Pretty good story! Lots of dialogue without too many thoughts/description. ( )

Beyond the Thistles is the 1st book in the "Highlands" series and I really loved the way in which the story gets set up on this one here. This romance was teased in the previous connecting series, and I was so happy that the author decided to write their story because you could just feel that tension and pining beneath the surface. I really adored the way that their story was written. It did feel a bit slow in some parts, I am not sure if it was just me or what, but I really enjoyed the aspects in which we see this and the moments between this couple that really builds on their relationship.

The story starts off with our heroine, where we see why she is in hiding. She has an abusive possessive ex who wants to control her but she has managed to escape his clutches or she thinks she has. But in "Beyond the Thistles" there is a danger rising towards her and only with the protective of Walker, will she be able to find the freedom and peace she desires. Sloane is a single mother and will do anything to protect her daughter Callie. She is a baker, and she realizes that she is in love with Walker, a man so closed off, that its near impossible getting through his tough shell. But Walker has his own demons that keeps him closed off from everyone. But he can't resist the connection between himself and Sloane....but will his past prevent him from finding a future with the only family he has ever known and accepted him as he is?

Beyond the Thistles was such an endearing story. I had such a blast with it. It definitely had the style that we have seen within this world that this author has created. I so loved the way in which we see the evolvement in their relationship. I adored seeing the heroine be the one to pine for the hero and in the way in which she pursues him and works on trying to tear down his walls. You really see her confidence and strength and not afraid to go after the man she loves and working her way into discovering the man beneath the surface that he hides from the world. It definitely has a strong suspense plot and really was endeared in the way that it balances it out with the romance portion of the story.

Overall I found "Beyond the Thistles" to be a endearing, poignant story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and delivers in brilliant emotion! ( )