Haunted Warrior

The Ravenscraig Legacy #6

by Allie Mackay

When spirits rise, love soon follows…

Kendra Chase earns her living as a ghost whisperer. Cajoling disgruntled discarnates isn’t easy, so she’s been looking forward to a vacation in Edinburgh. But before she can tour the castle or even try haggis, an unexpected assignment sends her to Scotland’s rugged north coast. The tiny fishing village of Pennard is being excavated for a historical restoration project, and the living locals aren’t the only ones upset by the plans: Supernatural protests have been reported.

No one knows better than Graeme MacGrath that his seaside village is more than North Sea nostalgia, peat smoke, and plaid. Bound by a centuries-old legacy to keep the region’s peace, MacGrath is the fiercest opponent to the development project. The renovation work has disrupted the protective veil that shields this world from the ancient, half-mythic past. And though he doesn’t have time for dallying with fetching American tourists, when Kendra arrives, desire flares between them. They join forces to save Pennard, but can they stop themselves from the one thing they can’t risk – falling in love?

Please note that this book was originally published by Penguin/NAL and this edition has been re-edited and contains many changes. The original publisher wished a much darker tone. This edition is written in a lighter style, with the humor and Highland magic that readers expect to find in Allie Mackay titles.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Fantasy, Magic

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 3, 2012

About the author

Sue-Ellen MacDuffie Welfonder
aka
Sue-Ellen Welfonder & Allie Mackay

Allie Mackay is the alter ego of USA Today bestselling author, Sue-Ellen Welfonder, who writes Scottish medieval romances www.welfonder.com. A former flight attendant of Scottish descent, she spent fifteen years living in Europe and still makes annual visits to Scotland. Most inspired by the wild places of Scotland’s far north, she is also fascinated by the paranormal, Scottish folklore and Highland tradition. In addition to her great love of Scotland, her other main interests are medieval history, hill walking, and dogs. Proud of her own Scottish ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: The MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. She currently resides in Florida with her husband, Manfred, and her Jack Russell Terrier, Em. Allergic to flash and brass, she enjoys living quietly and spends her time writing her books and counting the minutes until she can board that next Glasgow-bound plane.

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graeme and Kendra stepped right into the depths of my heart. She is busy trying to calm some spirits in a northern Scottish village and trying hard to keep that fact from Graeme while he has some secrets of his own that he's trying to hide from her. They find themselves falling in love while shuffling their own secrets.

Allie MacKay takes you on a wonderful journey to a Scottish village named Pennard where you can smell the sea and feel as if you could reach out and touch your surroundings. Secondary characters who will make you smile and one Viking spirit who touched me so much I'll always carry him with me.
She always has a dog in her stories and Jock is a true soul. You can't lose when you pick up a Mackay book.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

American Ghost Whisperer Kendra Chase is fed up with some angry spirits not easy persuading angry spirits to her way of thinking isn't easy , but she knows she will be free at last and have a long deserved and over due holiday in lovely Edinburgh. Well that is until she get an unanticipated job that takes her to Scotland's north coast to a small fishing village called Pennard, which is getting ready dug up for a historical restoration many of the locals are are not thrilled by this new development especially some with a body or living heart of the supernatural variety. Plus protesting paranormal activity has been reported!

Graeme MacGrath the hero of this amazing story is promised to le tris to keeps the peace well that is until these humans start making a racket and throw everything in disarray cause a disturbance that breaks the shield between this world and the old paranormal world. Of course the attraction is immediate when he sees the beautiful Kendra which Graeme seems to resent even more as he just doesn't have the time for it!

The chemistry and attraction and it is obvious the solution join the same teams then be opposite sides. Of course this brings them even closer and things begin to heat up but can they keep away from the one thing that is not allowed by opening up their hearts! You will have to read this marvelous book to find out.

For me a enormous fan on four four legged friend Jack was one of my favorite character in this read as Ms, Welfonder also puts an adorable little beastie in her books which I love. Of course I loved watching how Kemdra and Graeme come together for thier well deserved happily ever after!

