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MacLeod #1
A Dance Through Time
Scotland, 1311. James MacLeod was the most respected---and feared---laird in all of Scotland. He loved his men like brothers and his land with a passion. And he allowed no women to cross the threshold of his keep...
New York City, 1996. With an indifferent fiancé and a stalled writing career, Elizabeth Smith found passion and adventure only in the unpublished romance novels that she wrote. Until a Scottish hero began calling to her...
Elizabeth longed for the man of her dreams. But she knew she was overworked when she began hearing his voice---when she was awake. To clear her mind, she took a walk in Gramercy Park. She dozed off on a bench---and woke up in a lush forest in fourteenth-century Scotland. A forest surrounding the castle of James MacLeod, an arrogant and handsome lord with a very familiar voice. Elizabeth would turn his ordered world upside-down and go where no woman had ever gone before: straight into his heart...
New York City, 1996. With an indifferent fiancé and a stalled writing career, Elizabeth Smith found passion and adventure only in the unpublished romance novels that she wrote. Until a Scottish hero began calling to her...
Elizabeth longed for the man of her dreams. But she knew she was overworked when she began hearing his voice---when she was awake. To clear her mind, she took a walk in Gramercy Park. She dozed off on a bench---and woke up in a lush forest in fourteenth-century Scotland. A forest surrounding the castle of James MacLeod, an arrogant and handsome lord with a very familiar voice. Elizabeth would turn his ordered world upside-down and go where no woman had ever gone before: straight into his heart...
356 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1996
244 people are currently reading
5069 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Kurland
69 books1,565 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 313 reviews
July 27, 2012
This book is beyond awful. I'm literally offended that it has such a high rating. The female "protagonist" is the most whiny, dependent lead character I've ever encountered -- more of a Mary Sue than Bella Swan. I truly believe that the author used a comprehensive list of every single female stereotype as an outline for the main character. She's "motherly," loves to cook, loves to clean, desperately needs a big, strong man to take care of her, is described as "fiery" and yet never displays any fierceness whatsoever, is totally obedient, docile, and, of course, waiting until marriage to have sex. In fact, not letting the poor dude access to her nether region is the only time she ever tells him "no." And oh, she's never even KISSED anyone. Right.
I'm not even done with the book, but I think my favorite part so far is the "heroine" pledging to stay with her "love" (despite the fact that he calls her a wench and treats her with zero respect) because although she misses her family, she would surely miss him more. So after four weeks in medieval Ireland, she decides to forego her life of technology, science and, you know, MEDICINE, to stay with a spectacular douche and possibly be killed by some plague or another. Oh, and her love is rich and good looking. Of course.
If you read and enjoy this book, I am thoroughly judging you.
Oh, and FYI? The whole thing reads like the writer is fondly recalling a wet dream she desperately wishes were true.
Need I say more?
ETA: Just finished it and it gets even worse as you go on.
I'm not even done with the book, but I think my favorite part so far is the "heroine" pledging to stay with her "love" (despite the fact that he calls her a wench and treats her with zero respect) because although she misses her family, she would surely miss him more. So after four weeks in medieval Ireland, she decides to forego her life of technology, science and, you know, MEDICINE, to stay with a spectacular douche and possibly be killed by some plague or another. Oh, and her love is rich and good looking. Of course.
If you read and enjoy this book, I am thoroughly judging you.
Oh, and FYI? The whole thing reads like the writer is fondly recalling a wet dream she desperately wishes were true.
Need I say more?
ETA: Just finished it and it gets even worse as you go on.
December 8, 2011
2.5-3 stars
I really, really wanted to love this book... the description is enchanting, and being an "Outlander" fan, I was caught by a "Jamie" being the Highland lord, and the "lady" being from 1996. But this book just... didn't... do it... for me... at all. *sigh*
My apologies to major fans of this book, because I can see the appeal. But perhaps I'm a decade or two too late, because the story seemed disjointed. And the anachronisms between 1996 and 14th century Scotland, instead of being charming and funny, just seemed very wrong.
For all her research about Scotland - and for wanting to be a romance writer at that - the main character, Elizabeth Smith, just wasn't all that interesting. Or it seemed very interested in that time. Rather than using it to find out more about the people and the times, she seems to be intent on imposing her will on the people and the times. Elizabeth grew up with 5 brothers, big hulking tough dudes. And she lives in New York City. So you'd think she'd know a thing or two about how to fend for herself and fight off men. Yes, she was tackled soon upon her "arrival" in the past - that she couldn't help. But not long after, she's almost being raped by 4 men. They're sure to have laid in wait for her, yes; but somehow, the circumstance seemed too much like a plot point than a happening. Elizabeth surely wasn't stupid enough to wander around alone, was she?
James "Jamie" MacLeod - the Highlander of her dreams is anything but in person. He's almost a caricature of a Scottish laird, except I can't see many men following him anywhere with his hot head. He's grown up without a mother and without women in his life, and that's just fine with him. He has a son, Jesse, from a mistress who died giving birth to the lad. But Jamie really hasn't any idea about love or romance or sex - certainly not much more than the basic, rudimentary parts. Jamie has to ask his friend/cousin Ian for advice on how to pleasure a woman. What? In this way, Jamie is anything but the typical Scottish laird - is this supposed to be what's different about him from other romance lairds?
And where are the TOWNSPEOPLE? A laird is responsible for the villages around the castle, and the crofters and other tenants on his land. You can't tell me that not ONE WOMAN is allowed to be part of the warriors' lives? Maids? Cooks? Washerwomen? Healers? Nope. For all intents and purposes, the only women we even really meet are Elizabeth and Megan, a lass that Jesse has disguised as a lad so that Megan has a place to sleep and food. What? From this, Jamie MacLeod is one of the WORST lairds of all time - he apparently cares nothing for his people beyond being his possessions. Yes, he rides out to see the damage done to crofters' homes on the border, a brutal raid supposedly by the Fergussons. And yes, Jamie does seem to be touched by the brutality, especially to the women. Except only when it hits him that Elizabeth could have been attacked that way. No real sympathy or caring for the crofters. UNBELIEVABLE.
The villain, Nolan, is such a set up from the start of the book, that it's a no-brainer as to what will happen. Even the neighbor, the horrid Guilbert McKinnon, is no real enemy. He's another plot point.
No, I found both Elizabeth and Jamie rather boring and almost unlikeable, except for their mutual love and the way that they treated Jesse and Megan. Until they decide to "return" to Elizabeth's time in 1996. The book actually started to get almost good at that point. But unfortunately, that, too was cut short by weird history and trying to return things to how they should have been without the villain's interference. Bleh.
The time travel mechanism was a forest. Huh. We're told horrible beasties live in the forest and can tear a man apart. But no stories of faeries or superstitions about people who routinely disappear (with one small exception, Jamie's brother). Nothing really to make us think that this stretch of Scottish forest is anything other than trees. So how in the world anyone ever figured out the secret of the forest is beyond me....
