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MacLeod #10
Ever My Love
Two people are caught up in love—and in time—in the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Stars in Your Eyes. In search of a fresh start, Emma Baxter has traveled to Scotland to try to forget her rocky love life. Luckily, the gorgeous Highlander who owns the house up the path from her rental cottage might be exactly the kind of distraction she needs. But there’s more to his intriguing qualities than she can explain—although she certainly isn’t buying into the local legends of Highland magic. Nathaniel MacLeod is a man adrift, all thanks to the unwanted gift that forces him to continually jump between centuries. He never knows if he’ll wind up in the present day or the fourteenth century, but when Emma follows him back through time, he suddenly has more to worry about than keeping his separate lives straight... Someone has started to notice Nathaniel’s travels and now, no time period is safe, for him or for Emma.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2017
136 people are currently reading
776 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Kurland
69 books1,566 followersLynn began her writing career at the tender age of five with a series of illustrated novellas entitled Clinton’s Troubles in which the compelling hero found himself in all sorts of . . . well, trouble. She was living in Hawaii at the time and the scope for her imagination (poisoned fish, tropical cliffs, large spiders) was great and poor Clinton bore the brunt of it. After returning to the mainland, her writing gave way to training in classical music and Clinton, who had been felled with arrows, eaten by fish and sent tumbling off cars, was put aside for operatic heroes in tights.
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
June 21, 2017
Lynn Kurland has a very distinct style, and there is no one quite like her! Ever My Love is written as a standalone, but I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend you read the others (by publication date) first, as there are a lot of characters in this, and it's easy to get lost if you're not familiar with them.
As a longtime fan of Kurland's, I had big hopes for this novel, and Ever My Love did not disappoint. Because she packs so many breadcrumbs into the storyline, I find that I always have to read her books twice to get the full impact. (I also, admittedly, speed read through it the first time because I love her writing, and her characters.)
The thing about Kurland's novels is that you have to go into them understanding her style. There's not a lot of heat (rarely do you get a kiss, even) and there's not a lot of chemistry build up between the characters. The hero jumps pretty quickly from acquaintance to wanting to marry the heroine (standard fare for a Kurland novel), but as the heroes tend to be rather medieval in nature, I've accepted this as the norm in this series (and her de Piaget series as well).
Somehow, the lack of strong or obvious chemistry between the characters doesn't detract from the overall story. It does feel at times that the romance took second place to the time travel (which is what I thought while reading it), but the truth is, Kurland's witty, fun writing style actually does give us a sense of chemistry (I thought after completing the novel). It shows us that love can develop between people of shared experiences, from longing looks and accidental touches.
Kurland's strength is in her heroes. Nathaniel is a great character - he's alternately frustrated and charmed by Emma. He's always tired because of the time traveling (there was a lot of sleeping in this one!), but he's never too tired to take care of Emma. He's also funny in a self-deprecating way. Like all Kurland heroes, he has money, looks, charm, and is conveniently single - and once he finds his forever mate, he is absolutely focused on her happiness.
Emma, I think, is the disappointment in this novel. She seems to be the sum total of all the Kurland heroines before her; there wasn't anything fresh or new about her that made me intrigued as to her back story. Her dialogue is witty, though, and her a-ha moment in the novel (when she's sitting in a board room) was wonderfully done. Emma's character seemed not quite fully fleshed out, but I can overlook pretty much anything in an LK novel, because the story is wonderful and the hero is swoon-worthy (and always fully fleshed out).
For longtime fans of Lynn Kurland, this is a 4 star read. For new fans, I feel you'd be lost and wonder where the romance is within the pages (like I alluded to earlier, the chemistry is subtle). I suggest starting at the beginning with A Dance Through Time. That's an old school romance, and once you fall in love with the MacLeods, it's a hard thing to not love every subsequent book.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
As a longtime fan of Kurland's, I had big hopes for this novel, and Ever My Love did not disappoint. Because she packs so many breadcrumbs into the storyline, I find that I always have to read her books twice to get the full impact. (I also, admittedly, speed read through it the first time because I love her writing, and her characters.)
The thing about Kurland's novels is that you have to go into them understanding her style. There's not a lot of heat (rarely do you get a kiss, even) and there's not a lot of chemistry build up between the characters. The hero jumps pretty quickly from acquaintance to wanting to marry the heroine (standard fare for a Kurland novel), but as the heroes tend to be rather medieval in nature, I've accepted this as the norm in this series (and her de Piaget series as well).
Somehow, the lack of strong or obvious chemistry between the characters doesn't detract from the overall story. It does feel at times that the romance took second place to the time travel (which is what I thought while reading it), but the truth is, Kurland's witty, fun writing style actually does give us a sense of chemistry (I thought after completing the novel). It shows us that love can develop between people of shared experiences, from longing looks and accidental touches.
Kurland's strength is in her heroes. Nathaniel is a great character - he's alternately frustrated and charmed by Emma. He's always tired because of the time traveling (there was a lot of sleeping in this one!), but he's never too tired to take care of Emma. He's also funny in a self-deprecating way. Like all Kurland heroes, he has money, looks, charm, and is conveniently single - and once he finds his forever mate, he is absolutely focused on her happiness.
Emma, I think, is the disappointment in this novel. She seems to be the sum total of all the Kurland heroines before her; there wasn't anything fresh or new about her that made me intrigued as to her back story. Her dialogue is witty, though, and her a-ha moment in the novel (when she's sitting in a board room) was wonderfully done. Emma's character seemed not quite fully fleshed out, but I can overlook pretty much anything in an LK novel, because the story is wonderful and the hero is swoon-worthy (and always fully fleshed out).
For longtime fans of Lynn Kurland, this is a 4 star read. For new fans, I feel you'd be lost and wonder where the romance is within the pages (like I alluded to earlier, the chemistry is subtle). I suggest starting at the beginning with A Dance Through Time. That's an old school romance, and once you fall in love with the MacLeods, it's a hard thing to not love every subsequent book.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
January 2, 2022
Re-read. I have been having too much fun re-reading the entire de Piaget and MacLeod series of books. I just love them.
November 15, 2017
I was completely hooked and can't stop reading until i was finished. My top favourite author of all time. 😍😍
Read
April 6, 2017No rating. DNF @37%
I received an Advance Copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I received an Advance Copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
April 7, 2017
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/04/review-...
I have been a fan of Lynn Kurland for years. I picked her A Dance In Time on a whim and was instantly hooked. To this day it remains one of my favorite time travel romances and I often reread it. Kurland’s wonderful voice has created a fascinating and convoluted world drenched in medieval charm with delightful narrative, witty characters, and delightful storylines. She is perfect for those who enjoy adventurous romances with hints of mystery and suspense. Another bonus feature of the stories is the air of innocence in them. Even though I do enjoy an explicit love scene as much as the next reader, the love affairs Kurland’s characters embark upon are fun and fit the general theme of this series with plenty of courting and wooing tailored to fit the personality of the woo-ie. And frankly, who doesn’t enjoy a good wooing on occasion? The physical love scenes are almost non-existence yet I don’t feel the reader or story suffers due to those blackouts.
Ever My Love opens in the past to give us a hint of the adventure we are about to embark on. We then flash forward to the present to lay the foundation and from there proceed to travel back and forth between the 21st and the 14th century for the rest of the story. This particular story deals with two modern-day characters who are new to the series-Emma Barton and Nathaniel MacLeod. Kurland uses this couple to explain some peculiarities in the MacLeod family tree and to also close a couple of open-ended storylines from previous books. Remember ‘Father John’ from My Heart Stood Still? Well, he has a connection to the hero and we learn exactly how he ended up in the 14th century and why he’s never left.
