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Highland Brides #4

Falling for the Highlander

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Lady Murine Carmichael has known her share of bad luck. But when her debt-ridden half-brother tries to sell her off in exchange for a few Scottish horses, it’s the final straw. If keeping her freedom means escaping through harsh countryside alone, so be it. She has barely begun her journey when she lands an unlikely escort—the brawny Highlander who just refused to buy her virtue.

Dougall Buchanan was disgusted by Lord Danvries� shameful offer, but Murine herself tempts him beyond measure. Even bedraggled and dusty, the lass glows with beauty and bravery. Dougall wants to do more than just help her flee. He wants to protect her—with his life and his heart—if she’ll only let him. For Murine may be pursued by a powerful foe, but nothing compares to the fiery courage of a Highlander in love.

384 pages, ebook

First published January 31, 2017

1,037 people are currently reading
4,481 people want to read

About the author

Lynsay Sands

116books12kfollowers
LYNSAY 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 .

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 558 reviews
Profile Image for Anne.
4,596 reviews70.6k followers
June 23, 2017
It was a cute romance that should fit the bill for anyone looking for a little Highlander Lovin.

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The bad?
Dougall & Murine weren't exactly what I would consider a hot couple, simply because Murine was desperate to marry someone to escape her gross older brother. While they were attracted to each other, Murine was willing to marry Dougall's older brother if that's what it came to. And her reasoning was really sound! In her position, I would have done the same thing, I'm sure. But the fact is, that sort of rationality doesn't necessarily make for an amazing trashy romance novel. I'm always kind of hoping for one of those all-consuming love stories, and while this one was had a decent romance, it wasn't ah-mazing.

description

The good?
There was nothing in this romance that made me feel squicky. Dougall was a fairly nice guy, no molesting her while she was sick or unconscious, and no tricking her into marriage/sex. Basically, no rapey undertones. <--YAY!
And Murine was a pretty cool gal. She's not bitchy or helpless (although, she did faint quite a bit before they figured out why), and she proved she was the kind of lady to pull your ass out of the fire. Literally.

description

Overall, while it's not a story that'll get a spot on my favorite's list, I'd say it's definitely cute enough if you're looking for some fluff in a kilt!
Profile Image for Jen.
1,655 reviews1,145 followers
July 13, 2018
Another fabulous historical romance written by Lyndsay Sands! I’ve been gobbling these books up very quickly! This story was about Murine and Dougal Buchanan, but I have to say that Dougal’s 6 brothers and him definitely stole the show! They are all handsome loving men, and they are hilarious when they are all together!

This instalment took us on a hectic journey with all of the characters while they tried to run from Murine’s evil step brother. There was never a dull moment and the story was surrounded in mystery as well!

Once again I have fallen in love with all of the characters that are on the journey to Buchanan’s keep!! I highly recommend this series and the added bonus is that each book can be read as a stand-alone!!
Profile Image for Alyssa.
1,069 reviews856 followers
February 10, 2017
*

Falling for the Highlander by Lynsay Sands
Book Four of the Highlanders series
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: January 31, 2017
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from ŷ):

Lady Murine Carmichael has known her share of bad luck. But when her debt-ridden half-brother tries to sell her off in exchange for a few Scottish horses, it’s the final straw. If keeping her freedom means escaping through harsh countryside alone, so be it. She has barely begun her journey when she lands an unlikely escort—the brawny Highlander who just refused to buy her virtue.

Dougall Buchanan was disgusted by Lord Danvries� shameful offer, but Murine herself tempts him beyond measure. Even bedraggled and dusty, the lass glows with beauty and bravery. Dougall wants to do more than just help her flee. He wants to protect her—with his life and his heart—if she’ll only let him. For Murine may be pursued by a powerful foe, but nothing compares to the fiery courage of a Highlander in love.

What I Liked:

There was nothing absolutely wrong with this book, but I just didn't feel satisfied with it. Three stars is not a bad rating but certainly not the best rating either. I don't feel particularly negatively towards this book, but I don't think it's worthy of four stars. I like Sands' historical romance novels and will continue to read them, but I wasn't really impressed with this book.