This book WANTS to be a good book. It has many of the required elements. Unfortunately, IMO, it's a victim of a poor story, poor writing, and poor editing. And yet, there are MORE of these books! Yes, this is only the 1st in a full-blown series that this author wrote, so obviously someone reads them and likes them.
When I purchased this book, I also purchased "The Very Thought of You", marked as book #2; but it seems to be an entirely different story and set of people in the past. Once again, someone from the 1990s ends up in 14th century Scotland or England, but this time it's a man who goes in search of a woman. Since I own the book, I'll read it. But likely, I'll donate them both to my local library and be done with them. I wondered why my library didn't own any copies; I can see why now. Some convoluted and very small chart at the front of the 1st book supposedly shows how these books all relate, but frankly, the print and pictures are too small to follow. And I have no desire to figure it out.
I really, really wanted to love this book... the description is enchanting, and being an "Outlander" fan, I was caught by a "Jamie" being the Highland lord, and the "lady" being from 1996. But this book just... didn't... do it... for me... at all. *sigh*
My apologies to major fans of this book, because I can see the appeal. But perhaps I'm a decade or two too late, because the story seemed disjointed. And the anachronisms between 1996 and 14th century Scotland, instead of being charming and funny, just seemed very wrong.
For all her research about Scotland - and for wanting to be a romance writer at that - the main character, Elizabeth Smith, just wasn't all that interesting. Or it seemed very interested in that time. Rather than using it to find out more about the people and the times, she seems to be intent on imposing her will on the people and the times. Elizabeth grew up with 5 brothers, big hulking tough dudes. And she lives in New York City. So you'd think she'd know a thing or two about how to fend for herself and fight off men. Yes, she was tackled soon upon her "arrival" in the past - that she couldn't help. But not long after, she's almost being raped by 4 men. They're sure to have laid in wait for her, yes; but somehow, the circumstance seemed too much like a plot point than a happening. Elizabeth surely wasn't stupid enough to wander around alone, was she?
James "Jamie" MacLeod - the Highlander of her dreams is anything but in person. He's almost a caricature of a Scottish laird, except I can't see many men following him anywhere with his hot head. He's grown up without a mother and without women in his life, and that's just fine with him. He has a son, Jesse, from a mistress who died giving birth to the lad. But Jamie really hasn't any idea about love or romance or sex - certainly not much more than the basic, rudimentary parts. Jamie has to ask his friend/cousin Ian for advice on how to pleasure a woman. What? In this way, Jamie is anything but the typical Scottish laird - is this supposed to be what's different about him from other romance lairds?
And where are the TOWNSPEOPLE? A laird is responsible for the villages around the castle, and the crofters and other tenants on his land. You can't tell me that not ONE WOMAN is allowed to be part of the warriors' lives? Maids? Cooks? Washerwomen? Healers? Nope. For all intents and purposes, the only women we even really meet are Elizabeth and Megan, a lass that Jesse has disguised as a lad so that Megan has a place to sleep and food. What? From this, Jamie MacLeod is one of the WORST lairds of all time - he apparently cares nothing for his people beyond being his possessions. Yes, he rides out to see the damage done to crofters' homes on the border, a brutal raid supposedly by the Fergussons. And yes, Jamie does seem to be touched by the brutality, especially to the women. Except only when it hits him that Elizabeth could have been attacked that way. No real sympathy or caring for the crofters. UNBELIEVABLE.
The villain, Nolan, is such a set up from the start of the book, that it's a no-brainer as to what will happen. Even the neighbor, the horrid Guilbert McKinnon, is no real enemy. He's another plot point.
No, I found both Elizabeth and Jamie rather boring and almost unlikeable, except for their mutual love and the way that they treated Jesse and Megan. Until they decide to "return" to Elizabeth's time in 1996. The book actually started to get almost good at that point. But unfortunately, that, too was cut short by weird history and trying to return things to how they should have been without the villain's interference. Bleh.
The time travel mechanism was a forest. Huh. We're told horrible beasties live in the forest and can tear a man apart. But no stories of faeries or superstitions about people who routinely disappear (with one small exception, Jamie's brother). Nothing really to make us think that this stretch of Scottish forest is anything other than trees. So how in the world anyone ever figured out the secret of the forest is beyond me....
This book WANTS to be a good book. It has many of the required elements. Unfortunately, IMO, it's a victim of a poor story, poor writing, and poor editing. And yet, there are MORE of these books! Yes, this is only the 1st in a full-blown series that this author wrote, so obviously someone reads them and likes them.
When I purchased this book, I also purchased "The Very Thought of You", marked as book #2; but it seems to be an entirely different story and set of people in the past. Once again, someone from the 1990s ends up in 14th century Scotland or England, but this time it's a man who goes in search of a woman. Since I own the book, I'll read it. But likely, I'll donate them both to my local library and be done with them. I wondered why my library didn't own any copies; I can see why now. Some convoluted and very small chart at the front of the 1st book supposedly shows how these books all relate, but frankly, the print and pictures are too small to follow. And I have no desire to figure it out.
November 17, 2008
This is one of my all time favorite books. Lynn Kurland writes a great story and doesn't have to rely on graphic sex to develop a good love story. Kurland is my favorite romance author by far. I keep all her books (even the short stories which, unfortunately, are generally not her best.) She is best at novels.
December 28, 2021
Re-read.
September 7, 2024
The best time-travel romance ever written. My husband always thought I'm a loon when reading time-travel romance. LOL
They are such wonderful lovers. I cried reading James 1st sight of his long lost brother Patrick. This is really a great book and well worth the reading.
Lynn Kurland is in a class of her own.
They are such wonderful lovers. I cried reading James 1st sight of his long lost brother Patrick. This is really a great book and well worth the reading.
Lynn Kurland is in a class of her own.
November 19, 2018
Wow, I'm pretty stunned that this book has so many high ratings. I was in the mood for a time travel romance and picked this one at random. BAD decision on my part. There was so much wrong with this one I don't even know where to begin. My disgust for the "hero" Jamie will never go away after how barbaric he behaved towards Elizabeth. I get that this is the 1300s, but this is not a man that I would ever care to read about.
When Elizabeth is found in the woods, she's brought to him by one of his men, and his misogyny is so great that he takes an immediate distrust and distaste to her. This charming comment is from their first meeting:
“I am James MacLeod,” the man said, his tone curt. She looked at him blankly. “The MacLeod!” he shouted. “Damnation but you are an insolent wench. A good beating might serve you well.”
Because she's a woman, you see...and women are not allowed in his castle or on his land. He actually internally refers her as a “creature.” An unwelcome oddity that has invaded his home. Have you ever heard of anything so preposterous in your life? The men are looking at her as if she's a fem alien beamed down and deposited amongst their superior masculinity. Am I to believe that these men haven't been exposed to any women in so long that the sight of her leaves them either speechless or on the verge of raping her? Strange, since Jamie fathered a child from a "village wench" so clearly there are women SOMEWHERE nearby.