Ever My Love is more definitely more energetic than the last few books though the sense of anticipation and wonderment that first drew me to this series remains missing. The same smooth pacing and steady hand is apparent but there was a time when Kurland took more chances. She made her couples work for their happily ever after and they suffered their fair share of bumps and bruises along the way. The heavy inclusion of the previous heroes/heroines now guarantees our couple will get all the answers and help they need with no real sacrifices being made.
Nathaniel (Nat) and Emmaline (Emma) are well developed characters and fun to follow behind on their journeys. Both are intelligent, witty, likable, unfailing optimists whose ability to handle the unknown is admirable. Especially poor Nat who has learned the hard way of his family’s pensity for time travel when he finds himself randomly tossed back into the 14th century anytime a certain number pops up. A number he soon learns has a very interesting history. Both of them have secrets that they are protective and cautious about revealing. I found it amusing but slow going as they each circle around the same subject, trying to determine what the other knows and how to broach it. The middle section of this book drags at times with its chatty narrative and repetitive thoughts and deeds.
The romance is slow burning with a soft but tangible chemistry. This couple doesn’t jump into love or even lust. There is a lot happening to them with Nat’s family and his time hopping issues. Emma has her own problems with her family and an irritating ex-boyfriend. I will admit the whole ex-boyfriend plotline reminded me of A Garden in the Rain. Lucky or maybe not this story isn’t as dark as that one was When Emma gets dragged into his mess, Nat finds himself at a loss on how to protect Emma. Emma does eventually surprise him with her own ninja skills though only after she has a realistic and well-earned meltdown.
Jamie, Patrick, Ian, Maddie MacLeod and various other relatives all come out of the woodwork to offer advice, a helping hand, some weaponry training, and a clue or few. They add to the overall personality and humor of the story. As any fan of this series knows, Jamie is a terrible busybody and his brother Patrick proves to be no better.
The main conflict is pretty standard fare for this series as Nat and Emma hop through time, following and rescuing one another while trying to figure out what their connection to one another is and the reasons for the time loop. The ending is enjoyable with a bit of action and suspense as the story comes full circle and all our questions are answered.
Ever My Love is an entertaining read that shows a spark of the ambition this series has been missing, giving readers a humorous and lightweight romance with plenty of supernatural adventure.
GRADE: C+
I have been a fan of Lynn Kurland for years. I picked her A Dance In Time on a whim and was instantly hooked. To this day it remains one of my favorite time travel romances and I often reread it. Kurland’s wonderful voice has created a fascinating and convoluted world drenched in medieval charm with delightful narrative, witty characters, and delightful storylines. She is perfect for those who enjoy adventurous romances with hints of mystery and suspense. Another bonus feature of the stories is the air of innocence in them. Even though I do enjoy an explicit love scene as much as the next reader, the love affairs Kurland’s characters embark upon are fun and fit the general theme of this series with plenty of courting and wooing tailored to fit the personality of the woo-ie. And frankly, who doesn’t enjoy a good wooing on occasion? The physical love scenes are almost non-existence yet I don’t feel the reader or story suffers due to those blackouts.
Ever My Love opens in the past to give us a hint of the adventure we are about to embark on. We then flash forward to the present to lay the foundation and from there proceed to travel back and forth between the 21st and the 14th century for the rest of the story. This particular story deals with two modern-day characters who are new to the series-Emma Barton and Nathaniel MacLeod. Kurland uses this couple to explain some peculiarities in the MacLeod family tree and to also close a couple of open-ended storylines from previous books. Remember ‘Father John’ from My Heart Stood Still? Well, he has a connection to the hero and we learn exactly how he ended up in the 14th century and why he’s never left.
Ever My Love is more definitely more energetic than the last few books though the sense of anticipation and wonderment that first drew me to this series remains missing. The same smooth pacing and steady hand is apparent but there was a time when Kurland took more chances. She made her couples work for their happily ever after and they suffered their fair share of bumps and bruises along the way. The heavy inclusion of the previous heroes/heroines now guarantees our couple will get all the answers and help they need with no real sacrifices being made.
Nathaniel (Nat) and Emmaline (Emma) are well developed characters and fun to follow behind on their journeys. Both are intelligent, witty, likable, unfailing optimists whose ability to handle the unknown is admirable. Especially poor Nat who has learned the hard way of his family’s pensity for time travel when he finds himself randomly tossed back into the 14th century anytime a certain number pops up. A number he soon learns has a very interesting history. Both of them have secrets that they are protective and cautious about revealing. I found it amusing but slow going as they each circle around the same subject, trying to determine what the other knows and how to broach it. The middle section of this book drags at times with its chatty narrative and repetitive thoughts and deeds.
The romance is slow burning with a soft but tangible chemistry. This couple doesn’t jump into love or even lust. There is a lot happening to them with Nat’s family and his time hopping issues. Emma has her own problems with her family and an irritating ex-boyfriend. I will admit the whole ex-boyfriend plotline reminded me of A Garden in the Rain. Lucky or maybe not this story isn’t as dark as that one was When Emma gets dragged into his mess, Nat finds himself at a loss on how to protect Emma. Emma does eventually surprise him with her own ninja skills though only after she has a realistic and well-earned meltdown.
Jamie, Patrick, Ian, Maddie MacLeod and various other relatives all come out of the woodwork to offer advice, a helping hand, some weaponry training, and a clue or few. They add to the overall personality and humor of the story. As any fan of this series knows, Jamie is a terrible busybody and his brother Patrick proves to be no better.
The main conflict is pretty standard fare for this series as Nat and Emma hop through time, following and rescuing one another while trying to figure out what their connection to one another is and the reasons for the time loop. The ending is enjoyable with a bit of action and suspense as the story comes full circle and all our questions are answered.
Ever My Love is an entertaining read that shows a spark of the ambition this series has been missing, giving readers a humorous and lightweight romance with plenty of supernatural adventure.
GRADE: C+
April 2, 2017
Ever My Love was an enjoyable time travel romance! I know I’m going to enjoy a book when the prologue grabs my attention, and this one surely grabbed my attention. It’s a very important part of the story!
Emma has come to Scotland after a horrible break up with her ex-boyfriend and losing a business she built from the ground up. She thinks this will give her peace and guide her in the next direction of her life. She has no idea that this trip will completely change her life. Nathaniel is the town recluse who happens to be incredibly handsome and rich. Women are always trying to hunt him down to stake a claim to him. He also has a huge secret….he travels between the present and the year 1387. He and Emma are strangers until she somehow ends up in 1387 with him, and that’s when their beautiful, yet sometimes dangerous, road to romance begins. Buckle up because it’s an exciting ride!
Emma and Nathaniel are perfectly suited to one another. They make a great team; she isn’t afraid to fight for him, and he definitely will fight for her. I had to admire Emma’s tenacity and ability to just leave her life in the US and embark on her adventure in Scotland, totally by herself! I’m not sure I could do that! Nathaniel has that same kind of tenacity and strength. This is a man who at any given time can walk out of his present-day home and into a warring Scotland in 1387. Again, as with Emma, I don’t think I could live like that. Could you imagine?
This is my first Lynn Kurland book, and I really found it quite enjoyable. It was a beautiful love story, yet it was also a mystery. The mystery arc had many twists and turns. However, one of my favorite things about the book was Kurland’s writing. She has a true gift of transporting her reader to Scotland, whether it’s present day Scotland or medieval Scotland. Every scene literally played through my mind like a movie! She flawlessly blended the elements of romance, time travel, mystery, and yes, magic, to create a truly wonderful book!
***Read on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha***
***Copy provided in exchange for an honest review***
Emma has come to Scotland after a horrible break up with her ex-boyfriend and losing a business she built from the ground up. She thinks this will give her peace and guide her in the next direction of her life. She has no idea that this trip will completely change her life. Nathaniel is the town recluse who happens to be incredibly handsome and rich. Women are always trying to hunt him down to stake a claim to him. He also has a huge secret….he travels between the present and the year 1387. He and Emma are strangers until she somehow ends up in 1387 with him, and that’s when their beautiful, yet sometimes dangerous, road to romance begins. Buckle up because it’s an exciting ride!