Dougall Buchanan and his three brothers have traveled to Danvries to settle a deal with Lord Danvries, who wants to buy their horses. But when they get there, Danvries has no money. He offers his sister instead. Dougall refuses and the party leaves... and so does Murine. Murine flees when she hears Montrose (Lord Danvries) offer her to another man (besides Dougall), but she finds herself rescued and protected by Dougall and his brothers. They agree to take her to the MacDonnell stronghold, where their newly married sister Saidh (who is good friends with Murine) lives. Dougall doesn't expect to fall for Murine in the process... and vice versa.

I liked The Highlander Takes a Bride a lot, and so I was pretty excited to see that the series would keep going. It would be awesome to read about each of the Buchanan siblings. Dougall is definitely one of my favorites.

Dougall is gruff and a little grumpy, protective and quietly alpha. He has an air of command and dominance to him, and everyone stops and listens to him. He comes off as prickly, but he's very kindhearted and considerate, selfless even. When the Buchanan men find Murine trying to escape from her brother, Dougall takes her in immediately and does not allow for any argument. He is willing to risk the wrath of her brother (who is her guardian) to see her safe and not forced into doing anything she does not want to do. Dougall is so noble and protective, and I adored him.

Murine was an okay character. She isn't like Saidh; she's not a warrior or a physical fighter. She's prone to fainting and she isn't a violent person. Still, she is a fighter in her own way. I didn't love her, but I didn't hate her. I didn't feel much towards her either way.

The story is pretty interesting and I was never bored. I couldn't want for Dougall and Murine to address the simmering chemistry between them - which was bubbling through the journey, and well after they reached the MacDonnell lands. There is also a bit of a mystery to the story - who is after Dougall? Or is it Murine they are trying to harm?

Sands always knows how to write a hot, steamy romance novel. The chemistry in this book is fairly fan-worthy. I wish there were more, ah, sexy times, and I wish Dougall and Murine got together sooner (the plot of this book is slooooow), but Sands always does a great job with building tension and creating chemistry.

Overall, this was not a bad novel, and definitely not a bad continuation of the series. I was hoping to feel more towards the book, but I don't mind that I didn't totally love it.

What I Did Not Like:

Like I said above, I didn't like but I didn't hate Murine. She was okay, not too annoying but also not extremely lovable. I feel like she could have had a little more intelligence? Also I don't see what the big deal about her was - as soon as everyone realized who she was, they started fawning over her. I get that she has done a great deed for Saidh (in the past), but I didn't see anything special about Murine in general. She got a lot of attention from everyone and I didn't really get it.

Also, her fainting issue seemed to fade into the background after a while... I thought that would be more of a thing? I expected the author to dig deep and explore why Murine was fainting, besides the fact that she never ate much. It must have been more than that.

I also don't really understand the resolution at the end, in terms of Murine's father's will. So... it DID declare a certain thing? It didn't? Sands was not clear, at the end, as to what was going on with the Carmichael will.

I really wish Sands wouldn't fade to black, in terms of some of the sex scenes. You could see that Sands was setting up for a really hot scene, but then she would fade to black. OR, she would open a chapter with what was probably the end of a really hot scene... so not satisfying, in a romance novel. This book could have done with many more steamy times. Beginning, middle, and end.

Speaking of, I felt like there could have been more teasing/tension-building, initially, between Dougall and Murine. I also didn't really understand how their feelings for each other developed, because it seemed way too quick and not developed each. The lust, I get, but it seemed like they fell for each other (like, really fell) within two days of knowing each other. Romance novels aren't typically insta-love-y (again, insta-lust, maybe).

The plot of this book is slooooooooow. Oh my goodness, this book was slow. Don't get me wrong, I was never bored and kept reading. But I felt like the story stuck in one certain place for too long. Sands could have added more tension/teasing (in terms of the chemistry/romance), more development of the romance, and more conflict at the MacDonnell holdings, which all would have helped the story progress faster. In my opinion!