I am a major fan of Sue-Ellen Welfonder as I have been reading her books for close to 25 years! Believe me when I say her books are rock solid in story and flow, with her brilliant mind and imagination. Haunted Warrior the first in her Highland Ghostbuster series and is definitely one for my keeper shelve, as all of her books always are whether paranormal under pen name Allie MacKay or historical under Sue-Ellen Welfonder. Anyone can feel her love of the people, animals and land through her written word whether describing a love scene or a piece of haggis she definitely has a way about her that sounds so inviting you feel as you are there with her book characters. Yes she is that talented and I always so look forward to her exceptional books that always leave me feeling satisfied though sometime I wish they don't have to end!

I highly recommend Haunted Warrior by is absolutely brilliant and a joy to read!


Sue-Ellen Welfonder has new release coming out August 25, 2015 called to Desire a Highlander by Sue-Ellen Welfonder which is book 2 in her wonderful Scandalous Series. Make sure you pick up a copy or pre-order today.

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 2 out of 5]

~ 2 Stars ~

I had a hard time with this book. I only finished it; because I wanted to know how it ended for Kendra & Graeme. I have read a few others by Allie Mackay and enjoyed them, but this one just did not have the same appeal.

Haunted Warrior is book six in Allie Mackay's Highlander series. This book can be read as a stand a lone. Haunted Warrior was slow going through out the book. I never felt that connection between the two main characters Kendra & Graeme. It lacked that "Wow Factor" of falling in love and Kendra kinda got on my nervous with her constant talking of I want to kiss him and oh poor me I'm going to have to go home blah blah blah… I would have liked to see more of Kendra's interactions with the ghost's, since that was the main reason she came to Pennard. I was also disappointed in the confrontations between Graeme and Ramsay. It lacked intensity! I will say I did enjoy Graeme as a character and his dog Jock.

[Regan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time with this one. This whole series actually is quite the roller coaster ride. Some of the books are absolutely fantastic and the kind you want to read again and just might. Then others just leave me flat. Just nothing. I wish we could do 1/2 stars here because this one is more of a 2-1/2. Maybe a little less of his "buttery burr" and more emotion would have made it better. The ending, when they have their "dark moment" it is essentially a non-entity. There was just no emotion to it.

I kept waiting to see the character I love to hate but can't resist in this one -- Wee Willie -- I just can't figure him out but love trying. He's a bit of comedic relief in the books, the consummate salesman -- and he does finally make an appearance but it felt like more to give him an appearance than that he was acutally needed - but he WAS needed because ..... well read it and you'll see what I mean. I wouldn't trust him but I'd still like to know him, you know?

[Marie Andersson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars!☆☆☆

I really liked Graeme.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Come Visiting

This story is about a landscape historian who can see and talk to ghosts. She was sent to Scotland to help a company that wants to buy the little town to supposedly preserve the past. He has lived in this town all of his long life. His job is to protect the town and its people from evil. When they met, it was instant attraction. This story dragged a little for me in places. Enjoy I did.

[Ramona Hernandez-Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great, Transport to Magical Scotland!

This story transports you to the highlands! It’s one of the really good reads that gives descriptive understanding how someone could really fall in love so quickly while trying to rationalize why it cannot be. It felt as one could actually see the scenes described by Kendra and and Graeme. They were great and honorable characters I enjoyed spending time with and Jock is quite the character!

[Laurla2]

"knowing his dog was happy was one of the high points of his life. he doubted he could tolerate certain things without jock."

"he could read her the telephone book or the impossibly thick instruction manual. it wouldn't matter. anything at all would do. as long as she could listen to his rich, buttery-soft burr washing over her like verbal silk, melting her." (i feel the same about Scottish accents)

[Gerry Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern day Medium meets sexy ancient warrior

Wonders never cease and chance meetings can be very exciting. You can never judge a book by its cover. No more than you can see into the life of new people you meet. Even though they are tall, sexy highlanders. Anyone that loves any and all things Scottish will thoroughly enjoy this book by Allie MacKay/Sue-Ellen Welfonder..

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest....I read this because:

1.) It was the last book left to read of an author that I've read before (at least under this pseudonym).
2.) I needed something light and "smutty".
3.) I love Scottish boys.

It wasn't too smutty, I'll say that.

[Nita · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was so much about this storyline that could have been amazing....and yet, it just wasn't. :(

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first few chapters hooked me in. I loved the chemistry between Kendra and Graeme.

[Louise E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haunted Warrior by Allie Mackay
Grade: C-

“Now at last she understood why American women swooned over Scottish men. It wasn’t the long, proud history and heritage, all the flashing plaid and swagger. Nor was it the swinging kilts and the age-old-mystery of what was or wasn’t beneath them. Above all else, it was the accent.”