Emma and Nathaniel are perfectly suited to one another. They make a great team; she isn’t afraid to fight for him, and he definitely will fight for her. I had to admire Emma’s tenacity and ability to just leave her life in the US and embark on her adventure in Scotland, totally by herself! I’m not sure I could do that! Nathaniel has that same kind of tenacity and strength. This is a man who at any given time can walk out of his present-day home and into a warring Scotland in 1387. Again, as with Emma, I don’t think I could live like that. Could you imagine?
This is my first Lynn Kurland book, and I really found it quite enjoyable. It was a beautiful love story, yet it was also a mystery. The mystery arc had many twists and turns. However, one of my favorite things about the book was Kurland’s writing. She has a true gift of transporting her reader to Scotland, whether it’s present day Scotland or medieval Scotland. Every scene literally played through my mind like a movie! She flawlessly blended the elements of romance, time travel, mystery, and yes, magic, to create a truly wonderful book!
***Read on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha***
***Copy provided in exchange for an honest review***
February 1, 2017
Emma was cute the girl would give anyone whiplash, “I wasn’t thinking about you,” she said, then she paused. “Well, I was thinking about you, but not in the way you’re thinking I was thinking.” Nathaniel was such a huge flirt, “when I’m dead, darling, and even then I imagine I’ll have aught to say. I think I can manage a shower on my own, though I’m not opposed to company.” I really liked this book, I loved Emma and Nathaniel.
April 9, 2017
If I could live my life over again, I'd want to be the heroine in one of Lynn's books ❤ romance doesn't get any better than this.
August 4, 2017
Fourteenth in the MacLeod Family historical romance series and revolving around time-traveling Highlanders. The couple focus is on Emma Baxter and Nathaniel MacLeod.
My Take
This was fun and a definite departure from the usual storyline in the De Piaget/MacLeod series, and not only because Kurland is stretching out past the de Piagets and core MacLeods.
The story begins with an emotional hook with in media res and uses chunks of backstory to inform us how Emma got here. Which still didn't make sense to me. I don't get that whole deal about Emma's boyfriend calling in that loan and how Emma ended up having to get rid of her business. The hook did make me keep on reading, if only to find out more about the ex.
Okay, yeah, there are flashbacks in this. Only, they're Kurlandesque ones, lol, involving Nathaniel's mother *more laughter*
Kurland makes use of third-person dual point-of-view from the perspectives of Emma and Nathaniel, so you do get insight into what both are thinking and feeling. Ehhh. It's easy enough to follow, but it doesn't ease over my niggles.
Such as, how, does Emma accept the time travel so easily? It doesn't make sense. In fact, it took a good long while before I found out why Nathaniel kept going back…something of a maguffin in that. The push Nathaniel keeps making half-heartedly to get Emma outta town? Why it's sooo important that Jamie, Patrick, and Ian don't know about his excursions into the past? It's sweet, yeah, but it's too, too easy when Madelyn and Sunny show up with that offer for Emma.
Then we have the I'm-doing-this-for-his-own-good trope. Sigh.
Just about halfway through, Nathaniel says something that sounds as if he doesn't know that Emma has been inadvertently popping back to 1387, which makes no sense, since he has rescued her at least a couple of times before this.
Some of the fun bits include how desperate Emma must be when even that inn doesn't faze her. Those micro-loans Nathaniel loves to hand out. The mystery of that bit of Chekhov's gun involving that dagger Emma and Nathaniel find in the museum. More plot beats appear in a wee touch of the villain speech, and the twisted-up ticking clock scenario that involves 1387, a flashing arrow that Kurland pops up in the most creative ways.
Yeah, I do love this series…and it's on my list of to-buys, but I don't think this one will be. It's as if Kurland dashed this off to meet a deadline. She hasn't put any real thought into this to make it feel real.
The Story
Caught up in an endless time loop, Nathaniel MacLeod has been forced to travel back and forth to the fourteenth century for the past five years, never knowing where or when he'll wake up.
It's a loop that suddenly pulls in that cute American who moved into the cottage down the way, and now Nathaniel has more to worry about than keeping his separate lives straight.
The Characters
Emmaline "Emma" Baxter is fleeing a lousy relationship and the ruins of her jewelry business with but a six-months financial reserve. Sheldon Cook is a lawyer and the jerk of an ex-boyfriend. Bertie Wordsworth is a spy-turned-under-chauffeur (former MI6) who taught Emma quite a bit. Frank Baxter is her jerk of a father who's a shark when it comes to investment dealings. Arnie and Jack are her brothers.
Nathaniel MacLeod is the local rich recluse who has fortune-hunting women swarming the local village. He went to law school but his undergrad is in Medieval Literature…comes in right handy, although he is part of a very exclusive investment group in London, MacLeod and Perkins. His mother had been Ceana Fergusson; his father, Archibald Poindexter MacLeod III, is an Anglophile and the grandson of extremely old New York money and the founder of a very successful venture capital group. Gavin and Sorcha are Nathaniel's older brother and younger sister. Both prefer to leave the trust in Nathaniel's hands. Ryan and Flora Fergusson were Ceana's foster parents.
"Lord" Poindexter "Dexter" MacLeod is his major jerk of a grandfather who runs MacLeod Surety Company. Cousin Gerald is one of Dexter's lawyers. Mirna is one of Dexter's assistants.
Peter diSalvio is Nathaniel's shark of a lawyer; Suzie is his assistant. Tony diSalvio is his brother and another lawyer. Geoff Segrave is his London lawyer. Brian is an old friend. Alexander Smith is excellent at research.
Jamie MacLeod is the local laird. Zachary Smith ( Till There Was You , 12) is his brother-in-law. Both get a mere mention. Patrick MacLeod, the lord of Benmore, is married to Madelyn, a very good lawyer, who is Sunshine's sister ( A Garden in the Rain , 8). Patrick runs a wilderness survival school. Hope is one of their children?? "Uncle" Bobby is one of the bodyguards. Ian MacLeod runs a swordplay school (Veils of Time: "And the Groom Wore Tulle", 3). Sunshine Cameron, the Countess of Assynt, is married to Robert Cameron ( With Every Breath , 11).
Bagley runs a fencing studio. Robert MacLeod is a ghost who plays the bagpipe when needed. The Glum is another ghostie who likes a pipe in front of the fire.
Adara McCreedy runs that one-star inn. Hamish Ferguson is the conscientious constable. Fiona MacLeod is the daughter of Keith MacLeod, the tavernkeeper.
Lord Stephen de Piaget is the lord of Artane ( All For You , 14). He says that Rhys de Piaget was his great-grandfather ( Another Chance to Dream , 1). Then he "teases" Nathaniel about knowing Rhys' son Robin ( If I Had You , 2), and his son Phillip.
Thomas Campbell is the caretaker for a weapons museum. Helen and Richard are part of a tour group.
1387, Scotland
Nathaniel is thought to be a bastard son. Uncle John fell into the past with him, and stayed as Master John, the local priest. After meeting Gerald, I can understand why he's staying. Grudach is Malcolm's daughter with whom John is in love.
Malcolm MacLeod is the local, fertile laird; Angus and Lachlan are his sons. Simon Fergusson is the Fergusson laird. Moraig MacLeod lived in a small house near Benmore.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a range of pinks from the deep purplish pink at the top with its rumblings of fuchsia clouds that quickly descend into the soft pastel pinks of the snowy landscape of a Highland castle set up on a hill just above a shimmering lake. The author's name is in white at the top against those dark pinks with the title at the bottom in a script of deep purple.