Would I Recommend It:

Overall, I didn't totally love this book, but I also didn't totally dislike it either. I do enjoy Sands' books (for the most part - I suppose at this point, it's hit or miss), and I won't stop after this one. But this book... it's not the best. I recommend you read it if you love Sands' books and have been dying to read this one. But if you're new to the series, or author, don't necessarily try this one! I could list a bunch of Scottish romances that are better than this one. Not that this book was bad! Just a bland, and possibly formulaic.

Rating:

3 stars. I am still looking forward to reading more books from this series. But I have low expectations and I'm not expecting to be wow-ed. The previous book in the series, The Highlander Takes a Bride, was so good! This one, meh. Not bad but not great.
Profile Image for MG *Bury Me with My Kindle.. & a REALLY Long Charger*.
587 reviews739 followers
December 8, 2019
3 predicable but satisfying stars

A Lynsay Sands HR is always a solid read for me when I want some steamy highlander action along with a side of mystery/suspense in the plot. This book delivered on both, though the "mystery" aspect was extremely transparent from the start (at least to me).

Dougall Buchanan is the 2nd son of a large clan (7 brothers and 1 sister) who makes his living mostly by his horse breeding and trade business. He is on such a venture when he encounters the fair Murine, sister to an especially smarmy would be customer who has run through his savings, estates, and even his sister's dowry as a result of his gambling predilections. As said half-brother has nothing to barter with Dougall for the horses he wants to obtain, he offers his sister's "services" for as long as Dougall would like them. Disgusted, Dougall leaves immediately, but there is a nag in the back of his mind about the likelihood that this man would trade his sister to others for what he wants.

Murine is taking no chances - she knows her wretched half-brother plans to sell her to their horrid neighbor who has made his desire known for her many times over, and she wants nothing to do with it. Knowing that she is taking her life in her own hands, she escapes his clutches when she sets out on her own to try to get to her good friend Sidhe Buchanan's home. When she encounters Dougall and 3 of his brothers not far up the road, they agree to take her with them and hide her away from her half-brother, especially once they realize that Murine is the woman who saved their sister from certain death.

Along the way, Dougall starts to feel a little more for this brave and spirited beauty than he wants to, and he decides he must keep her as his own. But there is someone lurking in the woods and following along their journey who threatens to throw a very large wrench in those plans as their lives are repeatedly places in jeopardy. Will they have a future together? What will happen when Murine's half-brother catches up with them?

What I liked:
--- Who doesn't love a hot highlander in a kilt (and out of one)?
--- Lively and likeable h
--- Fast-moving plot
--- Steamy goodness

What I didn't like as much:
--- Very obvious villain and reason behind the villainy so not much mystery there
--- A little over the top at times with the situations they found themselves in

Overall, a good if predictable read that I enjoyed. Muri was spirited and strong despite her constitution, and Dougall was the kind of hunky highlander we all have sweet dreams about.

Plot --- 3/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- some but not graphic
Language --- nothing egregious
POV --- 3rd

*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,579 reviews1,076 followers
February 6, 2017
This review was originally posted on Summary
Lady Murine hasn't had the best of luck in her life. She has fond memories of her parents and brothers. But they were killed and she was left having her step brother as her guardian. A brother that would try to sell her in return for horses. So when she tries to run away on her prized bull, she meets up with the man that her brother attempted to sell her to. Dougall Bouchann is is just fine with his current status as being unmarried but when he meets Murine his view on marriage slowly starts to change. He knows that Murine deserves better than what he can give her, but he also can't deny how strong his feelings for her have grown. But they are being hunted and must go into hiding and Dougall has to find a way to marry her in secret so that her brother can't get to her. But there is a enemy out there far worse than her brother, and will Dougall and Murine figure out the truth in time?
Plot and Story Line
This was such a fun and sweet story....its a romance that is lighthearted and quirky and gives you a fun respite from reality, the kind of break you need that only Lynsay Sands can give you. Now this is the fourth book in the series and I have really enjoy these group of highlanders and their feisty women that match them in every way. In Falling For The Highlander, we get Murine (who is one of Sidhe's friends) and our grouchy Dougall. I have seen him in previous books and was so thrilled to see him as the hero for this one. And the group of brothers here that join Dougall...they were a riot. Its not necessarily a story that will stay with you for many years. But it is a fun filled romance that leaves you with a smile on your face. I really liked the way the plot in this one developed. We have mystery surrounding the romance that gives the reader an added bonus. It was interesting seeing this story play out and what I have admired about Sands is how she adds humor and lighthearted romance in a rich and detailed historical setting. Not many can do it the way she can. And I am so very eager for the next book.
The Cover
LOVE this cover so very much....I just have a thing for Scots in Kilts but I love his pose and the back pose---yummy!!!
Overall View
Falling For The Highlander is entertaining, lively and rich in setting....a romance you can get behind!!! A DELIGHT
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="25838"]

