tartan, this one is red, and Aulay’s is green for the next one - they’re all brothers).
November 9, 2017
Thanks Edelweiss for this ARC.
Lynsay Sands knows her highlanders. This book comes across as authentic with he-man heroics and damsel saving. It's a great example of down to earth Highland historical romance.
Lynsay Sands knows her highlanders. This book comes across as authentic with he-man heroics and damsel saving. It's a great example of down to earth Highland historical romance.
August 27, 2019
Bought it at Rite Aid, exactly what you expect it to be and I am NOT ASHAMED.
January 22, 2019
Chronique d'Audrey :
https://followthereader2016.wordpress...
Au début, j’ai été un peu perdue à la lecture de ce tome comme s’il était une suite car il y avait plein de liens familiaux qui n’étaient pas forcément bien expliqués. Petit à petit, j’ai réussi à rentrer dans l’histoire pour ne plus la lâcher car l’auteure a développé une véritable intrigue policière.
Saidh est la sœur de nos héros, elle s’inquiète que son amie Edith ne réponde plus à ses messagers. Elle charge ses frères et son mari d’aller voir à son château ce qu’il se passe. Ils vont découvrir que la jeune femme est malade, du même mal que son père et ses aînés qui sont décédés. Rory, le frère de Saidh meilleur guérisseur d’Ecosse, diagnostique un empoisonnement. A qui profite le crime ? Son frère cadet, qui louchait sur le trône, ou encore sa jeune épouse qui voulait devenir la maitresse de maison et ne semblait pas supporter que son mari soit l’héritier ? Ou est-ce complètement indépendant à l’héritage du clan ? Edith court un grave danger – celui qui lui en veut ne semble pas vouloir s’arrêter – et le clan Buchanan va devoir son identité.
Autour de cette intrigue, une histoire d’amour prend forme et j’ai adoré assister à cela. Lynsay Sands la décrit parfaitement bien, c’est tout mignon. Edith est un personnage fort et loyal, elle ferait tout pour son clan. C’est un personnage féminin assez classique des romances historiques mais c’est efficace : je me suis vite attachée à elle. Niels est beau, grand, fort – lui aussi ne sort pas des clichés du genre, mais encore une fois ça fonctionne.
La particularité de ce roman est que la romance n’est pas omniprésente, l’histoire d’amour se mêle à l’intrigue autour des meurtres et nous suivant le quotidien de la grande fratrie avec les compétences particulières de chacun. Lynsay Sands a également développé les personnages d’arrière-plan, comme par exemple Ronson et son chien Laiddie qui sont attendrissants. Tout l’univers mis en place est très travaillé. Suspens et rebondissements sont au rendez-vous !
J’ai passé un bon moment de lecture et j’ai apprécié le côté original, c’est une romance historique sur l’Ecosse qui sort de l’ordinaire. Je regrette cependant des passages flous qui m’ont laissés un peu perplexes, certains liens ne sont pas assez expliqués à mon goût.
https://followthereader2016.wordpress...
Au début, j’ai été un peu perdue à la lecture de ce tome comme s’il était une suite car il y avait plein de liens familiaux qui n’étaient pas forcément bien expliqués. Petit à petit, j’ai réussi à rentrer dans l’histoire pour ne plus la lâcher car l’auteure a développé une véritable intrigue policière.
Saidh est la sœur de nos héros, elle s’inquiète que son amie Edith ne réponde plus à ses messagers. Elle charge ses frères et son mari d’aller voir à son château ce qu’il se passe. Ils vont découvrir que la jeune femme est malade, du même mal que son père et ses aînés qui sont décédés. Rory, le frère de Saidh meilleur guérisseur d’Ecosse, diagnostique un empoisonnement. A qui profite le crime ? Son frère cadet, qui louchait sur le trône, ou encore sa jeune épouse qui voulait devenir la maitresse de maison et ne semblait pas supporter que son mari soit l’héritier ? Ou est-ce complètement indépendant à l’héritage du clan ? Edith court un grave danger – celui qui lui en veut ne semble pas vouloir s’arrêter – et le clan Buchanan va devoir son identité.