The title is who Emma is for Nathaniel, Ever My Love.
My Take
This was fun and a definite departure from the usual storyline in the De Piaget/MacLeod series, and not only because Kurland is stretching out past the de Piagets and core MacLeods.
The story begins with an emotional hook with in media res and uses chunks of backstory to inform us how Emma got here. Which still didn't make sense to me. I don't get that whole deal about Emma's boyfriend calling in that loan and how Emma ended up having to get rid of her business. The hook did make me keep on reading, if only to find out more about the ex.
Okay, yeah, there are flashbacks in this. Only, they're Kurlandesque ones, lol, involving Nathaniel's mother *more laughter*
Kurland makes use of third-person dual point-of-view from the perspectives of Emma and Nathaniel, so you do get insight into what both are thinking and feeling. Ehhh. It's easy enough to follow, but it doesn't ease over my niggles.
Such as, how, does Emma accept the time travel so easily? It doesn't make sense. In fact, it took a good long while before I found out why Nathaniel kept going back…something of a maguffin in that. The push Nathaniel keeps making half-heartedly to get Emma outta town? Why it's sooo important that Jamie, Patrick, and Ian don't know about his excursions into the past? It's sweet, yeah, but it's too, too easy when Madelyn and Sunny show up with that offer for Emma.
Then we have the I'm-doing-this-for-his-own-good trope. Sigh.
Just about halfway through, Nathaniel says something that sounds as if he doesn't know that Emma has been inadvertently popping back to 1387, which makes no sense, since he has rescued her at least a couple of times before this.
Some of the fun bits include how desperate Emma must be when even that inn doesn't faze her. Those micro-loans Nathaniel loves to hand out. The mystery of that bit of Chekhov's gun involving that dagger Emma and Nathaniel find in the museum. More plot beats appear in a wee touch of the villain speech, and the twisted-up ticking clock scenario that involves 1387, a flashing arrow that Kurland pops up in the most creative ways.
Yeah, I do love this series…and it's on my list of to-buys, but I don't think this one will be. It's as if Kurland dashed this off to meet a deadline. She hasn't put any real thought into this to make it feel real.
The Story
Caught up in an endless time loop, Nathaniel MacLeod has been forced to travel back and forth to the fourteenth century for the past five years, never knowing where or when he'll wake up.
It's a loop that suddenly pulls in that cute American who moved into the cottage down the way, and now Nathaniel has more to worry about than keeping his separate lives straight.
The Characters
Emmaline "Emma" Baxter is fleeing a lousy relationship and the ruins of her jewelry business with but a six-months financial reserve. Sheldon Cook is a lawyer and the jerk of an ex-boyfriend. Bertie Wordsworth is a spy-turned-under-chauffeur (former MI6) who taught Emma quite a bit. Frank Baxter is her jerk of a father who's a shark when it comes to investment dealings. Arnie and Jack are her brothers.
Nathaniel MacLeod is the local rich recluse who has fortune-hunting women swarming the local village. He went to law school but his undergrad is in Medieval Literature…comes in right handy, although he is part of a very exclusive investment group in London, MacLeod and Perkins. His mother had been Ceana Fergusson; his father, Archibald Poindexter MacLeod III, is an Anglophile and the grandson of extremely old New York money and the founder of a very successful venture capital group. Gavin and Sorcha are Nathaniel's older brother and younger sister. Both prefer to leave the trust in Nathaniel's hands. Ryan and Flora Fergusson were Ceana's foster parents.
"Lord" Poindexter "Dexter" MacLeod is his major jerk of a grandfather who runs MacLeod Surety Company. Cousin Gerald is one of Dexter's lawyers. Mirna is one of Dexter's assistants.
Peter diSalvio is Nathaniel's shark of a lawyer; Suzie is his assistant. Tony diSalvio is his brother and another lawyer. Geoff Segrave is his London lawyer. Brian is an old friend. Alexander Smith is excellent at research.
Jamie MacLeod is the local laird. Zachary Smith ( Till There Was You , 12) is his brother-in-law. Both get a mere mention. Patrick MacLeod, the lord of Benmore, is married to Madelyn, a very good lawyer, who is Sunshine's sister ( A Garden in the Rain , 8). Patrick runs a wilderness survival school. Hope is one of their children?? "Uncle" Bobby is one of the bodyguards. Ian MacLeod runs a swordplay school (Veils of Time: "And the Groom Wore Tulle", 3). Sunshine Cameron, the Countess of Assynt, is married to Robert Cameron ( With Every Breath , 11).
Bagley runs a fencing studio. Robert MacLeod is a ghost who plays the bagpipe when needed. The Glum is another ghostie who likes a pipe in front of the fire.
Adara McCreedy runs that one-star inn. Hamish Ferguson is the conscientious constable. Fiona MacLeod is the daughter of Keith MacLeod, the tavernkeeper.
Lord Stephen de Piaget is the lord of Artane ( All For You , 14). He says that Rhys de Piaget was his great-grandfather ( Another Chance to Dream , 1). Then he "teases" Nathaniel about knowing Rhys' son Robin ( If I Had You , 2), and his son Phillip.
Thomas Campbell is the caretaker for a weapons museum. Helen and Richard are part of a tour group.
1387, Scotland
Nathaniel is thought to be a bastard son. Uncle John fell into the past with him, and stayed as Master John, the local priest. After meeting Gerald, I can understand why he's staying. Grudach is Malcolm's daughter with whom John is in love.
Malcolm MacLeod is the local, fertile laird; Angus and Lachlan are his sons. Simon Fergusson is the Fergusson laird. Moraig MacLeod lived in a small house near Benmore.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a range of pinks from the deep purplish pink at the top with its rumblings of fuchsia clouds that quickly descend into the soft pastel pinks of the snowy landscape of a Highland castle set up on a hill just above a shimmering lake. The author's name is in white at the top against those dark pinks with the title at the bottom in a script of deep purple.
The title is who Emma is for Nathaniel, Ever My Love.
January 26, 2024
Kurland's writing is SO charming! I LOVE her overly protective chilverous heroes and all the amusing banter in her books! And I love the dual viewpoints.
But there is a reason why I haven't read one of her medieval books in a while. The plotlines and characters have become extremely repetitive unfortunately (like the Nine Kingdoms series). This novel in addition was all over the place and didn't make much sense. (Why would Nat be so incredulous to believing Patrick and Jamie were lairds from the past- Nat was time traveling ALL the time!? Why did Nat and Emma travel to New York- random? Why did ghosts appear at Patricks and no one still acknowledge paranormal possibility? Emma and Nat were BOTH lawyers AND Emma was a silversmith AND Nathaniel got a degree in Medieval languages AND both from super wealthy families? Why did the McCloud warriors just watch and send a green girl back in time for a prison rescue?! It's eye-roll unbelievable.)
I will always be a loyal Kurland fan, though! NO ONE writes clean romances like her. So talented- lots of humor, adventure, and swoon-worthy moments! Still great novels to read if you space them out.
But there is a reason why I haven't read one of her medieval books in a while. The plotlines and characters have become extremely repetitive unfortunately (like the Nine Kingdoms series). This novel in addition was all over the place and didn't make much sense. (Why would Nat be so incredulous to believing Patrick and Jamie were lairds from the past- Nat was time traveling ALL the time!? Why did Nat and Emma travel to New York- random? Why did ghosts appear at Patricks and no one still acknowledge paranormal possibility? Emma and Nat were BOTH lawyers AND Emma was a silversmith AND Nathaniel got a degree in Medieval languages AND both from super wealthy families? Why did the McCloud warriors just watch and send a green girl back in time for a prison rescue?! It's eye-roll unbelievable.)