Kendra Chase has two jobs: one as a landscape historian and the second working for Ghostcatchers International. As someone who can speak to ghosts Kendra’s work for Ghostcatchers takes her all over the world and her latest assignment has sent her to a small fishing village in the Scottish highlands called Pennard. A large company is trying to buy Pennard and turn it into a tourist amusement park and many of the locals, both dead and alive, are not happy about this. Kendra’s job is to find out why the ghosts are unhappy and fix the situation but Kendra never expected to feel such an attachment to the small village or to one of the key protesters Graeme MacGrath.

Graeme MacGrath will stop at nothing to save Pennard from the development project and from his long time enemy Gavin Ramsay. The MacGraths and the Ramsays have been at odds for hundreds and hundreds of years and as the last descendants of their bloodlines neither man will stop to protect or destroy what they believe is theirs. Graeme has never felt the way about any woman the way he feels about Kendra and he will do anything in his power to protect her from Ramsay and himself. Graeme and Kendra both have secrets that they have sworn not to reveal but by trusting each other they might be able to save Pennard and finally destroy the evil that lies beneath it.

I was very excited when I was offered the chance to review Haunted Warrior because I love a good Scottish romance but sadly I was very disappointed and found the story to be very predictable. I was very excited after reading the first couple of paragraphs and was really starting to loose myself in the plot and the characters and then Kendra went a started acting really annoying and continued to do so for the remainder of the book. There is nothing that I dislike more then either the hero or heroine “falling in love” with the other after sixty pages and no knowledge of who the person they “love” really is. Kendra started “falling in love” with Graeme at page sixty and it all went downhill from here.

Graeme is a great character and I really enjoyed him throughout the entire book. Without him I honestly can’t say that I would have been able to finish Haunted Warrior. Kendra, as I mentioned before, was very annoying and all I wanted was for her to stop saying she was in love with Graeme at the end of almost every single chapter. I wish that more of the story would have been told from Graeme’s point of view because then we learned more of the village and the history of the MacGraths which I loved.

I really enjoyed the interactions with the ghosts of Pennard and really wish there had been more of them. I found the book lacking in both paranormal and actual romance scenes. A lot of the story, for me was Kendra talking over and over again about how she wanted to kiss Graeme again and how she was either falling in love or was in love with him. I would have enjoyed more sexy scenes between the two or more scenes with the ghosts of the town.

This is defiantly a stand alone book and parts of it are very enjoyable. I find it hard to love a book when you really dislike a main characters and that was my problem with Haunted Warrior. I wanted Scottish paranormal romance and instead got a lot of an American girl whining over a sexy highlander.

[Angela Covarrubias · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haunted Warrior by Allie MacKay, aka Sue-Ellen Welfonder is about the third book I have read by this author. This version of Haunted Warrior is the re-edited version of this book, and is supposed to have a lighter feel, with more myth and legend. I didn’t read the previous version, so I can not compare the two.

Kendra Chase is a ghost whisper, she helps those spirits that haven’t moved on, or still have unfinished business. She is sent to Pennard Village in Scotland to see if she can help some discontented spirits that have been causing mischief in the village. The village is scheduled for restoration, and some of the residents, and ghost residents are not to happy about it.

It is on this trip to Scotland that Kendrea meets Graeme MacGrath. Graeme has roots in Pennard that go back for centuries, and it is his job to protect the village, its residents, and his family’s relic with his life. He doesn’t have time for an American woman that speaks strangely, and can scarcely drive on the roads in Pennard. Against his better judgement Graeme starts to fall for Kendra, and there is nothing his heart can do about it. It is up to Kendra, Graeme, and Jock to save the residents of Pennard from the evil of his families foe, Ramsey.

First let me say that I have read the first two books in the Ravenscraig Legacy, and enjoyed them. Scottish Paranormal Romance is probably my favorite genre to read. This book had a great beginning. I liked the residents of Pennard, and the disgruntled spirits that Kendra met throughout the story. I loved Graeme, and Jock (Graeme’s dog) was probably my favorite. Yes, I am partial to animals. Sue-Ellen did an excellent job of ‘showing’ me the village of Pennard. The story had a light, airy feel to it, full of celtic lore, and colorful characters. I could smell the sea in the air, hear the laughing gulls, and see the sails of the fishing boats out at sea. It felt as if I was there, and I wish I had been. I even despised Graeme’s long time foe, Ramsey.

