This book was so cute. So fun! So sweet and easy. I enjoyed the story. It gives hope in those miracles and magic. I am normally not a fan of no physical action but this story didn’t need it. It helped play into the past and Duncan being this sweet gentleman.

Sariah Wilson, I've said it before and I'll say it again- I would read the phonebook if you wrote it. I'm not a big Scotland fan and time travel confuses me so I steer clear. I'm also quite a Grinch. But put time travel, Scotland and Christmas together, with Sariah Wilson on the cover and you've got yourself a winner!

If you like chemistry, romance, Scotland, Sariah Wilson and novellas, this one should be high on your holiday lineup.

I’m a big fan of Sariah Wilson and I read everything she writes. I’m less of a fan of love at first sight novels, I feel like I need longer to connect to the characters. Which was kind of the case here, however Maren was a likeable character that made it easy to root for her. Although it wasn’t my favourite Sariah Wilson novel it was a quick, enjoyable read.

This novella is perfect for Christmas time and for when you need a light easy read. I liked Maren’s character and I appreciated that romantic love isn’t necessarily the most important thing in the world.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sariah Wilson’s short and sweet story Almost Like Being in Love brings back some of the Outlander feels, via Scottish slang and scenery, while centering around the importance of family and the holidays. Such a unique spin on historical time travel with a time traveling Scottish clan that isolated to preserve their Christmas celebrations!

I knew what I was getting into- as this is a novella. I still want more of Maren and Duncan to strengthen their chemistry and connection, which is sometimes difficult in such a short work.

Almost like being in love is a fun and swoony romance novella that follows Maren as she and best friend Penny embark on a trip to the Scottish Highlands to achieve her mother's dying wish to find out what happened to her uncle, who vanished when she was a child.
On their journey to a remote part of the Highlands their car gets stuck in the heavy snow and with no help around they settle in for the time being and wait for it to pass. As more and more time passes with the weather not improving, Maren realises she has to be proactive and help herself and Penny out of this worsening situation. After exiting the car, she spots people in the distance who help them and soon after she faints.
After waking, Maren appears to be in a completely different time and meets someone she feels a deep connection to: Duncan Campbell, a man who appears to be a traditionally dressed Scottish Highlander who she thinks is acting as part of some role play scenario.
It’s a super short and sweet read with strong Outlander vibes but I think Sariah Wilson writes very uniquely so I don’t think it’s fair making a comparison to another series.
The traditional descriptions of what Christmas was once like (though personally I don’t know if it’s factually accurate) was great to read.
It was a clean read with a lot of tension and a few steamy kisses, but it was really great. By the end I had a tear in my eye, but it was a great ending to a fab novella.
I would definitely recommend reading this as the Christmas season approaches.
Thank you for the eARC!

A short, festive read set in the exciting décor of Scotland. I really wanted to love it but it didn't reel me in as expected. Maybe the timing is off and I should give it another go closer to Christmas.

First of all, I absolutely LOVE the cover art for this novella, it’s stunning and sweet, and definitely engages its audience. Huge props to the artist.

Unfortunately, I just really couldn't connect with the book at all because of the Scottish accent being textually in the dialogues.
In the first couple of chapters the book promised to be a fun ride; I knew what I was getting into (insta-love hello!) so I didn't care about 'predictability' or anything, I was here for a sweet, fun ride about a Christmas love between space-time but hard as I tried, every time I read didnae, dinnae and aye, my mind instantly disconnected from the narrative and I couldn't enjoy the story at all in the end.

However, if you don't mind accents being written in characters dialogues then absolutely go ahead and enjoy this book candy! It all boils down to personal preference.

This book was not like anything else I have read from this author. It took me a minute to get in to it and I REALLY had to suspend my disbelief. I enjoyed the romance, but I kept having to remind myself that while so many of the things happening were unbelievable, this was a FANTASY story. I have never seen Brigadoon so I am not familiar with the likeness of this story to the movie/show. Also, I do not know how many pages this story was (it was not listed anywhere), but it felt longer to me than a novella would. Pretty good read overall.

I was gifted this advanced reader copy from NetGalley and I’m very thankful! This was a nice, cute, quick love story! Novellas are not generally for me because they are too short and I need MORE, but this one gave such a fairy tale vibe that it definitely left you with a warm heart. Plus, you can’t beat a Christmas miracle, right?

I love the story of Brigadoon and jumped at the chance to read a favorite author's take on it. It was delightful and a quick and easy read.

Maren and her friend get lost in the Scottish Highlands and rescued by a handsome Scottish Laird. Duncan and Maren have an instant connection and feel as if they've always known each other. But Maren can't stay and Duncan can't leave. So where does that leave them both?

This was a charming story set in Highglen, a hidden and magical kingdom that has been protected from the world and time there moves slower. It was fun watching Maren discover all the kingdom had to offer as well as meeting Duncan's family and the villagers. Plus there are several fun surprises for Maren throughout the story.

If you're not a fan of insta-love stories, I think you'd still like this book. I thought the way the author wrote it and wove Maren and Duncan's story together was well done and didn't feel rushed. Very cute!

Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further. No language that I can remember.

I received a copy from the publisher, Montlake, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

3 stars for the entertainment factor.

It's a Christmas themed novella based on the movie Brigadoon. Just like the movie, it's set in Scotland, they get lost, and there's a magical village from the 17th century.

It's of the super-cheesy, insta-love kind of sort. Maren, an American in Scotland to find her mother's brother, and Duncan, a Scottish laird, fall in love at first sight, despite the improbabilities and obstacles.

If you can suspend your belief and get past the implausibility, the story and characters are cute and it was a light, easy read.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

i immensely dislike when i donʼt finish advanced copies, but yeah, shit happens. i didnʼt really connect with any of these characters at all. the fact that itʼs a novella, and i didnʼt have the energy to get through it, took my dnf to a different level. i read one of sariah wilsonʼs books, “chemistry of love,” and i liked that book so much, so i was kinda bummed that I felt differently about this novella.

still, thank you to sariah wilson & netgalley for this e-arc!

"Almost Like Being in Love" by Sariah Wilson sounds like a charming and heartwarming story set in the picturesque Scottish Highlands. The book promises an enchanting blend of romance, mystery, and the magic of Scotland.

The plot revolves around Maren Kelly and her friend Penny, who find themselves lost in the Scottish Highlands during a severe blizzard. Despite their challenging circumstances, Maren is determined to fulfill her ailing mother's wish of experiencing the beauty and wonder of Scotland. This premise sets the stage for an adventurous and potentially life-changing journey.

The introduction of Duncan Campbell, a dashing and seemingly timeless figure, adds an intriguing element to the story. The setting of Duncan's castle in the village of Highglen, with its holiday cheer and welcoming atmosphere, creates a comforting backdrop for the unfolding romance.

The familiarity Maren feels in Highglen and the strong connection she experiences with Duncan hint at a love story that goes beyond the ordinary. Readers can expect a tale of soulmates and miracles against the backdrop of a captivating Scottish winter.

The book's title, "Almost Like Being in Love," suggests a theme of love and the idea that sometimes the most unexpected circumstances can lead to the deepest connections. It hints at the possibility of a lasting and profound romance, which is sure to resonate with fans of heartwarming love stories.

Overall, "Almost Like Being in Love" appears to be a delightful read for those who enjoy romance novels set in enchanting locations, with a touch of magic and mystery to keep readers engaged and hopeful for a happily ever after.

A lovely whimsical story. Time travelling back to the 17th century to meet the love of your life.
Falling in love despite all the odds. This story will make you smile and remember the falling head long into love feelings

Delightful Christmas read! Maren and Duncan are delicious together. Yes, it's turbocharged but sweet instalove, and for a fairytale Christmas novella that's perfect.

If you need a dose of Brigadoon, Scottish dialogue, kilts and oatcakes, grief and love, this is absolutely perfect! you cannae miss with our wee lassie Maren and the hot Laird Duncan - even in the 17th century. And there's a HEA for everyone - I just loved it!

Thank you so much NetGalley, the author and the publisher, it was a delight :)

A magical tale indeed.. the chemistry between the hero and heroine was obvious from the jump! I loved that both the hero and heroine had strong family and friend connections and it was interesting to watch their relationship unfold! A trip to Scotland sounds great you ken 😉😂

This was difficult to read, even as just a novella. I couldn't get past how improbable Maren's reaction is. 400 years difference would be an extreme culture shock and difficult to transition to. She and Duncan fell in love with no real reasoning or build up.....

“Almost Like Being in Love” is a cutie, Hallmark-y holiday story that reminded me of “Outlander” meets “The Knight Before Christmas.”

This was a breezy, quick-paced holiday romance that’s worth picking up if you want cozy, curled-up-by-the-fire holiday vibes! (perfect to read with some cocoa or cider).

As far as the plot goes— I wasn’t a huge fan of the Insta-love romance between our main characters. The novella essentially starts in second act with very little “build up” before the whole time travel debacle and the issues between blending their worlds seemed a little brushed over. Still, I think that I would definitely pick this up again!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Swoon. Swoon, Swoon.

Those three words aren't enough, but will have to do for now.

Maren is out looking for her long-lost uncle when she stumbles upon a magical Scottish village during the Christmas season.

If that sentence doesn't get you excited, I don't know what will.

This novella is so romantic and beautifully written that you'll be wanting to be cozied up with a cup of wassail near a crackling fireplace, perhaps even with some Celtic Christmas music faintly playing in the background.

The descriptions of Scotland are so amazing that anyone will get wanderlust, and wishing that you could actually visit Highglen.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest review.

Almost Like Being in Love by Sariah Wilson was charming, humorous and so captivating.
This book is pure fun. The characters are so loveable, their relationship and dynamic is entertaining and adorable. I didn't want to say goodbye to them at the end.
The story also has a very likable cast of supporting characters.
Appealing characters, amusing and moving descriptions, and immersive writing style I had the best time with this book.
Almost Like Being in Love was an adorably unique story that had a lot of heart and was a ton of fun.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Montlake for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!