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MacCoinnich Time Travels #1
Binding Vows
Duncan MacCoinnich's task... Travel to the twenty-first century Renaissance Faire, deflower the Druid virgins, and go home. Only his job is not so easily accomplished with the virgin in question, Tara McAllister. Time is running out. The evil is closing in on them both.
Tara finds Duncan irresistible after what was supposed to be a mock Hand-fasting binds them. When Duncan whisks her to his home in Scotland she could accept that. But, can she forgive him for taking away her modern life when she finds herself in the sixteenth century? And is it love they feel? Or something else?
Tara finds Duncan irresistible after what was supposed to be a mock Hand-fasting binds them. When Duncan whisks her to his home in Scotland she could accept that. But, can she forgive him for taking away her modern life when she finds herself in the sixteenth century? And is it love they feel? Or something else?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2009
1816 people are currently reading
3235 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Bybee
53 books20.9k followersNew York Times Bestselling Author
USA Today Bestselling Author
#1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author
#1 IndieReader Bestselling Author
RONE Award Winner 2012
Not Quite Dating
Married by Monday
RONE award Winner 2013
Not Quite Enough
Winner of the More Than Magic Award for Paranormal romance 2011
Silent Vows
Finalist RT Award in Contemporary Romance
Fiance by Friday
New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating from high school, she moved to Southern California with hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the International Bestselling Not Quite series, the MacCoinnich Time Travel series as well as the Internationally Bestselling Weekday Brides series.
Her books have been translated in over twenty languages.
USA Today Bestselling Author
#1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author
#1 IndieReader Bestselling Author
RONE Award Winner 2012
Not Quite Dating
Married by Monday
RONE award Winner 2013
Not Quite Enough
Winner of the More Than Magic Award for Paranormal romance 2011
Silent Vows
Finalist RT Award in Contemporary Romance
Fiance by Friday
New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating from high school, she moved to Southern California with hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the International Bestselling Not Quite series, the MacCoinnich Time Travel series as well as the Internationally Bestselling Weekday Brides series.
Her books have been translated in over twenty languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
May 25, 2017
5 “I’m a virgin, come and get it.” Stars
*Some Spoilers*
“You have got to be kidding! You were sent to deflower the virgins?”
My God I love this book!!!!! What do you get when you take Scottish Warriors from the sixteenth century, a evil witch, a modern 25 year old virgin, a accidental soul binding marriage, and time travel? A freakin Hit that is what you get! OMG!!!!
“Go, pop that cherry for God’s sake.”
“You have flooded my mind every moment from the minute I sat on you.”
What this book is about
The evil Grainna needs the blood of a Druid virgin to break her curse, get back her powers, and return to her time. In order to find a Druid virgin she runs a Renaissance fair were the virgins are to wear their hair down. Duncan and Finlay MacCoinnich are Druids that have traveled from the sixteenth century to the present to stop Grainna by deflowering all the virgins, druid or not just to be safe. Duncan meets Tara McAllister and realizes she is just what Grainna needs to break her curse, a 25 year old druid virgin. So Duncan sets out to complete his task and sleep with Tara. There is only one problem with that Tara isn't giving it up!! Tara let her friend Cassy drag her to this Renaissance Fair where she meets Duncan. She finds that she really likes him and things start to get carried away fast, but Tara did not save herself for 25 years to just give it up to some man she doesn't know even if he does make her hotter than anyone ever! After what is suppose to be a fake Hand-fasting Tara finds herself really soul bound to Duncan in a Druid marriage and in the sixteenth century. Will Tara forgive Duncan for bringing her to his time and can Duncan keep Tara safe from the evil Grainna?
“Yes. I’ll be honest with you.” Tara took a long-suffering breath and slowly explained what she needed to say. “Having sex with someone I barely know isn’t on my list of things to do today.” The air thickened while she awaited his reply. Her shoulders tensed. With a straight face he asked, “What about tomorrow?”
“What’s under that kilt?” His smile teased. “Need.”
This is the first book I have read from Catherine Bybee and I am hooked! Duncan is sexy, playful, and sweet. He gives Tara what she needs, and protects her. Tara feels deeply, she has a temper, but she is a sweet person. Tara and Duncan have a beautiful relationship full of passion and respect. I loved them as a couple. I loved all of Duncan's family and I loved the plot. This book was sweet, made me laugh, and gave me the warm fuzzies. I am so glad I found this series and this Author! Great Read!!!!!!
“Will you marry me, Tara? Will you take me and my name and all it holds? Will you give any child that may even now be forming or any future children my name?” He placed his hand on her flat stomach. “Will you be my wife?”
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
*Some Spoilers*
“You have got to be kidding! You were sent to deflower the virgins?”
My God I love this book!!!!! What do you get when you take Scottish Warriors from the sixteenth century, a evil witch, a modern 25 year old virgin, a accidental soul binding marriage, and time travel? A freakin Hit that is what you get! OMG!!!!
“Go, pop that cherry for God’s sake.”
“You have flooded my mind every moment from the minute I sat on you.”
What this book is about
The evil Grainna needs the blood of a Druid virgin to break her curse, get back her powers, and return to her time. In order to find a Druid virgin she runs a Renaissance fair were the virgins are to wear their hair down. Duncan and Finlay MacCoinnich are Druids that have traveled from the sixteenth century to the present to stop Grainna by deflowering all the virgins, druid or not just to be safe. Duncan meets Tara McAllister and realizes she is just what Grainna needs to break her curse, a 25 year old druid virgin. So Duncan sets out to complete his task and sleep with Tara. There is only one problem with that Tara isn't giving it up!! Tara let her friend Cassy drag her to this Renaissance Fair where she meets Duncan. She finds that she really likes him and things start to get carried away fast, but Tara did not save herself for 25 years to just give it up to some man she doesn't know even if he does make her hotter than anyone ever! After what is suppose to be a fake Hand-fasting Tara finds herself really soul bound to Duncan in a Druid marriage and in the sixteenth century. Will Tara forgive Duncan for bringing her to his time and can Duncan keep Tara safe from the evil Grainna?
“Yes. I’ll be honest with you.” Tara took a long-suffering breath and slowly explained what she needed to say. “Having sex with someone I barely know isn’t on my list of things to do today.” The air thickened while she awaited his reply. Her shoulders tensed. With a straight face he asked, “What about tomorrow?”
“What’s under that kilt?” His smile teased. “Need.”
This is the first book I have read from Catherine Bybee and I am hooked! Duncan is sexy, playful, and sweet. He gives Tara what she needs, and protects her. Tara feels deeply, she has a temper, but she is a sweet person. Tara and Duncan have a beautiful relationship full of passion and respect. I loved them as a couple. I loved all of Duncan's family and I loved the plot. This book was sweet, made me laugh, and gave me the warm fuzzies. I am so glad I found this series and this Author! Great Read!!!!!!
“Will you marry me, Tara? Will you take me and my name and all it holds? Will you give any child that may even now be forming or any future children my name?” He placed his hand on her flat stomach. “Will you be my wife?”
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
April 23, 2025
Tara, Mitte 20, besucht mit ihrer Freundin einen Mittelaltermarkt. Dort lernt sie zwei Brüder kennen, von denen sie nicht ahnt, dass sie schottische Highlander aus dem 16. Jahrhundert sind. Durch einige Umstände reist Tara schließlich mit ihnen durch die Zeit und landet selbst im Schottland des 16. Jahrhunderts...
💖 Es war okay. Angesprochen hat mich das Buch, da ich Schottland und Zeitreisen sehr mag. Die Geschichte von Tara und Duncan war dann auch in Ordnung, aber das gewisse Etwas hat für mich noch gefehlt.
