Reread April 2022: it’s still a solid romance and sets the groundwork for the rest of the series. However, there are several problematic elements - Adrienne (the MC) is transported from the 21st century (maybe 20th this book came out in the cusp I think) to 1500 Scotland. She ends up in the castle of a nasty guy whose daughter has just died and was called Mad Janet because she likely experienced mental health issues (it’s not clear). Anyway it’s pretty shitty how everyone speaks about Janet. Also, some disparaging remarks and actions toward Romny Travelers. Hawk, the other MC, is kind toward them so that is meaningful but it’s a tired trope to shit on a marginalized group.

Also, I just remembered how much the author loves virgins so if you’re over virgin damsels you may dislike this entire series lol.

1st read 2020: Fae & time travel & Scotland & kilts & rippling abdomens? FINE TAKE MY MONEY! (actually I checked it out from the Library but you get me). ( )

After reading Moning's Fever series, I have no idea why I wasn't expecting this level of awesomeness. I loved the plot, characters, everything. I do wish Adrienne had been a little more open and little less poor-me, but it worked with the storyline, so I'll let it pass. ( )

The plot was nonsensical and full of holes. The characters’ motivations made no sense. The “romance” consisted of mindless possessive lust, with zero reasons for emotional connection. The main characters thought and behaved like sexually precocious toddlers. Him: My toy! Waahhh he's touching my toy! You can't have it! Mine! Her: You're a meanie! I hate you! I hate you forever and ever! Wait, that’s my toy! You can’t have it! Mine! Mine! I don’t want it! You can’t have it!

I tried to finish this, I really did. I tried swilling wine and powering through the pages, but found myself preferring to watch replays of old baseball games rather than reading. I found myself preferring to wash dishes rather than reading. I dreaded having to open this book and actually move my eyes across the page.

DNF at 57%. I was trying to read this for the Romance Bingo challenge. It was meant for the Man in a Kilt square for my first planned bingo, but I’ve got 2 Jude Deveraux and a Diana Gabaldon on my TBR that I can substitute instead. It would have also fit the squares for Rogue, Wedding Bells, and Historical Romance.
( )

The rest of the series is much better ( )

I HATE romance books, let me just get that out first. But something about this author just makes me devour her books. It's like a train wreak...I can't look away. Her Fever series I devoured, and almost cried when they were done. I seriously considered reading them again. Within the same week. This book, having again to do with the fae, has nothing to do with the Fever series at all. It's all highland laird and heaving bosoms, and beautiful men and so forth...yada yada. But I couldn't put it down. Under all the heaving was a pretty good story line. Lots of Shakespearean references, a pinch the fae, and a heavy sprinkling a of true love story. The realist in me balks at the lovely dovey stuff...but I can't help but let the romantic in me sigh at the same. ( )