Profile Image for Esther .
934 reviews197 followers
January 4, 2017
Rated 2.5

Lady Murine Carmichael not so nice half brother is selling her off in marriage for horses, yep that's right for horses. Determined not to be forced into marriage she decides to run away and find help with a friend.
Well the horse owner was Scottish laird Dougall Buchanan and wasn't having any of what Lord Danvries offered or proposed.

Dougall and Murine cross paths as Murines attempts her escape from her brother. Dougall decides Murine can join his clan's men and him as she travels to her friend and safety. The group are being pursued by Murine brother and other enemies. They encounter danger, adventures and challenges in their trip/travels. Along the way the two find they have developed strong feelings for each other and the attraction is strong and too powerful to deny.

The plot was good but execution was lacking. I found the story was slow at times and dragged often throughout the book. The character of the heroine seemed flighty at times as well as to "damsel in destress' for me. The hero's character was good but could have been more developed.

I found I had to put this book down on numerous occasions to give myself a break. The book unfortunately became a chore towards the end to finish. I normally enjoy this author but found this one book needed more depth and development.
Profile Image for Leo.
4,810 reviews604 followers
April 13, 2022
It was alright, not as good as the first but liked it more than the last two. I think my journey with this series end here. There's so many other historical romances to explore than continue on with one that doesn't quite work for me. It's not a bad series but haven't made any huge impact in my historical romance mood
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews863 followers
February 6, 2017
Kitty's review:

OMG, classic Lynsay Sands. For some unknown reason (ha,ha) I love the writings of Lynsay Sands. I love her sense of humor, her characters, her storylines. She makes reading fun, even when there is danger. I started and couldn’t stop reading this story. It was just so much fun and I found myself thinking with a Scottish Brogue when I was finished.

I absolutely, positively fell in love with Dougall. He can pleat his tartan in my presence anytime. I am not sure what it was about him. The way he cared about a woman he just met. The way he fretted over her well-being. The way he denied falling in love with her. The way he denied his lust for her. There were just so many things about him that made him interesting and fun.

Murine was a woman after my own heart. Strong, strong-willed and brave. Fleeing her half-brother on a bull was one of the strangest things I’ve read in a long time. I love how she picked herself up, dusted herself off and took matters into her own hands. I loved how she saved everyone from the fire. I loved how she finally faced how she truly felt for Dougall.

They were a wonderfully written, highly funny and just so damn cute.

Lynsay Sands just knows how to write a story and bring it to a happy ending. Her characters are bright, vibrant and fun. She knows how to take us away to a far-off land and bring it to life for us. She instills humor and suspense in her stories and never lets us down. The story of Dougall and Murine was a bright spot in a very dreary winter.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline's Reads.
2,986 reviews1,520 followers
January 11, 2018
3.5 Stars

Yay I broke my Lynsay Sands cherry! I usually like to start a new author by reading a first book in the series, but to be honest I didn’t realize this was the fourth book. You can read each book as a standalone and I was perfectly fine reading Falling for the Highlander without reading the other books. I will be starting the other books in the series VERY soon.

This one got mixed reviews and it’s because there wasn’t enough romance between Murine and Dougall. That didn’t bother me at all. It’s not an insta-love relationship. I feel like it was more insta-lust on Dougall side and I love that in a romance novel.

Murine doesn’t want to be sold off to pay for her brother’s debt so she escapes, because back in the day an unmarried woman had to have a figure take care of her. Dougall happens to stumble upon Murine and decides to help her.