I will always be a loyal Kurland fan, though! NO ONE writes clean romances like her. So talented- lots of humor, adventure, and swoon-worthy moments! Still great novels to read if you space them out.
March 29, 2018
This is not a book that you can read as a standalone if you want to fully understand what is going on. Many of the old gang show up, as their usual pleasant medieval selves.
I always enjoy the series, though I do get a bit annoyed at the denseness of the main characters, and the refusal to accept what is going on. Emma was particularly annoying because she kept seeming to guess what was happening, then in the next moment she was acting as if she'd never thought of paranormal anything and couldn't believe it. I couldn't figure out what she knew or believed since she kept bouncing around. And Nat...if you spent the last five years going back in time, why would you think it impossible that Jamie, Patrick, and Ian are from that time? Why avoid them instead of going to pump them for info and help? As usual, they both had unbelievably absurd families and villains, but it was a fun romp despite my exasperation.
I always enjoy the series, though I do get a bit annoyed at the denseness of the main characters, and the refusal to accept what is going on. Emma was particularly annoying because she kept seeming to guess what was happening, then in the next moment she was acting as if she'd never thought of paranormal anything and couldn't believe it. I couldn't figure out what she knew or believed since she kept bouncing around. And Nat...if you spent the last five years going back in time, why would you think it impossible that Jamie, Patrick, and Ian are from that time? Why avoid them instead of going to pump them for info and help? As usual, they both had unbelievably absurd families and villains, but it was a fun romp despite my exasperation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 30, 2017DNF at about Chapter 13
I actually wrote a longer review and then my internet went out and it didn't get saved. Anyways, I found this book a tad bit confusing and at almost halfway through the book there didn't seem to be a coherent plot.
Many people will love this but it just wasn't for me.
Copy for review provided by the publisher
I actually wrote a longer review and then my internet went out and it didn't get saved. Anyways, I found this book a tad bit confusing and at almost halfway through the book there didn't seem to be a coherent plot.
Many people will love this but it just wasn't for me.
Copy for review provided by the publisher
January 15, 2018
Emma goes to Scotland and is looking for a dream and some rest. She is really running from a bad relationship. Nathaniel is trying to stay on step or more away from fortune hunters while taking trip into 1300's side trips. They met unexpectedly and things speed up. See how it turns out and be ready to meet auld friends. I loved this book. I missed Patrick, Ian and Jaime.
April 20, 2017
Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
It's a classic Lynn Kurland. However, I'm enjoying her latest few offering lesser and lesser as the main characters seemed interchangeable.
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
It's a classic Lynn Kurland. However, I'm enjoying her latest few offering lesser and lesser as the main characters seemed interchangeable.
April 21, 2017
I enjoyed this more than some of the other more recent Macleod books. It has a similar feels to Kurlands' Nine Kingdoms books, where the women are intrepid and rescue themselves and their menfolk a good deal, rather than being passive and waiting for a man to bail them out.
April 8, 2019
I loved the latest entry into the MacLeod series. Emma is an American looking for a fresh start after a bad break up. The trip to Scotland was just what she wanted for inspiration. Emma is a bit of a romantic, hence her visit to magical Scotland, but she is also a fairly practical woman. When she first arrived in the village she overheard conversations in the pub talking about the odd things that happen, comments about the local laird and his brother and who they really are, and a few other things that just make her roll her eyes. She also overheard some women discussing the local recluse, who is young, handsome, and extremely rich, and the best ways to hunt him down. All she wants is some peace and quiet and the opportunity to get her jewelry business restarted. Things took an unexpected turn for her when she witnessed what appeared to be a Medieval reenactment before the participants vanished into thin air.
Nat is a Scotsman whose life jumps from one crisis to the next. Our first sight of him was as he's dining in the pub and listening to the women who are hunting for him, feeling very much like Nessie. He has his very successful business as a venture capitalist that kept him extremely busy. Then there were the regular confrontations with his grandfather, who wanted something Nat has and won't give up trying to get it. But the thing that had him most in turmoil were the frequent trips to a century not his own. He had no idea why, and he never knew when the need would come. When one of these trips was inadvertently witnessed by Emma, his life became even more complicated.
I liked both Emma and Nat. They are both intelligent, easy to like, tenacious, and surprisingly optimistic considering their current lives. Each of them also has secrets and unexpected abilities. It was sweet to see the protective Nat jump right in when he saw the smoke pouring out of Emma's cottage. His brief glimpses of her before intrigued him but that gave him the chance to get to know her a little, and he liked what he learned. Emma's curiosity was just as intense, as she recognized him from that moment in the woods. Though interrupted by yet another call to the past, Fate threw them together the next day. Yet again, Nat's protectiveness kicked in as he offered his assistance. I loved their conversations, which were fun and riddled with teasing. Things took a turn for the weird during a sightseeing visit. I ached for Nat, who didn't know why he was so affected by what he saw. I loved how it was Emma's turn to take care of Nat. Her curiosity was stirred, also, which ultimately led her where she shouldn't go.
Two unexpected trips to the past, and two rescues by Nat, and it seemed that he and Emma were now inexplicably linked. Nat was determined to protect Emma and get to the bottom of why she was involved at all. Emma was not the type to sit back and wait for others to figure things out. It was fun to see them dance around the truth at first, neither one wanting to appear crazy, but needing to figure out what the other one knows. Once the truth was out there, they teamed up to search for answers. And what fun that search was. Their trip to Edinburgh had me in stitches at places. I love it when a MacLeod crosses paths with a de Piaget, and the conversation between Nat and Stephen had me laughing out loud. There were also darker moments, and the presence of a particular dagger in an armaments museum raised further questions.
For the past five years, Nat did everything possible to avoid encountering either Patrick or James MacLeod. But the deeper the mystery over his trips to the past became, the more he realized that he had to talk to them. Things that Nat suspected, but didn't want to admit, suddenly became very important. I thoroughly enjoyed the "discussion" between Nat and Patrick. It was also fun to reacquaint myself with Robbie the piper and his friends. Even Emma received some unexpected attention. The conversation with James was a bit more difficult, as were some of the things he recommended. It all led to Nat's decision to force the issue of keeping Emma safe, and an unexpected twist landed him in graver danger than he expected. What was grand to see was that this time it was Emma's coming to his rescue. She had some unexpected help, which also cleared up some questions from the beginning of the book. The ending still had a couple of twists, but they were great ones.
The development of the relationship between Nat and Emma was pretty sweet. The connection was there from the start. I loved Nat's protectiveness, not just regarding the time traveling issue, but also in the present day. His interactions with Emma's father and ex were great. Emma was also equally protective of him and not shy about doing something about it. The effects of what happened gave both Nat and Emma ample opportunity to show the caring sides of their personalities, and I loved how those moments strengthened their feelings for each other. It was a bit amusing to witness Nat's awkward declarations, as the timing is never the best. I liked the epilogue and seeing how things have settled out for Nat and Emma. I am curious to see if they appear in any future books and if there is any more traveling. I also suspect that we haven't seen the end of Nat's cousin Gerald and that there is something up with Nat's sister.
Nat is a Scotsman whose life jumps from one crisis to the next. Our first sight of him was as he's dining in the pub and listening to the women who are hunting for him, feeling very much like Nessie. He has his very successful business as a venture capitalist that kept him extremely busy. Then there were the regular confrontations with his grandfather, who wanted something Nat has and won't give up trying to get it. But the thing that had him most in turmoil were the frequent trips to a century not his own. He had no idea why, and he never knew when the need would come. When one of these trips was inadvertently witnessed by Emma, his life became even more complicated.
