{"id":70113,"date":"2023-05-02T08:30:56","date_gmt":"2023-05-02T12:30:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=70113"},"modified":"2024-04-11T03:57:31","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T07:57:31","slug":"release-arc-review-beyond-the-thistles-highlands-1-by-samantha-young","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=70113","title":{"rendered":"Release & ARC Review: Beyond the Thistles (Highlands, #1) by Samantha Young"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Beyond the Thistles, the first book in the Highlands series by Samantha Young, is live!<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Oh, my heart, what a read! So many feels in this book, a grumpy\/sunshine, age gap, single parent romance with a badass protective hero and a fierce-yet-relatable heroine, and a gorgeous love story that is sexy and intense, hard-fought-for, and full of so much emotion. I was completely sucked into this story and loved every moment of the journey.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Amazon Worldwide<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n

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\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Blurb<\/strong><\/h4>\n

It\u2019s 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\u2019t need is distraction in the form of the enticing but too-young newcomer, single mother Sloane Harrow.<\/p>\n

Sloane never imagined she\u2019d get pregnant at sixteen. Or that a decade later she\u2019d escape from California with her daughter, Callie, to start over in the Scottish Highlands. Hidden and safe from Callie\u2019s 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\u2019s charm, but she can\u2019t help but try to seduce him with cupcakes and baked treats whenever the opportunity arises.<\/p>\n

However, when someone arrives in Ardnoch intent on destroying Sloane\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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Add to Goodreads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Review<\/strong><\/h4>\n

5 stars!<\/b><\/p>\n

Oh, my heart, what a read! So many feels in this book, a grumpy\/sunshine, age gap, single parent romance with a badass protective hero and a fierce-yet-relatable heroine, and a gorgeous love story that is sexy and intense, hard-fought-for, and full of so much emotion. I was completely sucked into this story and loved every moment of the journey.<\/p>\n

This is the beginning of a new series for Samantha Young, set within the stunning world of the Scottish Highlands, and a very close spin-off from The Adairs<\/i><\/a> series. I was thrilled when I learned that we\u2019d be getting more books in this world, full of beautifully emotional and dramatic romance with well-integrated suspense storylines, and intense, passionate, and swoony love stories; and that\u2019s exactly what we get with this one.<\/p>\n

Sloane and Walker are new to Ardnoch, and both were introduced in the last book of The Adairs<\/i> series, Only You<\/a>. Walker is a stand-offish ex-military man who works security; he came to town as Brodan Adair\u2019s bodyguard, and now works with the team at Ardnoch Estate, protecting the resort\u2019s exclusive celebrity guests. Sloane ran from her life in the US and moved to Ardnoch to create a new life for herself and her ten year old daughter. She works as a housekeeper at the Estate, and bakes on the side, and she\u2019s become best friends with Monroe, Brodan\u2019s now-wife.<\/p>\n

So, between work and their personal lives, Sloane and Walker have plenty of opportunity to interact, and Sloane has developed quite the crush on the grumpy man who seems to want nothing much to do with her beyond eating her baked goods. But when she runs into trouble, Walker is there to help her, and he becomes instantly protective of both Sloane and her little girl.<\/p>\n

The chemistry between these two is intense, and the sexual tension is evident from the very beginning. But while Sloane wears her heart on her sleeve, Walker is more reserved, so it was to my utter delight that we get his POV and see that he\u2019s feeling the attraction just as much as she is, he just has a truckload of baggage that he he\u2019s unwilling to unload onto her, so he\u2019s keeping his distance. Until this\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cMy priority is my kid. And while you might look at me and see an exhausted single mom who needs to get gently laid and have a so-so, satisfactory orgasm, it\u2019s us single moms who genuinely want a guy to fuck them wild and hard and give us multiple orgasms. And then go home so we don\u2019t have to explain you to our kids or deal with you on top of the millions of other things we have to deal with on the daily.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

God, I love Sloane! She\u2019s been through a lot, but she\u2019s brave and bold, and she doesn\u2019t hold back when it comes to what she wants, and when Walker finds himself unable to stay away any longer, they dive into a casual sex arrangement that is kinds of steamy.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet upstairs.\u201d
\nThrill filled me even as nervous butterflies fluttered wildly in my belly. \u201cAre you going to be this bossy all the time?\u201d
\n\u201cDid you think I would be anything but in charge when we fuck?\u201d
\nNo.
\nNo, I guessed not.
\nThe man was a dominant, sexy bastard. <\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Holy. Freaking. Hotness! Walker may be closed-off and quiet, but damn, the man is a force in the bedroom, with sinful moves, and the sexy time is sizzling! As expected, \u2018casual\u2019 is only casual for a little while, and I loved seeing things change between them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never been in a relationship, Sloane. I don\u2019t know if I know how to be in one. But if it\u2019s enough for you to know I want to try, then stay with me.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

