Beyond the Thistles (The Highland Series #1) by Samantha Young

ABOUT THE BOOK

It’s been a long time since Walker Ironside left behind Scotland and the memories that haunt him. Yet after years of traveling the world as a bodyguard, Walker misses his homeland enough to return. To a village in the Scottish Highlands that plays host to an exclusive members-only club, Ardnoch Estate. If not happy, Walker is content working with the elite security at the club and maintaining his bachelor lifestyle. What he doesn’t need is a distraction in the form of the enticing but too-young newcomer, single mother Sloane Harrow.

Sloane never imagined she’d get pregnant at sixteen. Or that a decade later she’d escape from California with her daughter, Callie, to start over in the Scottish Highlands. Hidden and safe from Callie’s dangerous father, Sloane is satisfied with their new lives. Her daughter is happy. Sloane has a stable job, a quaint cottage, a passion for baking that might just be turning into a business, and a huge crush on brooding security guard Walker Ironside. Unfortunately, the grumpy Scot seems immune to Sloane’s charm, but she can’t help but try to seduce him with cupcakes and baked treats whenever the opportunity arises.

However, when someone arrives in Ardnoch intent on destroying Sloane’s life, Walker is the first to step forward to protect her and Callie. Even if it means giving into temptation and awakening his own demons. Because in doing so, Walker faces failing not only to shield Sloane from her past but to safeguard her against his own.

MY REVIEW

There’s nothing quite like finding a book that checks all the boxes of what you love in a story. Broody, silent type vs kind and feisty, suspense, and a slow build to unforgettable sex. You bet! If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, then look no further than this gripping tale.

The story follows Sloane Harrow, a mother who flees to Scotland to work as a housekeeper at an estate for wealthy clients. She’s hoping to keep a low profile and protect her daughter from any danger. However, things take a turn when someone starts threatening Sloane and her daughter’s safety. Enter Walker Ironside, a controlled, man-of-little-words bodyguard who’s been harboring feelings for Sloane for some time. He decides to step up and protect them around the clock, which leads to a physical relationship with no strings attached until the strings come unraveled.

What makes this book so captivating is the mesmerizing interplay between the characters. Sloane and Walker both have their own personal traumas that have left them hesitant to pursue a deeper relationship. Yet, the chemistry between them is undeniably hot and steamy. As the danger intensifies, so does their connection. Walker’s protectiveness towards Sloane and her daughter is heartwarming, and the close relationship he develops with Sloane’s daughter Callie is a joy to read.

Of course, the suspense is also a major draw of the book. The threat against Sloane and Callie keeps the tension high and the reader on their toes. With Walker by their side, they navigate through dangerous situations and close calls. The beautiful setting of Scotland adds to the atmospheric quality of the story, making it all the more immersive.

The supporting characters are essential to this engrossing read with their unending friendship and support for both Sloane and Walker. In fact, I can’t wait to read about Aria and Noah.

This book is a must-read for lovers of romantic suspense. The characters are well-developed and their interactions are filled with tension and chemistry. The added element of danger keeps the story moving at a fast pace, and the setting adds a unique flavor to the reading experience. Pick up this book and get ready to be swept away into a thrilling world of romance and suspense.

Highlands Series:

1. Beyond the Thistles (2023)
2. Among the Heather (2023)
3. Through the Glen (2024)
4. Skies Over Caledonia (2024)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She’s been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. Samantha writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy, and YA contemporary fiction and is currently published in 31 countries.