The author has a way with words, and of drawing you into the story. I am not sure what happened about 3/4 of the way through the book. It seems that the climax that you knew was coming ended in a paragraph. I could not believe it, and I had to go back and make sure I didn’t skip any pages. It just seems that it was to easy. It also seemed that the hero, Graeme’s character changed. He said a few things like, “great leaping gods”, which he didn’t say anything remotely like that in the whole book, until toward the end. He went from acting the warrior, and all masculine to something different. The tone, and feel of the book changed when there was only about a fourth left to go.

This will not dissuade me from reading the rest of the books in the series. I enjoy the voice that Allie MacKay (Sue-Ellen Welfonder) writes in, and will continue reading her books. There is some kissing in this story, and a little steam, but nothing else. I received a copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

This review first appeared on Romance With a Book.

[Patricia Carcasses · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical

Different from most novels.......loved the story line, although I tend to gravitate to time travel stories, I thoroughly enjoyed this paranormal one.

[Stacy Sabala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review- Haunted Warrior by Allie MacKay

Kendra Chase deals with the paranormal. She has been hired to commune with the ghosts of Pennard, Scotland. Many mysterious things have been occurring in the village as Scotland’s Past tries to move forward with their project. She is on the case secretly trying to figure out what is going on.
She first sees Graeme McGrath on Balmedie Beach. He appears first as an ancient highlander then dressed in modern day clothes by the bunkers. There is an instant attraction to him which shocks her. He warns her away from Pennard thinking she is a tourist. She can’t heed his warnings or take his advice. She has a job to do and she can’t tell anyone what she really does. She is determined to do what she came to Scotland to do. She encounters Graeme again when she needs to drive down the cliff road leading into Pennard. Jock his dog seems happy to give her a paw. Against his better judgment, Graeme delivers her right to the village.
Unfortunately she catches the eye of village businessman Gavin Ramsey. Graeme knows how Ramsey is. He steps in and claims Kendra before the village people, hoping word will travel fast, keeping her safe. He has no intention of keeping her but Ramsey doesn’t need to know that.
Kendra tries to do her job quietly. She loves the feel of the village and its people. Graeme especially catches her attention. However she knows she can’t stay and once he knows who she works for he won’t want her.
As she slowly loses her heart, Kendra is drawn into an age old battle between two families. Ghosts send warnings as the battle heats up. Kendra has no clue what she will have when the dust clears.
I love this author. Her highland warriors are great characters. Graeme was a typical male character for this author. He was very stubborn and would have drove me crazy. His hot and cold attitude kept Kendra guessing. The author had her constantly questioning what happened and why.
She definitely stepped into a dangerous place. The ghosts were a cool twist but not the main villain. Ramsey was a great evil nemesis who would do anything to get what he wants. The frenzied battle at the end was a predictable but a good way to wrap up the story. The setting of the quiet and quaint Scottish village on the coast was ideal. The part about the seals added a modern touch to an otherwise time standing still place. The author gave great detail about the weather and feel of Scotland. The mist and fog created a mysterious ambiance that added to the tone of the story. It was a great read. I give it a 4 out of 5.

[Lindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for TwoLips Reviews
3 1/2 Kisses, 1/2 Pepper (M/F, oral sex)


American Kendra Chase is walking along a beach in Scotland when she sees him, kilt and hair flying in the wind, looking like a wickedly sexy alpha male. But in an instant, he's gone. Then he's back, but the kilt is gone & he's in jeans. What? She might be more surprised, but in her profession she's seen some unusual things. She's a professional Ghostcatcher on assignment. Her dark stranger, Graeme MacGrath, tries to persuade her not to stay in the coastal village of Pennard. An organization called Scotland's Past is trying to renovate the village to restore it to its historical past, and the work is not only upsetting the residents, but it's also stirring up the spirits in the area.

For centuries, Graeme's family has been keeping Pennard safe as Guardians of the Shadow Wand, an instrument of evil that can't be allowed to fall into the wrong hands. What’s interesting is just how long Graeme has been guarding Pennard and the Shadow Wand.

