Spotlight tour: Just in Time for a Highlander by Gwyn Cready @GwynCready @SourcebooksCasa #romance #giveaway
Title: Just in Time for a Highlander
Series: Sirens of the Scottish
Author: Gwyn Cready
ISBN: 9781492601937
Pubdate: February 3rd, 2015
For Duncan MacHarg, things just got real…
Battle reenactor and financier Duncan MacHarg thinks he has it made—until he lands in the middle of a real Clan Kerr battle and comes face to face with their beautiful, spirited leader. Out of time and out of place, Duncan must use every skill he can muster to earn his position among the clansmen and in the heart of the devastatingly intriguing woman to whom he must pledge his oath.
Abby needs a hero and she needs him now
When Abigail Ailich Kerr sees a handsome, mysterious stranger materialize in the midst of her clan’s skirmish with the English, she’s stunned to discover he’s the strong arm she’s been praying for. Instead of a tested fighter, the fierce young chieftess has been given a man with no measurable battle skills and a damnably distracting smile. And the only way to get rid of him is to turn him into a Scots warrior herself—one demanding and intimate lesson at a time.
Excerpt:
“Undine, do you see what your magic has wrought?” Abby stabbed a finger in Duncan’s direction.
The woman gave him a full look and her eyes widened. “Oh. Oh, dear.”
“What magic?” Duncan demanded.
Undine regarded him thoughtfully. “He’s handsome, at least. And tall. That could be useful. But that hair…”
“If I wanted handsome, Rosston would certainly do. He at least wields a real sword.” She took Undine by the elbow and turned her away from Duncan. “The poor man appears to have no skills beyond his fists,” she said in a lowered voice. “And I think he’s addled in his head—like Hal the sheep shearer.”
“What were you thinking?” Undine demanded.
“What was I thinking?! ’Twas your herbs.”
“I mean when you opened the paper.”
“I didn’t open the paper. It was shot out of my hand.”
“All of it?!” Undine paled.
“Except for the part that flew in my mouth.” Abby wiped the back of her hand across her tongue and made a sharp sound of disgust. “It tasted like burnt groats.”
Duncan had had enough of being ignored. “What herbs? What magic? What are you talking about? Did you bring me here?”
Undine considered. “You could try to make do with him.”
“Make do?!” Abby cried. “You make do with him! Can’t you see this is the last thing I need with the clans right now?” She pulled herself onto the horse. “You need to get rid of him.”
The “get rid of him” made Duncan’s stomach tighten. “No. Wait—”
“Abby?” a voice called from beyond the trees. “Abby, are you there?”
“Oh, God help us, it’s Rosston.” Abby gave Duncan a warning look. “Don’t say another word.”
“No!” Duncan grabbed her pommel. “I want to go home! Send me home! I don’t know what you two witches have done.”
“Silence, you fool.” She jerked the reins in an effort to keep the beast from lurching. The arrow fell from her bow.
A kilted clansman crested the rise.
“You, there!” Duncan called to the man. “Help me. These women have—”
Duncan felt a thwack on the head, and the world went dark.
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Time travel. Magic. Romance. Just in Time for a Highlander by Gwyn Cready is the first book in her Sirens of the Scottish series and is quite an enjoyable read. The opening chapter introduced me to the Scottish lass Abby, leader of Clan Kerr and her friend, Undine, a respected and feared witch. British troops are trespassing on her lands and she directs her group of men to stand strong and face them. During the subsequent encounter a present day man, Duncan, participating in a reenactment of a famous battle, finds himself suddenly in the real thing. When he spots a beautiful redhead on horseback giving orders, his jump in time and space turns interesting.
Since I'm a Whovian and wish I could step inside the TARDIS for some time travel myself with a certain Doctor, this book seemed like a fun read. It was. There's a lot going on and I needed to make sure I wasn't disturbed while reading so I could keep track of the various story lines, plot, and time periods. Understanding each author's concept and foundation of their time travel can be a heady undertaking and I'm not totally sold on the travel aspect for this story. For a modern day man, Duncan certainly took to the 18th century Scottish Highlands way of life quickly. Perhaps its a guy thing. As a female there are certain things I'm accustomed to today like showering, cars and dishwashers.
As a historical romance with time travel, Just in Time for a Highlander is certainly entertaining and well-written. The dialog is tight and I loved that this story features a domineering clanswoman with Abby. She is fierce when needed, despite her second guessing herself and knowing her clansmen would rather take orders from another man. She is strong, can crack a joke, and I enjoyed my time with her. It took time to warm up to Duncan but this modern day fella caught my attention. It certainly was amusing watching this inexperienced make believe warrior trying to train to become the real thing. Despite his attempts, he still lacked the power of other male leads in this category. I was surprised to see his 'reenactment' occurring on town streets and not at a park (at least the ones I've seen publicized are held on park land or on historical society property). I really liked the witch Undine and her charming sense of humor too.
Just in Time for a Highlander is a fun, romantic read. Sit back and get ready to romp along the highlands and fall under the spell of these engaging characters and sumptuous setting. This is one hella good time! (Ha, sorry, I had to say that!)
Rating: 3.5
1/2
Cover comment:
The dress looking like it's falling off her and the seductive pose may be a bit much and yet I get this cover. Surprisingly, it's quite eye catching and colorful. I like how 'Duncan' has a modern haircut and the castle in the background is cool. The fireworks may be overdoing it.
Book source:
Netgalley
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