I liked both Emma and Nat. They are both intelligent, easy to like, tenacious, and surprisingly optimistic considering their current lives. Each of them also has secrets and unexpected abilities. It was sweet to see the protective Nat jump right in when he saw the smoke pouring out of Emma's cottage. His brief glimpses of her before intrigued him but that gave him the chance to get to know her a little, and he liked what he learned. Emma's curiosity was just as intense, as she recognized him from that moment in the woods. Though interrupted by yet another call to the past, Fate threw them together the next day. Yet again, Nat's protectiveness kicked in as he offered his assistance. I loved their conversations, which were fun and riddled with teasing. Things took a turn for the weird during a sightseeing visit. I ached for Nat, who didn't know why he was so affected by what he saw. I loved how it was Emma's turn to take care of Nat. Her curiosity was stirred, also, which ultimately led her where she shouldn't go.
Two unexpected trips to the past, and two rescues by Nat, and it seemed that he and Emma were now inexplicably linked. Nat was determined to protect Emma and get to the bottom of why she was involved at all. Emma was not the type to sit back and wait for others to figure things out. It was fun to see them dance around the truth at first, neither one wanting to appear crazy, but needing to figure out what the other one knows. Once the truth was out there, they teamed up to search for answers. And what fun that search was. Their trip to Edinburgh had me in stitches at places. I love it when a MacLeod crosses paths with a de Piaget, and the conversation between Nat and Stephen had me laughing out loud. There were also darker moments, and the presence of a particular dagger in an armaments museum raised further questions.
For the past five years, Nat did everything possible to avoid encountering either Patrick or James MacLeod. But the deeper the mystery over his trips to the past became, the more he realized that he had to talk to them. Things that Nat suspected, but didn't want to admit, suddenly became very important. I thoroughly enjoyed the "discussion" between Nat and Patrick. It was also fun to reacquaint myself with Robbie the piper and his friends. Even Emma received some unexpected attention. The conversation with James was a bit more difficult, as were some of the things he recommended. It all led to Nat's decision to force the issue of keeping Emma safe, and an unexpected twist landed him in graver danger than he expected. What was grand to see was that this time it was Emma's coming to his rescue. She had some unexpected help, which also cleared up some questions from the beginning of the book. The ending still had a couple of twists, but they were great ones.
The development of the relationship between Nat and Emma was pretty sweet. The connection was there from the start. I loved Nat's protectiveness, not just regarding the time traveling issue, but also in the present day. His interactions with Emma's father and ex were great. Emma was also equally protective of him and not shy about doing something about it. The effects of what happened gave both Nat and Emma ample opportunity to show the caring sides of their personalities, and I loved how those moments strengthened their feelings for each other. It was a bit amusing to witness Nat's awkward declarations, as the timing is never the best. I liked the epilogue and seeing how things have settled out for Nat and Emma. I am curious to see if they appear in any future books and if there is any more traveling. I also suspect that we haven't seen the end of Nat's cousin Gerald and that there is something up with Nat's sister.
Read
May 30, 2017I just loved this story.
May 7, 2017
Mrs McCreedy acted like it was a big deal when she gave Emma the map. I don't understand what the map was for if she never used it, updated it or returned it. It was pointless to put in the story.
Why refer to something bad happening if Nathaniel ignored a time travel call but then never explain?
It played no part in the story.
Why did the time travel event replay 3 times? It wasn't pertinent to the plot.
Was saving his mother from the Fergussons the reason Nathaniel kept going back again and again? It was never defined. If that wasn't it why did he keep going back over and over? He could've even use a sword in the beginning so it wasn't to save lives?
Why do Nathaniel and Patrick look like twins if their parents where born nearly a hundred years apart? They make a big deal of it but there isn't really a significant reason.
Why refer to something bad happening if Nathaniel ignored a time travel call but then never explain?
It played no part in the story.
Why did the time travel event replay 3 times? It wasn't pertinent to the plot.
Was saving his mother from the Fergussons the reason Nathaniel kept going back again and again? It was never defined. If that wasn't it why did he keep going back over and over? He could've even use a sword in the beginning so it wasn't to save lives?
Why do Nathaniel and Patrick look like twins if their parents where born nearly a hundred years apart? They make a big deal of it but there isn't really a significant reason.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2022
I love Lynn Kurland. I can honestly say that she is my favorite author and I wait, with baited breath, for her new books! I love all her heroes and heroines! Such sass. Such chivalry. Such wit. Nathaniel and Emma are adorable, and I loved every minute of their story. I also love the weaving of beloved characters from prior books into the current story. Reading her books makes me want to go back to Scotland and find me a Highlander in an enchanted forest. :D
August 21, 2018
2.5 Stars.
Normally I love Lynn Kurland's books, but this one, in my opinion, just wasn't up to her usual standards. Heroine was bland, annoying and underdeveloped, the story line was too slow and lacking in originality. Still better than most of it's type though.
Normally I love Lynn Kurland's books, but this one, in my opinion, just wasn't up to her usual standards. Heroine was bland, annoying and underdeveloped, the story line was too slow and lacking in originality. Still better than most of it's type though.
October 11, 2025
Author: Lynn Kurland
Title: Ever My Love
Series: MacLeod
Cover Rating:
Silver Star
Book Rating:
2 Star
About the Book:
In search of a fresh start, Emma Baxter has traveled to Scotland to try to forget her rocky love life. Luckily, the gorgeous Highlander who owns the house up the path from her rental cottage might be exactly the kind of distraction she needs. But there’s more to his intriguing qualities than she can explain—and she certainly isn’t buying into the local legends of Highland magic.
Nathaniel MacLeod is a man adrift, all thanks to the unwanted gift that forces him to continually jump between centuries. He never knows if he’ll wind up in the present day or the fourteenth century, but when Emma follows him back through time, he suddenly has more to worry about than keeping his separate lives straight…
Someone has started to notice Nathaniel’s travels and now, no time period is safe, for him or for Emma.
My Thoughts:
I really hated rating this book two stars but it was fairly difficult for me who hadn't read the previous book to really hop right into this installment. While its not totally necessary I think there are quite a few details and characters that appear to carry over with information that left me on the outside looking in without any real context.
I did like the thriller / suspense kind of angle that was written into this book however it left me contused as to what this book was really supposed to be.
Its very well written and its a great read and I liked the idea but because I didn't have any real grasp on it I think that left me more at a loss than anything. If you haven't read the previous books in this series I highly suggest it so that you have a better understanding on what's going on where the added information is included, if you have read it I'm sure its a new installment to the MacLeod series that you will very much enjoy.
Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley Publishing. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Note:
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
Title: Ever My Love
Series: MacLeod
Cover Rating:
Silver Star
Book Rating:
2 Star
About the Book:
In search of a fresh start, Emma Baxter has traveled to Scotland to try to forget her rocky love life. Luckily, the gorgeous Highlander who owns the house up the path from her rental cottage might be exactly the kind of distraction she needs. But there’s more to his intriguing qualities than she can explain—and she certainly isn’t buying into the local legends of Highland magic.
Nathaniel MacLeod is a man adrift, all thanks to the unwanted gift that forces him to continually jump between centuries. He never knows if he’ll wind up in the present day or the fourteenth century, but when Emma follows him back through time, he suddenly has more to worry about than keeping his separate lives straight…
Someone has started to notice Nathaniel’s travels and now, no time period is safe, for him or for Emma.
My Thoughts:
I really hated rating this book two stars but it was fairly difficult for me who hadn't read the previous book to really hop right into this installment. While its not totally necessary I think there are quite a few details and characters that appear to carry over with information that left me on the outside looking in without any real context.
I did like the thriller / suspense kind of angle that was written into this book however it left me contused as to what this book was really supposed to be.
Its very well written and its a great read and I liked the idea but because I didn't have any real grasp on it I think that left me more at a loss than anything. If you haven't read the previous books in this series I highly suggest it so that you have a better understanding on what's going on where the added information is included, if you have read it I'm sure its a new installment to the MacLeod series that you will very much enjoy.
Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley Publishing. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Note:
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
October 5, 2017
I picked this up for the time travel aspect, as it was a recommended read - thought I'd give it a whirl. The writing is engaging and for the first third-ish of the book the plot moves nicely. The world and characters are fairly well built and plausible. There are a few oddities in the beginning sections - one is the bit where the main male protagonist decides to leave suddenly and careens into a vehicle. These scenes, given the characters actions beforehand are jarring and don't fit - it reads like an editor said "we need a romcom moment here put this in".
Moving on, the plot unwinds after this and the storyline just peters away. It isn't that there isn't anything that could have been done or etc - there is a lot to work with in this - but it feels like the author lost their way or maybe lost interest in the work altogether. There isn't a lot of romance ..let me put that differently... what romance there is, is in context to the storyline, which is good. It isn't romance for the sake of romance. Ex. Ok we've had scene "x" time for romance type 4 insert x# of paragraphs of steamy whatever then return to stock storyline. Some people like that..heck Harlequin has built a publishing empire on it. (Format = just change the names, locale, and minor plot dilemmas and voila you have 300 novels in no time!) apologies to those who love them, they just aren't my thing.
Getting back to my review - it is a shame because we don't get to see much of what Nathaniel is doing (or why) in the previous era of Scotland, and Emma's one real trip (dungeon free) isn't really detailed either. I'm trying to avoid spoilers so yes that's vague. We get modern day stuff, but the linking isn't done well, even when we get some linking. It could have been so much more meatier and ...
Ok I'm just going to say it..this really had some fracking potential to be a great novel and the author missed it. Hopefully in a future one they will grab hold and just do it. There is a good writing voice and excellent potential here.
Moving on, the plot unwinds after this and the storyline just peters away. It isn't that there isn't anything that could have been done or etc - there is a lot to work with in this - but it feels like the author lost their way or maybe lost interest in the work altogether. There isn't a lot of romance ..let me put that differently... what romance there is, is in context to the storyline, which is good. It isn't romance for the sake of romance. Ex. Ok we've had scene "x" time for romance type 4 insert x# of paragraphs of steamy whatever then return to stock storyline. Some people like that..heck Harlequin has built a publishing empire on it. (Format = just change the names, locale, and minor plot dilemmas and voila you have 300 novels in no time!) apologies to those who love them, they just aren't my thing.
Getting back to my review - it is a shame because we don't get to see much of what Nathaniel is doing (or why) in the previous era of Scotland, and Emma's one real trip (dungeon free) isn't really detailed either. I'm trying to avoid spoilers so yes that's vague. We get modern day stuff, but the linking isn't done well, even when we get some linking. It could have been so much more meatier and ...
Ok I'm just going to say it..this really had some fracking potential to be a great novel and the author missed it. Hopefully in a future one they will grab hold and just do it. There is a good writing voice and excellent potential here.
June 6, 2017
I always enjoy reading one of Lynn Kurland’s books and Ever My Love was no exception.
Emma Baxter travels across the pond to experience the “Scotland in my dreams” and find inspiration to rebuild her jewelry business back up again. Nathaniel MacLeod is a recluse literally living a double life. For the past five years, Fate it seems has dragged him back and forth through time – between present day and 14th century Scotland – for reasons he cannot begin to fathom. When the two meet under the most unusual of circumstances, it sets in motion a chain of events and a mystery that must be solved before something more dangerous can happen.
The cover is so beautiful and I love the pinks, purples, blues, and whites mingling together, fading in and out of each other to create this mystical, romantic vibe.
A huge pro about this story is the role reversal between genders – if you’ve read any of the MacLeod or de Piaget books you’ll understand this. Yes, these books have a predictable format in the way the story is told. But this one is refreshingly different. There is a better time travel predicament involved.
I found the “antagonists” of this story to be rather weak and think they could have been more…sinister and bigger oppositions. There’s a complete 180 that occurs that I found to be a bit unrealistic and a rush to finish the story.
These books of Kurland’s are lengthy reads so things tend to move at a more moderate pace. But with this story, for me, it took too long to get to the point.
As with any Lynn Kurland book after a certain point in publication history characters from past books appear. So it was, as always, lovely to see some of my favorite MacLeod men in this book.
I liked Emma’s character but boy! was her stubbornness frustrating at times. The hopeless romantic in me loved Nathaniel’s characters – he’s dreamy and noble but almost too perfect.
Ever My Love was a good read and I’m happy I finally got to read it.
Emma Baxter travels across the pond to experience the “Scotland in my dreams” and find inspiration to rebuild her jewelry business back up again. Nathaniel MacLeod is a recluse literally living a double life. For the past five years, Fate it seems has dragged him back and forth through time – between present day and 14th century Scotland – for reasons he cannot begin to fathom. When the two meet under the most unusual of circumstances, it sets in motion a chain of events and a mystery that must be solved before something more dangerous can happen.
The cover is so beautiful and I love the pinks, purples, blues, and whites mingling together, fading in and out of each other to create this mystical, romantic vibe.
A huge pro about this story is the role reversal between genders – if you’ve read any of the MacLeod or de Piaget books you’ll understand this. Yes, these books have a predictable format in the way the story is told. But this one is refreshingly different. There is a better time travel predicament involved.
I found the “antagonists” of this story to be rather weak and think they could have been more…sinister and bigger oppositions. There’s a complete 180 that occurs that I found to be a bit unrealistic and a rush to finish the story.
These books of Kurland’s are lengthy reads so things tend to move at a more moderate pace. But with this story, for me, it took too long to get to the point.
As with any Lynn Kurland book after a certain point in publication history characters from past books appear. So it was, as always, lovely to see some of my favorite MacLeod men in this book.
I liked Emma’s character but boy! was her stubbornness frustrating at times. The hopeless romantic in me loved Nathaniel’s characters – he’s dreamy and noble but almost too perfect.
Ever My Love was a good read and I’m happy I finally got to read it.
November 12, 2019
Never gets old 💖💖
I have loved each and every MacLeod and DePiaget book in their respective series. James MacLeod having started it all. Easy to adore these gruff on the exterior, teddy bear on the inside Medieval highlanders suddenly living in modern times. Between modern spouses and in laws now in the know, the circle keeps growing of family aware of the magical land on their property. Nathaniel MacLeod however is unique to the previous MacLeod males. For one, he's never met the others. Nor does he believe the pub rumors of them being time traveling medieval lords. Off since he himself goes back and forth within timelines. Unlike the others with his surname, he has no choice in the matter. It's as though Fate herself forces him back repeatedly. Sending odd messages, texts, etc with a specific year that coincides with sign odd feeling. The next thing he knows he's back in time. This all began out of the blue a few years back when he, his uncle and dad decided to go play golf on Scottish soil in honor of his beloved mothers memory. Next thing her knew, here and his uncle weren't in Kansas anymore. The very last thing they expected was to be in medieval Scotland!! And so started his double life, never able to fully be himself around anyone. Yet within moments of bumping into a very special young lady from Seattle guys entire world is about to change. I LOVE each and every book in these series. I was thrilled after many years to see a new book. He's hoping we still have many more new MacLeod and family/friends tales to come! They're filled with familial ribbing, humor, action, suspense and the occasional wee ghosts 😉.
