smithrachaelynn's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What I liked:
- I loved the way Ross treated Ilysa and seeing her experience his kindness and love for the first time. They were so cute even if it took forever to come together.
- Gavina and the villagers were so sweet to Ilysa. I loved how much they defended and loved her event to their chieftain.
What I didn’t like:
- The relationship between Ilysa and her sister seemed so odd to me. It was strained at the beginning but seemed to be full blown hostile all of a sudden. It made me feel like I was missing something.
- I know it’s addressed in the book that Ross makes a mistake but it just felt so out of character for him that I had a hard time believing it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
mothgirlie's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
hammock_and_read's review
5.0
This is my first 1300s historical romance and man oh man I'm a fan! Add in Scotland - clans- fighting-war- horrible fathers- chess game of life- and one sweet new husband and you have me forever! I just love this switching of the brides and it turned out he got the good one. Loved the build up for the series and I know need them soon! I'm in love with this clan and this couple. Leading lady goes from almost nun to badass saving of her husband. We get steam with some very sweet love with it all.
I can't wait for more of this series!
4.5 stars
3.5 steam
Thanks to the publisher for.a copy of this book via net galley.
I can't wait for more of this series!
4.5 stars
3.5 steam
Thanks to the publisher for.a copy of this book via net galley.
janvpals's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
onebookmore's review
4.0
The Highlander’s Substitue Wife is a wonderful historical romance that follows Ross MacMillan and Ilysa MacDonnell. Ross is shocked when he lifts his bride’s veil and realizes she is not the woman he agreed to marry. Instead, it is Ilysa, the younger sister of his intended. Ross needs this union to protect his lands and people, and he knows he must accept Ilysa as his wife. However, he can’t help question the switch. What is Ilysa’s father up to? And does Ilysa have a part in her father’s twisted games? Ross determines to find out, but the more he gets to know his beautiful new bride, the more he realizes there is more at stake than his land and people – his heart is at risk too.
For three years, Ilysa lived in peace and away from her father’s manipulations. She thought she was free, only to be unwillingly pulled back in and ordered to marry a man she doesn’t know. Ilysa hates that she has become a pawn in her father’s game. However, things are not as horrific as she feared, and Ross is nothing like the domineering and manipulative father (and sister) she grew up with.
Ross and Ilysa are both interesting and layered characters, and their stories, both as individuals and as a couple, are compelling. I love that Ross sees Ilysa for the strong leader that she is and admires Ilysa’s intellect, generosity, wit, and kindness. He sees all she has done for his people, caring for them and helping to keep them safer and happier. And I love the little ways Ross shows Ilysa that he cares about her. It’s super sweet and shows a tender, more vulnerable side to the warrior. Though they both make mistakes and let fear, lies, doubt, and more influence them, I so rooted for them to follow their hearts and find happiness with each other.
Ross and Ilysa have a fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance. Though they have a strong connection, their road to happiness is rocky, especially since their relationship began with a wedding switch-up. Both Ilysa and Ross are slow to trust each other, but their chemistry is high right from the start. You can tell they’re fighting their feelings, especially Ross, but the more time they spend together, the stronger their affections become.
This is a wonderful start to what promises to be a fantastic historical romance series! The constant threat of attack, potential spies in their midst, war preparations, and more add a bit of suspense to the story, the characters are richly developed and compelling, and the romance is swoon-tastic.
For three years, Ilysa lived in peace and away from her father’s manipulations. She thought she was free, only to be unwillingly pulled back in and ordered to marry a man she doesn’t know. Ilysa hates that she has become a pawn in her father’s game. However, things are not as horrific as she feared, and Ross is nothing like the domineering and manipulative father (and sister) she grew up with.
Ross and Ilysa are both interesting and layered characters, and their stories, both as individuals and as a couple, are compelling. I love that Ross sees Ilysa for the strong leader that she is and admires Ilysa’s intellect, generosity, wit, and kindness. He sees all she has done for his people, caring for them and helping to keep them safer and happier. And I love the little ways Ross shows Ilysa that he cares about her. It’s super sweet and shows a tender, more vulnerable side to the warrior. Though they both make mistakes and let fear, lies, doubt, and more influence them, I so rooted for them to follow their hearts and find happiness with each other.
Ross and Ilysa have a fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance. Though they have a strong connection, their road to happiness is rocky, especially since their relationship began with a wedding switch-up. Both Ilysa and Ross are slow to trust each other, but their chemistry is high right from the start. You can tell they’re fighting their feelings, especially Ross, but the more time they spend together, the stronger their affections become.
This is a wonderful start to what promises to be a fantastic historical romance series! The constant threat of attack, potential spies in their midst, war preparations, and more add a bit of suspense to the story, the characters are richly developed and compelling, and the romance is swoon-tastic.
evmb_c's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
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