I think Kendra may be confusing lust and attraction for love. She and Graeme really don't know each other well enough when she starts thinking she's falling in love with him. She thinks about her infatuation with him so much that at times it detracts from the story. We don't get much from Graeme’s point of view, so even though we know he's somewhat attracted to her, we can only assume he's not really as obsessed with her as she is with him. And really, while we're given a lot of reasons Graeme is attractive inside and out, we don't have that information about Kendra. She seems kind of bland.

In the end, I fell in love with the quaint fishing village of Pennard and Graeme was an attractive character, but I wasn't as moved by Kendra or the romance between them. The pace of Haunted Warrior by Allie Mackay didn't feel like it picked up until near the end. The story was interesting but somehow didn’t fully hold my interest. Also, there really isn't much sexual tension, and Kendra and Graeme don't get physical until near the end of the book so it lacked that feeling of delicious anticipation.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's love, mist, and magic in Allie Mackay's recent novel, "Haunted Warrior." The sexy Laird of Grath Castle has been cursed with immortality and the responsibility of guarding an evil, magic-wielding, item that he keeps hidden deep in the stone of his ancestral home. Kendra Chase, the image of an all-American, girl-next-door arrives in the tiny fishing village of Pennard, Scotland for what appears as a restful vacation. However, the ghost-whisperer keeps secret her true intentions and identity until the very end. Graeme MacGrath becomes her very own rescuer/tourist guide during her stay and the romance and sparks begin to fly.
While Graeme is described beyond doubt as the mysterious, handsome, virile, warrior that he is, the budding romance between this hero and his heroine, Kendra Chase is definitely lacking the "Wow Factor." I was disappointed in the depth of the descriptions during the romance scenes, and all too often they were very one-sided with little being revealed from the side of the hero, but redundantly described from the side of the heroine. I know part of this was intentional as part of the motives of the character, however, it left a rather flat, bland romance in the end. Ultimately, the two come together both physically and emotionally, but the reader must wait to the very end for anything to come to fruition. The plot itself is basically an interesting one with a lot of potential, however, it lacked the ability to create excitement and suspense by descriptions and scenes too superficial and lacking that something that speeds the heart and draws the reader's emotions into the drama. I really like the magical, paranormal twist to this historical romance and the combining of both past and present. I think more could have been done with this aspect of the plot, as well. At the end of the story, I felt like I was still waiting for that "big something" to happen.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read Ms. Mackay's previous paranormal books (Highlander in My Bed, etc) and really enjoyed them. This is a companion book (which does mention one of the other books characters) and a very similar concept as her previous books.

The heroine Kendra, is essentially a ghost whisperer. She goes into historical areas and crosses/soothes the restless spirits. Usually so that new construction of some sort can go on. Beyond her ghost abilities, I didn't feel her character was well developed, unlike the heroines in previous novels. She's pretty plain and forgettable.

Graeme is the more interesting of the two and you see more of his characters depth and strength. Especially in his love for animals, including his dog and the seals native to the area. You also understand how deep his conviction to safeguard his home and community runs.

There was great potential in this book which was undeveloped. The story built up the idea of a strong villain only to have the showdown between him and Graeme be so unremarkable, boring, and anti-climatic it leaves a pallor over the rest of the story.

While the romance is touching with good interaction and flow between the couple, the meandering path the plot takes hurts this book. You think your going to get a nasty villain driving this couple to the brink and all you end up with is an annoying fly to swat.

All in all, not one of the better books in these related series. Her earlier Highlander books are better with stronger plots. I am hoping she will bounce back with the next one.

[Shirlene]

Kendra Chase worked for Ghosthunters International. She was hired to work with Scotland's Past, a group working to restore a place called Pennard, a tiny fishing village in Scotland. The problem was that Pennard had ghosts that were causing problems with the work they were trying to do.
Graeme MacGrath was appointed to be guardian of the Shadow Wand. His 700 year watch was coming to an end. He was studying his family Grimoire to learn how to destroy the Shadow Wand. The wand was created to such the souls out of humans when the wand was touched to their shadow. It sucked the should out of entire communities when touched to the shadows of the castle that they lived in.
Graeme had introduced Kendra as his girlfriend to the community in order to keep Gavin Ramsay away from Kendra. Ramsay ended up dead after a fight with Graeme. After his death, Kendra moved in with Graeme and he figured out how to destroy the wand. Kendra was there to talk to the ghosts of the souls who were freed at the destruction of the wand.
Graeme was freed from the magic that had him be the guardian of the wand and he became human. He told Kendra that he loved her and asked her to marry him. He was afraid to admit that before the destruction of the wand because he didn't know how the spell to destroy the wand would affect him.
Scotland's Past was given the castle that the MacGrath family owned to restore. Pennard was left as it was. One of the houses that had a particularly strong spirit that was causing problems, became a library and bake shop.

