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romancejunkie1025's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars. s solid story with a good plot, but the romance was bland to me and the characters still seemed shallow right up to the last few chapters. sucha good premised and i enjoy all the action, but things got too convoluted and confusing. wonder what comes next though. full review coming soon to the blog.
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really fun time travel romance. It begins with Serafina complaining about her dastardly ex-fiancé, who seduced her, dumped her, and used her money to purchase a ship's cargo, leaving her broke and with a ruined reputation. If she has any hope of retrieving that cargo she needs a look-alike man to impersonate Edward and sign the cargo over to her. Enter Abby and Undine. Undine is something like a witch, whose potions have been known to bring just what is needed. She creates the potion but warns Serafina to be careful what she wishes for.
Gerard is a twenty-first century ad exec in Manhattan who has just landed a big account and is celebrating. He has quite the reputation as a ladies' man, and has invited a young lady to his room to continue the celebrating. She's a bit worse for drink, and he's actually a gentleman and puts her to bed to sleep it off. In the meantime, he samples some three hundred year old Scotch, then passes out himself. He wakes up the next morning not only in bed with a different woman, but also in a different city and a different century!
That first scene is hilarious, with Gerard completely confused about what happened, with some hazy memories that don't really make sense to him. Serafina is also confused and experiencing some of the same memories. Gerard is fortunate in that the first person he encounters turns out to be a fellow time traveler who can fill him in a little bit. Explantations are cut short when their activities of the previous night bring unwelcome visitors and he and Serafina have to make a run for it. This begins a highly amusing tale as Serafina and Gerard try to track down her cargo. There's more to the story than just the cargo, including some piracy, threats to Scotland's independence, spying and romancing.
I loved Serafina. She is feisty, independent and stubborn. She has made mistakes (letting Edward sweet talk her into sleeping with him before marriage, giving him access to her money) but she is doing her best to rise above it. Her reputation may be in tatters, but that isn't going to stop her. She has her plan and nothing is going to stop her from carrying it out, even a highly distracting man of the future.
Gerard was great. I thought he took to the eighteenth century pretty easily once he accepted that it had happened. He's quite a charming flirt, and it is fun to see him try to work that charm on Serafina. He also quickly becomes very protective of her, and finds himself in interesting situations because of it. At first he's determined to do what has to be done, so that Undine can send him home, but it doesn't take long for him to start thinking about staying longer.
Though neither wanted a relationship in the beginning, their connection is fast and deep. It was fun to see them bicker their way around Edinburgh as they tried to track down her cargo. They were also desperate to reconstruct their memories of the night before, especially to find out if they had truly married or simply faked it. They get themselves into and out of quite a few scrapes, frequently with the help of Gerard's fast thinking and creative mind. It was especially fun to see him put his twenty-first century marketing skills to work in 1706 Scotland. I really enjoyed the scenes with the baker and tavern owner, and the part with Gerard and the fancy chemises was a riot.
As his time in Scotland draws closer to its conclusion, Gerard realizes that he doesn't want to lose Serafina. He makes a few missteps in his ideas for their future, but eventually comes to the conclusion that he will do whatever he must to make her happy. Whether that means stepping aside for someone else, or changing his entire life is a decision that isn't easy to make. Serafina, too, doesn't want to lose Gerard, but she doesn't want to make him give up his family, fortune and friends. She also has to let go of her pride a little bit, and learn that it's okay to lean on someone for a little help now and then.
There were also a few interesting twists that came out in the final chapter. One involving a bottle of whisky and one involving a dress that turns out to be more than a dress. And finally one that will require a lesson in genetics and the weirdness that is time travel.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series, including going back and reading the first one.
Gerard is a twenty-first century ad exec in Manhattan who has just landed a big account and is celebrating. He has quite the reputation as a ladies' man, and has invited a young lady to his room to continue the celebrating. She's a bit worse for drink, and he's actually a gentleman and puts her to bed to sleep it off. In the meantime, he samples some three hundred year old Scotch, then passes out himself. He wakes up the next morning not only in bed with a different woman, but also in a different city and a different century!
That first scene is hilarious, with Gerard completely confused about what happened, with some hazy memories that don't really make sense to him. Serafina is also confused and experiencing some of the same memories. Gerard is fortunate in that the first person he encounters turns out to be a fellow time traveler who can fill him in a little bit. Explantations are cut short when their activities of the previous night bring unwelcome visitors and he and Serafina have to make a run for it. This begins a highly amusing tale as Serafina and Gerard try to track down her cargo. There's more to the story than just the cargo, including some piracy, threats to Scotland's independence, spying and romancing.