💖 Es war okay. Angesprochen hat mich das Buch, da ich Schottland und Zeitreisen sehr mag. Die Geschichte von Tara und Duncan war dann auch in Ordnung, aber das gewisse Etwas hat für mich noch gefehlt.
March 30, 2012
A Badass Hidden Gem...
http://badassbookreviews.com/badass-h...
My obsession with time traveling to Scotland continues. Why must I go to Scotland? Duh, the men in kilts and their Scottish brogue of course! There is a tall red headed Scot I am in love with from an unnamed series. Any other kilt wearing Scot has a lot to compete with.
Duncan MacCoinnich managed to make me forget about oh-what’s-his-name! First, Duncan is hot. 2nd, Duncan is a gentleman, 3rd, he is hot. Did you really think I cared about anything else?
Now to the story-
Yes, there is a female character in this book. It is not ALL about Duncan. There is a girl Tara, and she is about to find out that the world is not what it seems. I liked Tara, she wasn’t a bitch, but she definitely wasn’t some weeping, helpless chick waiting for her knight to save her (or in this case, her time-traveling Scot).
The story was cute. It moved smoothly and I liked the story behind the “Druids”.
Very enjoyable overall and I look forward to more from this author.
3.5 stars out of 5
http://badassbookreviews.com/badass-h...
My obsession with time traveling to Scotland continues. Why must I go to Scotland? Duh, the men in kilts and their Scottish brogue of course! There is a tall red headed Scot I am in love with from an unnamed series. Any other kilt wearing Scot has a lot to compete with.
Duncan MacCoinnich managed to make me forget about oh-what’s-his-name! First, Duncan is hot. 2nd, Duncan is a gentleman, 3rd, he is hot. Did you really think I cared about anything else?
Now to the story-
Yes, there is a female character in this book. It is not ALL about Duncan. There is a girl Tara, and she is about to find out that the world is not what it seems. I liked Tara, she wasn’t a bitch, but she definitely wasn’t some weeping, helpless chick waiting for her knight to save her (or in this case, her time-traveling Scot).
The story was cute. It moved smoothly and I liked the story behind the “Druids”.
Very enjoyable overall and I look forward to more from this author.
3.5 stars out of 5
January 26, 2020
Reread Review November 16, 2019
Still loved this a lot. I plan to reread Silent Vows again very soon. Happy reading!
Original Review December 14, 2013
I loved the whole thing! The idea of being bound for all eternity to your love is so romantic. On to Silent Vows. Happy reading!!
Still loved this a lot. I plan to reread Silent Vows again very soon. Happy reading!
Original Review December 14, 2013
I loved the whole thing! The idea of being bound for all eternity to your love is so romantic. On to Silent Vows. Happy reading!!
August 19, 2023
I think I've read this before, or all time traveling stories are blinding together
February 11, 2015
DNF....
I tried. I really, really did. I couldn't stand this book. The heroine got under my skin faster than any heroine has before. Not only that, but the chemistry between the hero and heroine was awful. Watching paint dry would've been more entertaining.
There aren't many books that I give up on. This one was added to my list. Maybe I'll give it another try one day. Just not anytime soon.
I'm giving it two stars because at least the cover was yummy to look at.
July 12, 2015
A huge thanks to my Goodreads friend Jessica for bringing this author and series to my attention.This was a sweet time travel romance set in the 1500's Scotland.Great cadt of characters and looking forward to the rest of this series.
February 17, 2019
Rated 4 Stars
I call this genre 'Time Travel Romance w/ Paranormal elements'.
It was a great book with the exception of it giving the term, 'slow burn' a whole new meaning! It dragged some and drove me crazy. But for the most part, it was a fantastic adventure going from the present to the past and learning to deal with the way of life there. The couple were a real joy.
I call this genre 'Time Travel Romance w/ Paranormal elements'.
It was a great book with the exception of it giving the term, 'slow burn' a whole new meaning! It dragged some and drove me crazy. But for the most part, it was a fantastic adventure going from the present to the past and learning to deal with the way of life there. The couple were a real joy.
July 10, 2015
STORYTELLING AT ITS BEST!!
I thoroughly enjoyed "Binding Vows" by Catherine Bybee. I am always looking for my Outlander fix and this story Did Not Disappoint me. Binding Vows is very will constructed story of time travel, romance and and evil Druid Witch. The story does glean scenes from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, but it has done a great job making its own mark. Maybe even a better job in developing the time travel story. The characters are rich and colorful, The H/H are written perfectly with not to much angst. Just a little. The secondarily character are written so well that I can't wait for there stories to be told. Catherine Bybee is an extraordinary author and she pulls you right into this story and doesn't let up until you finish. Which means I was all night because I couldn't put this book down. Its very fast paced story and it has No unnecessary fillers to add to the page. Which is the mark of a good author. The only complaint I have is with the abuse of the heroin. Tara suffers at the hands of the evil dark Druid Witch Grianna/Gwen. I hate physical abuse especially if the heroin is pregnant. I don't know how the baby survived the beating its mother took. The love story between Tara and Duncan is very believable and very well written. The love scenes are mild but sexy none the less!!
The MacCoinnick Time Travel series reminds me a lot of Outlander by D. Gabaldon and the Lock Moigh series by Barbara Longley. Each of these authors has put there own spend on there series and each has entertained me immensely! I highly Recommend Binding Vows 5 Stars!! I have already downloaded bk2 Silent Vows and I am off to read it!!
I thoroughly enjoyed "Binding Vows" by Catherine Bybee. I am always looking for my Outlander fix and this story Did Not Disappoint me. Binding Vows is very will constructed story of time travel, romance and and evil Druid Witch. The story does glean scenes from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, but it has done a great job making its own mark. Maybe even a better job in developing the time travel story. The characters are rich and colorful, The H/H are written perfectly with not to much angst. Just a little. The secondarily character are written so well that I can't wait for there stories to be told. Catherine Bybee is an extraordinary author and she pulls you right into this story and doesn't let up until you finish. Which means I was all night because I couldn't put this book down. Its very fast paced story and it has No unnecessary fillers to add to the page. Which is the mark of a good author. The only complaint I have is with the abuse of the heroin. Tara suffers at the hands of the evil dark Druid Witch Grianna/Gwen. I hate physical abuse especially if the heroin is pregnant. I don't know how the baby survived the beating its mother took. The love story between Tara and Duncan is very believable and very well written. The love scenes are mild but sexy none the less!!
The MacCoinnick Time Travel series reminds me a lot of Outlander by D. Gabaldon and the Lock Moigh series by Barbara Longley. Each of these authors has put there own spend on there series and each has entertained me immensely! I highly Recommend Binding Vows 5 Stars!! I have already downloaded bk2 Silent Vows and I am off to read it!!
August 14, 2015
Sensational Book! Such a hidden Gem. 6 Stars
This is my first historical/Scottish romance and I loved it. It starts off in our time where Tara is off with her best friend Casey to Ren Faire because Casey has a motto YOYO (You only live once)
Tara is not impressed and this is where it for me gets interesting. Duncan what a hunk of a Highlander and every girls wet dream.
Duncan has travelled with his brother Fin from 16th Century to the faire as their job is to deflower all the virgins there. As Madame Gwen (Grainna) needs a Virgin to return to her time.
Duncan doesn't plan on Tara being so stubborn. I don't want to give too much away but the book is fantastic just like the characters are. I loved how Myra, Tara and Amber interacted with one another. The chemistry between Tara and Duncan. The book is filled with magic and I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading it.
