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Sci-Regency #5
My Highland Laird
Bannon Thompson, talented artist and youngest son of the Duke of Eversleigh, is hastily shipped off after his latest indiscretion. After crashing on rural Skye, leaving him and his valet the sole survivors of a diplomatic mission, Bannon must navigate the complexities of a primitive clan society and take up a role he never helping a sexy Highlander ensure the safety of both their planets.
Laird Ciaran MacKay wants nothing more than to keep his clan safe from the off-world intruders who killed his father. Suspecting complicity among his own people, he has no choice but to trust outsiders from a spaceship crash—and he can’t seem to fight his attraction to the stubborn redhead.
Drawn to the handsome laird, Bannon risks a bold affair. But there is more at stake than reputations as they find two lost Regelens and uncover the Intergalactic Navy’s plot.
Laird Ciaran MacKay wants nothing more than to keep his clan safe from the off-world intruders who killed his father. Suspecting complicity among his own people, he has no choice but to trust outsiders from a spaceship crash—and he can’t seem to fight his attraction to the stubborn redhead.
Drawn to the handsome laird, Bannon risks a bold affair. But there is more at stake than reputations as they find two lost Regelens and uncover the Intergalactic Navy’s plot.
386 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2020
54 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Langley
31 books1,867 followersJL has been talking since she was about seven months old. To those who know her it comes as no surprise, in fact, most will tell you she hasn’t shut up since. At eighteen months, she was speaking in full sentences. Imagine if you will the surprise of her admirers when they complimented her mother on “what a cute little boy” she had and received a fierce glare from said little boy and a very loud correction of “I’m a girl!” Oddly enough, JL still finds herself saying that exact phrase thirty-some-odd years later.
Along with the motormouth, JL also displayed a very vivid imagination and artistic ability. The artist first surfaced in way of drawing and painting, then became more apparent with dance. JL was a member of the National Art Honor Society in high school and has won several regional and national titles in dance, specifically tap and jazz. In college she majored in Graphic Art, but chose to make dance her profession. She taught tap, jazz and ballet for fifteen years before settling into her career as a writer.
Today JL is a full-time writer, with over ten novels to her credit. Among her hobbies she includes reading, practicing her marksmanship (she happens to be a great shot), gardening, working out (although she despises cardio), searching for the perfect chocolate dessert (so far as she can tell ALL chocolate is perfect, but it requires more research) and arguing with her husband over who the air compressor and nail gun really belongs to (they belong to JL, although she might be willing to trade him for his new chainsaw).
She also writes under the name Jeigh Lynn
Along with the motormouth, JL also displayed a very vivid imagination and artistic ability. The artist first surfaced in way of drawing and painting, then became more apparent with dance. JL was a member of the National Art Honor Society in high school and has won several regional and national titles in dance, specifically tap and jazz. In college she majored in Graphic Art, but chose to make dance her profession. She taught tap, jazz and ballet for fifteen years before settling into her career as a writer.
Today JL is a full-time writer, with over ten novels to her credit. Among her hobbies she includes reading, practicing her marksmanship (she happens to be a great shot), gardening, working out (although she despises cardio), searching for the perfect chocolate dessert (so far as she can tell ALL chocolate is perfect, but it requires more research) and arguing with her husband over who the air compressor and nail gun really belongs to (they belong to JL, although she might be willing to trade him for his new chainsaw).
She also writes under the name Jeigh Lynn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 19, 2021
3.5 Stars
Definitely another good installment in this unique series that mixes Regency snootiness and rules with technology and space ships. Despite such a heady mix, what I really want is to return to the planet Regelence and see the remaining 2 princes get their overdue stories (shoutout to Rexley and Trouble!)
This had adventure and action and spurred the continuous nefarious storyline that has run through all 5 books thus, putting many key players in danger and threatening the very principles that Regelence stands for. Of course, this also has a nice smexy progression between aristocrat Bannon, and Highland laird Ciarian, as they fight a common enemy.
Sadly, it seems though Langley has disappeared yet again from social media, and it’s quite depressing to consider this might be the last of the series for possibly another long sabbatical. Fingers crossed this isn’t so but unfortunately, I don’t have high hopes. Regardless, I’m all caught up and will be ready for the next release should that ever surface...