I loved Serafina. She is feisty, independent and stubborn. She has made mistakes (letting Edward sweet talk her into sleeping with him before marriage, giving him access to her money) but she is doing her best to rise above it. Her reputation may be in tatters, but that isn't going to stop her. She has her plan and nothing is going to stop her from carrying it out, even a highly distracting man of the future.
Gerard was great. I thought he took to the eighteenth century pretty easily once he accepted that it had happened. He's quite a charming flirt, and it is fun to see him try to work that charm on Serafina. He also quickly becomes very protective of her, and finds himself in interesting situations because of it. At first he's determined to do what has to be done, so that Undine can send him home, but it doesn't take long for him to start thinking about staying longer.
Though neither wanted a relationship in the beginning, their connection is fast and deep. It was fun to see them bicker their way around Edinburgh as they tried to track down her cargo. They were also desperate to reconstruct their memories of the night before, especially to find out if they had truly married or simply faked it. They get themselves into and out of quite a few scrapes, frequently with the help of Gerard's fast thinking and creative mind. It was especially fun to see him put his twenty-first century marketing skills to work in 1706 Scotland. I really enjoyed the scenes with the baker and tavern owner, and the part with Gerard and the fancy chemises was a riot.
As his time in Scotland draws closer to its conclusion, Gerard realizes that he doesn't want to lose Serafina. He makes a few missteps in his ideas for their future, but eventually comes to the conclusion that he will do whatever he must to make her happy. Whether that means stepping aside for someone else, or changing his entire life is a decision that isn't easy to make. Serafina, too, doesn't want to lose Gerard, but she doesn't want to make him give up his family, fortune and friends. She also has to let go of her pride a little bit, and learn that it's okay to lean on someone for a little help now and then.
There were also a few interesting twists that came out in the final chapter. One involving a bottle of whisky and one involving a dress that turns out to be more than a dress. And finally one that will require a lesson in genetics and the weirdness that is time travel.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series, including going back and reading the first one.
jscarpa14's review against another edition
3.0
So I'm going to be honest, the plot it highly unlikely, completely discounting the time traveling whiskey spells and people from the future, if they didn't exist at all this plot would still be incredible hard to believe. The author completely ignores most Highland romance protocols concerning propriety etc. You pretty much have to throw everything you know about Highland Romance out the window if you're not going to knit pick about this book. But... if you can manage to do that, manage to ignore the odd behaviors and thought processes in the characters of that time, I really think you'll love this book.
The story is absolutely hilarious. The characters are endearing and while the plot is unlikely it is still highly entertaining. The book is a bit heavy on the sex, but I didn't really mind (not that's I'd mind sex scenes in romance anyway, but I do prefer plot to hot and heavy) because the scenes around those hot and heavy sex scenes were engaging introducing new and interesting character and keeping the plot moving forward in an interesting and humorous way. There's a scene with these priests about being ruined that had me laughing so hard my kids came rushing in to find out what was wrong with me. It's definitely not the only humorous scene, but it was my favorite.
When I mention the unlikely character view points and actions for the time period I'm not referring to the men from the future, to be honest I'm actually torn between their outlooks. At many points the two are more in the old fashioned, men must protect silly women mindset common for the 1700s than the characters who are purported to live there. The characters from the future often seemed more old fashioned than the characters of the past. If you're looking for open minded forward thinking, push the envelope characters, it's not the interlopers you need to be watching but the three women who started this whole mess in the first place. Like I mentioned you really have to put aside expectations in the way people behave that you've learned from other novels in this genre.
If you're looking for fiction where you can pull things from the novel for your history paper, this probably isn't the book for you, but if you're just looking for an entertaining story that will make you laugh and smile, this one is highly recommended.
The story is absolutely hilarious. The characters are endearing and while the plot is unlikely it is still highly entertaining. The book is a bit heavy on the sex, but I didn't really mind (not that's I'd mind sex scenes in romance anyway, but I do prefer plot to hot and heavy) because the scenes around those hot and heavy sex scenes were engaging introducing new and interesting character and keeping the plot moving forward in an interesting and humorous way. There's a scene with these priests about being ruined that had me laughing so hard my kids came rushing in to find out what was wrong with me. It's definitely not the only humorous scene, but it was my favorite.
When I mention the unlikely character view points and actions for the time period I'm not referring to the men from the future, to be honest I'm actually torn between their outlooks. At many points the two are more in the old fashioned, men must protect silly women mindset common for the 1700s than the characters who are purported to live there. The characters from the future often seemed more old fashioned than the characters of the past. If you're looking for open minded forward thinking, push the envelope characters, it's not the interlopers you need to be watching but the three women who started this whole mess in the first place. Like I mentioned you really have to put aside expectations in the way people behave that you've learned from other novels in this genre.
If you're looking for fiction where you can pull things from the novel for your history paper, this probably isn't the book for you, but if you're just looking for an entertaining story that will make you laugh and smile, this one is highly recommended.
geo_ix's review
3.0
3.5 stars. This book is pretty slow for anything super fun to happen. The erotic scenes are very sensual and the hero in this story was lovely. I felt all his emotions but didn't really connect with Sera the heroine. I don't like the cover to this one either as I don't see it fitting the books scenes as per her dress (she doesn't wear a dress on the ship and I'm still unsure if they're on a ship for the final chapter but that dress doesn't quite look like this I'm sure), unless I'm mistaken but I don't think so. Anyway, minus it being slow it was quite a great book. I think the ending was tied up a bit too easily and that ending surprise wasn't REALLY needed but sure why not. If there's more I probably won't read them just because they're both quite slow but they're nice fun reads. I'd also like to point out the hero at times doesn't talk like a 21st century American at all. Duncan I could get, he spoke with a Scottish accent that was watered down etc, so he fit in easily. But this guys speech was all over the place with British phrases and stuff. Also, really? James Bond? Titanic reenactment? Low it down on the cheese.
kstep1805's review against another edition
3.0
It's a romance novel, the beginning was pretty strong, with an interesting premise, strong female lead, and solid writing. The middle was dull, predictable, and somewhat confusing. The end was better, a little unbelievable, but wrapped up nicely.
loverofromance's review against another edition
3.0
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceWelcome to Sourcebooks Casablanca exclusive Tour which includes a special excerpt and a giveaway. Now this giveaway is offering of a hard copy of the first book in the series: Just in Time For A Highlander. As long as you leave a comment with your email, you will be entered into the giveaway. Then the winner will receive a email and be mailed the copy right away. The one stipulation from the publisher is you need to be a U.S. Resident. So what do you have to lose right?
First Time With A Highlander is the second book in this series, and this is also my first time reading this author and for the most part I really liked this one. I tend to be a bit picky on time travel themed romances, but I really loved the setting for this one. The story is quite entertaining and the characters are what make it so fun for the reader. We have a hero, that works in marketing and advertising. Our heroine is a Scottish lass looking to get her property and cargo back from her ex fiancee. And through a series of unfortunate decisions, Gerard is brought to the 1700's. Gerard though, he was fun and quite a lovely hero. He takes everything in stride, even going back in time doesn't seem to alter him much. What was most fun about this book, is the ways he goes about helping others in the town with their businesses. It shows how much he loves what he does and he loves helping people along the way too.
Our heroine is a bit of a mischief maker, she can be a bit spirited and proud. She isn't shy about anything. I loved the way these two come together, because its so unexpected for both of them but they just click from the beginning they have spark. This was a lovely romance and I really enjoyed the tone of the story. I did have trouble with the flow of it. I had a difficult time keeping my focus on the story, and my mind kept wandering. I don't know if that was just me or the writing itself. But for the most part I really had a ball of fun and giggles with this one. I am interested in trying out some of her other titles. I definitely want to try out the first book, especially since the main couple from that story, play a role in this book. So I am definitely wanting to read their story after seeing them in action and involved in this book so much. This is a story that is packed with adventure, magic and mystery.
My poor heroine. Writers love to put their characters in uncomfortable situations. This scene takes place near the beginning of the book, immediately after Serafina, the down-on-her-heels eighteenth-century owner of a small shipping concern, and Gerard, a twenty-first century ad man playboy, have awakened to find themselves in bed together, much to their mutual surprise. Serafina is not quite as surprised as Gerard, given that she knows she, er, borrowed some magic herbs from her spell-casting friend to summon a man to help her regain her fortune, but she doesn’t clearly remember all that has happened between them, especially the ring she’s found on her finger, and she must explain how she happened to have a naked man coming out of her room to Duncan, the hero of the first book in the Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands series, Just in Time for a Highlander, who has become a de facto older brother to her.
***
Nearly deafened by the blood roaring in her ears, Serafina stilled the hand in her pocket and fought to remain calm.
“What is it?” Duncan eyed her suspiciously.
“I bit my tongue.”
He cocked his head farther.
“It’s fine now.”
The other man had seen something, though what, she wasn’t sure. He looked at her as if she were a Highland ox whose horns had sprouted thistles. All she remembered clearly about the night before was that he had appeared to her sometime after she’d first sipped the adulterated whiskey, though he’d been no more than a shade, his translucent image waxing and waning like mist on a loch. Wide jaw, the shoulders of a smith, hair as gold as a wagtail’s breast—the man was no trouble on the eyes. The more she drank, the clearer his image had become—though the foggier her apprehension of it—until at last she’d slipped into a thick, hibernating sleep, like a child after a summer fair, floating through hazy, happy dreams filled with random glints of remembered pleasure.