After deciding that he's going to burn her at the stake for the witch she is...(Based on what? Oh, because she has bewitched him. *eye roll*) he throws her in some dungeon hole, injuring her wrist. He ignores her screams of terror as she's covered with insects, vermin, and filth. Even his own men don't want to set foot down there to retrieve her later. When he goes down to take her out, she's laying there traumatized and unable to speak. Time traveling to the medieval times and being threatened with death tends to take a lot out of you, you know. Out of the goodness of his heart, he graciously takes her to the lake to wash WITH HIM. Because who needs privacy when they bathe, amiright? The rude woman got him filthy when he picked her up and took her out of the hell hole, so clearly he has to get in as well. Isn't this just precious? It only gets better the next night when he decides she's not welcome in his bedroom anymore, and tells her to stay out in the main room where all of the men are lurking who've been lusting after her. He just abandons her there, with no protection at all, and not even a thought to her safety. What does Elizabeth do? She runs outside to "escape" in the dead of night, exposing herself to the rapists and giving them a perfect opportunity. This is a modern woman???
I'm sorry, but how is this supposed to be a romance? It's laughable how flimsy and unrealistic the plot is, and the characters are thoroughly unlikeable. I couldn't continue to read any more.
When Elizabeth is found in the woods, she's brought to him by one of his men, and his misogyny is so great that he takes an immediate distrust and distaste to her. This charming comment is from their first meeting:
“I am James MacLeod,” the man said, his tone curt. She looked at him blankly. “The MacLeod!” he shouted. “Damnation but you are an insolent wench. A good beating might serve you well.”
Because she's a woman, you see...and women are not allowed in his castle or on his land. He actually internally refers her as a “creature.” An unwelcome oddity that has invaded his home. Have you ever heard of anything so preposterous in your life? The men are looking at her as if she's a fem alien beamed down and deposited amongst their superior masculinity. Am I to believe that these men haven't been exposed to any women in so long that the sight of her leaves them either speechless or on the verge of raping her? Strange, since Jamie fathered a child from a "village wench" so clearly there are women SOMEWHERE nearby.
After deciding that he's going to burn her at the stake for the witch she is...(Based on what? Oh, because she has bewitched him. *eye roll*) he throws her in some dungeon hole, injuring her wrist. He ignores her screams of terror as she's covered with insects, vermin, and filth. Even his own men don't want to set foot down there to retrieve her later. When he goes down to take her out, she's laying there traumatized and unable to speak. Time traveling to the medieval times and being threatened with death tends to take a lot out of you, you know. Out of the goodness of his heart, he graciously takes her to the lake to wash WITH HIM. Because who needs privacy when they bathe, amiright? The rude woman got him filthy when he picked her up and took her out of the hell hole, so clearly he has to get in as well. Isn't this just precious? It only gets better the next night when he decides she's not welcome in his bedroom anymore, and tells her to stay out in the main room where all of the men are lurking who've been lusting after her. He just abandons her there, with no protection at all, and not even a thought to her safety. What does Elizabeth do? She runs outside to "escape" in the dead of night, exposing herself to the rapists and giving them a perfect opportunity. This is a modern woman???
I'm sorry, but how is this supposed to be a romance? It's laughable how flimsy and unrealistic the plot is, and the characters are thoroughly unlikeable. I couldn't continue to read any more.
August 17, 2009
This was not really a 4* read for me, but it was above average for the most part, so 3* wasn't enough. I liked the story, I loved the Highlander clan members (especially Angus & Ian & Malcolm), and Jaime's son Jesse was almost too good to be true. And I really liked the gradual change in Jaime from his first 'she's-a-witch, I'll-throw-her-in-the-pit' response when he first saw her in his castle.
So what didn't I like? Elizabeth was a 20th century author who often ate take-out and seldom cleaned her own apartment, yet without any adjustment time she jumps right in and not only organizes cleaning the castle (that was for survival), but is down on her hands and knees scouring a truly disgusting floor, and apparently was a good enough cook to create recipes. And then there's Megan, who's been posing as a boy for nearly a decade because Jaime didn't allow females in the castle, but as soon as Beth puts her in a dress, she acts completely like a girl, again with almost no adjustment time. It was just too jarring for me.
That said, I will continue reading about the MacLeods
So what didn't I like? Elizabeth was a 20th century author who often ate take-out and seldom cleaned her own apartment, yet without any adjustment time she jumps right in and not only organizes cleaning the castle (that was for survival), but is down on her hands and knees scouring a truly disgusting floor, and apparently was a good enough cook to create recipes. And then there's Megan, who's been posing as a boy for nearly a decade because Jaime didn't allow females in the castle, but as soon as Beth puts her in a dress, she acts completely like a girl, again with almost no adjustment time. It was just too jarring for me.
That said, I will continue reading about the MacLeods
June 18, 2012
This sets the stage for the MacLeod series which is I think her best series. The characters are great...I just love that cousin Ian. I think the book is somewhat tiresome in the beginning with all of Jamie's grumbles and antics, but it gets better once the author gets past all that.
I would recommend reading the series, especially if you like time travel romances. This author has a light unique touch when it comes to the bedroom scenes, without missing a beat on the passion between characters. I think it is something that makes her unique in the genre and frankly a very welcoming change!
I would recommend reading the series, especially if you like time travel romances. This author has a light unique touch when it comes to the bedroom scenes, without missing a beat on the passion between characters. I think it is something that makes her unique in the genre and frankly a very welcoming change!
June 6, 2008
This is another time travel that I read back in 1996. Jamie MacLeod is Laird over his clan in 1311 and Elizabeth Smith is a writer of romances in 1996.
Kurland has a light touch with her time travels and I love how many members of the same family end up in the future together.
Kurland has a light touch with her time travels and I love how many members of the same family end up in the future together.
April 12, 2015
Time Travel Romance Enjoyable!
This is one of those slightly silly romance novels that just puts a big smile on your face. I burst out laughing several times while reading it.
Elizabeth is an extremely likeable heroine, upbeat, kind and caring, always willing to talk things out.
My only complaint about this book is the hero, Jamie, who flips back and forth between treating Elizabeth terribly vs. treating her with respect. All this both before and after he realizes he really likes her. I had a hard time drumming up respect for Jamie.
All that said, the book takes a turn for the better about half way through, and gets really interesting through the last 15% or so. I will definitely be picking up the next in the sequel.
Surprisingly, this book is almost completely clean. All intimate scenes are behind closed doors and after marriage. I believe there may have been one or two bad words, but I cannot remember with certainty.
This is one of those slightly silly romance novels that just puts a big smile on your face. I burst out laughing several times while reading it.
Elizabeth is an extremely likeable heroine, upbeat, kind and caring, always willing to talk things out.
My only complaint about this book is the hero, Jamie, who flips back and forth between treating Elizabeth terribly vs. treating her with respect. All this both before and after he realizes he really likes her. I had a hard time drumming up respect for Jamie.
