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Highland Hideaway by Lily Gold Book Review
- Joao Nsita
- 13 hours ago
- 8 min read
Introduction
Have you ever fantasized about escaping your chaotic life, running away to the Scottish Highlands, and getting stranded with not one, but three ruggedly handsome men in kilts? If so, you are going to want to clear your schedule for Highland Hideaway, the latest standalone romance from the queen of contemporary reverse harem, Lily Gold. In a genre often filled with dark themes, Gold shines as a beacon of cozy romance mixed with scorching heat, and her newest release is no exception.
This book promises a delicious blend of grumpy sunshine dynamics, forced proximity, and the kind of found family warmth that leaves you feeling all fuzzy inside. It’s the perfect comfort read for 2026.
Before we pack our bags for the Lochview Sheep Farm, if you are constantly on the hunt for your next swoon-worthy read, don't forget to check out our curated list of Romance Book Recommendations.
Book Summary
Highland Hideaway follows the story of a bubbly city girl and fashion influencer who goes from internet darling to viral trainwreck in the span of twenty-four hours. After a career-ending humiliation, she flees the city in search of a luxurious Scottish spa, only to end up stranded in the mud in the middle of nowhere.
She finds shelter not at a 5-star resort, but at Lochview Sheep Farm, a rugged property run by three distinct and devastatingly attractive Scots. First, there is Cameron, the grumpy shepherd who initially scoffs at her high heels but isn't afraid to scoop her up when she gets stuck. Then there is Fraser, the flirtatious rancher with auburn hair and a penchant for wearing his kilt to distract her. Finally, there is Alec, the commanding farm manager whose stoic, protective streak is triggered when a storm hits.
What starts as a clash of cultures—city girl vs. country boys—quickly evolves. The men assume she is just a clueless princess, but as her secrets unravel and her neurodivergence is revealed, they step up to protect her. The dynamic shifts from judgment to adoration, leading to steamy encounters in freezing lochs and cozy nights by the fire. It is a classic FMMM romance where the heroine doesn't have to choose; she gets the grump, the flirt, and the protector all to herself.
Author's Style and Craft
Lily Gold has carved out a unique niche in the romance book community. Her writing style is accessible, witty, and incredibly fast-paced. She balances the why choose trope with a level of sweetness that is rare in polyarmorous romance novels. In Highland Hideaway, Gold utilizes a multi-POV narrative structure, allowing readers to get inside the heads of the heroine and all three of her Highland heroes.
Her dialogue is a standout feature. The banter between the men displays a deep history of friendship, while their interactions with the heroine crackle with tension. Gold is also a master of the "grovel." She allows her characters to make mistakes—often rooted in prejudice or misunderstanding—but the emotional payoff when they apologize is visceral and satisfying.
Furthermore, Gold manages to write spicy scenes that serve the plot. The intimacy isn't just there for the sake of heat; it establishes trust and vulnerability between the four characters. The pacing moves briskly, typical of a romantic comedy, but slows down enough in the emotional beats to let the reader breathe and connect with the characters' internal struggles.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Beneath the surface of muscles and wool, Highland Hideaway tackles significant themes. A major focus is neurodivergent representation. The heroine’s struggles are treated with care and nuance, moving beyond the "quirky girl" stereotype to explore how neurodivergence affects self-esteem and relationships. The book validates the idea that being different doesn't mean being broken.
Another prevalent theme is the toxicity of social media culture. The contrast between the heroine's curated online life and the raw, muddy reality of the farm highlights the importance of authenticity. The farm serves as a sanctuary where she can strip away the filters and be loved for her true self.
Finally, the theme of found family is central. The three men have created a family unit among themselves, and watching them open that circle to include the heroine is the emotional core of the story. It explores the concept that home isn't a place, but the people who make you feel safe.
Strengths
The book excels in character distinction. In reverse harem books, it can be difficult to make the love interests feel distinct, but Gold succeeds here. Cameron, Fraser, and Alec have unique voices, insecurities, and roles within the relationship. You understand why the heroine needs each of them specifically.
The humor is another massive strength. From the heroine’s fashion mishaps in the mud to the inclusion of Crumpet the lamb (who arguably steals the show), the book is genuinely funny. It balances the angst of the heroine’s viral scandal with lighthearted moments that keep the tone buoyant.