Definitely another good installment in this unique series that mixes Regency snootiness and rules with technology and space ships. Despite such a heady mix, what I really want is to return to the planet Regelence and see the remaining 2 princes get their overdue stories (shoutout to Rexley and Trouble!)
This had adventure and action and spurred the continuous nefarious storyline that has run through all 5 books thus, putting many key players in danger and threatening the very principles that Regelence stands for. Of course, this also has a nice smexy progression between aristocrat Bannon, and Highland laird Ciarian, as they fight a common enemy.
Sadly, it seems though Langley has disappeared yet again from social media, and it’s quite depressing to consider this might be the last of the series for possibly another long sabbatical. Fingers crossed this isn’t so but unfortunately, I don’t have high hopes. Regardless, I’m all caught up and will be ready for the next release should that ever surface...
February 8, 2021
This was a bit of a let-down for the series. It was set on a planet that is basically just medieval Scotland. One of the characters from an earlier book has his spaceship crash land there and then men with kilts capture him.
I mean, it could be worse.
The two main characters - kilt man and ye old Regency man - are both likable. That wasn't the problem. it was that the story seemed out of place with the rest. It's like the author just decided to throw every historical romance setting into the mix for the hell of it.
Just. Don't.
I would much rather have stayed on the main planet in the series and continue on to some of the other side romances that we have been looking forward to (Trouble and Rexley).
I mean, it could be worse.
The two main characters - kilt man and ye old Regency man - are both likable. That wasn't the problem. it was that the story seemed out of place with the rest. It's like the author just decided to throw every historical romance setting into the mix for the hell of it.
Just. Don't.
I would much rather have stayed on the main planet in the series and continue on to some of the other side romances that we have been looking forward to (Trouble and Rexley).
Read
April 27, 2020Although I do want to read this one... I’ve been waiting for Tarren’s book and Trouble’s/ Rexley’s book for ages! I know we have snippets of Trouble and Rexley together but I wish for them to have they’re own book. Trouble alone is a character I would love to read about. Fingers crossed that it will be soon 🤞🏼
October 22, 2020
I love this series! This series just makes me happy. I can't wait for more books to come out. Ok, gush over.
This is another great addition in this series. I wasn't sure how I was going to like being on a new planet not Regelence on Englor, but Skye was awesome. I liked the Highlands and we found a few people we knew were missing. ;) I had this particular tidbit figured out before things got revealed, but it still made me giddy knowing it was coming.
I really enjoyed getting to know Bannon a little bit more. He's so far been a fun sidekick to all of the main younger royals antics. He was the buddy not the star. I liked seeing him come into his own. He realizes how much stronger he can be than he thinks he is. Also Ciaran was a great addition to the series. He's had such trauma to deal with in such a short time. The attacks on his home have been growing and he's left to struggle to find away through on his own. Bannon's ship crashing on their planet breaks open some leads on to what is really going on with these new attacks on Skye. Which in turn illuminates more of what the IN is truly up to.
I liked Ciaran and Bannon together. Both young men are thrown into situations they weren't ready for but are determined to help their people. They're a good support for each other. They come from very different backgrounds, but yet have similar ideas of whats important. The Highlands are much more brutal than anything Bannon had to deal with growing up on Regelence. Adapting his thoughts to this harsher climate is something he has to faces while getting closer to Ciaran. Ciaran needs to learn how to trust more in his own capabilities as laird. He doesn't feel quite able to step into his fathers shoes yet.
This was a good story and I can't wait for more in this series. Things are just heating up and there's still more questions to be answered.
This is another great addition in this series. I wasn't sure how I was going to like being on a new planet not Regelence on Englor, but Skye was awesome. I liked the Highlands and we found a few people we knew were missing. ;) I had this particular tidbit figured out before things got revealed, but it still made me giddy knowing it was coming.