All of this is just the beginning of their story, because Sloane and Walker have a wild rides of ups and downs as they figure everything out. Between their mad chemistry, their intense sexual connection and their ever-growing feelings for each other, Sloane and Callie are still in danger and Walker is determined to protect them. And at the same time, Walker is still holding so much of himself back. It\u2019s an emotional journey for them to find their way forward together, dealing with their personal issues and all that life is throwing at them, and I felt it all with them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look at me like I can fix everything. I like the way it makes me feel,\u201d I confessed gruffly. \u201cI like that I\u2019m that man for you. That someone as strong as you, as capable, wants me to be the man at her side.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a hero, Walker \u2026 You<\/em> try like no man I\u2019ve ever met. Everything you feel is in everything you do. No one has ever made me feel so safe and essential as you do.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I love these characters so much! Walker is so irresistibly grumpy, he has a lot of demons that he keeps secret, and he\u2019s just this big, fierce, bossy, badass. But he softens around Sloane and little Callie (their bond is just gorgeous!), and the way he cares for them is so beautiful! He feels so much for Sloane, and watching him come to some pretty big realisations as he falls harder and harder for her is just beautiful.<\/p>\n

And Sloane is a freaking rockstar! She\u2019s strong and brave, and even though she\u2019s been through so much, she doesn\u2019t let it get to her, marching forward to create a good life for her and her daughter. She\u2019s funny, sweet and relatable, and she fights for what she wants, not prepared to settle for less, and I loved her so much!<\/p>\n

Though they have so much to work through, the love between Sloane and Walker is obvious, and the way they care for, support, and protect each other without question is gorgeous to see.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to work my ass off to make sure I get to keep you forever, Walker.\u201d
\nHis lip curled slightly at the corner. \u201cWoman, you don\u2019t need to work your ass off. I have no intention of going anywhere.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The suspense storyline is woven into the story really well, bringing intense feels and adding to the already intense drama and romance. I love the way their story unfolded, such a fun, sexy, dramatic, suspenseful and beautifully romantic ride, and I finished this one feeling super swoony and loved their HEA.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve loved no one like I love you.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We get to catch up with some of the Adair clan. Brodan and Monroe, of course, but also a fair bit of Regan, which I loved. You don\u2019t have to have read The Adair<\/i> series before diving into this one, but you\u2019ll love the tie-in and all of the cameos if you do. Plus, those books are all amazing, so don\u2019t miss out on them!<\/p>\n

This is such a gorgeous read! I\u2019m looking forward to more from this series, and with hints dropped about the net book, and cannot wait to get my hands on that one.<\/p>\n

I loved it – 5 stars.<\/p>\n

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.<\/i><\/p>\n

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Highlands Series<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This series is a spin-off from the Adair Family<\/a>\u00a0series<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Beyond the Thistles (#1) <\/strong>(Walker & Sloane)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy: \u00a0Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Among the Heather (#2) <\/strong>(North & Aria)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

A Highland Christmas (#2.5)<\/strong> (Haydyn & Kenna)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Through the Glen (#3) <\/strong>(Theo & Sarah)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Skies Over Caledonia (#4) <\/strong>(Jared & Allegra)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Northern Twilight (#5) <\/strong>(Lewis & Callie)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Forever the Highlands (#6)<\/strong>
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A spin-off from the fabulous Adair Family series – you don’t have to read this one first, but I highly recommend this series!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Here With Me (#1) <\/strong>(Lachlan & Robyn)
\n<\/strong>Review<\/a>
\nBuy: \u00a0Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0Apple<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nook\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0\u00a0Kobo<\/a><\/p>\n

There With You (#2)<\/strong> (Thane & Regan)
\n<\/strong>Review<\/a>
\nBuy: \u00a0Amazon\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0\u00a0Apple<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nook\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0\u00a0Kobo<\/a><\/p>\n

Always You (#3) <\/strong>(Mac & Arrochar)
\n<\/strong>Review<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Apple\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Nook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Kobo<\/a><\/p>\n

Be With Me (#4) <\/strong>(Arran & Eredine)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy: Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Apple\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Nook\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Kobo<\/a><\/p>\n

Only You (#5)<\/strong> (Brodan & Monroe)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Apple\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Nook\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Kobo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Meet Samantha<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today<\/em> and Wall Street Journal<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

She resides in Scotland.<\/p>\n

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Facebook<\/a>\u00a0 | \u00a0Website<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0| \u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0| \u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0Pinterest<\/a>\u00a0 | \u00a0Amazon<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0| \u00a0Goodreads<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0| \u00a0Bookbub<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Check out our\u00a0AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT<\/a>\u00a0for more reads by Samantha Young!<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Beyond the Thistles, the first book in the Highlands series by Samantha Young, is live! Oh, my heart, what a read! So many feels in this book, a grumpy\/sunshine, age gap, single parent romance […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":67077,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","yasr_overall_rating":5,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1548,88,52,25,95,9,1036,29],"tags":[59,48,203,1427],"class_list":["post-70113","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-age-gap","category-badasses","category-drama","category-friends-to-lovers","category-mystery","category-romance","category-single-parent","category-steamy","tag-arc","tag-review","tag-samantha-young","tag-the-highlands"],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Beyond-the-Thistles.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7gaNL-ieR","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70113","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=70113"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70113\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/67077"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=70113"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=70113"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=70113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}