Additionally, the setting is immersive. The descriptions of the Scottish Highlands, the roaring fireplaces, and the misty lochs create a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to wrap yourself in a blanket and drink hot cocoa while reading.
Areas for Improvement
While Highland Hideaway is a stellar comfort read, it may not be for everyone. Readers who prefer high-angst or dark romance might find the conflict resolution a bit too neat. The "influencer" trope can sometimes feel slightly dated or overdone depending on the reader's tolerance for social media jargon in their fantasy escapism.
Additionally, because it is a standalone novel balancing four main characters, some readers might wish for a few more pages to deepen the individual one-on-one connections before the group dynamic solidifies. However, Gold manages the juggling act better than most in the genre.
Comparative Analysis
If you enjoyed Lily Gold’s previous hits like Faking with Benefits or Three Swedish Mountain Men, this book delivers the same high-quality polyamorous romance. It shares the cozy, low-angst vibe of Kathryn Moon’s Lola & the Millionaires but with a more humorous, rom-com edge.
Compared to the darker, grittier Scottish romances like Outlander, Highland Hideaway is purely a contemporary rom-com. It fits well alongside books by Emily Rath (like Pucking Around) regarding the steam and multiple love interests, but maintains a sweeter, fluffier tone.
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Target Audience
This book is a must-read for fans of Why Choose romance, Scottish settings, and spicy romantic comedies. It is perfect for readers who love BookTok recommendations and want a story that features consent, communication, and men in kilts.
Content Warnings: Contains explicit sexual content (group scenes), discussions of online bullying/harassment, and neurodivergent masking burnout. Intended for mature audiences (18+).
Personal Impact
Highland Hideaway was the serotonin boost I didn't know I needed. It felt like a warm hug. I resonated deeply with the heroine's desire to just stop performing for the world and just be. The way the men cared for her—not just physically, but emotionally—was healing to read. It left me with a serious book hangover and a sudden urge to browse real estate listings in Scotland. It’s a reminder that we all deserve to be spoiled and protected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Highland Hideaway is a 5-star triumph for Lily Gold. It is funny, sexy, and incredibly heartwarming. It cements her status as a go-to author for cozy reverse harem. If you want a book that features grumpy shepherds, flirty ranchers, and a heroine finding her self-worth, this is it.
Do yourself a favor: grab a copy, pour a drink, and let the Highlanders take care of you.
"Three hearts are better than one."
About the Author
Lily Gold is a contemporary romance author based in London, UK. She specializes in reverse harem (Why Choose?) romance, writing standalone novels featuring witty heroines and the multiple men who adore them. Known for her "sweet and spicy" style, Lily loves to mix humor with high heat. When she isn't writing about fictional men, she's likely drinking tea, eating biscuits, and avoiding the gym. You can find her on Instagram, visit her website, or join her reader group on Facebook.
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FAQ Section
1. Is Highland Hideaway a standalone? Yes, like all of Lily Gold’s books, this is a complete standalone novel with no cliffhanger.
2. What is the heat level? It is very high. This is a spicy romance with multiple open-door scenes involving group intimacy.
3. Does the heroine choose just one guy? No. This is a Why Choose / Reverse Harem romance, meaning she ends up with all three men happily.
4. Is there a pregnancy trope? Lily Gold often includes epilogues with families, but the core conflict does not usually revolve around surprise pregnancy. (Check specific trigger warnings for the epilogue).
5. What is the main setting? The majority of the book takes place at Lochview Sheep Farm in the Scottish Highlands.
6. Is it funny or dark? It is definitely a romantic comedy. While there are emotional moments, the overall tone is light, funny, and cozy.
7. Who is Crumpet? Crumpet is the adorable lamb on the farm who acts as a sort of emotional support animal and comic relief.
8. Is the heroine annoying? While she starts as a "city princess," her character growth is significant, and her neurodivergence adds layers to her personality that make her relatable.
9. Are there men in kilts? Yes. Fraser, specifically, is mentioned to wear a kilt, fulfilling the ultimate Highland romance fantasy.
10. Is it available on Kindle Unlimited? Lily Gold’s books are typically available on Kindle Unlimited, making it easy to binge.
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