I really enjoyed getting to know Bannon a little bit more. He's so far been a fun sidekick to all of the main younger royals antics. He was the buddy not the star. I liked seeing him come into his own. He realizes how much stronger he can be than he thinks he is. Also Ciaran was a great addition to the series. He's had such trauma to deal with in such a short time. The attacks on his home have been growing and he's left to struggle to find away through on his own. Bannon's ship crashing on their planet breaks open some leads on to what is really going on with these new attacks on Skye. Which in turn illuminates more of what the IN is truly up to.
I liked Ciaran and Bannon together. Both young men are thrown into situations they weren't ready for but are determined to help their people. They're a good support for each other. They come from very different backgrounds, but yet have similar ideas of whats important. The Highlands are much more brutal than anything Bannon had to deal with growing up on Regelence. Adapting his thoughts to this harsher climate is something he has to faces while getting closer to Ciaran. Ciaran needs to learn how to trust more in his own capabilities as laird. He doesn't feel quite able to step into his fathers shoes yet.
This was a good story and I can't wait for more in this series. Things are just heating up and there's still more questions to be answered.
August 13, 2020
Not On Brand
I started reading this series back in 2007 and fell in love with the characters in the subsequent sequels and have gone back and read all of them several times. All of that said, I am very disappointed with the last two books, especially this one. My biggest criticism is the editing. This book is riddled with errors and it distracts from the natural flow of reading. I know the author suffered from writers block for many years, and while I sympathize with that, this story still feels lazy. Everything feels too easy and/or is explained away nonchalantly. The dialogue and internal monologues are downright cringeworthy at times. It overall just feels microwaved versus slow cooked, which all good books should be.
I did love the Marcus/Patrick story and looked forward to any and all of their scenes together. Nicely done there.
I love this world and have been fantasizing about it for over a decade. Many of the characters are special and memorable and I will read the next books that come out. I just hope they’re better.
I started reading this series back in 2007 and fell in love with the characters in the subsequent sequels and have gone back and read all of them several times. All of that said, I am very disappointed with the last two books, especially this one. My biggest criticism is the editing. This book is riddled with errors and it distracts from the natural flow of reading. I know the author suffered from writers block for many years, and while I sympathize with that, this story still feels lazy. Everything feels too easy and/or is explained away nonchalantly. The dialogue and internal monologues are downright cringeworthy at times. It overall just feels microwaved versus slow cooked, which all good books should be.
I did love the Marcus/Patrick story and looked forward to any and all of their scenes together. Nicely done there.
I love this world and have been fantasizing about it for over a decade. Many of the characters are special and memorable and I will read the next books that come out. I just hope they’re better.
November 13, 2020
An intriguing blend of Regency-Era historical, cutting edge sci-fi, taunt political intrigue, and scorching hot romance makes this one of the most curious and exciting series out there and I have been (im)patiently waiting for the latest release when a mischief-prone Regelen lordling crash lands onto a planet where the fierce, rugged Highlander ways are still in place.
My Highland Laird is the fifth of the Sci-Regency series. The romances are each standalone. However, the series arc and connection of characters is strongly tied so it must be read in series order.
Lord Bannon Thompson's latest mischief has landed him on a ship headed for Englor to visit his friend, King-Consort Payton, while the trouble cools back on Regelence. The Lady Anna will make one stop along the way to drop off Regelence diplomats to the planet Skye hoping to gain allies against the growing Inter-galactic Navy threat. All goes awry and he ends up crash-landed with his valet, Louie, in the primitive wilds of Skye's highland clan lands right into a smoldering clan war and what looks like a secret IN operation. Bannon has never been known for his diplomacy or for fighting prowess. He's an artist. But now, he will do what it takes to prove himself as not a fluff head and keep that stunning highlander, who caught his attention from the start, safe.
Laird Ciaran MacKay thought he had more time to prepare to fill his father's boots, but a sneak attack from an advanced force of unknown outsiders who come from offworld and the collusion of a neighboring clan against his own has him fighting to prove himself with the clan council and to himself that he can take care of the diminishing food supply, stop the MacLeans and whatever they are building with the outsiders on their land, and avenge his father's death. Into this frenzy drops two more strangers whose ship crashed nearby and claim they are not with the ones stirring up trouble. Ciaran wants to believe the gorgeous red-headed Bannon, but he is well aware that the young man is keeping secrets and those secrets have something to do with his close friends and mentors. Not that this will stop him from pursuing Red and trying to persuade him to stay on Skye- with him.