I really like Dougall. He’s not selfless, but he’s not a brute. He doesn’t think it would be too bothersome to help Murine go on her journey to find safe passage. A good chunk of the book is about the journey and I enjoyed reading that. There isn’t anything hot and heavy that happens too much, but a slow build of tension happens. Okay, there is steam, but it’s not a racey book by any means.

Someone is hunting Murine down and I liked reading all the obstacles she has to endure. It kept the book entertaining and moving forward. Towards the end it slows down a bit and I think I could have done without the last 10% of the book.

Overall, Falling for the Highlander was exactly what I needed. It was different, a bit slow and entertaining.

A finished hardcopy was provided by the publisher and I volunteered to review.
Profile Image for Meghan.
665 reviews18 followers
January 23, 2023
Reading Lynsay Sand’s highlander series is my comfort blanket. There is always a lot of drama but no 3rd act breakup and that’s what I need in my life right now. Less anxiety more highlander action 😏😉 I mean that in all sense of the word.

I really loved Saidh’s brothers from the 3rd book and I’m thrilled that the next 7 books are about them because they are everything!

This one was about Dougall (not the oldest brother, maybe the second oldest? Hell idk) and Maurine who we met in the 2nd book. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Maurine at first but half way through the book after she got some food and rest she was a bad B. I can relate to that. With enough food and rest, I too can be a bad B or at least control my attitude.

Anyway, long live my queen Lynsay! On to the next highlander!
Profile Image for CC.
1,777 reviews236 followers
July 9, 2017
3.5 stars

It was good, just not great. I liked Murine and Dougall both, I just did not feel the chemistry. They just eventually fell into a relationship. Yes they were hot when they got together. But there was nothing before that leads you to believe they were really hot for each other. Actually Murine would have wed another brother to save herself. Any would do. Obviously this was before she and Dougall got together but it still bugged me. His brothers were funny in their solicitousness towards her. I really enjoyed their trip home.

Zero OW drama. Thank goodness! Overall a sweet story.

Profile Image for Melissa.
2,688 reviews171 followers
June 20, 2017
Lynsay Sands phoned this one in. Lazy writing, silly plot choices (really? All these brothers are so smitten that they bring EVERY dress for Murine to choose from so they are conveniently destroyed by a fire forcing her to wear braies so Dougall can ogle her butt?), and strange word choices (butt cheek? In medieval Scotland, really?). And then it just sort of ends. Do better.

I'd like a book about Aulay, please, given that he's got some hang-ups I think he'd be far more interesting to write about. (Next one's about Niels, tho, oh well)
Profile Image for Beth.
3,139 reviews290 followers
February 7, 2017
Lady Murine has had a run a bad luck. Everyone she’s loved has died leaving her in the care of her ½ brother who has a gambling problem. In a desperate attempt to buy horses, Murine’s brother offers her use to the Scottish horse traders in lieu of payment. Hearing this, Murine runs away on her pet bull…since they no longer own any horses.

Dougall, a Scottish horse trader and lord, was appalled by Lord Danvries�, Murine’s ½ brother, offer. So when he runs across the same woman Danvries had offered him riding a bull across the country side, he doesn’t know whether to return her or help her escape…until he realizes that this is the Lady Murine that saved his sister some months back.

Falling for the Highlander is a slow building romance with a marvelous balance of heart, highlander family antics, action and humor. Easy, entertaining and kilts, Faling for the Highlander is a great bet for any historical romance fan.

I received this ARC copy of Falling for the Highlander from Avon in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication January 31, 2017.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Lynsay Sands
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: January 31, 2017
ISBN-10: 0062273612
ISBN-13: 978-0062273611
Genre: Historical Romance

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Profile Image for Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb".
1,431 reviews17 followers
March 25, 2017
Falling for the Highlander is the first Lynsay Sands story I didn't like. Lady Maurine Carmicheal the heroine was weak, stubborn and she keep fainting. There was to much of her going to the potty too. This was a disappointment on all levels. I don't want to read about the heroine hiking up her skirts to relive herself and each time she gets in some weird situation.
Sorry!!
Profile Image for Dianne.
1,786 reviews149 followers
July 11, 2018
This book was written with Ms. Sands usual flair; with great character's, a wonderful mystery, hot romance, and comedy. (I won't soon look at carrots and a loaf of bread in quite the same way, I'll tell you!!!) Yes, you have to read the book to find out what I mean by that, I don't want to spoil one of the funniest and most unusual scenes of this type I have ever read!