This is my first historical/Scottish romance and I loved it. It starts off in our time where Tara is off with her best friend Casey to Ren Faire because Casey has a motto YOYO (You only live once)
Tara is not impressed and this is where it for me gets interesting. Duncan what a hunk of a Highlander and every girls wet dream.
Duncan has travelled with his brother Fin from 16th Century to the faire as their job is to deflower all the virgins there. As Madame Gwen (Grainna) needs a Virgin to return to her time.
Duncan doesn't plan on Tara being so stubborn. I don't want to give too much away but the book is fantastic just like the characters are. I loved how Myra, Tara and Amber interacted with one another. The chemistry between Tara and Duncan. The book is filled with magic and I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading it.
March 20, 2010
I was a little wary at the beginning of this story. The heroine, Tara, with her bad attitude and expletive laced vocabulary, just wasn't a sympathetic character for me. By the time she settled into Scotland, however, she shaped up, lost her bad attitude and her bad language and I had a rollicking good time reading! Filled with Druid magic, wonderful romance and a little suspense, this book is great for a day when reality stinks and escape is the remedy. For those who only like the love "clean" there are a couple of scenes to skip, however.
September 5, 2011
Not for me. Sorry. Made it to page 100 and could not stand the heroine. At all. She was too bratty, snotty and tried too hard to let everyone know around her that she didn't like her "vacation." Enough already.
Felt the writing needed polishing as it didn't flow well. Don't know if it was just in the Nook version, but scenes changed with no warning or extra white space signalling such a change.
Not for me.
Felt the writing needed polishing as it didn't flow well. Don't know if it was just in the Nook version, but scenes changed with no warning or extra white space signalling such a change.
Not for me.
June 10, 2015
This was really good and I'm so happy because Catherine Bybee continues to write great stories! I'm definitely continuing this series. Love historical romance, time travel, and druid paranormal stories. So this one having all three and being well written, win, win, win!
September 26, 2023
I read this a few years ago, and on re-read, I still really liked it! It's not as fully developed as Moning's Highlander Series - but hey, you won't see me turning down a time-travel romp with a hot Druid 😍.
The FMC's attitude was a bit worse than I remembered, though. She's at a Renaissance Faire with her friend, but as miserable as she was, you'd think she was in the Hunger Games. Later in Scotland, she breaks some stuff in anger. These were relatively brief moments in the first half, and overall she had a good heart.
The Big Bad's evil plan centers on finding a virgin female druid, but the book subtly subverts some common tropes. Tara saw her sister's struggles as a teen mom, so this is one of the rare books where a FMC actually worries about pregnancy, and discusses it with the MMC beforehand. Duncan is also notably respectful of consent - considering this book is circa 2010 and he's from the 1500s.
CWs - A few things stick out that probably didn't raise eyebrows at the time: Use of the term "gypsy", and antiziganist thoughts from the Big Bad. Brief, casual fatphobia. FMC feels guilty for "leading on" MMC when she says no to sex. Tara slaps Duncan once. Much of the book is set in medieval times, but the "good guys" are relatively progressive. Also, moderate descriptions of violence, murder, and a dead body.
The narrator (David Monteath) does good with the Scottish MMC, but his 'female' voices aren't great. However the audiobook is free with KU, so I was fine with it.
Next book has Duncan's medieval sister going to modern times, which sounds fun. Not sure I'll continue much past that, however, because this is an unfinished series and it sounds like some other books have big cliffhangers.
MacCoinnich Time Travels series
1 Binding Vows ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75-4.25)
2 Silent Vows⭐⭐⭐ (2.75)
The FMC's attitude was a bit worse than I remembered, though. She's at a Renaissance Faire with her friend, but as miserable as she was, you'd think she was in the Hunger Games. Later in Scotland, she breaks some stuff in anger. These were relatively brief moments in the first half, and overall she had a good heart.
The Big Bad's evil plan centers on finding a virgin female druid, but the book subtly subverts some common tropes. Tara saw her sister's struggles as a teen mom, so this is one of the rare books where a FMC actually worries about pregnancy, and discusses it with the MMC beforehand. Duncan is also notably respectful of consent - considering this book is circa 2010 and he's from the 1500s.
CWs - A few things stick out that probably didn't raise eyebrows at the time: Use of the term "gypsy", and antiziganist thoughts from the Big Bad. Brief, casual fatphobia. FMC feels guilty for "leading on" MMC when she says no to sex. Tara slaps Duncan once. Much of the book is set in medieval times, but the "good guys" are relatively progressive. Also, moderate descriptions of violence, murder, and a dead body.
The narrator (David Monteath) does good with the Scottish MMC, but his 'female' voices aren't great. However the audiobook is free with KU, so I was fine with it.
Next book has Duncan's medieval sister going to modern times, which sounds fun. Not sure I'll continue much past that, however, because this is an unfinished series and it sounds like some other books have big cliffhangers.
╔═════ 🗡♡🕈 ═════╗
MacCoinnich Time Travels series
1 Binding Vows ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75-4.25)
2 Silent Vows⭐⭐⭐ (2.75)
╚═════ 🗡♡🕈 ═════╝
September 3, 2014
I didn't expect a masterpiece of a novel when starting this one, Just some sexy story including time traveling and some fun along the way. But this was just... bad! Luckily so bad it turned fun in the end.
But let me tell you about the story first. There is our wonderful heroine, 25 year old virgin who is dragged by her friend to a Rennaissance Fair where some witch detects her as a virgin at first glance and singles her out to live as a princess at the fair while the winner of some faux fighting among the visitors will be awarded with our heroine. But our witch has actually darker motives. Whoohoo! One telling bit about our heroine: She performed a blood-brotherhood ritual with her OWN SISTER as kids.
Two of the visitors of the fair are actually time travellers from 1560 Scotland, their job: deflower the virgins the witch finds suitable for her ritual.
The writer must have made a list of situations and images she wants to include in her time travel/ Scotland masterpiece: Clan leader standing in the wind on the top of his castle – check. Couple getting surprised during a ride by nasty Scottish weather, needing to spend the night in a conveniently empty hut – check. Washing of the slightly hurt hero, cleaning his woulds while marvelling at his steely chest – check.
There were so many moments when a voice is my head was screaming „this is making zero sense!“. And the erotic bits? Takes ages until something happens and then it is bland and generic.
But let me tell you about the story first. There is our wonderful heroine, 25 year old virgin who is dragged by her friend to a Rennaissance Fair where some witch detects her as a virgin at first glance and singles her out to live as a princess at the fair while the winner of some faux fighting among the visitors will be awarded with our heroine. But our witch has actually darker motives. Whoohoo! One telling bit about our heroine: She performed a blood-brotherhood ritual with her OWN SISTER as kids.
Two of the visitors of the fair are actually time travellers from 1560 Scotland, their job: deflower the virgins the witch finds suitable for her ritual.
The writer must have made a list of situations and images she wants to include in her time travel/ Scotland masterpiece: Clan leader standing in the wind on the top of his castle – check. Couple getting surprised during a ride by nasty Scottish weather, needing to spend the night in a conveniently empty hut – check. Washing of the slightly hurt hero, cleaning his woulds while marvelling at his steely chest – check.
There were so many moments when a voice is my head was screaming „this is making zero sense!“. And the erotic bits? Takes ages until something happens and then it is bland and generic.
December 7, 2014
What an amazingly pleasant surprise!
I honestly did not expect much from this book and I loved every minute of it! The story was intriguing, the romance was sweet, and the steam was off the charts! The supporting characters were likable and I can't wait for their stories.
