ARC Review: The Highlander's Choice by Callie Hutton (Release date: July 14, 2015)

Click here to pre-order the book at Amazon, release date: July 14, 2015
Something I learned from reading romance novels and history books is that the United Kingdom had a lot of internal political issues that spanned generations. Sybil is British to the core, and was secretly horrified when her best friend, Margaret, agreed to marry a Highlander. Sybil's family believes in love and, after four successful seasons, Sybil is still hoping she would find her one true love the same way her siblings have. It comes as a surprise to Sybil when she feels an instant (and intense) attraction to Liam McBride, the friend of Margaret's intended -- and also happens to be a Highlander.

This novel really plays up on the idea of preconceived notions and prejudices that people have and how we overcome it. It was interesting to read how Liam and Sybil surprised each other as they spent more time together -- and Hutton really used this to reveal wonderful aspects of her characters. (I loved that Liam read Jane Austen and wasn't really ashamed to admit it to Sybil. ^_^)

Liam held the door open to the bookstore, and Lady Sybil passed through. So far the lass had done everything counter to what he'd expected. Riding in pants, joining the men for an early breakfast, and now when the other ladies were inspecting ribbons and bows, this unusual Englishwoman was strolling the aisles of the bookstore.
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But the struggle is real, and Liam and Sybil both had to figure out how to remain "loyal" to their respective cultures, but, at the same time, to listen to their hearts and follow happiness. I thought it was a wonderful point of reflection how deep-seated the enmity ran between the two "cultures" and this served as the main conflict of the story.

I admired Sybil's resolve, and how she didn't allow Liam to seduce convince her to marry him. She really held her ground and used her own experiences to make certain she was making the correct decision. (And, when something unacceptable happens, Sybil had no problems packing up her things and leaving.)

But she wanted them to more than "suit." She hadn't spent her life thus far waiting for love to give up on it now. Love had to be part of the proposal, or she would indeed return home.
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Liam's mother is the personification of the conflict between Scotland and England, and she really gave Sybil a difficult time when she stayed at Bedlay Castle. However, I felt a little disappointed when the source of Liam's mother's anger was revealed. (Part of me felt it was a bit unequal to the venom she unleashed on Sybil.)

Overall, this was a quick and pleasant read. My regret is that this is already book 5 in the Marriage Mart Mayhem series, and, when Sybil talked about her other siblings and their love matches, I thought they all sounded very, very interesting.

The Highlander's Choice is Book 5 in Callie Hutton's Marriage Mart Mayhem series and will be released on July 14, 2015. To find out more about Callie Hutton and her books, click below:
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Disclosure: I received a review copy via Netgalley. Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Callie Hutton for the opportunity. Yes, this is an honest review.