All that said, the book takes a turn for the better about half way through, and gets really interesting through the last 15% or so. I will definitely be picking up the next in the sequel.
Surprisingly, this book is almost completely clean. All intimate scenes are behind closed doors and after marriage. I believe there may have been one or two bad words, but I cannot remember with certainty.
June 29, 2008
I'm usually a very positive reviewer, whether it's books, movies, TV shows, etc. This book, however, has me hesitant to give it a good rating. The characters were not as likable as others. The writer would have the people out of character several times just for the sake of a funny bit or Elizabeth (the heroine) especially would be out of character quite a bit for about the first half of the book for the sake of drama. Things didn't always flow and it made me feel as if I was reading a first draft yet to be read through again. All in all, it was just ok.
January 13, 2013
I am a big fan of historical romance, especially when set in Scotland in the medieval time period. A Dance Through Time by Lynn Kurland more than met my expectations for a great read! Lynn Kurland is a master at creating characters you come to love with a plot that will pull at your heart strings and give you a chuckle now and then. Many of her books involve time travel and ghosts. This book is the beginning of many romances involving the McLeod family. It is a standalone book, but if you read all of her "McLeod family" books it helps to have read this one first.
In A Dance Through Time, Elizabeth Smith, a struggling romance writer, dreams of a handsome Scottish laird then is magically transported to Scotland in the year 1311 to that same laird's castle. Laird James McLeod has never allowed a woman in his castle. When he finds Elizabeth there, he thinks she is a witch and promptly puts her in his dungeon.
Unknown to all but a few of the clan, James' brother Patrick had traveled to the future the previous year, coming back only once to tell of it before returning. James realizes Elizabeth is not a witch, but rather a person from the future so he allows her to live in the castle in hopes of learning more about his missing brother. Even though he is a feared warrior throughout Scotland, he soon finds Elizabeth to be more than a match for him. The longer they are together, the more they become attracted to each other and ultimately fall in love.
When Elizabeth finds a way to return to her own time, she must decide whether to remain in the past with James even as unexpected treachery threatens their hopes of a future together. Their story is a roller coaster ride of emotions that will pull you in from the very beginning and will hold you fast throughout the book.
Ms. Kurland does an outstanding job of making the plot very believable and her characters will warm your heart. This book is definitely a 5 star read and I highly recommend it! I look forward to reading more of her work.
In A Dance Through Time, Elizabeth Smith, a struggling romance writer, dreams of a handsome Scottish laird then is magically transported to Scotland in the year 1311 to that same laird's castle. Laird James McLeod has never allowed a woman in his castle. When he finds Elizabeth there, he thinks she is a witch and promptly puts her in his dungeon.
Unknown to all but a few of the clan, James' brother Patrick had traveled to the future the previous year, coming back only once to tell of it before returning. James realizes Elizabeth is not a witch, but rather a person from the future so he allows her to live in the castle in hopes of learning more about his missing brother. Even though he is a feared warrior throughout Scotland, he soon finds Elizabeth to be more than a match for him. The longer they are together, the more they become attracted to each other and ultimately fall in love.
When Elizabeth finds a way to return to her own time, she must decide whether to remain in the past with James even as unexpected treachery threatens their hopes of a future together. Their story is a roller coaster ride of emotions that will pull you in from the very beginning and will hold you fast throughout the book.
Ms. Kurland does an outstanding job of making the plot very believable and her characters will warm your heart. This book is definitely a 5 star read and I highly recommend it! I look forward to reading more of her work.
September 30, 2023
I remember liking this when I was a teenager but as an adult this just reads like poorly disguised Outlander fanfic. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but the main heroine who kept being described as "feisty" kept coming off as meek and whimpy. The writing was fine, but the characters annoyed me. 2.5 ⭐
September 30, 2025
Writing wasn’t great but also it was written in 1996 and I bought it for $2 from the 2nd hand store so who am I to judge.
March 26, 2019
I'm done. I can't continue reading this load of *****.
It's bad people. Bad character development. Bad plot. Bad everything. Even the non-existent sex scenes manage to be bad. It's so bad I don't even care how it could possibly ends, because it's that bad.
Let's put things to scale. I finished "Transcendence"... you know, the horrible book narrated from a pre-Neanderthal's point of view and I couldn't finish this one.
The worst part? The hope. I had hopes. It had 4.18 in its ratings, the heroine seemed relatively prepared to be thrown into the past as she was a writer researching Scotland. Nop. None of that is useful. She somehow manages to fall in love with Jamie (who is honestly annoying af). I mean, nothing says love at first site than him throwing you into a pit full of vermin! No?
I mean... I'm done. I'm so so so pissed. I need a good book. Pronto. PRONTO.
It's bad people. Bad character development. Bad plot. Bad everything. Even the non-existent sex scenes manage to be bad. It's so bad I don't even care how it could possibly ends, because it's that bad.
Let's put things to scale. I finished "Transcendence"... you know, the horrible book narrated from a pre-Neanderthal's point of view and I couldn't finish this one.
The worst part? The hope. I had hopes. It had 4.18 in its ratings, the heroine seemed relatively prepared to be thrown into the past as she was a writer researching Scotland. Nop. None of that is useful. She somehow manages to fall in love with Jamie (who is honestly annoying af). I mean, nothing says love at first site than him throwing you into a pit full of vermin! No?
I mean... I'm done. I'm so so so pissed. I need a good book. Pronto. PRONTO.
November 20, 2022
First in the MacLeod Family historical paranormal romance series (and second in the overall de Piaget/MacLeod series) revolving around the clan MacLeod. The couple focus is on Elizabeth Smith from NYC in 1999 and Jamie MacLeod in Scotland in 1311.
My Take
Too funny. Elizabeth rewrites all the tragic endings of plays, which leads to an unsettling conclusion. She has reached another conclusion about her "fiancé" and his true purpose behind that "engagement". Oh boy.
Kurland uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Elizabeth's and Jamie's perspectives, which gives us insight into their thoughts and emotions. Definitely fun!
Okay, hygiene is obviously not a problem back in Jamie's day. I thoroughly enjoyed Elizabeth's work cleaning up that hall and restoring pride in several of Jamie's men. As for the inedible food presented, lol.
Jamie's reaction to her father's profession was hilarious.
I am confused when Kurland says Jamie has one of the most powerful clans in Scotland and yet his clan seems to be scraping by. It appears Jamie is also scraping by in romantic bedding and seeks advice from the womanizing Ian, lol. Yeah, Elizabeth isn't impressed by her wedding night.
Kurland has a tricky way of preventing history from being unsettled, and I did enjoy Elizabeth's reckoning of Jame's family history. I also got a laugh at Jamie's reactions to 1996.
But this trip forward is not the only time traveling done nor are Elizabeth and Jamie the only travelers. And Roddy's stories provides us with foreshadowing of the future de Piaget/MacLeod stories.