I have loved each and every MacLeod and DePiaget book in their respective series. James MacLeod having started it all. Easy to adore these gruff on the exterior, teddy bear on the inside Medieval highlanders suddenly living in modern times. Between modern spouses and in laws now in the know, the circle keeps growing of family aware of the magical land on their property. Nathaniel MacLeod however is unique to the previous MacLeod males. For one, he's never met the others. Nor does he believe the pub rumors of them being time traveling medieval lords. Off since he himself goes back and forth within timelines. Unlike the others with his surname, he has no choice in the matter. It's as though Fate herself forces him back repeatedly. Sending odd messages, texts, etc with a specific year that coincides with sign odd feeling. The next thing he knows he's back in time. This all began out of the blue a few years back when he, his uncle and dad decided to go play golf on Scottish soil in honor of his beloved mothers memory. Next thing her knew, here and his uncle weren't in Kansas anymore. The very last thing they expected was to be in medieval Scotland!! And so started his double life, never able to fully be himself around anyone. Yet within moments of bumping into a very special young lady from Seattle guys entire world is about to change. I LOVE each and every book in these series. I was thrilled after many years to see a new book. He's hoping we still have many more new MacLeod and family/friends tales to come! They're filled with familial ribbing, humor, action, suspense and the occasional wee ghosts 😉.
May 14, 2024
I did enjoy this book, but then I have enjoyed the MacLeod books better than the de Piaget books. However, having said that, I am glad that this is the end of the MacLeod/de Piaget series for me. Yes, I do know that Lynn Kurland has written 2 more books, but I won’t be bothering to read them. The series has gone on for far too long IMO.
Emma Baxter (our heroine) has come to Scotland to get away from a stalking ex and to try and rebuild her life after said ex destroyed her business. She meets Nathaniel MacLeod (our hero) a reclusive businessman, who also happens to time travel back to 1387. The problems this causes are huge but he can’t figure out why or how to stop it.
Alongside Nathaniel’s time travels are his battles with his grandfather Pointdexter MacLeod, about control of Nathaniel’s father’s estate. This has been woven into the story well and provides some contrast to 14thC Scotland. We also catch up with James, Patrick and Ian MacLeod and their families, although I would have liked to have heard more from the women, but that is just a minor point.
Both Emma and Nathaniel are good, strong characters, fiercely independent, and their romance grows slowly but is well crafted.
Lynn Kurland, in this book, has IMO captured some of the charm and pleasure of her earlier books in this series. The plot is well thought out and constructed, all the mysteries were woven into together with skill, and the ending was satisfying. Emma’s ex is dealt with, the reason why Nathaniel keeps going back is solved and Emma and Nathaniel get their HEA.
Emma Baxter (our heroine) has come to Scotland to get away from a stalking ex and to try and rebuild her life after said ex destroyed her business. She meets Nathaniel MacLeod (our hero) a reclusive businessman, who also happens to time travel back to 1387. The problems this causes are huge but he can’t figure out why or how to stop it.
Alongside Nathaniel’s time travels are his battles with his grandfather Pointdexter MacLeod, about control of Nathaniel’s father’s estate. This has been woven into the story well and provides some contrast to 14thC Scotland. We also catch up with James, Patrick and Ian MacLeod and their families, although I would have liked to have heard more from the women, but that is just a minor point.
Both Emma and Nathaniel are good, strong characters, fiercely independent, and their romance grows slowly but is well crafted.
Lynn Kurland, in this book, has IMO captured some of the charm and pleasure of her earlier books in this series. The plot is well thought out and constructed, all the mysteries were woven into together with skill, and the ending was satisfying. Emma’s ex is dealt with, the reason why Nathaniel keeps going back is solved and Emma and Nathaniel get their HEA.
April 28, 2022
DiL saw this book at the thrift store, saw it was set in Scotland and bought it for me. I'm always swoony for Scotsmen and Vikings. Mix them together and I get preggers. I'll let you know more when I've finished the book.
DNF and I feel awful about it. Like I said, this has everything going for it but it didn't flow well for me and I can't gel with her writing style. Perhaps it's because I started here instead of from the beginning but I was under the impression that it could be read as a stand alone. Not so for me.
So sad about this because I truly wanted to immerse myself in this world but I just didn't care about the characters and I also felt she didn't do enough to build the world.
I've traveled to Scotland more than a few times, Inverness and the Highlands to be specific (to include the Isles) and she could've done so much more to bring me into the world. That said, what little she did say reminded me of my visits there. Sheep everywhere, almost hit one during the night. The drizzling all the time-I've also gone in November.
Most of the reviews were so positive so maybe I should start at the beginning. shrug
DNF and I feel awful about it. Like I said, this has everything going for it but it didn't flow well for me and I can't gel with her writing style. Perhaps it's because I started here instead of from the beginning but I was under the impression that it could be read as a stand alone. Not so for me.
So sad about this because I truly wanted to immerse myself in this world but I just didn't care about the characters and I also felt she didn't do enough to build the world.
I've traveled to Scotland more than a few times, Inverness and the Highlands to be specific (to include the Isles) and she could've done so much more to bring me into the world. That said, what little she did say reminded me of my visits there. Sheep everywhere, almost hit one during the night. The drizzling all the time-I've also gone in November.
Most of the reviews were so positive so maybe I should start at the beginning. shrug
May 21, 2017
Although the usual time travel novel one expects from Ms Kurland, this one was really very good. Nathaniel is wealthy (but then all of the men are in these books) and yet he lives in a little cottage in the Highlands. His life is full of adventure as he is thrust back into time, over and over again. He learns to fight and survive in the late 1300's, and yet returns to his own time after he accomplished whatever his "duty" was on that journey.
Emma is in Scotland on a personal trip, getting away from a broken engagement and live in general. Nathaniel lives nearby and with one thing or another, she gets caught up in his world. Throw in a lot of previous characters, both present and past, and this becomes one of those books one does not want to have end.
Emma is in Scotland on a personal trip, getting away from a broken engagement and live in general. Nathaniel lives nearby and with one thing or another, she gets caught up in his world. Throw in a lot of previous characters, both present and past, and this becomes one of those books one does not want to have end.
February 20, 2018
After finishing all 11 books that are currently out from Kurland's fantasy series on the Nine Kingdoms, I was curious about her other series. This is the 14th book in the time travelling romance series but I didn't suffer for not having read the previous installments. Not usually a romance reader, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. A strong heroine who's running to her independence and a tall, handsome fellow who happens to travel to ancient Scotland every other day were the stars of a thrilling, lovely story. The language and turn of phrase was familiar without feeling like I was reading the same series. I love Kurland's brand of romance - subtle, sweet and deep with plenty of plot.
June 21, 2019
Lynn Kurland's time-travel romances have become rather formulaic - she has clearly been running out of ideas for some time. They're still fun for those who have read all the previous books, and I will continue to read them, but this one was rather lackluster and longer than necessary. The characters were okay, but took too long avoiding the issue of the time-travelling - seriously, the procrastination was just not believable. The chemistry between the protagonists was also lacking, though sweet enough. The banter that I have enjoyed in previous books was still there, though again not as much as before. Altogether it felt like the same old, same old, good for a light read in between better books.
September 4, 2018
Nathaniel MacLeod & Emma Baxter
it is good to get a new story in this series and to have James, Patrick and Ian make cameos even better. I loved it! There was a bit of a mystery to solve for Nathaniel since he seems to be caught in a loop when it comes to a year 1387. Emma comes to Scotland for a bit of an escape/vacation and finds herself traveling back in time herself when she takes a walk in the woods. Neither Emma nor Nathaniel want to believe that others can do it until they had no other choice but to contact Patrick and see for themselves that it does happen.
Good story, good twist and of course the villain was caught.
it is good to get a new story in this series and to have James, Patrick and Ian make cameos even better. I loved it! There was a bit of a mystery to solve for Nathaniel since he seems to be caught in a loop when it comes to a year 1387. Emma comes to Scotland for a bit of an escape/vacation and finds herself traveling back in time herself when she takes a walk in the woods. Neither Emma nor Nathaniel want to believe that others can do it until they had no other choice but to contact Patrick and see for themselves that it does happen.
Good story, good twist and of course the villain was caught.
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