I fell completely in love with the hero (Duncan) and the heroine (Tara). Some people in their reviews had a hard time with Tara in the beginning, however I did not. I found her reactions realistic, and I loved how feisty she was!
I loved the addition of magic in the story and the element of suspense that we get. This made for a very exciting and entertaining read.
This book was written in third person, and although it's mostly from Tara and Duncan's point of view. We do get other characters point of you from time to time :)
If you are a fan of highlander & mid evil romances, with time travel and magic this should be one that you love.
I honestly did not expect much from this book and I loved every minute of it! The story was intriguing, the romance was sweet, and the steam was off the charts! The supporting characters were likable and I can't wait for their stories.
I fell completely in love with the hero (Duncan) and the heroine (Tara). Some people in their reviews had a hard time with Tara in the beginning, however I did not. I found her reactions realistic, and I loved how feisty she was!
I loved the addition of magic in the story and the element of suspense that we get. This made for a very exciting and entertaining read.
This book was written in third person, and although it's mostly from Tara and Duncan's point of view. We do get other characters point of you from time to time :)
If you are a fan of highlander & mid evil romances, with time travel and magic this should be one that you love.
January 20, 2011
If you like Scottish time travel romances with Druid magic, you will love this book. It is a fun, quick read and very enjoyable. I am delighted to discover this author and have already purchased the next two books in this series.
October 22, 2018
Wonderful Scottish Highlands story by Catherine Bybee! Loved this one and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
June 11, 2021
Mhm...
Das Cover hat mich einfach angelacht, ich wollte einmal ein erfrischendes historisches Buch lesen.
Also ich habe teils gelesen, teils gehört. Aber meiste Zeit hatte ich das Hörbuch laufen.
Die Geschichte ist super schnell wegzulesen/wegzuhören, vllt auch weil ich das Hörbuch auf 2.5 Geschwindigkeit gehört habe.
Irgendwie konnte mich die Geschichte nicht packen.
Historisch? Ja, Zeitreisefan? Auch Ja.
Aber die Protagonistin war mir etwas wechselhaft, sie ist zwar eine starke Persönlichkeit und teilweise auch schlagfertig.
Doch irgendwas hat mir einfach gefehlt.
Die Hintergrundidee mit den Jungfrauen (mehr sag ich dazu nicht, sonst wäre es ein Spoiler) fand ich einfach seltsam.
Zu Beginn ging mir auch manches einfach zu hastig, ich könnte die Anziehungskraft nicht spüren.
Mit Verlauf der Geschichte erleben wir einige, schöne, witzige und auch leidenschaftliche Szenen.
Also es war auch spannend und schön zu lesen.
Ich mochte die Szenen in der Vergangenheit sehr und den Zusammenhalt der Familie.
Doch das Buch ist schon ein bisschen klischeebehaftet und es konnte mich einfach nicht mitreißen.
Eine leichte, historische und leidenschaftliche Lektüre für heiße Sommertage.
Das Cover hat mich einfach angelacht, ich wollte einmal ein erfrischendes historisches Buch lesen.
Also ich habe teils gelesen, teils gehört. Aber meiste Zeit hatte ich das Hörbuch laufen.
Die Geschichte ist super schnell wegzulesen/wegzuhören, vllt auch weil ich das Hörbuch auf 2.5 Geschwindigkeit gehört habe.
Irgendwie konnte mich die Geschichte nicht packen.
Historisch? Ja, Zeitreisefan? Auch Ja.
Aber die Protagonistin war mir etwas wechselhaft, sie ist zwar eine starke Persönlichkeit und teilweise auch schlagfertig.
Doch irgendwas hat mir einfach gefehlt.
Die Hintergrundidee mit den Jungfrauen (mehr sag ich dazu nicht, sonst wäre es ein Spoiler) fand ich einfach seltsam.
Zu Beginn ging mir auch manches einfach zu hastig, ich könnte die Anziehungskraft nicht spüren.
Mit Verlauf der Geschichte erleben wir einige, schöne, witzige und auch leidenschaftliche Szenen.
Also es war auch spannend und schön zu lesen.
Ich mochte die Szenen in der Vergangenheit sehr und den Zusammenhalt der Familie.
Doch das Buch ist schon ein bisschen klischeebehaftet und es konnte mich einfach nicht mitreißen.
Eine leichte, historische und leidenschaftliche Lektüre für heiße Sommertage.
May 23, 2018
Amazing story. Complicated and fraught with tension---sexual, as well as nefarious. Marvelous characters make this book memorable. This is a book you can sink your teeth into and actually 'live'. I read the audio-book and must say the narrator did an absolutely (yes, I used an 'ly' word) fantastic job. Not only did he bring the story to life, but wow and double wow, the man's a genius when it comes to voices. Can't wait to dive into Book two.
November 19, 2023
Audiobook Narrated by
David Monteath
⭐️
This was just awful and cringy.
David Monteath
⭐️
This was just awful and cringy.
January 29, 2013
Originally published at Reading Reality
Time travel romances are always much more interesting when they gloss over the means by which the time travel happens and skip straight to the part where the characters deal with the effects of the time travel.
Time travel generally strains the willing suspension of disbelief. The more an author tries to explain something that is inexplicable, the more it generally takes me out of the story. Time travel is magic, or close enough. I want to move on and read about people dealing with the result.
Renaissance Faires are also magic, admittedly of a much more mundane kind. The 16th century, or thereabouts, with all the beautiful costumes but without all the horrible smells and diseases. And with flush toilets, or at least Port-a-potties. (Forget what I said about no horrible smells!)
So, Binding Vows is a time travel romance that doesn't get into all the gory details about how the time-travel gets accomplished. Excellent! In fact, our time-traveling heroes don't initially reveal that they are time-travelers. The Ren Faire gives them the perfect opportunity to blend in with the locals.
Unfortunately, they're not the only ones blending in. Duncan and Fin are at the Faire because they're keeping an eye on an evil sorceress named Graina. She's pretending to be a Gypsy fortune-teller.
But then, they're pretending to be 21st century dudes who just happen to like dressing up as knights.
Instead, they're all Druids. Graina, calling herself Gwen, is on the lookout for a virgin with Druid bloodlines who can restore her powers. Let's just say that the sacrifice required of the virgin will not be a willing one.
Duncan and Fin come to the Ren Fair every year to make sure that there aren't any virgins available. On the rare occasion that they do manage to find a 21st century virgin, any sacrifices that they make to the cause are very willing indeed. And lots more fun.
Until Duncan meets Tara McAllister, a 25-year old virgin who resists his seduction, but calls to his heart. Tara wants more than a one-night stand, she's looking for someone who will stand by her. Someone different from the boy-man who abandoned her sister when she became pregnant, and different from the father who threw them both out.
But Duncan knows he has to return to his own time when the Faire is over, and he can't rip Tara from her own century, her own life. But once Graina sets her evil eye on Tara, he realizes he has no choice. And that he wants none. He wants Tara for himself.
It's only after he carries Tara to his home in the 16th century, barely one step ahead of the evil witch, that he understands that the woman he has come to admire, and maybe even love, may never forgive him for ripping her out of time.
And he learns that the evil his family has fought for centuries has followed them home.
Escape Rating B+: The time travel parts of the story were terrific! When Tara is carried back in time, I really felt for her confusion, her anger and her grief. Her old life is dead, and she has to start over. Even if she accepts why it happened, she's lost everyone she ever loved. She needed to mourn.