There's history, the conflict of time travel action, the contrast between historical attitudes, a range of characters with plenty of action, and a sweet happily ever after.
The Story
Jamie has never allowed a woman in his fall, and Elizabeth Smith is a most unwelcome "guest" who changes everything Jamie has believed.
The Characters
Elizabeth Smith, a.k.a. "Geoffrey", is a dreamer with a tiny apartment furnished in early starving writer. She has five brothers: Jared and Stephen, who are both doctors; Alex, a big mucky-muck marauding lawyer with a great wardrobe; Sam plays in a band on the side; and, Zachary has just graduated from law school and already has an degree in architecture. Her father, Robert, is a pediatrician; her mother is Mary. Elizabeth's grandfather used to tell her stories of the Scots and taught her Gaelic.
Clan MacLeod in 1311
The thirty-year-old Jamie MacLeod is the clan chief, the MacLeod. Jesse MacLeod is Jamie's son. Patrick is Jamie's younger brother who had disappeared in the forest. Astronaut is Jamie's horse. Yeah . . . Kenneth also wandered off. Ian Weis is Jamie's cousin. Douglas MacLeod had been Jamie's father and the man who originally banned all women. Other kinsmen include Angus; the corrupt Nolan MacLeod, a wicked man with a preference for rape; Malcolm, who wants to be Elizabeth's guardsman; Hugh, who is the "cook"; Megan, who is disguised as a boy with a talent for illustration; the disabled Everett gets his pride back; Dougan, who is also disabled with an astonishing knowledge of herbs; and, Friar Augustine is the clan's priest who offers refuge. Natalie is the sister of Ian's latest lay. Young Innis and his bride suffer from the Fergussons' actions. Joshua of Sedgwick is a very loyal wandering minstrel.
Andrew MacAllister sold Jamie some horses and informs Elizabeth he's Jamie's favorite ally. Robert McShane is another of Jamie's allies and has just lost his bride. Guilbert McKinnon, a another MacLeod ally, has a reputation as a womanizer and for getting rid of problems by burning them. Richard, Guilbert's brother, is more sensible.
Clan Fergusson are . . .
. . . enemies of the MacLeods. Kincaid Fergusson had been their chief.
Robert the Bruce was King of the Scots from 1306 to his death in 1329. Several hundred years later, Daniel and Dougan McAfee, twin brothers, fight each other for the lairdship of their clan.
Scotland, 1996
Roddy MacLeod runs an inn and is full of various historical stories about James MacLeod and his bride. Ryan Fergusson now owns Castle MacLeod.
New York City, 1996
Stanley Berkowitz works at the New York Public Library, wants to be Elizabeth's fiancé, but isn't thrilled about her chosen career. Mr Perkins is the "suffering" maintenance man at Elizabeth's apartment building.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a faded pale blue background that appears to be a gradated image of a forest from almost transparent to a bit more visible on the right. The primary text is mostly burgundy from the more reddish info blurb at the top to the darker author's name with yet another info blurb below that in black. Below the graphic is the title with a testimonial, in black. The centered rectangular graphic has a burgundy ribbon'd border with a golden sword a'slant the graphic. Within the border is a golden castle on a tall hill against a blue summer sky with a picnic basket on a burgundy checked tablecloth in the forefront.
The title is the travels of the Smiths and MacLeods in A Dance Through Time.
My Take
Too funny. Elizabeth rewrites all the tragic endings of plays, which leads to an unsettling conclusion. She has reached another conclusion about her "fiancé" and his true purpose behind that "engagement". Oh boy.
Kurland uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Elizabeth's and Jamie's perspectives, which gives us insight into their thoughts and emotions. Definitely fun!
Okay, hygiene is obviously not a problem back in Jamie's day. I thoroughly enjoyed Elizabeth's work cleaning up that hall and restoring pride in several of Jamie's men. As for the inedible food presented, lol.
Jamie's reaction to her father's profession was hilarious.
I am confused when Kurland says Jamie has one of the most powerful clans in Scotland and yet his clan seems to be scraping by. It appears Jamie is also scraping by in romantic bedding and seeks advice from the womanizing Ian, lol. Yeah, Elizabeth isn't impressed by her wedding night.
Kurland has a tricky way of preventing history from being unsettled, and I did enjoy Elizabeth's reckoning of Jame's family history. I also got a laugh at Jamie's reactions to 1996.
But this trip forward is not the only time traveling done nor are Elizabeth and Jamie the only travelers. And Roddy's stories provides us with foreshadowing of the future de Piaget/MacLeod stories.
There's history, the conflict of time travel action, the contrast between historical attitudes, a range of characters with plenty of action, and a sweet happily ever after.
The Story
Jamie has never allowed a woman in his fall, and Elizabeth Smith is a most unwelcome "guest" who changes everything Jamie has believed.
The Characters
Elizabeth Smith, a.k.a. "Geoffrey", is a dreamer with a tiny apartment furnished in early starving writer. She has five brothers: Jared and Stephen, who are both doctors; Alex, a big mucky-muck marauding lawyer with a great wardrobe; Sam plays in a band on the side; and, Zachary has just graduated from law school and already has an degree in architecture. Her father, Robert, is a pediatrician; her mother is Mary. Elizabeth's grandfather used to tell her stories of the Scots and taught her Gaelic.
Clan MacLeod in 1311
The thirty-year-old Jamie MacLeod is the clan chief, the MacLeod. Jesse MacLeod is Jamie's son. Patrick is Jamie's younger brother who had disappeared in the forest. Astronaut is Jamie's horse. Yeah . . . Kenneth also wandered off. Ian Weis is Jamie's cousin. Douglas MacLeod had been Jamie's father and the man who originally banned all women. Other kinsmen include Angus; the corrupt Nolan MacLeod, a wicked man with a preference for rape; Malcolm, who wants to be Elizabeth's guardsman; Hugh, who is the "cook"; Megan, who is disguised as a boy with a talent for illustration; the disabled Everett gets his pride back; Dougan, who is also disabled with an astonishing knowledge of herbs; and, Friar Augustine is the clan's priest who offers refuge. Natalie is the sister of Ian's latest lay. Young Innis and his bride suffer from the Fergussons' actions. Joshua of Sedgwick is a very loyal wandering minstrel.
Andrew MacAllister sold Jamie some horses and informs Elizabeth he's Jamie's favorite ally. Robert McShane is another of Jamie's allies and has just lost his bride. Guilbert McKinnon, a another MacLeod ally, has a reputation as a womanizer and for getting rid of problems by burning them. Richard, Guilbert's brother, is more sensible.
Clan Fergusson are . . .
. . . enemies of the MacLeods. Kincaid Fergusson had been their chief.
Robert the Bruce was King of the Scots from 1306 to his death in 1329. Several hundred years later, Daniel and Dougan McAfee, twin brothers, fight each other for the lairdship of their clan.