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendra comes to Scotland to try to help a preservation organization, and to communicate with the ghosts who seem to want to stop the organization. In her endeavor, she meets the handsome McGrath. He's not exactly opposed to her, in a sense that they butt heads, but he's more interested in preserving the little town as more than just a tourist trap. In fact, he'd rather the tourists not visit, at all. No matter how pretty some of them--Kendra, especially--is.

I actually read the newer version of Haunted Warrior that's part of Ms. MacKay/Welfonder's boxed set Highland Magic: A Collection of Magical Love Across the Ages, so in regards to this review I'm actually familiar with the lighthearted version of the story. That's not to say that Haunted Warrior is a romantic comedy or anything. I never even thought of it being dark or light—despite the difficulties Kendra seems to face as a tourist—until I read the author's note at the end.

All that aside I still enjoyed the book very much and would like to read more of the series to which this book seems to belong. And if you like a little bit of Celtic mythology along with Scottish settings and handsome heroes (warriors?? ;)) like McGrath, and adorable dogs, and a little bit of fantasy you might enjoy this book as much as I did.

[Annie Mason washabaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!!
This reissue/revision is by far SO!! Much better than the first dark version. From the first page Kendra and Graeme sweep you away to Scotland present and past! If you are a fan(you should be) of Allie MacKay/Sue-Ellen Welfonder you will be glad to see recurring characters! Hint: "Red Plaid Shoe Laces and a Little Red Fox" . If you aren't yet a fan you will be after reading Haunted Warrior! Guaranteed!
While both Graeme and Kendra have their secrets ~ One trying to help the disgruntled spirits "Ghosties" of Pennard and the other trying to keep a "Secret Relic" safe and out of the hands of an evil, while keeping his secret a secret. Neither wanting to fall in love, thinking that it just wouldn't work. They both find out that true love happens and is very precious indeed! Both lovers of animals and of course there is a lovable dog in this story as with all stories!! Allie MacKay/Sue-Ellen Welfonder takes you on a spectacular journey to Scotland. With just enough description of the village(s) in Scotland that you find yourself transported there right with the characters.
So do yourself a "Hughie" favor and pick up a copy today! You will be hooked from the start. There is always "Magic" in every story! Happy reading!!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this novel . Allie Mackay writes such beautiful characters that come to life with each turn of the page and weaves magic with folklore you feel as if you are there. I also love how in every novel she includes a special animal companion for one of her characters.

Greame MacGrath is a guardian of an ancient relic that his clan has protected for generations that comes with its own spell for the guardian. MacGrath is determined to be the last of his line so he is trying to find ways to return it the old ones and refuses to have time for a relationship. till one day an American arrives in Pennard "on holiday" by the name of Kendra Chase. In all his attempts to send her away from Pennard she stays and catches the eye of his rival Ramsey, so he decides to protect her.

Kendra Chase works for Ghostcatcher international and is sent on a case in Scotland, there she meet all to sexy Greame MacGrath and realizes how much she would love be able to stay in Pennard but knows its not possible. Kendra feels she has no time for love and tries to deny how she is falling for the MacGrath. As each day goes by she notices there is a mystery around him and his dog Jock .
Will these two realize what is before them before its too late . This is a must read

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this book 3 1/2 stars.

This was the first Allie Mackay book I have read since Highlander In Her Bed in 2007 or so. It was an enjoyable read. Allie Mackay's love of Scotland and its people comes through. Her descriptions of the countryside and the fishing village enable you to feel the mist on our face and smell the peat fires. You get a good feel for the people and the community and can sympathize with their feelings about plans for their village.

I don't know that Graeme MacGrath's character is better drawn than Kendra's, but you feel he is a character with a strong sense of duty and an intensity of purpose that overrides all he does. Kendra's character is not as strong. I got a good feel for how she dealt with her job and how much she liked Scotland. You only get a peak at who she is. I think part of the problem with her was she didn't know what she wanted. There was sexual tension but no real relationship until the end.