I liked that we got to revisit some of the characters from past books in this series, no matter how small a part they played.

Murine finds out that her step-brother is going to use her and her body as a bargaining chip for a pair of horses or auction her off to their cruel neighbor. Once she realizes that he is never going to stop being a cruel ass-hat she decides to leave on her own (while riding a bull instead of a horse mind you!) and meets up with the Scottish hottie. He decides to protect her since she is the one who saved his sister Saidh in a previous book.

But as in all of Lynsay's books...things get a bit complicated and did I say hot?

This was a great read by one of my favorite author's.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.
Profile Image for SB*needs low angst books*.
345 reviews202 followers
Read
August 6, 2018
I ended up DNF this book. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get into the story and I couldn't understand the heroine's appeal. It seemed more blah and even though I thought some characters could be funny it wasn't enough to get thru it.
Profile Image for Mara.
1,890 reviews4,252 followers
October 11, 2019
2.5 stars-- this hit all the normal beats that stories in this series do, which I enjoyed for the comfort and familiarity. It just didn't hit those beats in any new or particularly interesting way, so there was little here beyond my own personal enjoyment of the series formula.
Profile Image for Dana.
900 reviews42 followers
February 11, 2021
As with the other Lynsay Sands books I’ve read, this is a solid 4 stars. I really like the world she’s created and I love the whole Buchanan family.

I’m reading the series completely out of order (7, 8, 4 now) but once you learn who all the brothers are and their order, it’s not too big of a deal... other than watching Conran and Geordie making idiots of themselves when I’ve already read their love stories and know they’ll find their matches soon enough.

This one follows the brother Dougall and Murnie as they learn that Murine’s family are really the lowest of the low. But Dougall is all business and Murine is a smart and funny girl and they seem to balance nicely. It’s always a wild romp with the whole Buchanan family involved and I liked that the plot isn’t too complicated but not entirely boring and laid out.

Clearly I read these for the “plot� and the “plot� in this book is nice and steamy. Lynsay Sands� books aren’t usually the dirtiest but not clean either. I could stand for her to get more into it but it does scratch that romance itch I occasionally get.

Overall, a good addition to the Buchanan family story and I want to read more!
Profile Image for Bobbi.
419 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2020
Absolutely loved Murine and Dougall's story! An interesting adventure to escape a scheming half-brother and to find true love. It had everything that I look for in a Lynsay Sands novel, humor with a dash of mystery and a lot of happily ever after. A definite must read for any one who loves Lynsay Sands books.

I loved seeing Murine go from a fainting miss to a strong woman who knows what she wants and lets nothing stand in her way of getting it. Also seeing other characters from the Highlanders series is always a must with a series. Getting to see them all together again after the events at Sinclair makes it just that more enjoyable for me. I can't wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mariana.
725 reviews83 followers
May 20, 2020
3.5 stars

This was actually my second favorite of the series thus far. I just didn't have much time to listen, which dragged it out. I would have most likely rated 4 stars had I read it. I will definitely read instead of listen to the next in the series.
Profile Image for Holly.
1,514 reviews1,535 followers
July 22, 2017
This wasn't bad but it wasn't memorable either. Neither Dougall nor Murine were particularly interesting, but they did have chemistry at least. I just wish they had more of a relationship outside of the bedroom. The plot of Murine's family history and a few life threatening events wasn't really exciting either. Eh. 3 stars for it being written well enough despite my complaints.
Profile Image for May Reads Books.
684 reviews
December 9, 2017
4/5
Historical read
Safe read