The relationship between Tara and Duncan takes time to develop. There's attraction, but it needs time to grow into something more. What I found a bit unrealistic was just how, well, unrealistic Tara was about the position of women in the 16th century. However equal Duncan treated her in private, in public the expectations would be different. The world wasn't going to change just because she was from another century, especially if that had to be hidden.
Duncan's family is a joy. It was great to see Tara develop a loving relationship with other people in his family, especially his mother and his sisters. After reading a lot of stories where all the characters come from dysfunctional families, it was fantastic to see a totally functional one!
As a side note, if you liked the idea of magic at a Ren Faire, Emma Bull's classic urban fantasy, War for the Oaks, also hinges on the magic of a Ren Faire. If you've never read it, indulge yourself. You'll thank me. Really.
Time travel romances are always much more interesting when they gloss over the means by which the time travel happens and skip straight to the part where the characters deal with the effects of the time travel.
Time travel generally strains the willing suspension of disbelief. The more an author tries to explain something that is inexplicable, the more it generally takes me out of the story. Time travel is magic, or close enough. I want to move on and read about people dealing with the result.
Renaissance Faires are also magic, admittedly of a much more mundane kind. The 16th century, or thereabouts, with all the beautiful costumes but without all the horrible smells and diseases. And with flush toilets, or at least Port-a-potties. (Forget what I said about no horrible smells!)
So, Binding Vows is a time travel romance that doesn't get into all the gory details about how the time-travel gets accomplished. Excellent! In fact, our time-traveling heroes don't initially reveal that they are time-travelers. The Ren Faire gives them the perfect opportunity to blend in with the locals.
Unfortunately, they're not the only ones blending in. Duncan and Fin are at the Faire because they're keeping an eye on an evil sorceress named Graina. She's pretending to be a Gypsy fortune-teller.
But then, they're pretending to be 21st century dudes who just happen to like dressing up as knights.
Instead, they're all Druids. Graina, calling herself Gwen, is on the lookout for a virgin with Druid bloodlines who can restore her powers. Let's just say that the sacrifice required of the virgin will not be a willing one.
Duncan and Fin come to the Ren Fair every year to make sure that there aren't any virgins available. On the rare occasion that they do manage to find a 21st century virgin, any sacrifices that they make to the cause are very willing indeed. And lots more fun.
Until Duncan meets Tara McAllister, a 25-year old virgin who resists his seduction, but calls to his heart. Tara wants more than a one-night stand, she's looking for someone who will stand by her. Someone different from the boy-man who abandoned her sister when she became pregnant, and different from the father who threw them both out.
But Duncan knows he has to return to his own time when the Faire is over, and he can't rip Tara from her own century, her own life. But once Graina sets her evil eye on Tara, he realizes he has no choice. And that he wants none. He wants Tara for himself.
It's only after he carries Tara to his home in the 16th century, barely one step ahead of the evil witch, that he understands that the woman he has come to admire, and maybe even love, may never forgive him for ripping her out of time.
And he learns that the evil his family has fought for centuries has followed them home.
Escape Rating B+: The time travel parts of the story were terrific! When Tara is carried back in time, I really felt for her confusion, her anger and her grief. Her old life is dead, and she has to start over. Even if she accepts why it happened, she's lost everyone she ever loved. She needed to mourn.
The relationship between Tara and Duncan takes time to develop. There's attraction, but it needs time to grow into something more. What I found a bit unrealistic was just how, well, unrealistic Tara was about the position of women in the 16th century. However equal Duncan treated her in private, in public the expectations would be different. The world wasn't going to change just because she was from another century, especially if that had to be hidden.
Duncan's family is a joy. It was great to see Tara develop a loving relationship with other people in his family, especially his mother and his sisters. After reading a lot of stories where all the characters come from dysfunctional families, it was fantastic to see a totally functional one!
As a side note, if you liked the idea of magic at a Ren Faire, Emma Bull's classic urban fantasy, War for the Oaks, also hinges on the magic of a Ren Faire. If you've never read it, indulge yourself. You'll thank me. Really.
July 14, 2012
Let me begin by saying that I found Catherine Bybee by chance, when I read her book, Married by Monday. Luck was truly on my side with that purchase. The author’s ability to fashion and create believable characters has held up through three books and I’m already starting the next in this trilogy.
The story begins with Tara McAllister, a 25 year old virgin in the 21st Century, attending a Ren Faire with her best friend. Unbeknownst to either, the Faire’s Gypsy Queen has ulterior motives and none of them are good.
Enter Prince Charming.
Hawtie Highlander, to be precise.
Duncan MacCoinnich and his brother, Fin, are also attending this year’s Ren Faire. It was a bit of a trip for them, I admit. It only took a few centuries to get there. The MacCoinnich’s are a Scottish clan who are living in 1576. They’re also brilliant Druids and quite a funny bunch.
But I digress.
Duncan and Fin are set on a rather interesting journey. Their mission? To deflower maidens.
Crazy, right?
Necessary, however, since the blood of a virgin descended from Druids is necessary to free the evil Gypsy Queen (who is actually a black witch and former Druidess, herself) from the curse placed upon her as punishment for her past quite heinous deeds.
Duncan’s mission is a bit harder, this time around, as he develops rather unique feelings for Tara the moment he sits on her lap, by accident, in the dark.
Tara resists any and all of Duncan’s persuasive seductions (for the most part) due to some past history that has left her terrified of the consequences of a simple dalliance. You know, simple things like: having a child for the rest of her life with no one to help her raise him, things like that. ;)
Eventually, Duncan is forced to take Tara back to his home in 1576, to keep her safe from the evil witch. Tara, while thankful for being saved, is furious at being kidnapped away from her single-mother sister (did I mention the past history?) and nephew, her world, her dreams, and, well, her own time period. Even if Ms Bybee hadn’t done such an awesome job of explaining Tara’s emotional journey, I think Tara’s concerns are understandable.
The relationship between Duncan and Tara is beautiful and quite honest. While Tara may have changed her tune rather quickly, Ms Bybee is brilliant in making it believable and logical. There is no “Oh, fine, I like you, let’s go hop in the sack.” Rather, we’re walked through reasonable circumstances for the change in Tara’s stance.
To be entirely candid, this is perhaps one of my absolutely most favorite things about Catherine Bybee: her character development and character-driven plot.
Yes, the story is lovely and simple, but the characters are what make it truly a wonderful read. I’m never left thinking “Um, okay, I’ll just go with it.” No, instead, I find myself nodding and thinking, “Exactly what I would have done… I can see it.” It really draws you into the story and makes you want to know more about every character you meet.
Catherine’s also supremely talented in giving just enough narrative to guide your imagination without boring you with unnecessary details. I’m quite impressed! Catherine’s feel for narrative vs dialogue is outstanding. In scenes where build up is needed, Catherine gives the exact narrative needed to give the tone to the scene, rather than just imagery of what’s around them.
Catherine isn’t just an author, she’s a story-teller, through-and-through.
Duncan and Tara’s story is sweet, strong, and romantic. I’m highly anticipating Myra’s, Fin’s and Lizzy’s tales, as well! (In case you’re wondering: no, I didn’t spontaneously decide to write in APA format; the Oxford comma was dropped for a reason, *wink wink*)
This was well worth the purchase! I wish Duncan and Tara the best as they continue on and can’t wait to read more about them as I find out the destinies of their siblings! More on that to come!
The story begins with Tara McAllister, a 25 year old virgin in the 21st Century, attending a Ren Faire with her best friend. Unbeknownst to either, the Faire’s Gypsy Queen has ulterior motives and none of them are good.
Enter Prince Charming.
Hawtie Highlander, to be precise.
