The Beast of Aros Castle

Not your typical arranged marriage! After reading several books featuring characters from the next generation, I figured it was time to go back and get to know Tor and Ava for myself. I am completely addicted to this author's writing style so my expectations were high, and I was not disappointed! Ava and Grace are in quick a pickle. Their situation with Grace's brother left them with no good, safe options, and what they came up with really was their only choice. Ava's role is filled with wrong actions for the right reasons, and I adored her determination even as she questioned her own integrity. I love all the layers this author develops in her books. Tor's sister, Grace's mother, all the neighboring clans - so many other stories are incorporated into this one that reading this book is an all-consuming experience. If medieval Scottish highlanders is your cuppa tea, you really need to add this author to your TBR. Historical romance doesn't get any better.

The Beast of Aros Castle by Heather McCollum Highland Isles #1 The first book I read by this author was the second book in this series. I was hooked but could not get my hands on the first book in the series. Having given up on that I moved on only to have come across a copy recently. It is always nice to be able to read all of the books in a series in order, but this series does not require that as each book is capable of standing alone. That said, it is nice to have read Tor and Ava’s story…finally. What I liked: * Aveline “Ava” Sutton: orphan taken in by the Ellington family, friend and companion to Grace Ellington, not really a member of the family. I liked her spirit, willingness to take care of Grace and inspiration to get away from Vincent Ellington. The lie was not the best choice but perhaps her only choice…or the only healthy one. Torquil “Tor” Maclean: strong, dependable, damaged, closed off, a good man that proves not to have a heart of stone. A bit stubborn but finally wises up. * Grace Ellington: a good friend to Ava, more of a sister than a superior, a bit of a mouse but she does come into her own later in the series and finds a great HEA, too. * Mairi and Joan: sister and mother of Tor and both strong women. I wished Mairi had not had to go through what she did BUT do remember her story and how she found her HEA in a later book. * The interaction between Ava and Tor – until the lie was revealed – that was a bit of a bummer * The men on Aros: more than one could star in his own story * A good introduction to the series * All of it really except… What I didn’t like: * Vincent Ellington: a bully and brute that deserved what came his way…eventually * The lie…I suppose it was necessary to create tension but… * Mairi’s situation at her new home after she married Did I enjoy this book? Yes Would I read more in this series? I already have :) Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4-5 Stars

'The Beast of Aros Castle' by Heather McCollum is book One in the "Highland Isles" series. This is the story of Tor and Ava. Ava was taken in by Grace's family when she was a baby. Grace and Ava are like sisters with Ava being the more protective one of the two. So after Grace's mother died there is just the father and the stepbrother, Grace and herself. Problem is that the father is now sick and the Step-brother is evil. He wants Ava and has tried a few times to take her. In addition, he has even started to make advances to his step-sister Grace. Ava comes up with a plan to help Grace and her escape but setting up a Marriage to Grace's father business friend. So they are both off to Scotland with Grace sitting to marry and Ava being maid/companion. But Grace gets cold feet when she hears what a 'Beast" Tor is. So they switch places but when they arrive Tor refuses to let them in because he doesn't want to marry. Ava gets him to agree to give them a chance to get to know each other. Tor first wife was a dishonest and he does not wish to marry again because he doesn't trust his next wife to be honest either. Wow...this book hit so many emotions along with some funny spots. I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait for more by Ms. McCollum! "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."