- H not a Manwhore
-Virgin h
-great build up
- grumpy but sweet H
-zero OW Drama
- great second characters
- kick ass h
- wish it had a Epilogue
Profile Image for Shae.
2,947 reviews345 followers
September 20, 2020
I love this Highlander romance. We have a strong lass running away from her dead beat brother who wants to sell her virtue for a couple of horses. Doug all Buchanan isn't going to have it. Offers her travel to a friend who is part of their clan, and they fall in love along the way! It's amazing, and I love this Highlander series!
Profile Image for Lady Tea.
1,663 reviews130 followers
July 31, 2024
Second Rating: 4.6 / 5

Same as above, but here's the ranking of the series thus far:

My Official Ranking of the Highland Brides Series
1. The Highlander's Promise (Book 6)
2. The Highlander Takes A Bride (Book 3)
3. Hunting for a Highlander (Book 8)
4. Falling for the Highlander (Book 4)
5. The Wrong Highlander (Book 7)
6. To Marry A Scottish Laird (Book 2)
7. An English Bride in Scotland (Book 1)
8. Surrender to the Highlander (Book 5)
To-be-updated moving forward (2024).


Rating: 4.6 / 5

To say the least, it was very interesting to see what the constantly-fainting Murine's romance looked like! After seeing this character in and then briefly in , I of course wanted to see where her story was going and how such a meek, timid, and "damsel-in-distress-y" person like Murine could possibly hope to charm one of the Buchannan brothers.

For some reason, I think I expected that this would be Aulay's romance, probably because he's the oldest. But nope, it's Dougall, the second eldest's turn, as he goes down to England to sell his fine bred horses to Murine's half-brother, Montrose Danvries. Montrose can't afford shit though, as he's dead broke because of a gambling problem, so he offers up a night with Murine as payment instead.

Disgusting, right? Well, Dougall thinks so as well and refuses to sell him anything, taking his men and leaving. Murine overhears a plot to pretty much sell her to the next highest bidder regardless, so she takes her fate in her own hands and runs away. Fortunately, she bumps into Dougall's company first thing and, after she faints (of course), Dougall decides to be a gentleman and save her from her brother.

By taking her to Saidh and totally not keeping her for himself, of course.

Anyway, as always, this had all the facets of a Lynsay Sands romance, including tons of steamy scenes, cute moments of comedy, and of course the murder mystery plot as well. I don't know what it is about these elements that makes them work so well for me, but this is just something I feel that I can read over and over and over again with no problems!

Anyway, that being said, if there was one thing that I could change, I'd say that it's the ending, and it happened just a bit fast for me, whereas I would have liked it to be drawn out a bit more. I mean, I don't like drawing it out by a lot, but making it a bit longer than it was would've been fine with me and given a nice resolution.

Maybe for the next book in the series that I plan to read, , which I believe is Edith's romance, that will be the case? I'll read and see.
Profile Image for Erin Burns.
402 reviews32 followers
February 7, 2017
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss, this does not affect my opinion of this book or the content of my review. GIVEAWAY

This is my happy-go-lucky, light and sappy, happy place. Lynsay Sands is almost always good for a few laughs and a sappy romance, and I have been digging on this series for a while now. In fact, I moved this ahead on my queue after reading a truly angst inducing series, after which I was compelled to go back to the angst which prompted a reread of this whole series. They are that light, happy, and fluffy. The perfect counterpoint to angst.

We had met both Murine and Dougall in the previous books, and Murine had already proved herself to be kind, loyal, and brave. So I was predisposed to like her. She didn’t necessarily exhibit the extreme competence levels of previous heroines, but she was cute and likeable so I was happy to go through her story to happily ever after. And while Dougall was really just one of a bunch of big brash Buchanans, well I enjoy that sort of character, so he worked for me as well. And needless to say I enjoyed seeing the rest of the brothers again too and will look forward to the rest of their stories as well (particularly that of the scarred eldest brother). And while this story itself stands alone, I think it is one where it is best if you have read the series, especially books 2 & 3.

The story itself was a series of pratfalls, misadventures, and misunderstandings (albit small ones which were mostly talked out in quick order-I HATE the BIG Mis). Murine has had horrible disasters befall her, and a really hard life of late, but her stepbrother’s latest betrayal was just one step too far. Escape was in order. And so our fainting heroine rides forth on her trusty steed…a bull. Seriously! That is just the start of the ridiculousness in store if you pick up this book.

