Book Reviews by Lynn

Two of Scottish romance’s most loved authors have joined pens to write a thrilling new time travel series filled with passion, danger, and intrigue. These never-before-published novels will sweep you to Scotland’s Highland Heatheredge, where magic is real, time is relevant, and there is no escape from desire…

Men are disappearing in the Highland crofting village of Heatheredge. The authorities suspect foul play, but without signs of violence—or bodies—they can’t prove a thing.

World champion swordsman Cailean Ross is living the fantasy of a lifetime as the victor of Heatheredge’s medieval reenactment Gathering. But when the fantasy turns into reality, swordplay becomes a fight to the death and he finds himself among the ‘missing’ statistics.

Julianna Mackay flees a man she fears is an evil wizard and literally runs into handsome Cailean Ross. Cailean defends Lady Julianna from her attackers. Together, they set out in search of the key to a six-hundred-year-old curse that can only be broken in medieval Scotland.

When the veil of time is lifted, Cailean and Julianna find that love may not be enough to save them or those they hold dear.

Review 5*

This is the first book in a new historical time-travel romance series written by Tarah Scott and Sue-Ellen Welfonder. I am a huge fan of Tarah Scott's books, so when I found out she was co-writing this series with Sue-Ellen Welfonder, I became curious and decided to give this book a go. I am glad I did because I loved it!

Cailean Ross is a modern day professor who also happens to be a world champion swordsman. I wasn't sure if I liked him at first as he came across as conceited and a little full of himself. However, as the story progressed I began to like him more. He has the soul of a warrior. When he finds himself mysteriously sent back in time during a reenactment in the Scottish village of Heatheredge, he is torn between finding a way home and staying with the woman he has come to love.

Julianna Mackay is a wonderfully strong female character. In a time of male dominance, she fights every day for her independence. She is incredibly strong willed and determined. When she literally runs into the broad chest of Cailean Ross after fleeing for her life, she never expected to have any feelings towards him. But as danger threatens to tear them apart, she can no longer deny her attraction.

I don't read many historical time-travel romances. However, I just had to read this one. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, I was unable to purchase a copy. Instead, thanks to Prime, I was able to borrow this book through the lending library. As soon as I had downloaded it, I began reading. I was quickly swept up in the tale, which is told through the eyes of both Cailean and Julianna and gives the reader an insight into their thoughts and feelings. I have never been to a medieval reenactment, so was intrigued by how the village of Heatheredge prepared for the event by placing false fascias over the modern looking buildings and shops.

This story took me on a huge adventure into the past, with danger following not far behind. I must admit that I liked meeting a few of the other characters too, though one or two not so much. I liked Lennox, Julianna's brother. He too is a warrior and a kind and just man. However, I took an instant dislike to Val Ross and another character called Crowe. As the story unfolded I found myself holding my breath in places and sitting on the edge of the seat in others. There are kidnappings, sword fights and a mystery surrounding how or why Cailean was transported back in time. The romance between Cailean and Julianna is touching at times. I must admit that, having read a few of Tarah Scott's more racier books, I was expecting a little more in the way of heat between the two. I'm not saying that those scenes were not devoid of heat, only a little more subdued than I had expected though no less explicit. Other readers may not have the same response. Nevertheless, I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. Cailean's character also grows throughout the story and I enjoyed watching him settle into the 14th Century as if putting on a glove. He truly is an old soul. The description of both the present and the past were vividly written and I felt like I was actually there, standing next to Cailean or Julianna and seeing exactly what they saw. In fact, I became so emersed that I forgot I was even in modern day England and not 1395. It was a little jarring to the senses when I finished the story, let me tell you!

The story does end on a small cliffhanger, but this only left me itching to get my hands on the second book, which is told through the eyes of Lennox and Ginny (Cailean's sister) to see what happens next.

Tarah Scott and Sue-Ellen Welfonder have written a fantastic historical time travel romance. I love their writing style which is fast paced and entertaining, and the flow is wonderful too. Since Tarah Scott is already one of my favourite authors, I will have to add Sue-Ellen Welfonder onto my list too. I am looking forward to reading more of both authors' books in the future.

Due to scenes of a sexual nature that are rather on the explicit side and some bad language, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 16. I do, however, highly recommend this book if you love historical, time travel or contemporary romances. - Lynn Worton