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It’s 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’t need is distraction in the form of the enticing but too-young newcomer, single mother Sloane Harrow.
Sloane never imagined she’d get pregnant at sixteen. Or that a decade later she’d escape from California with her daughter, Callie, to start over in the Scottish Highlands. Hidden and safe from Callie’s 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’s charm, but she can’t help but try to seduce him with cupcakes and baked treats whenever the opportunity arises.
However, when someone arrives in Ardnoch intent on destroying Sloane’s 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.

Samantha Young is one of my favorite authors and I read almost every book she has written. One of my favorite series by Samantha is the Adair Family series, so when that one ended I was so sad. Luckily for me, Samantha wasn’t done with the setting in the Scottish Highlands and the small town of Ardnoch and soon I learned that there would be a new series, set in that same small town. And I couldn’t be more excited to learn ‘Beyond The Thistles’, book one in the Highlands series would be the book about Walker and Sloane. The grumpy bodyguard, and the ‘happy’ single mom we read a little about in ‘Only You’.

In ‘Beyond The Thistles’ we meet Walker and Sloane. Walker has been a bodyguard for the last few years, and has found himself in the small town of Ardnoch. The place where he moved to as a bodyguard to his best friend, and back in his homeland. At the moment he works as security in an elite club, and he loves the small town life after a life of moving around and danger.

Then there is Sloane. A single mum who moved to Ardnoch a few months back to escape her dangerous ex. Now Sloane is working as a maid, and baking some amazing treats on the side. All that next to raising her little girl. When Sloane met the grumpy Walker, she immediately found herself interested in the handsome guy. But unfortunately he never really seems to notice her. But when Sloane is in danger, Walker is the first one to offer his bodyguard talents.

‘Beyond The Thistles’ was one of my most anticipated reads and I was so excited to start reading this one. And boy did this book excel all my expectations! I loved ‘Beyond The Thistles’ from the moment I started reading. The slow-burn between Sloane and Walker was just magical. I loved the intensity between those two. And the best part was reading through both their point of views.

Next to some toe-curling romance, there was plenty of suspense in this book. Add some fun and amazing friendships, a sweet and endearing little girl and I couldn’t get enough of this read. It kept me sitting on the edge of my seat, and every time I thought I figured out how this book would go, things changed. I loved that.

Although I loved already knowing some of the side characters, this book can easily be read as a standalone. ‘Beyond The Thistles’ was a very romantic read I absolutely adored. And I can’t wait for the next book.

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Check out my reviews of the Adair Family series:

About Samantha Young

Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal 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. She resides in Scotland.

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Maureen Bakker

Maureen is a mom, wife, nurse, and Ravenclaw living in the Netherlands. She spends her days juggling mom-life, reading, blogging, planning date nights with her husband and working as a nurse. Maureen also is a big Anglophile, loves cooking, Gilmore Girls, Bridgerton and Harry Potter.. Always!  Facebook | Instagram