Autour de cette intrigue, une histoire d’amour prend forme et j’ai adoré assister à cela. Lynsay Sands la décrit parfaitement bien, c’est tout mignon. Edith est un personnage fort et loyal, elle ferait tout pour son clan. C’est un personnage féminin assez classique des romances historiques mais c’est efficace : je me suis vite attachée à elle. Niels est beau, grand, fort – lui aussi ne sort pas des clichés du genre, mais encore une fois ça fonctionne.
La particularité de ce roman est que la romance n’est pas omniprésente, l’histoire d’amour se mêle à l’intrigue autour des meurtres et nous suivant le quotidien de la grande fratrie avec les compétences particulières de chacun. Lynsay Sands a également développé les personnages d’arrière-plan, comme par exemple Ronson et son chien Laiddie qui sont attendrissants. Tout l’univers mis en place est très travaillé. Suspens et rebondissements sont au rendez-vous !
J’ai passé un bon moment de lecture et j’ai apprécié le côté original, c’est une romance historique sur l’Ecosse qui sort de l’ordinaire. Je regrette cependant des passages flous qui m’ont laissés un peu perplexes, certains liens ne sont pas assez expliqués à mon goût.
November 25, 2019
Gosh this series is so good!
August 4, 2023
i love highlander romances so much
February 20, 2025
Лейди Едит Дръмънд и Нийлс Бюканън
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Четейки паралелно исторета на шотландска тематика от Линдзи Сандс, Хана Хауъл и Мая Банкс, Линдзи определено изпъкна, като най-лека и приятна книга, напълно по мой вкус. Да не споменавам, че корицата е уникална пълна с прекрасни ярки цветове и един секси шотландец <3
Нийлс Бюканън, заедно с братята си е на път да достави вълнен плат за продажба на съседен клан. По пътят, решават да спрат в дома на сестра си Сейд и да видят как се справя с брачният живот. Сейд е добре, с тази разлика, че е притеснена за една от близките си приятелки, която й е писала, че е болна, и от месец вече няма вест от нея. Съпругът на Сейд моли братята й да отидат до дома на Едит Дръмънд и да разберат какво се случва с младото момиче, тъй като ако не отидат те Сейд сама ще отиде. А имайки предвид, че бременна едва в четвъртия месец изглежда така, все едно всеки момент ще роди, братята й неохотно се съгласяват. Пристигайки в крепостта Дръмънд обаче, положението е много по-зле отколкото са си мислили. Леърда и двамата му най-големи сина са мъртви, лейди Едит е на легло, берейки душа, след като откриват, че е била отровена, а по-малкият й брат и новата му жена са напуснали крепостта вярвайки, че в замъка върлува коварна болест.
Лейди Едит се буди след дълго боледуване, за да разбере, че случилото се не е кошмар. Че наистина баща й и двамата й по-големи братя са умрели в страшни мъки. Сега при нея са братята на приятелката й Сейд, единият от които е лечител, и й обясняват, че някой е отровил роднините й, опитвайки се да убие и нея по същият начин, но тъй като преди това е била болна, непрестанното повръщане я е спасило от смъртоносното отравяне. Едит е разгневена на единствения й жив брат, задето е напуснал дома им оставяйки всеки да се оправя сам, и е благодарна на братята Бюканън за подкрепата им в този тежък за семейството й момент. Скоро обаче, опитите да бъде убита продължават и единственият който може да я опази жива е Нийлс Бюканън. Рицар със смело сърце и изгарящи целувки, който кара Едит да забрави поне за миг, че живота й виси на косъм.
