Title: A New Hope In The Highlands
Author: Rachel Debrave
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ★★★★★
Source: Rachel’s Random Resources / Netgalley
Blurb: Scarlett Hope thought she had life figured out – a solid marriage, a familiar routine, and the kind of comfort that didn’t ask too many questions. But when her husband gets their twenty-something tenant pregnant just in time for her 35th birthday, Scarlett does what any self-respecting woman grabs her dignity and drives north. Destination? The Scottish Highlands, where her estranged mother is now gardener at the once-grand, now-fading Haddon House.
Edward Cameron-Reid has spent years keeping Haddon from falling apart – emotionally, financially, and structurally. Brooding, private, and burnt by love, he’s not exactly thrilled when Scarlett turns up to live on the estate. Especially when she’s fiery, funny, and far too good at getting under his skin.
Their spark? Immediate. Their feelings? Complicated.
As Haddon prepares to host a high-society wedding tied to Edward’s own tangled family history, long-buried secrets begin to stir – and Scarlett and Edward are drawn into a connection neither expected. It’s untimely, electric – and possibly exactly what they both need.
Review: I’m always a little leery of novels set in Scotland – unless they’re written by someone Scottish, that is. Especially when it comes to castles (Google “The Highland Clearances” if that part of history is unknown.) Thankfully, Ms Debrave seems to know what she’s about.
And I am talking character and plot alongside setting. Scarlett is very relatable, and I’m far enough past my own divorce that reading them doesn’t upset me too much. I loved her fire, and wish I’d had half of that! Edward is a modern-day Brontë hero and I loved how brooding he was. But there was a heart under the prickles and the story took off when Scarlett started to find it.
Which brings me to the steamy scenes. I love a good sex scene, and this book really delivers. Yes, they’re hot, but they also have tons of heart, and I saw the characters connecting far beyond the physical. These are the scenes that I adore and I’m so excited about the next book.
Highly recommended if you like passionate romance in all senses of the phrase!
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