Scotland, 1996
Roddy MacLeod runs an inn and is full of various historical stories about James MacLeod and his bride. Ryan Fergusson now owns Castle MacLeod.
New York City, 1996
Stanley Berkowitz works at the New York Public Library, wants to be Elizabeth's fiancé, but isn't thrilled about her chosen career. Mr Perkins is the "suffering" maintenance man at Elizabeth's apartment building.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a faded pale blue background that appears to be a gradated image of a forest from almost transparent to a bit more visible on the right. The primary text is mostly burgundy from the more reddish info blurb at the top to the darker author's name with yet another info blurb below that in black. Below the graphic is the title with a testimonial, in black. The centered rectangular graphic has a burgundy ribbon'd border with a golden sword a'slant the graphic. Within the border is a golden castle on a tall hill against a blue summer sky with a picnic basket on a burgundy checked tablecloth in the forefront.
The title is the travels of the Smiths and MacLeods in A Dance Through Time.
July 6, 2012
I enjoy this book. It is one of my favorites. It isn't squeaky clean but compared to other authors it isn't too terribly descriptive. Her books get cleaner as they go.
When I read a romance I expect it to be unbelievable and fluff and that is what you get. I never expect any romance to be that way so for other reviewers to be expecting more than that seems a bit silly to me.
I love how she eventually brings Jamie into other stories and develops his character. This is what make Lynn Kurland fun for me. She keeps me reading since I have to wait years for Katherine Kurtz to publish a book.
When I read a romance I expect it to be unbelievable and fluff and that is what you get. I never expect any romance to be that way so for other reviewers to be expecting more than that seems a bit silly to me.
I love how she eventually brings Jamie into other stories and develops his character. This is what make Lynn Kurland fun for me. She keeps me reading since I have to wait years for Katherine Kurtz to publish a book.
July 9, 2008
This is another of Lynn's fantastic time travels. James MacLeod heads a family that enjoys wild adventures through the centuries. He is fiercely protective of his own, no matter the connection ... or the time. He is a lovable character that keeps popping up throughout the saga of this family. Beautifully crafted story that you won't want to put down. A definite keeper. In fact, my daughter and I both liked it so much we each have a copy of it.
August 13, 2025
Second Rating : 3.1/5
Upon looking at this with fresh eyes nearly a decade after first reading and reviewing it...
...yeah, I'll admit that my comments from the first time still do very much hold true; except that it's more tolerable than I would have thought before.
Maybe you really need to get into a genre in order to review it properly and understand all of its nuances and what have you; but, in my case, I still had to hold out a bit in order to get through this one. Simply put, Elizabeth as a heroine is someone who expects much without really doing much, and Jamie is fighting against the expectations of his time by bending so much to what Elizabeth wants. Additionally, Elizabeth IS rather in Mary Sue territory, in that all of Jamie's kinsmen--hardened highland warriors, mind you!--are all on her side, including Jamie's own SON, and that everything she did is immensely beautiful or something that Jamie should be thanking God for granting him or whatever.
It was a bit much, and it's making me re-think reading Outlander, as I'm sure that this author took a lot of inspiration from there, what with the time-travelling-Scotland gambit to everything.
Regardless though, I'm continuing to justify being critical about this read, even in the context of its genre--from which, honestly, I'd just rather read about anything by Lynsay Sands to have a great time.
So...better than I'd originally thought, certainly; but keep in mind that all my critique points below still hold true, leniency or not.
**NOTE: No spoilers!**
Actual Rating : 1.3/5
Before I commence my official review of the novel, I feel that there are two things that the readers should know, and that I should indicate:
1. The only reason that I decided to read this novel is because it has been on my "To-Read" list for a long time. That is because
2. The concept of the story is good, really. Just based on the summary provided by Goodreads alone, you'd think it would be a decent novel, charming even.
Both reasons, I am apt to mention, were not enough to prepare me for what I had gotten myself into. Now, I could literally go on and on about the shortcomings of this novel, as well as my specific problems with it, but I do not wish to fervently discourage anyone from reading it. No, instead, I think that this review ought only to be used as a precaution as to the problems one might find once reading the novel, without giving anything away, of course.
Of the problems I encountered, I have decided to point out the three greatest ones, from "Bad to Worst". Again, I will do my best not to give anything away in my summary of these problems, but be prepared to have hopes dampened in case you had any regarding the content being mentioned. Well, with that being said, let's begin:
Bad - The Historical Content
I feel it necessary to mention this just in case anyone wanted to read the novel purely for the "medieval Scottish" aspects of it. Granted, there are a few, and Lynn Kurland really is trying to weave it in the form of an effective historical fairytale; however, she fails miserably. There are details about the ways in which people might've lived back then in keeps, as well as defending their own lands and whatnot, but the descriptions are not captivating enough to really take you back in time, so to speak. Again, I am convinced that the author was at least trying to take her readers on an adventure, but, because her focus shifts so much to other things--which I will address later on--the attempted beauty regarding the history is horribly butchered. Needless to say, history lovers stay away.
Worse - The Romance
The one good thing to say for the romance in the novel is that it is not the worst thing--that is yet to come. In a nutshell, the romance in this novel can be summarized as the fantasy of a lonely, bored, hopelessly romantic, sexually frustrated housewife with nothing better to do, or the awakening sexual fantasies of an eleven-to-twelve year-old. I'll admit, as an eleven year old, looking back on some of my own written content and reading material back then, I would have considered this quite the five-star read. As it is though, now I can see it as nothing more than a waste of paper. Now, I understand how many people could have given this a four or five-star rating: I think that those who have sufficient literary taste can agree with me in chucking it down to hopelessly romantic notions. However, if the hopeless romantics of this world wish to indulge in a novel full to the brim with sickening sweetness and non-descriptive seductiveness, then I suggest that they go and read Twilight. Yes, even Twilight carries a better romance than this novel, because at least is carries a bit of equality. For those who are wondering what I mean, let me elaborate: in Twilight, both Edward and Bella partake in suffering, thus making it mutual, whereas the romance in this book is hopelessly flawed in that one of the characters is always at the beck and call of their counterpart, sacrificing way more than is just. I will not specify which of our protagonists it is, but, as a hint, think back to what a sexually-frustrated housewife would prefer, and you've got your answer.
Worst - The Logic
Finally, we arrive at the pinnacle of disaster in this novel: the logic it follows. I will not take the time to point out any of the obvious wrongdoings on behalf of the author to her readers, or how the majority of the chapters really focus on unnecessary details whilst emitting important others; however I will, on the other hand, express why this is the most blatantly depressing problem in the novel. A lot of the things that happen, the reader should be prepared to happen for no logical reason. And I literally mean no logical reason. That was one of the aspects that actually kept me attuned to the book enough to finish it, because I already had an inkling of what would happen next, and just wanted to see it through in order to prove myself right. I did. Successfully having tapped into the creative structure of this novel, I will now impart the secret as to its logic, which hopefully other readers will agree with once--and if--they bother to read it themselves. Listen: everything in the novel that happens literally happens only because the author wants it to. That's it. There's literally no other rhyme or reason for things happening as they do, except for the fact that the author wants it to happen that way. It may seem like a logical aspect of any novel, of course, because all authors are entitled to free reign over their stories, but this goes beyond that. Authors are entitled to free reign over their stories, yes, but at least provide the readers with a logic for doing things as you did and writing as you have. Lynn Kurland, unfortunately, does not provide any of this relief to her readers. On the contrary, she just goes on and on with her own personal preferences, eventually spouting out something that, quite honestly, she may be the only one to fully appreciate.