Duncan MacCoinnich and his brother, Fin, are also attending this year’s Ren Faire. It was a bit of a trip for them, I admit. It only took a few centuries to get there. The MacCoinnich’s are a Scottish clan who are living in 1576. They’re also brilliant Druids and quite a funny bunch.
But I digress.
Duncan and Fin are set on a rather interesting journey. Their mission? To deflower maidens.
Crazy, right?
Necessary, however, since the blood of a virgin descended from Druids is necessary to free the evil Gypsy Queen (who is actually a black witch and former Druidess, herself) from the curse placed upon her as punishment for her past quite heinous deeds.
Duncan’s mission is a bit harder, this time around, as he develops rather unique feelings for Tara the moment he sits on her lap, by accident, in the dark.
Tara resists any and all of Duncan’s persuasive seductions (for the most part) due to some past history that has left her terrified of the consequences of a simple dalliance. You know, simple things like: having a child for the rest of her life with no one to help her raise him, things like that. ;)
Eventually, Duncan is forced to take Tara back to his home in 1576, to keep her safe from the evil witch. Tara, while thankful for being saved, is furious at being kidnapped away from her single-mother sister (did I mention the past history?) and nephew, her world, her dreams, and, well, her own time period. Even if Ms Bybee hadn’t done such an awesome job of explaining Tara’s emotional journey, I think Tara’s concerns are understandable.
The relationship between Duncan and Tara is beautiful and quite honest. While Tara may have changed her tune rather quickly, Ms Bybee is brilliant in making it believable and logical. There is no “Oh, fine, I like you, let’s go hop in the sack.” Rather, we’re walked through reasonable circumstances for the change in Tara’s stance.
To be entirely candid, this is perhaps one of my absolutely most favorite things about Catherine Bybee: her character development and character-driven plot.
Yes, the story is lovely and simple, but the characters are what make it truly a wonderful read. I’m never left thinking “Um, okay, I’ll just go with it.” No, instead, I find myself nodding and thinking, “Exactly what I would have done… I can see it.” It really draws you into the story and makes you want to know more about every character you meet.
Catherine’s also supremely talented in giving just enough narrative to guide your imagination without boring you with unnecessary details. I’m quite impressed! Catherine’s feel for narrative vs dialogue is outstanding. In scenes where build up is needed, Catherine gives the exact narrative needed to give the tone to the scene, rather than just imagery of what’s around them.
Catherine isn’t just an author, she’s a story-teller, through-and-through.
Duncan and Tara’s story is sweet, strong, and romantic. I’m highly anticipating Myra’s, Fin’s and Lizzy’s tales, as well! (In case you’re wondering: no, I didn’t spontaneously decide to write in APA format; the Oxford comma was dropped for a reason, *wink wink*)
This was well worth the purchase! I wish Duncan and Tara the best as they continue on and can’t wait to read more about them as I find out the destinies of their siblings! More on that to come!
May 21, 2012
You can find this entire review at Forever Bok Lover
I recently read the Highland Shifter and fell in love with the entire MacCoinnich's family. I knew that I wanted to go back and read the entire trilogy and fall in love with them all over again.
The first book in the series is Duncan and Tara's story. I loved the uniqueness of it, it was a quite refreshing. It was not the same old same thing time traveler story. I am ranking the entire series as a must read!! This book has it all- romance, steamy hot romance scenes, a villian, time travel, and a bit of paranormal. Oh my...
Not exactly how she planned to spend her vacation, Tara couldn’t believe she’d gotten herself roped into another one of her friend, Cassy’s adventures- to attend a Renaissance fair. "To attend they needed to wear the costume they think is most befitting their station in life. So, only young unmarried maids are allowed to wear their hair down and uncovered. If ye are married, divorced, or are no longer virtuous, your hair should be bound or covered the entire time ye are at the fair." Talk about having a "scarlet letter" across her virginal chest. And if that wasn't enough, everyone had to pass the scrutiny of the town’s Gypsy Queen. There was no fooling the Gypsy... she was to decide if the costume and appearance is appropriate to each guest.
Enter the time travelers, Duncan and Finlay MacCoinnich traveled from the sixteenth century to the present to stop an evil Druid witch. The brothers' mission is travel to the 21st century to deflower a maiden so an exiled witch, Grainna, didn't regain her powers. Grainna was cursed to an eternity in an aging and powerless body. She was pushed five centuries into the future; into a time and land she had little knowledge of. Now, in order to break the curse, she had to find a woman of Druid descent, a virgin. Only the virgin’s blood would set her free.
Tara finds herself the 'chosen' maiden for this year's event, as part of the closing ceremonies of the event she participates in what she thought was mock hand-fasting ceremony with Duncan. But they weren’t handfasting pledges of love and devotion, but Druid wedding vows, "binding vows."
Once spoken, they could never be taken back. Once spoken by one of Druid descent, they would bind you to the other person past this life and into the next...soon after that vows, Tara's adventure begins as she travels back in time.. and meets the "family" and their magically ways. Can Duncan convince Tara that it was not just an act and that they truly were destined to be soul mates?
I am not much for cliff hangers, however Catherine Bybee did a wonderful job building the fantasy world and adding so much depth to the characters you felt like you were part of the family, then she cleverly took you right to the edge and left you wanting more.... in a good way, it had me looking for more that I immediately had to buy the next book in the series "Silent Vows".
I recently read the Highland Shifter and fell in love with the entire MacCoinnich's family. I knew that I wanted to go back and read the entire trilogy and fall in love with them all over again.
The first book in the series is Duncan and Tara's story. I loved the uniqueness of it, it was a quite refreshing. It was not the same old same thing time traveler story. I am ranking the entire series as a must read!! This book has it all- romance, steamy hot romance scenes, a villian, time travel, and a bit of paranormal. Oh my...
Not exactly how she planned to spend her vacation, Tara couldn’t believe she’d gotten herself roped into another one of her friend, Cassy’s adventures- to attend a Renaissance fair. "To attend they needed to wear the costume they think is most befitting their station in life. So, only young unmarried maids are allowed to wear their hair down and uncovered. If ye are married, divorced, or are no longer virtuous, your hair should be bound or covered the entire time ye are at the fair." Talk about having a "scarlet letter" across her virginal chest. And if that wasn't enough, everyone had to pass the scrutiny of the town’s Gypsy Queen. There was no fooling the Gypsy... she was to decide if the costume and appearance is appropriate to each guest.
Enter the time travelers, Duncan and Finlay MacCoinnich traveled from the sixteenth century to the present to stop an evil Druid witch. The brothers' mission is travel to the 21st century to deflower a maiden so an exiled witch, Grainna, didn't regain her powers. Grainna was cursed to an eternity in an aging and powerless body. She was pushed five centuries into the future; into a time and land she had little knowledge of. Now, in order to break the curse, she had to find a woman of Druid descent, a virgin. Only the virgin’s blood would set her free.
Tara finds herself the 'chosen' maiden for this year's event, as part of the closing ceremonies of the event she participates in what she thought was mock hand-fasting ceremony with Duncan. But they weren’t handfasting pledges of love and devotion, but Druid wedding vows, "binding vows."
“Where two hearts beat, there is now but one. This tie that binds us together shall never be undone.”
Once spoken, they could never be taken back. Once spoken by one of Druid descent, they would bind you to the other person past this life and into the next...soon after that vows, Tara's adventure begins as she travels back in time.. and meets the "family" and their magically ways. Can Duncan convince Tara that it was not just an act and that they truly were destined to be soul mates?
I am not much for cliff hangers, however Catherine Bybee did a wonderful job building the fantasy world and adding so much depth to the characters you felt like you were part of the family, then she cleverly took you right to the edge and left you wanting more.... in a good way, it had me looking for more that I immediately had to buy the next book in the series "Silent Vows".
