Lynsay Sands

When Annabel's mother tells her that, instead of becoming a nun, she must marry Scottish laird Ross MacKay, who was betrothed to her runaway sister, both Annabel and Ross struggle to adjust to their unexpected new life together.

An English Bride in Scotland

Lover of Romance 

I was given a copy of this book, through Avon and Edelweiss...and since its been a little while since I have read one of Lynsay Sands Historical's, I was intrigued, especially after reading the synopsis. I haven't had a whole lot of luck with her Historical's, I tend to like her Paranormal ones way more. I was shocked when I enjoyed this one so much. It surprised me when I least expected it. It is set in Scotland, so that portion of the story really appealed to this reader. There was quite a bit I loved about this one, but I would have to say this story would top my list of favorites.

Annabel from the age of seven, has lived in the nunnery, and has been in training to take her vows, Only she is eighteen now, and has yet to take them. The Abbess is cruel at times, but Annabel keeps getting punished for small things, and she wonders if she could ever make a good life here. Then her mother comes to the Abby to take her home. Annabel learns that she is to take her sisters place to marry Ross MacKay. Her sister has run away with the stable boy, and now Annabel will have to marry a man she knows nothing about, and is the least prepared to handle running his household. When Ross learns that it will be Annabel to be his wife, he has no idea what to expect. When he sees her beautiful eyes, he is charmed and desires a good marriage with her. Annabel and Ross start to discover a powerful desire that turns into a tender love. However someone is after Annabel, and it will take Annabel and Ross trusting in their love to defeat that which is threatening to destroy them both.

Annabel is a favorite character of mine. She is smarter than she seems, creative at times, and even though she has no idea to run a household, she has many other positive qualities that make her into a stellar heroine. She is feisty, and challenges Ross at every turn (which was very funny to watch). I just love a smart heroine who can turn the tide against the hero. Ross is very stubborn and a bit narrow minded at times, and too over protective (but he has good reason. He is very patient and understanding with Annabel, I loved how sweet and caring he was toward her, and other times domineering at times. But in a very delightful way. There was such a playfulness to this couple's relationship, even though Annabel can be too serious, Ross is anything but.

An English Bride In Scotland is one of my favorite books of hers, and tops her historical's in my opinion. I really enjoyed how this author put these two characters together. There was a bit of a mystery involved, and some suspense as well that added a certain dramatic flair to the story that only increased my enjoyment of it even more. I expected to be bored or just an average enjoyment to come from reading this, but it turns out that I FELL in love with this author once again. I really had a fun time seeing how this story turned out, and boy was I shocked to learn who the true villain of the story was. I don't want to reveal too much, and ruin it for those that haven't read it yet. But let me tell you, you are in for a surprise to say the least. I also liked Annabel and there was a scene, where she became fierce and protective and I just wanted to shout "You go GIRL!!!". LOL. A well written story with a full enthralling plot and sexy characters that is much better than any desert. Full of spice and romance and action....a story that MUST NOT BE MISSED!!!!

A historical romance about a girl who is about to take the veil to become a nun but then is whisked away to take her sisters place and marry a Scottish laird. Super cute love story that is a quick read, highly recommend if you love old timey books and cheesy romance.

Brooke Akers

Alexis

For my first time ever reading a romance book, I really enjoyed this one. I'm going to continue with the series and eventually move on to other Lynsay Sands books. I'm excited to see what happens next!

Grace O'Callaghan

*2.5 ✨

If you’re looking for a silly and simple Scottish romance, look no further.

Annabel was about to become a nun when her sheltered life at the Abbey was upended. Her sister was betrothed to Ross,a Scottish laird but has now runaway so she must take her place and be his bride. 

I did enjoy Annabel’s perspective when reading but upon reflection I think she’s a bit too stupid to live. I can forgive some of her naivety around sex and social situations due to her sheltered upbringing. However even when multiple people tell her she shouldn’t do something she thinks she knows best and does it anyway and gets herself into trouble. 

Ross is your fairly typical hero that’s charming but a bit over protective at times. I do sympathise with him having to constantly save his wife.

The romance is a simple one of them being initially attracted to each other, liking each other and then coming to love one another. The conflict is mostly outside of their relationship.

I don’t want to spoil the plot but it mostly revolves around kidnapping. I enjoyed the idea of it until it got repeated one too many times.

In a weird way I enjoyed Annabel’s sister and how insufferable she was. I’m not sure I’ve ever wanted to strangle a fictional character more. She did also create some good drama.

I’ve seen some complaints about the way the Scottish dialect is written. I listened to the audiobook which was great so I’d recommend listening to this series rather than reading if it bugs you.

It was a fun and quick read but one I’ll forget quickly. Perhaps romcoms aren’t my preferred style of romance. My favourites tend to be the angsty kind.

Helena Cristina Nogueira Pereira

This book is a rereading for me. I remember when I first read it I really liked it, and since I was in the mood to read something I knew I would like and the audiobook was available on the scribd, I decided to pick it up.
Just like the first time, I really liked the book. I think the writing flows easily and makes you want to know more, especially because right in the first chapters of the book we realize that someone is after our protagonist.
The protagonist's sister is absolutely unbearable, the way she envied Annabel and the horrible way she treated her, made me debate whether the end she had was really enough.
Our protagonist Annabel, shows us how the way other people treat us and demean us makes our self-esteem extremely affected. Until she became a member of Ross's clan (I don't remember the name of the clan) she was treated so badly by everyone: her parents, her sister and the abbess of the convent where she lived from the age of 7 until the beginning of the book.
I was very happy that with the clan she found a real family that values her and fills her with affection and happiness.
She and Ross are perfect for each other. The only good thing her sister did was to run away with the son of the man responsible for the stables and consequently contribute to the marriage of the two protagonists.
This book is much sexier than I remembered, but I'm not complaining ahahah.
I intend to read more books from the series soon!

An English Bride in Scotland

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