I did enjoy the story and read the book twice. There was just a feeling that there needed to be a bit more of "something" to make the story shine.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Can't Always Get The Marquess You Want is a really enjoyable read. It’s about two warring families the "Brant" and "Rooke" families with drama that we really do not what caused it or why the generations are feuding. We have Tempest Brant and Chance Rooke, Lord Fairlamb, who have meet quite by accident and are instantly attracted to each other. Lord Chance and Lady Tempest’s brother, Marcroft Brant are sworn enemies and Chance is surprised to find out the sweet Lady Tempest is his sister and his enemy too. Chance knows he’s courting disaster, but he cannot stop thinking about Tempest and decided to peruse her and see where things lead all the while trying to keep both families unaware. Despite the many obstacles they faced Chance and Tempest were drawn to each other, have secret meetings and fall in love. Tempest is a smart outspoken young Lady who does not understand the feud and family secrets continue to complicate their relationship. This is a great romance story and entertaining read to see if and how they find their HEA.
I received a free ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I LOVE books by Allie Mackay!! This one especially, because I like the "ghosts" factor. I also LOVED Jock, but then who doesn't like dogs. !!
The story kept me engrossed to the point I missed sleep! (oh well, don't sleep much anyway!!)
The characters were romantic, challenging (will they/won't they?), and who could resist a strong Highlander, anyhow? When Kendra sees him on the cliff, I wanted to be Kendra. But the way the story is written, I 'WAS' Kendra.
I love the way Allie Mackay makes the women strong, yet vulnerable, and down to earth. They are not a perfect 10, but the men are a definite 100! I like how she also incorporates a dog (or fox) in the storylines, that are just as important as the people. There is mystery, intrigue, passion (good or bad), and oh the scenery!! She takes you to the places in your mind, and I can actually feel like I'm there climbing the slippery steps up the cliff to the castle ruins, or feeling the spray of water from the boat, or smelling the wonderful foods. Oh my!!
Don't hesitate to read any of Allie Mackay/Sue-Ellen Welfonder books, because you can't go wrong. It's definitely better than Calgon in being swept away.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Arc for an honest review from the author

I was pleasantly surprised by this book I am not normally a paranormal reader so this was my first in this genre and I really enjoyed it. Kendra and Graeme are two strong individual characters each with their own task in hand. Hers to assist the angry ghosts as she is a Ghost Whisperer and his to protect Pennard as an ancient guardian just as his ancestors before him did. Love the history references and the traditions of ancient Scotland, its written beautifully and very descriptive that you can picture this small little fishing in danger of being commercialized in your mind. There is a build up to the story which you realise once you get into the half way mark and helps you understand why but all good things comes to those that wait. A great storyline with very detailed writing to trigger your imagination, with a great love story with some spooky ghosts for good measure.
Thoroughly enjoyed it

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. I have read her other books and loved them all, but this one just didn't have the same appeal. It started off pretty well, with Kendra's feel for and interaction with the local ghosts. I had a bit of a hard time with her constant talking about wanting to kiss Graeme again. I got it right off - she was attracted to him, she didn't have to keep saying it. I would have liked to see more of her interactions with the ghosts, since that was why she was there. I did really like Graeme. He was trying to hold out against evil that threatened his town and his world. I really liked seeing him work, and the way he cared for the people of the town. The romance itself was ok, but that wasn't very interesting. My biggest disappointment was that the confrontation between Graeme and Ramsay. It just didn't have the intensity of confrontations in her other books.

[Lorrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An "okay" tale of a sleepy fishing village where ghosts & legend stop the bad guy from commercializing it. I would give this book 5*s for the idea of the story, but only 3*s for the reading of the tale. The author had a great storyline, it was just lost with way too many explanations of personal feelings or describing the scene. Most of the time I was paging through 3 pages of what one character was thinking before they got back to the dialog. It became frustrating for me. Once I got to chapter 7 things began to take shape but I expected far more ghosts to appear since she could communicate with them. There were only a couple and it was brief. The book was more of a romance.... or I should say the frustration of a budding romance before they both commit. I loved the "idea" of her book but I think the "telling" of the tale could have been more exciting.