November 29, 2011
Rated 4.5/5
Summary: Tara McAllister has been dragged on another crazy adventure by her best friend. This time, Cassy has convinced her to participate in a weekend Renaissance Faire. They are expected to dress in costume the whole weekend, while experiencing life without technology or modern conveniences.
Unfortunately, the festival is not what it seems. The host of the event, Grainna (aka Madame Gwen), is using the faire as a ruse to locate young girls with Druid blood. Gwen is actually a former Druid who has been banished to the future as a powerless old woman, as punishment for practicing black magic. The only way she can break the spell is by obtaining virgin blood from a girl of Druid descent. Grainna knows immediately that Tara qualifies, and she puts her guard around the young woman in order to keep her chaste until the solstice.
In the mean time, Duncan and Finlay MacCoinnich, brothers from Scotland, make their appearance at the faire. They have used Druid magic to travel through time 500 years to stop Grainna’s plans. Duncan falls for Tara almost immediately, and visa versa, but Tara is not willing to give up her virginity to someone she may never see again. Duncan knows that there are only two ways to save Tara’s life; he must either take her virginity, or take her back to his home in ancient Scotland. He takes her home.
Tara isn’t very happy about leaving her friends and family behind, but she eventually comes to understand that Duncan saved her life. Slowly, she begins to love her life in Scotland, largely due to the relationship that has developed with Duncan. But just when they think they have found their happily ever after, Grainna comes back into the picture.
Review: I’m definitely a sucker for a good Highlander romance, and this one fit the bill for me. It included the time-travel, Druid Magic, love story, fantastic characters, and elements of danger that culminate into an absolutely engaging romance novel.
I really enjoyed that there was such a strong storyline for WHY Tara was traveling back in time. I’ve read a lot of Highlander romances in which the heroine travels back in time by accident, but I think the strongest stories occur when the time travel has meaning. This book was a great example.
I also really liked that the evil character in this book was in the form of a straight-up scary old witch. I’ve read plenty of stories where evil came in the form of a beautiful seductress or a powerful man, and these types of characters almost always lead to misunderstanding between the primary couple in the story (distrust, accusations, doubt, etc.) It was really refreshing to read a book that didn’t have that element of presumed temptation or ridiculous misunderstandings.
I highly recommend this book to fans of Highlander or historical romances. I really enjoyed this story and am very much looking forward to the next book in the series
Summary: Tara McAllister has been dragged on another crazy adventure by her best friend. This time, Cassy has convinced her to participate in a weekend Renaissance Faire. They are expected to dress in costume the whole weekend, while experiencing life without technology or modern conveniences.
Unfortunately, the festival is not what it seems. The host of the event, Grainna (aka Madame Gwen), is using the faire as a ruse to locate young girls with Druid blood. Gwen is actually a former Druid who has been banished to the future as a powerless old woman, as punishment for practicing black magic. The only way she can break the spell is by obtaining virgin blood from a girl of Druid descent. Grainna knows immediately that Tara qualifies, and she puts her guard around the young woman in order to keep her chaste until the solstice.
In the mean time, Duncan and Finlay MacCoinnich, brothers from Scotland, make their appearance at the faire. They have used Druid magic to travel through time 500 years to stop Grainna’s plans. Duncan falls for Tara almost immediately, and visa versa, but Tara is not willing to give up her virginity to someone she may never see again. Duncan knows that there are only two ways to save Tara’s life; he must either take her virginity, or take her back to his home in ancient Scotland. He takes her home.
Tara isn’t very happy about leaving her friends and family behind, but she eventually comes to understand that Duncan saved her life. Slowly, she begins to love her life in Scotland, largely due to the relationship that has developed with Duncan. But just when they think they have found their happily ever after, Grainna comes back into the picture.
Review: I’m definitely a sucker for a good Highlander romance, and this one fit the bill for me. It included the time-travel, Druid Magic, love story, fantastic characters, and elements of danger that culminate into an absolutely engaging romance novel.
I really enjoyed that there was such a strong storyline for WHY Tara was traveling back in time. I’ve read a lot of Highlander romances in which the heroine travels back in time by accident, but I think the strongest stories occur when the time travel has meaning. This book was a great example.
I also really liked that the evil character in this book was in the form of a straight-up scary old witch. I’ve read plenty of stories where evil came in the form of a beautiful seductress or a powerful man, and these types of characters almost always lead to misunderstanding between the primary couple in the story (distrust, accusations, doubt, etc.) It was really refreshing to read a book that didn’t have that element of presumed temptation or ridiculous misunderstandings.
I highly recommend this book to fans of Highlander or historical romances. I really enjoyed this story and am very much looking forward to the next book in the series
June 5, 2010
5 Tombstones from Bitten By Books
Tara McAllister is a waitress who works for tips while going to nursing school. She is a typical woman of the 21st century. She doesn’t believe things she can’t see or touch. She also has a friend that talks her into attending a Renaissance Faire where they must be in full costume and sleep in tents. She is overjoyed…not.
Duncan MacCoinnich is from the 16th century but has traveled in time to the 21st century. He is of Druid descent, and magic runs through his veins. Duncan and his brother must find what they need in modern times within three days or the witch Grainna will be too powerful to take down.
Tara and her friend Cassy drive to a Renaissance Faire in the middle of nowhere California in the summer heat. Tara hates it from the get go. Cassy is excited that there is a witch that will read palms and dares Tara to go. Tara is twenty-five and still a virgin, so she decides that if the witch can guess that, she will shut up and pretend to enjoy herself. The witch guesses correctly and makes them into royalty during the fair. She starts to enjoy herself until a gorgeous man and his brother start talking about witches and druids. Duncan needs to take Tara away before Grainna can kill her for her innocence and will stop at nothing to do it; he just doesn’t think his feelings for her will get in the way. He decides that if he can’t save her in this time then he must take her back to his. He just hopes that she won’t hate him for too long because he wants her more than just a way to stop Grainna - he wants her for himself.
Binding Vows was such a amazing book. It is possibly the best I have read so far this year. In a typical romance where the woman or man travels back in time, it is usually dreamy and sweet. Not in this book. It tells what it would be like for a typical woman to go back. You have no indoor plumbing, cars, modern medicine or air conditioning. Doesn’t seem so romantic now, huh? Well, Tara is just that woman and she ain’t happy. It is hilarious watching her get to know her new surroundings and laughing at Duncan while he tries to make it easier for her. What a pair these two are. It was so much fun getting to know them. Of course, Catherine left a cliff hanger, and now we must wait for the next installment. Is it ready yet?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4.75 - Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
Cathryn Bybee brings together past and future holding them together with magic and romance and just a small touch of comedy in Binding Vows. The story was full of all things that I love action, romance, history and the knight in shining armor saving the damsel in distress bit. Bybee makes everything work together smoothly with a wonderful story anyone would love.
Tara McAllister is a waitress who works for tips while going to nursing school. She is a typical woman of the 21st century. She doesn’t believe things she can’t see or touch. She also has a friend that talks her into attending a Renaissance Faire where they must be in full costume and sleep in tents. She is overjoyed…not.
Duncan MacCoinnich is from the 16th century but has traveled in time to the 21st century. He is of Druid descent, and magic runs through his veins. Duncan and his brother must find what they need in modern times within three days or the witch Grainna will be too powerful to take down.
