Review: Beyond the Thistles by Samantha Young

Beyond the Thistles by Samantha Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Valentine PR, all opinions are my own.

This is a a new spinoff series to the Adair Family series. This reads as a standalone, however we are first introducted to Walker and Sloane in Only You. If you want to get to know Brodan, Monroe, and the rest of the Adair family I highly recommend checking out the books in that series.

This follows Walker and Sloane, and if you have read Only You it is no surprise that they are the next couple featured in Young's romance set at Ardnoch Estate and the charming Scottish Highlands. Walker has been friends and bodyguard to Brodan Adair for many years, so when Brodan settles back at home Walker takes a position at the exclusive members only estate as part of the security team. Sloane has recently relocated to Scotland, but no one knows why except the new hospitality manager. Sloane is bubbly and vibrant as well as a talented home baker. She is the exact opposite of the broody bodyguard. There is no denying the chemistry between the two of them, but they both have secrets that are keeping them apart. When Sloane's past comes to Ardnoch, Walker steps in to make sure she and her daughter are protected. As they spend more time together the lines between professional and personal feelings begin to blur and they both will have to face the demons from their past.

I really loved Walker and Sloane. Sloane didn't let her trauma impact her ability to live her life. She was terrified and always trying to keep her child safe, but she was always fighting. Walker was a little bit of a caveman, but as Callie Sloane's daughter says he's like a Mento hard on the outside and soft on the inside. I loved that comparison! We learn Sloane's backstory fairly early on, but Walker's takes quite a while to reveal itself. Both of their stories are heartbreaking. I thought their character and relationship development was done really well.

If you are a fan of the Adair Family series this is a must read. It has a good level of spice and a nice suspense element to add to the romance. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. I think I know who the next couple is going to be and I'm curious to see where their story takes us.

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