Poor Murine and Dougall. They stagger from one calamity to the next, eventually finding love and a life together. It was sweet and left me feeling happy. Though I’ll admit, I saw the bad guy coming from YEARS away, literally, I saw it coming from book 2. But even so, I enjoyed the story.

Now I’ll admit, this isn’t the most earth shaking and moving or memorable story. In fact in probably a week or two I’ll probably remember very little of it except the bull (and maybe the plumber’s crack above that kilt…how odd is that cover?). But that is fine, it is great even. Because that isn’t why I read these books, I read them for that happy little moood lifting buzz, and it provided that in spades. So it not being the most memorable book every just means I’ll be even happier when I go back and re-read it, which I guarantee you I will! I finished it with a big old sloppy/sappy grin on my face, and if you like a good wallpaper highland historical complete with brogue, Sands put out another winner.

Review scheduled 01-30-17
Profile Image for Mal ✨ | Tales Of A Bookbug.
648 reviews44 followers
February 7, 2017
A great addition to the Highlander series!This one focuses on one of Saidh's brothers - Dougall Buchanan and Murine Carmichael.
Lady Murine has lost a lot in her life and is currently staying with her half brother, who enjoys gambling way too much.He has gambled away her dowry and almost all of his fortune.
But she knows its the end of the straw when he tries to sell her off in exchange of horses!
Dougall and his brothers are disgusted by the offer.They wouldn't end up giving their prized horses to him anyway.He feels sorry for the beautiful sister who has to put up with such a brother.
They leave the castle soon, but are quite surprised when they come across a woman fleeing on a cow on their way back!
And guess who it is?Yep!Murine!
They're even more surprised when they find out that she is Carmichael's daughter and the Scottish lass who saved their sister.

Dougall decides to help her and take her back to Saidh.But, he wants to do more than just protect her and as they spend more time travelling together, the attraction between them gets too hard to resist.
Will he let her go once they reach home or find a way to keep her forever?

I loved the development of the relationship between Murine and Dougall.It wasn't too slow nor was it too fast.And the attraction between them was palpable! I loved the way the brothers treated Murine!So cute!And Dougall's jealousy if she got too close with them!Lol
Murine was a normal heroine.Not too Mary Sue-ish, but not like a warrior either.She tries her best to get out of situations on her own, but if that doesn't work out, she admits she needs help.
Dougall was an awesome Scot.He wasn't written as if he was a commitment phobe.His falling for Murine felt natural.

I also loved how the author mixed the mystery in with the romance.Sometimes, it felt weird that the characters ignored the warning signs right in front of them, as they were too occupied with their relationship or something else!But its understandable.
I also don't understand what happened to Murine's fainting issue?It's alright now that she eats well and has that tincture?I'd been thinking it was some kind of vertigo.

The last few chapters were wonderful with the action and culmination of the mystery.Things are resolved neatly.
The Buchanan brothers are an awesome bunch and I hope we get to read more stories about them ,especially the eldest!
If you love Highlander romances, you should really give this book and series a try!You might end up loving it!
Profile Image for Ann Lorz.
1,697 reviews22 followers
February 6, 2017
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:


For me, Lynsay Sands is a comfort read. I know when I read one of her stories may it be historical or paranormal I'm going to love it. Her stories are full of laughter and at times you'll also find yourself tearing up too!

I'm so glad we finally have Murine's story. I liked how the author handled her fainting. Now you can find all about why she faints in Falling for the Highlander but you'll get more impact from it if you start at the beginning of the series.

I really love Dougall and his brothers. They cracked me up more then once. But what drew me to Dougall is the fact that not only was he there when Murine needed him he's a real caring man. There love story might have started out bumpy but soon you'll see just why they are meant for each other.

I'm so glad we were able to visit with some past characters from this series. I really hope that Sands gives us the other Buchanan brothers. I liked them.

Like with all of Sands books Falling for the Highlander has a great mystery in it and a wonderful love story!

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ARC received for a honest review
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