All that being said, I will conclude my review, having kept readers preoccupied long enough already. Once more, I repeat that I do not wish to influence whether readers will take up this novel or not, as that is entirely a personal decision; however, I must, nevertheless, inform them of the novel's most drastic shortcomings. There is bias in this review, indeed, but keep in mind that it may contain truth as well.
A.M.G.
Upon looking at this with fresh eyes nearly a decade after first reading and reviewing it...
...yeah, I'll admit that my comments from the first time still do very much hold true; except that it's more tolerable than I would have thought before.
Maybe you really need to get into a genre in order to review it properly and understand all of its nuances and what have you; but, in my case, I still had to hold out a bit in order to get through this one. Simply put, Elizabeth as a heroine is someone who expects much without really doing much, and Jamie is fighting against the expectations of his time by bending so much to what Elizabeth wants. Additionally, Elizabeth IS rather in Mary Sue territory, in that all of Jamie's kinsmen--hardened highland warriors, mind you!--are all on her side, including Jamie's own SON, and that everything she did is immensely beautiful or something that Jamie should be thanking God for granting him or whatever.
It was a bit much, and it's making me re-think reading Outlander, as I'm sure that this author took a lot of inspiration from there, what with the time-travelling-Scotland gambit to everything.
Regardless though, I'm continuing to justify being critical about this read, even in the context of its genre--from which, honestly, I'd just rather read about anything by Lynsay Sands to have a great time.
So...better than I'd originally thought, certainly; but keep in mind that all my critique points below still hold true, leniency or not.
**NOTE: No spoilers!**
Actual Rating : 1.3/5
Before I commence my official review of the novel, I feel that there are two things that the readers should know, and that I should indicate:
1. The only reason that I decided to read this novel is because it has been on my "To-Read" list for a long time. That is because
2. The concept of the story is good, really. Just based on the summary provided by Goodreads alone, you'd think it would be a decent novel, charming even.
Both reasons, I am apt to mention, were not enough to prepare me for what I had gotten myself into. Now, I could literally go on and on about the shortcomings of this novel, as well as my specific problems with it, but I do not wish to fervently discourage anyone from reading it. No, instead, I think that this review ought only to be used as a precaution as to the problems one might find once reading the novel, without giving anything away, of course.
Of the problems I encountered, I have decided to point out the three greatest ones, from "Bad to Worst". Again, I will do my best not to give anything away in my summary of these problems, but be prepared to have hopes dampened in case you had any regarding the content being mentioned. Well, with that being said, let's begin:
Bad - The Historical Content
I feel it necessary to mention this just in case anyone wanted to read the novel purely for the "medieval Scottish" aspects of it. Granted, there are a few, and Lynn Kurland really is trying to weave it in the form of an effective historical fairytale; however, she fails miserably. There are details about the ways in which people might've lived back then in keeps, as well as defending their own lands and whatnot, but the descriptions are not captivating enough to really take you back in time, so to speak. Again, I am convinced that the author was at least trying to take her readers on an adventure, but, because her focus shifts so much to other things--which I will address later on--the attempted beauty regarding the history is horribly butchered. Needless to say, history lovers stay away.
Worse - The Romance
The one good thing to say for the romance in the novel is that it is not the worst thing--that is yet to come. In a nutshell, the romance in this novel can be summarized as the fantasy of a lonely, bored, hopelessly romantic, sexually frustrated housewife with nothing better to do, or the awakening sexual fantasies of an eleven-to-twelve year-old. I'll admit, as an eleven year old, looking back on some of my own written content and reading material back then, I would have considered this quite the five-star read. As it is though, now I can see it as nothing more than a waste of paper. Now, I understand how many people could have given this a four or five-star rating: I think that those who have sufficient literary taste can agree with me in chucking it down to hopelessly romantic notions. However, if the hopeless romantics of this world wish to indulge in a novel full to the brim with sickening sweetness and non-descriptive seductiveness, then I suggest that they go and read Twilight. Yes, even Twilight carries a better romance than this novel, because at least is carries a bit of equality. For those who are wondering what I mean, let me elaborate: in Twilight, both Edward and Bella partake in suffering, thus making it mutual, whereas the romance in this book is hopelessly flawed in that one of the characters is always at the beck and call of their counterpart, sacrificing way more than is just. I will not specify which of our protagonists it is, but, as a hint, think back to what a sexually-frustrated housewife would prefer, and you've got your answer.
Worst - The Logic
Finally, we arrive at the pinnacle of disaster in this novel: the logic it follows. I will not take the time to point out any of the obvious wrongdoings on behalf of the author to her readers, or how the majority of the chapters really focus on unnecessary details whilst emitting important others; however I will, on the other hand, express why this is the most blatantly depressing problem in the novel. A lot of the things that happen, the reader should be prepared to happen for no logical reason. And I literally mean no logical reason. That was one of the aspects that actually kept me attuned to the book enough to finish it, because I already had an inkling of what would happen next, and just wanted to see it through in order to prove myself right. I did. Successfully having tapped into the creative structure of this novel, I will now impart the secret as to its logic, which hopefully other readers will agree with once--and if--they bother to read it themselves. Listen: everything in the novel that happens literally happens only because the author wants it to. That's it. There's literally no other rhyme or reason for things happening as they do, except for the fact that the author wants it to happen that way. It may seem like a logical aspect of any novel, of course, because all authors are entitled to free reign over their stories, but this goes beyond that. Authors are entitled to free reign over their stories, yes, but at least provide the readers with a logic for doing things as you did and writing as you have. Lynn Kurland, unfortunately, does not provide any of this relief to her readers. On the contrary, she just goes on and on with her own personal preferences, eventually spouting out something that, quite honestly, she may be the only one to fully appreciate.
All that being said, I will conclude my review, having kept readers preoccupied long enough already. Once more, I repeat that I do not wish to influence whether readers will take up this novel or not, as that is entirely a personal decision; however, I must, nevertheless, inform them of the novel's most drastic shortcomings. There is bias in this review, indeed, but keep in mind that it may contain truth as well.
A.M.G.
December 16, 2019
I just love time travel romance and this unlikely romance is the perfect tonic.