But the waking glints, beginning to arrive with increased regularity, were stirring an emotion closer to concern than pleasure. The man’s hand, running lightly down her back. A hurried run down a dark dock. Tugging the waist of a man’s breeks—beautiful wool breeks, whose rich, gray fabric caressed her fingers, as soft as the fur of a baby rabbit.
She couldn’t stop herself. Her eyes flew to the man’s breeks. Oh, God! Gray wool!
When she looked up, he was looking right at her. Her cheeks exploded in flames.
How could any of this have happened without her remembering it? The answer, she told herself, is because it didn’t.
But the ring…
She wriggled her fingers in her pocket, desperately hoping the solid, immutable gold was gone. But it wasn’t.
First Time With A Highlander is the second book in this series, and this is also my first time reading this author and for the most part I really liked this one. I tend to be a bit picky on time travel themed romances, but I really loved the setting for this one. The story is quite entertaining and the characters are what make it so fun for the reader. We have a hero, that works in marketing and advertising. Our heroine is a Scottish lass looking to get her property and cargo back from her ex fiancee. And through a series of unfortunate decisions, Gerard is brought to the 1700's. Gerard though, he was fun and quite a lovely hero. He takes everything in stride, even going back in time doesn't seem to alter him much. What was most fun about this book, is the ways he goes about helping others in the town with their businesses. It shows how much he loves what he does and he loves helping people along the way too.
Our heroine is a bit of a mischief maker, she can be a bit spirited and proud. She isn't shy about anything. I loved the way these two come together, because its so unexpected for both of them but they just click from the beginning they have spark. This was a lovely romance and I really enjoyed the tone of the story. I did have trouble with the flow of it. I had a difficult time keeping my focus on the story, and my mind kept wandering. I don't know if that was just me or the writing itself. But for the most part I really had a ball of fun and giggles with this one. I am interested in trying out some of her other titles. I definitely want to try out the first book, especially since the main couple from that story, play a role in this book. So I am definitely wanting to read their story after seeing them in action and involved in this book so much. This is a story that is packed with adventure, magic and mystery.
My poor heroine. Writers love to put their characters in uncomfortable situations. This scene takes place near the beginning of the book, immediately after Serafina, the down-on-her-heels eighteenth-century owner of a small shipping concern, and Gerard, a twenty-first century ad man playboy, have awakened to find themselves in bed together, much to their mutual surprise. Serafina is not quite as surprised as Gerard, given that she knows she, er, borrowed some magic herbs from her spell-casting friend to summon a man to help her regain her fortune, but she doesn’t clearly remember all that has happened between them, especially the ring she’s found on her finger, and she must explain how she happened to have a naked man coming out of her room to Duncan, the hero of the first book in the Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands series, Just in Time for a Highlander, who has become a de facto older brother to her.
***
Nearly deafened by the blood roaring in her ears, Serafina stilled the hand in her pocket and fought to remain calm.
“What is it?” Duncan eyed her suspiciously.
“I bit my tongue.”
He cocked his head farther.
“It’s fine now.”
The other man had seen something, though what, she wasn’t sure. He looked at her as if she were a Highland ox whose horns had sprouted thistles. All she remembered clearly about the night before was that he had appeared to her sometime after she’d first sipped the adulterated whiskey, though he’d been no more than a shade, his translucent image waxing and waning like mist on a loch. Wide jaw, the shoulders of a smith, hair as gold as a wagtail’s breast—the man was no trouble on the eyes. The more she drank, the clearer his image had become—though the foggier her apprehension of it—until at last she’d slipped into a thick, hibernating sleep, like a child after a summer fair, floating through hazy, happy dreams filled with random glints of remembered pleasure.
But the waking glints, beginning to arrive with increased regularity, were stirring an emotion closer to concern than pleasure. The man’s hand, running lightly down her back. A hurried run down a dark dock. Tugging the waist of a man’s breeks—beautiful wool breeks, whose rich, gray fabric caressed her fingers, as soft as the fur of a baby rabbit.
She couldn’t stop herself. Her eyes flew to the man’s breeks. Oh, God! Gray wool!
When she looked up, he was looking right at her. Her cheeks exploded in flames.
How could any of this have happened without her remembering it? The answer, she told herself, is because it didn’t.
But the ring…
She wriggled her fingers in her pocket, desperately hoping the solid, immutable gold was gone. But it wasn’t.
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