Книжката беше наистина чудесна. Равното количество съспенс, драма, романтика и смях направиха книгата интересна, колоритна и много приятна за четене. Харесаха ми закачките между братята Бюканън, допаднаха ми страничните истории и че с всяка следваща глава прескачах от едно предположение към друго, опитвайки се заедно с героите да открия кой е убиеца и какви са мотивите му. Хареса ми, че въпреки страховете си... Едит се боеше, че тъй като не се разбира със снаха си, ще свърши дните си в манастир, а Нийлс макар да я желаеше се колебаеше, защото не е леърд и не може да й предложи свой дом... двамата герои бързо се сближиха, без излишни драми се събраха и венчаха. Нямаше искам не искам, нямаше може не може, бяха сладки, чаровни и забавни. Честно, когато Едит повърна върху Нийлс... в онзи момент, умрях си от смях. Убиеца, го заподозрях по едно време, ама не можех да измисля мотив. Пак, за пореден път, не очаквах мотива зад всичките убийства. Историята на убиеца беше доста тъмна. Но и това бе интересна и много важна част от книгата. Като цяло, браво на Линдзи, 5-ца от мен и направо ритам от нетърпение за следващата книга. Ритаааам.
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Четейки паралелно исторета на шотландска тематика от Линдзи Сандс, Хана Хауъл и Мая Банкс, Линдзи определено изпъкна, като най-лека и приятна книга, напълно по мой вкус. Да не споменавам, че корицата е уникална пълна с прекрасни ярки цветове и един секси шотландец <3
Нийлс Бюканън, заедно с братята си е на път да достави вълнен плат за продажба на съседен клан. По пътят, решават да спрат в дома на сестра си Сейд и да видят как се справя с брачният живот. Сейд е добре, с тази разлика, че е притеснена за една от близките си приятелки, която й е писала, че е болна, и от месец вече няма вест от нея. Съпругът на Сейд моли братята й да отидат до дома на Едит Дръмънд и да разберат какво се случва с младото момиче, тъй като ако не отидат те Сейд сама ще отиде. А имайки предвид, че бременна едва в четвъртия месец изглежда така, все едно всеки момент ще роди, братята й неохотно се съгласяват. Пристигайки в крепостта Дръмънд обаче, положението е много по-зле отколкото са си мислили. Леърда и двамата му най-големи сина са мъртви, лейди Едит е на легло, берейки душа, след като откриват, че е била отровена, а по-малкият й брат и новата му жена са напуснали крепостта вярвайки, че в замъка върлува коварна болест.
Лейди Едит се буди след дълго боледуване, за да разбере, че случилото се не е кошмар. Че наистина баща й и двамата й по-големи братя са умрели в страшни мъки. Сега при нея са братята на приятелката й Сейд, единият от които е лечител, и й обясняват, че някой е отровил роднините й, опитвайки се да убие и нея по същият начин, но тъй като преди това е била болна, непрестанното повръщане я е спасило от смъртоносното отравяне. Едит е разгневена на единствения й жив брат, задето е напуснал дома им оставяйки всеки да се оправя сам, и е благодарна на братята Бюканън за подкрепата им в този тежък за семейството й момент. Скоро обаче, опитите да бъде убита продължават и единственият който може да я опази жива е Нийлс Бюканън. Рицар със смело сърце и изгарящи целувки, който кара Едит да забрави поне за миг, че живота й виси на косъм.
Книжката беше наистина чудесна. Равното количество съспенс, драма, романтика и смях направиха книгата интересна, колоритна и много приятна за четене. Харесаха ми закачките между братята Бюканън, допаднаха ми страничните истории и че с всяка следваща глава прескачах от едно предположение към друго, опитвайки се заедно с героите да открия кой е убиеца и какви са мотивите му. Хареса ми, че въпреки страховете си... Едит се боеше, че тъй като не се разбира със снаха си, ще свърши дните си в манастир, а Нийлс макар да я желаеше се колебаеше, защото не е леърд и не може да й предложи свой дом... двамата герои бързо се сближиха, без излишни драми се събраха и венчаха. Нямаше искам не искам, нямаше може не може, бяха сладки, чаровни и забавни. Честно, когато Едит повърна върху Нийлс... в онзи момент, умрях си от смях. Убиеца, го заподозрях по едно време, ама не можех да измисля мотив. Пак, за пореден път, не очаквах мотива зад всичките убийства. Историята на убиеца беше доста тъмна. Но и това бе интересна и много важна част от книгата. Като цяло, браво на Линдзи, 5-ца от мен и направо ритам от нетърпение за следващата книга. Ритаааам.
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