Tara and her friend Cassy drive to a Renaissance Faire in the middle of nowhere California in the summer heat. Tara hates it from the get go. Cassy is excited that there is a witch that will read palms and dares Tara to go. Tara is twenty-five and still a virgin, so she decides that if the witch can guess that, she will shut up and pretend to enjoy herself. The witch guesses correctly and makes them into royalty during the fair. She starts to enjoy herself until a gorgeous man and his brother start talking about witches and druids. Duncan needs to take Tara away before Grainna can kill her for her innocence and will stop at nothing to do it; he just doesn’t think his feelings for her will get in the way. He decides that if he can’t save her in this time then he must take her back to his. He just hopes that she won’t hate him for too long because he wants her more than just a way to stop Grainna - he wants her for himself.
Binding Vows was such a amazing book. It is possibly the best I have read so far this year. In a typical romance where the woman or man travels back in time, it is usually dreamy and sweet. Not in this book. It tells what it would be like for a typical woman to go back. You have no indoor plumbing, cars, modern medicine or air conditioning. Doesn’t seem so romantic now, huh? Well, Tara is just that woman and she ain’t happy. It is hilarious watching her get to know her new surroundings and laughing at Duncan while he tries to make it easier for her. What a pair these two are. It was so much fun getting to know them. Of course, Catherine left a cliff hanger, and now we must wait for the next installment. Is it ready yet?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4.75 - Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
Cathryn Bybee brings together past and future holding them together with magic and romance and just a small touch of comedy in Binding Vows. The story was full of all things that I love action, romance, history and the knight in shining armor saving the damsel in distress bit. Bybee makes everything work together smoothly with a wonderful story anyone would love.
January 15, 2012
I know everyone pushing Highlander novels can't be Karen Marie Moning (The Immortal Highlander) or Brenda Joyce Dark Embrace (Rose Trilogy, #1)) but can somebody get close?
I am so tired of these Highlander series serving hamburger instead of steak. Is it that difficult to write a brogue? Is the Druid mythology that complex? I don't know what is up with this Highlander 'lite' crap but it's really getting on my last nerve.
Now about this one, it's not bad and it's not the worst blend of hamburger I have ever had as Highlanders go. At least I could not imagine the characters and family being anything but Highlanders. Sometimes they are written so badly that they could be from any time or background.
Basically, we have a curse, a wicked witch on the hunt for virgin blood, a Highlander family keeping their Druid roots on the downlow, time travel, magic, and romance. I felt the author did an excellent job with the timetravel aspect of the story. No disappointment there. The hero is endearing and the heroine very realistic. I felt the love story and passion the two shared was exciting and well paced. All in all, it has more good aspects than weak ones. I sighed a few times and didn't find one 'too stupid to live' moment. The antagonist was evil but I didn't feel the curse made much sense. It just seemed like it was an afterthought and a driving force that didn't have enough connection to the family keeping the curse in tact.
If you are a fan of Highlanders written in the style of the masters -- Moning and Joyce, you won't find five stars here. If you like a good romance regardless of the paranormal foundation, this is a hit. The sexual tension and eventually combustion was very, very, well done. Ms. Bybee has skills and a wicked sense of humor. I will read more of her work for certain but it won't be Highlanders. If there had been a generous helping of brogue, it would have been 4.5 stars for me.
I am so tired of these Highlander series serving hamburger instead of steak. Is it that difficult to write a brogue? Is the Druid mythology that complex? I don't know what is up with this Highlander 'lite' crap but it's really getting on my last nerve.
Now about this one, it's not bad and it's not the worst blend of hamburger I have ever had as Highlanders go. At least I could not imagine the characters and family being anything but Highlanders. Sometimes they are written so badly that they could be from any time or background.
Basically, we have a curse, a wicked witch on the hunt for virgin blood, a Highlander family keeping their Druid roots on the downlow, time travel, magic, and romance. I felt the author did an excellent job with the timetravel aspect of the story. No disappointment there. The hero is endearing and the heroine very realistic. I felt the love story and passion the two shared was exciting and well paced. All in all, it has more good aspects than weak ones. I sighed a few times and didn't find one 'too stupid to live' moment. The antagonist was evil but I didn't feel the curse made much sense. It just seemed like it was an afterthought and a driving force that didn't have enough connection to the family keeping the curse in tact.
If you are a fan of Highlanders written in the style of the masters -- Moning and Joyce, you won't find five stars here. If you like a good romance regardless of the paranormal foundation, this is a hit. The sexual tension and eventually combustion was very, very, well done. Ms. Bybee has skills and a wicked sense of humor. I will read more of her work for certain but it won't be Highlanders. If there had been a generous helping of brogue, it would have been 4.5 stars for me.
July 7, 2011
I had sincere concerns when I first started this book.... I was worried that it was going to be an Outlander rip-off, and I was put off by the quality of the actual book and print type itself.
Well, cut to this morning at 3:30am when I had to force myself to put the book down in order to be able to wake up by 7:30am (yeah, I'm hurting now). I just finished it 5 minutes ago and am going to run upstairs to grab Book 2. I loved it! The only similarities are the scottish time travel aspect of the book, and that's where it ends.
The lead character has enough gumption about her not to come off as annoying (as in the Outlander series... sorry, but sometimes you do find yourself wondering what on earth Jamie sees in Claire!).. and I loved the entire family. I'm not going to say anymore, as I don't want to give anything away!
I do wish that the type-face was better quality.. it has a rather un-even spacing thing going on that was a little difficult to get used to at the beginning. I don't even notice it now... but come on people.. bring this fantastic book into the mainstream, will you?!
Ok, I can't waste time typing.. got to get that 2nd book started!
Well, cut to this morning at 3:30am when I had to force myself to put the book down in order to be able to wake up by 7:30am (yeah, I'm hurting now). I just finished it 5 minutes ago and am going to run upstairs to grab Book 2. I loved it! The only similarities are the scottish time travel aspect of the book, and that's where it ends.
The lead character has enough gumption about her not to come off as annoying (as in the Outlander series... sorry, but sometimes you do find yourself wondering what on earth Jamie sees in Claire!).. and I loved the entire family. I'm not going to say anymore, as I don't want to give anything away!
I do wish that the type-face was better quality.. it has a rather un-even spacing thing going on that was a little difficult to get used to at the beginning. I don't even notice it now... but come on people.. bring this fantastic book into the mainstream, will you?!
Ok, I can't waste time typing.. got to get that 2nd book started!
January 17, 2014
I just finished Binding Vows, I can't say it was one of my favorites but it was not terrible either. There were some aspects I enjoyed, the Highlanders and of course, time travel. The overall storyline was not bad but the book was lacking something I can't quite put my finger on. I did go back and forth between ebook and audiobook format and the one thing that I ABSOLUTELY HATED was the fact that the entire story was narrated by a man. Which would have been fine except that his female impersonation was HORRENDOUS!!! Even thinking about it right now makes me want to scream. Maybe that was why I didn't enjoy the book as much as I thought I would. The narrator for an audiobook is just as important as a actor would be for a movie. They could either make or break the story.......
May 12, 2011
I was ready for a good book today and I think I have found it. I wonder if this author is very well known due to a lack of reviews since it was written. I have read 37% based on my Kindle. So far, I love this book! It does involve time travel, so if you don't like TT you might not like this. As in the Diana Gabaldon books the travel is through a circle of stones. Right now I am thoroughly enjoying this story!
Loved this book! 5+++ I have already purchased the rest of the series! Great new author for me! Druid witches, time travel from Present to 1500's Scotland, and a H/H that are both great!
Loved this book! 5+++ I have already purchased the rest of the series! Great new author for me! Druid witches, time travel from Present to 1500's Scotland, and a H/H that are both great!
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