Melissa Mayhue weaved a wonderfully magical tale with this book. I unknowingly read it not realizing that is was the third book in a series, but nonetheless, it held its own and did not leave me feeling like I was lost. I enjoyed the scenes and adventures that took place, and the storyline did satisfy me. I look forward to chasing down the rest of the series and reading up. The world that Mayhue created is one that invites me back. ( )

I liked the first in the series better. Good relationship development in this one, though. ( )

Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Feb09

What is it that I like so much about Melissa Mayhue’s books? From the very first one, “Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband”, there is just something about her writing that pulls me in and keeps me coming back for more. Her heroines are strong and determined and don’t do stupid things that require a man to save them…nope, they do just as much saving, in their own way, as any of the heroes in her books. Yet the men certainly aren’t weak or spineless. Au contraire, they are strong heroes who fight their attraction at first, usually for some stupid male reason , but once they ‘get it’…they go after her with guns…I mean swords…blazing…uh, flashing?!

Ellie’s having the best day she’s had since her mother died recently. The strange rose-shaped birthmark that recently appeared on her chest is NOT cancerous! Now if only she could get rid of the slimy excuse for a step-father who’s trying to claim the farm and get Ellie in his bed before her mother’s grave is grassed over. Ellie escapes to the river and while she’s there she makes a wish…to find her true love and perhaps “a Highlander of my own”. The next thing she knows she’s waking up somewhere that looks an awful lot like the Highlands and the year is 1304. Holy crap!

Caden doesn’t trust the Fae. The last time they interfered with his family, his brother was wounded and his life changed forever. As a result of those events, he decided never to marry. Instead, when the time comes, he’ll appoint one of his brother’s sons as his heir. Love isn’t for him. So when his mother decides Ellie has been sent for love, Caden figures she must be here for one of his brothers. That’s fine! Doesn’t bother him at all. Nope, not a bit.

Stubborn as these two were, I almost expected to hear horns locking whenever they met. How entertaining to ‘watch’ their relationship unfold while both are denying the desire for said relationship. Mayhue’s timing and dialogue’s were spot-on and caused both sniffles and chuckles at times. The juxtaposition of Ellie’s modern ways against Caden’s ‘medieval’ sensibilities was used in places to further the plot instead of just cause romantic problems. If I thought Mayhue had intended this for anything but light-hearted romance, I would be a bit critical of the lack of survival and language problems this difference caused…but hey, this is a romance and it works just fine!

The cast is just right with some gruesome bad guys, hot-bodied good guys, and the talking animals who stole the show for me. The tension between the hero and heroine sizzled and sparkled and who knew guys knew so much about women’s bodies back then? Once again, Melissa Mayhue provided me with a wonderful read in “A Highlander of Her Own”. I’ll be pacing outside the bookstore waiting for “A Highlander’s Destiny” when it’s released next year. ( )

The High Prince of Fae has made a huge mistake. Trying to make amends from an earlier mistake, he has now bestowed the fae magic on all the daughters of his sons in his line. Now, women all across the world are suddenly gifted in fae magic without any warning. They have no idea what powers they now carry. Accidents waiting to happen or not?

Ellie Denton's mother has recently passed way. She thought her mother had divorced her step-father, but obviously not as he has made himself at home on the farm. He tells Ellie she can stay if she keeps his bed warm. Distraught, she camps at a nearby creek rubbing the new unusual strawberry mark on her chest. When she awakes, she is in a smelly barn not in her own time.

Caden MacAlister recently lost his betrothed to a nunnery. He is determined to never marry and instead will nominate an heir from kin when the timing is right. His cousin is missing and his brother recently captured in battle. All he needs is a woman from the future dumped in his lap.

Ellie is determined to get back to her own time. Caden's mother Rosalyn tries to tell Ellie that she won't be able to return until she has done what she has been sent to do. What did Ellie say when the fae magic ignited into her trip to the past? Find her true love is the answer. Ellie and Caden spark when they are together. Caden is determined Ellie will marry another, and Ellie is unsure whether to seek out her true love or focus on returning home to Texas.

Sparks fly with Caden and Ellie that is pure magic. Ellie's special fae ability of communicating with animals is charming and brings more warmth to the story. The Scotland background and highland speak add realism to this sparkling gem. I look forward to the next installment!

What woman hasn’t ever dreamed of a handsome highland lover who sweeps her off her feet? Why are so many of us so fascinated with these brawny heroes? I don’t know, and I really don’t care, but I sure love to read about them! “Soul of a Highlander” is the third offering in Ms. Mayhue’s magical Highland series, preceded by “Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband” and “Highland Guardian”. This series features 13th century hunky Scots (and Scottesses!), modern women, magic, and faeries good and bad. If you are a fan of Lynn Kurland, Karen Marie Moning’s earlier works, or Janet Chapman, do yourself a favor and check out Melissa Mayhue’s books.

Her latest features two secondary characters from earlier in the series. First up is Mairi MacKiernan, who was saved by magic from death in the year 1272 and brought forward into the 21st century. Our heroine feels out of place and she’s sure that the faerie magic heritage of true-love for her will never come to pass as she’s ‘out’ of her time. Although she appreciates all the conveniences of the century she now finds herself in, she misses her 13th century aunt dearly. While reading about her family’s past, she discovers that her Aunt Rosalyn’s daughter was killed at a young age and decides to travel to the past and save her for her beloved aunt. Mairi boldly challenges the Faerie Prince Pol to grant her the powers she needs to complete this mission. But bargains with the Fae never turn out quite like one intended…

Ramos Servans has renounced his father and his past as a Nuadian (dark) Fae. He’s dedicated his life to becoming one of the Guardians who protect humans and prevent the Nuadians from their goal of returning to the Realm of Fae. Ramos knows he has so much to atone for as his father is the leader of the Nuadians and Ramos spent his early years unknowingly helping his father destroy hundreds of humans and wreak havoc on their world. Although he’s not exactly thrilled with his new assignment of rescuing Mairi, it is his first assignment as a Guardian and he will succeed.

When these two become acquainted in the past, they quickly realize there are several significant obstructions to fulfilling their tasks and destinies…the first of which is the opposing nature of what they perceive as their destinies. It turns out Aunt Roslyn’s daughter Marsali is quite the spoiled little princess; the castle is hosting a former enemy of Mairi that’s sure to remember and identify her; some of the information Mairi dug up seems to be incorrect and incomplete; and the ancient evil relative Ramos was expecting to meet is none other than his father!

With Mairi determined to save Marsali (after all, it’s her destiny) and Ramos determined to kill his father (after all, it’s his destiny), these two are in for quite a struggle! Their attraction for each other also seems to keep getting in the way. Someone must compromise, and neither one of these is willing. But remember…when you call on the magic of the Fae, destinies and dreams may not be what they seem. ( )