June 7, 2010
OK. So I know I make fun of romances all the time, but I really enjoyed Kurland’s fantasy series and I thought I’d read some of her other work. Let me begin by saying that, Yes, I did indeed think that this was very cheeezy! But as it is my rule, I always make it to the 100th page before throwing in the towel. By the time I made it to the 100th page, I felt somewhat invested in the characters and found myself wanting to know the conclusion. It wasn’t terrible by any means, and Lynn Kurland is a great writer. I’m sure that every 15 year old girl dreaming of a Scottish warrior might swoon, and if I were 15 I probably would too. But as it is, to me, it’s a bit of a mindless novel, not taking any strains or brains to read it. The romance was clean (meaning: No “throbbing members” Thank God) and I didn’t feel that I wasted a few hours of my life by reading it.
July 1, 2020
É um divertida história de passagem no tempo com passagens hilárias. James MacLeod e Elizabeth formam um par impar, os dois cheios de vontade e força para lutar.
O mais temido dos Highlanders e uma garota do século 20 mais teimosa que uma mula. Ambos viveram um bonita relação de amor, com direitos a violencia, lutas bárbaras e atrocidades cometidas em nome da bruxaria... Mas a paixão que queima entre eles é maior que tudo e vão lutar para ficarem juntos seja onde for.
O mais temido dos Highlanders e uma garota do século 20 mais teimosa que uma mula. Ambos viveram um bonita relação de amor, com direitos a violencia, lutas bárbaras e atrocidades cometidas em nome da bruxaria... Mas a paixão que queima entre eles é maior que tudo e vão lutar para ficarem juntos seja onde for.
November 11, 2022
Yes, I can see why people like reading Kurland...
July 20, 2018
This book should have been titled “The Taming of the Caveman” because the protagonist didn't act much better than a neanderthal for most of the book.
Elizabeth Smith dreamed of a Scottish man. Then she was transported back in time to medieval Scotland where she was taken to the MacLeod keep. The laird, Jamie MacLeod thought she was a witch so he immediately threw her into a pit where all kinds of slithering things crawled all over her. He left her there screaming for hours.
When Jamie decided against burning her as a witch, he pulled her up and threw her in the lake to get the critters off of her. He threw her a blanket to sleep in the filthy great hall with all his men but when some of them tried to rape her, he let her sleep in his chamber on the floor or in a chair while he slept in his bed. He continued this kind of behavior for a while.
I was captivated by the story even though and probably because of Jamie's atrocious behavior. It was probably more true to life back then than some of the historical romances I read but it still bothered me. What bothered me more was how Elizabeth was so patient and accepting of his behavior and even thought it was cute. It was not okay.
I couldn't help but love some of the secondary characters who I hope I will see in the next book which I will definitely be reading.
Elizabeth Smith dreamed of a Scottish man. Then she was transported back in time to medieval Scotland where she was taken to the MacLeod keep. The laird, Jamie MacLeod thought she was a witch so he immediately threw her into a pit where all kinds of slithering things crawled all over her. He left her there screaming for hours.
When Jamie decided against burning her as a witch, he pulled her up and threw her in the lake to get the critters off of her. He threw her a blanket to sleep in the filthy great hall with all his men but when some of them tried to rape her, he let her sleep in his chamber on the floor or in a chair while he slept in his bed. He continued this kind of behavior for a while.
I was captivated by the story even though and probably because of Jamie's atrocious behavior. It was probably more true to life back then than some of the historical romances I read but it still bothered me. What bothered me more was how Elizabeth was so patient and accepting of his behavior and even thought it was cute. It was not okay.
I couldn't help but love some of the secondary characters who I hope I will see in the next book which I will definitely be reading.
September 18, 2020
A funny entertaining time travelling love story.
dnf
November 7, 2021The writing tone is kinda silly. I'm looking for a more somber/nostalgic atmosphere. Kinda outlander-like in tone.
August 12, 2013
This was a very appealing book. The hero and heroine are really lovely. The H is manly, with mush inside once he falls for the heroine - most unrealistic, but makes for a great lead in a light-hearted romance - and the h is lovely and feisty, but not stupid. They are very appealing together.
I must admit the way the hero treated the heroine in the beginning gave me the creeps, I'll have a few crawly nightmares over that.
I'm a real fan of time travel - in my heart I so wish it were possible - and am looking forward to moving on to the next book. There are quite a few secondary characters that I would like to know more about - especially a couple of the hero's relatives as well as the heroine's brothers, Alex and Zachary. I understand the next book is about Alex, so, yay! He looked like he would be right at home in medieval Scotland.
This book was a light hearted type of romance, not your deep and meaningful kind, so if you're looking for a lovely fluffy read, then this could be for you. I enjoyed it enough to want to read more.
I must admit the way the hero treated the heroine in the beginning gave me the creeps, I'll have a few crawly nightmares over that.
I'm a real fan of time travel - in my heart I so wish it were possible - and am looking forward to moving on to the next book. There are quite a few secondary characters that I would like to know more about - especially a couple of the hero's relatives as well as the heroine's brothers, Alex and Zachary. I understand the next book is about Alex, so, yay! He looked like he would be right at home in medieval Scotland.
This book was a light hearted type of romance, not your deep and meaningful kind, so if you're looking for a lovely fluffy read, then this could be for you. I enjoyed it enough to want to read more.
September 28, 2010
Readable but don't recommend it. This is a formulaic romance novel.
It has the required characters and plot movement but it was lacking somehow. I compare this story to a soft drink that lost its fizz. There was nothing sparkling, surprising or delighting. A few times I wished it would be over. The hero is gruff and loses his temper a lot. He meets her and then over a short time, his heart starts melting for her. I would prefer more interesting interaction between them to justify his heart melting. Surely he has been around females in the past that he didn't melt for, so why this one?
Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: five. Setting: 1311 Scotland and 1996 New York City. Copyright: 1996. Genre: time travel romance.
For a listing of my reviews of other Lynn Kurland books, see my 2 star review of "Dreams of Stardust" posted on 6/23/08.
It has the required characters and plot movement but it was lacking somehow. I compare this story to a soft drink that lost its fizz. There was nothing sparkling, surprising or delighting. A few times I wished it would be over. The hero is gruff and loses his temper a lot. He meets her and then over a short time, his heart starts melting for her. I would prefer more interesting interaction between them to justify his heart melting. Surely he has been around females in the past that he didn't melt for, so why this one?
Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: five. Setting: 1311 Scotland and 1996 New York City. Copyright: 1996. Genre: time travel romance.
For a listing of my reviews of other Lynn Kurland books, see my 2 star review of "Dreams of Stardust" posted on 6/23/08.
April 5, 2010
I have already been reading the De Piaget stories when I picked up this book. I loved this MacLeod Laird love story. There was lots of humor in this book. James was fearse warrior in the fourteenth century where Elizabeth finds herself from 1996. James has not had a women in his keep since his beloved mother passed on when he was a small boy. His castle is filthy and stinks and Elizabeth will whip it clean in no time. The story will take a huge turn towards the last few chapters. A very good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews