Book Review: Her Forbidden Highlander Husband by Allison B. Hanson

About the Book:

Title: Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

Author: Allison B. Hanson

Series: Clan MacKinley #3

Page Length: 400

Publication Date: Nov. 15, 2021

Publisher: Entangled: Amara

Synopsis: Liam MacKinlay is certain that when he asks for Evelyn Stewart’s hand in marriage, the third time’s the charm. For hasn’t he risen to war chief of the clan MacKinlay, a seasoned warrior, and an honored member of the clan that took him in as a child? But once again, her father denies Liam the lass he lost his heart to years ago.

Daughter of the Laird of the Stewart clan, Evelyn is expected to perform her daughter’s duty, including marry for the better of the clan…. even if that’s against her will. But upon learning her father plans to trade her to an unknown clan in exchange for cattle, she will do almost anything to escape the future set out before her— including running away and marrying Liam MacKinlay.

Liam’s discovering that beneath Evelyn’s sweet disposition is an iron will to match any warrior. But now their marriage may start a war between the clans and Liam must fight for his new wife and his family. Even if it means raising his sword against those he calls “kin”…

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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My Review:

The third book in the Clan MacKinlay series, Her Forbidden Highlander Husband is the love story between Evelyn Stewart and Liam MacKinlay. Liam’s most fervent desire is to marry Evelyn, and he has asked her father for Evelyn’s hand twice before the story begins. He was rejected both times, as Evelyn’s father plans to marry her to another man in a trade agreement. When Liam asks for the third time and is rejected, yet again, Evelyn takes matters into her own hands and marries Liam, unbeknownst to her father.

Now married, Evelyn and Liam travel back to his clan. However, things aren’t as perfect as Liam hoped. Evelyn brings a little one with her, and Evelyn is very traumatized by events from the past, as well as her father’s verbal abuse. She is slow to trust and wary of men. As this couple adjusts, Evelyn’s father proves that he won’t let her get away so easily. With so many obstacles in their way, will Liam and Evelyn find a happily-ever-after?

I love Liam and Evelyn’s story! Liam’s a little clueless about love and what is really meant to be married. He has these idealized notions ever since he met her, and though he cares for her, he doesn’t realize the extent of the trauma she went through. I love how supportive, understanding, and encouraging he is throughout the book. Though they are married, Liam must work hard to gain Evelyn’s trust and affection, and he shows how much he cares for her repeatedly.

Evelyn is a survivor, and she shows how strong she is throughout the story. She has suffered terribly throughout her life, and she is dealing with a lot of emotional trauma. (I would recommend checking out the content warnings before reading this book. Some of the topics, including rape, abuse, violence, and more might be triggers for some readers.) I think being with Liam helps her find peace and happiness. Other characters in the story, especially the couples from the first two books, help Evelyn on her emotional journey.

I love that the couples from the first two books have significant roles in this story. You get to see what has happened to them and how their relationships have grown and changed, which is fantastic. They are all so close to Liam, and they quickly welcome Evelyn and her child into their family. They are wise and understanding, and their support of Liam and Evelyn, as well as the overabundance of love they have for the rest of their family and clan, definitely contributes to Evelyn’s feelings of safety and acceptance. Their banter and ease with each other show how close, loving, and loyal they are, which is very different from what Evelyn has experienced from her father.

Though this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. That being said, I would recommend the entire Clan MacKinlay series to historical romance readers. It’s a great series, and I can’t wait to see who the focus of the next book will be! I love the characters, and the romances are always swoon-worthy! Thanks so much to Netgalley, Entangled Publishing, and the author for sending this copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.