My Highland Laird got off to a slow start for me. It was exciting enough and Bannon is as mischievous as the Townsend family who got their stories before him, but it was definitely one that called for the reader's patience.
This book is set on a new planet and a new historical culture that doesn't blend the tech. Skye is totally true to earth's Scottish past around the seventeenth or eighteenth century in the highlands. The people seem to know about other planets of humans, but not the specifics of technology. There is a lot going on leaving me with a handful of puzzle pieces waiting to see how it all fits together. It does eventually and in some interesting series-shaking twists. This book also was the first to reveal a clear picture of what the IN conspiracy was all about and what their end game is so it really advanced the series storyline.
As to the romance, it was instant attraction, but then work for it relationship between a pair of opposites. Bannon comes from a sophisticated, aristocratic background and he's always been buffered as the baby in the family that no one takes very seriously. He chafes under this and wants to prove himself and has no idea how until he stumbles into the situation on Skye. He starts to shine there even though he is a fish out of water even with his feelings for Ciaran. Ciaran has been brought up rough as a warrior and a leader of people who have to be tough to live in their rural, rugged world. He has a strong sense of duty and responsibility and already feels like a failure because everything gets thrown at him at once. Bannon is his own tempest, but he is also stalwart and shows Ciaran that the goal can be reached by more than the obvious, blunt-force means. They recognize the strength and ability in each other even while they pursue a sensual getting to know you on a personal level. I loved them together, but I could have done without the distraction of Bannon's internal voice that he called Timothy.
I can't wait to see what comes next for the group of friends now that a surprise about Trouble's past came out and the truth of what is going on with the powerful IN and what it is trying to do.
This is an exciting, extra-spicy m/m sci-fi romance series that I can recommend to those who like this interesting and entertaining mash up of history and sci-fi.
My Highland Laird is the fifth of the Sci-Regency series. The romances are each standalone. However, the series arc and connection of characters is strongly tied so it must be read in series order.
Lord Bannon Thompson's latest mischief has landed him on a ship headed for Englor to visit his friend, King-Consort Payton, while the trouble cools back on Regelence. The Lady Anna will make one stop along the way to drop off Regelence diplomats to the planet Skye hoping to gain allies against the growing Inter-galactic Navy threat. All goes awry and he ends up crash-landed with his valet, Louie, in the primitive wilds of Skye's highland clan lands right into a smoldering clan war and what looks like a secret IN operation. Bannon has never been known for his diplomacy or for fighting prowess. He's an artist. But now, he will do what it takes to prove himself as not a fluff head and keep that stunning highlander, who caught his attention from the start, safe.
Laird Ciaran MacKay thought he had more time to prepare to fill his father's boots, but a sneak attack from an advanced force of unknown outsiders who come from offworld and the collusion of a neighboring clan against his own has him fighting to prove himself with the clan council and to himself that he can take care of the diminishing food supply, stop the MacLeans and whatever they are building with the outsiders on their land, and avenge his father's death. Into this frenzy drops two more strangers whose ship crashed nearby and claim they are not with the ones stirring up trouble. Ciaran wants to believe the gorgeous red-headed Bannon, but he is well aware that the young man is keeping secrets and those secrets have something to do with his close friends and mentors. Not that this will stop him from pursuing Red and trying to persuade him to stay on Skye- with him.
My Highland Laird got off to a slow start for me. It was exciting enough and Bannon is as mischievous as the Townsend family who got their stories before him, but it was definitely one that called for the reader's patience.
This book is set on a new planet and a new historical culture that doesn't blend the tech. Skye is totally true to earth's Scottish past around the seventeenth or eighteenth century in the highlands. The people seem to know about other planets of humans, but not the specifics of technology. There is a lot going on leaving me with a handful of puzzle pieces waiting to see how it all fits together. It does eventually and in some interesting series-shaking twists. This book also was the first to reveal a clear picture of what the IN conspiracy was all about and what their end game is so it really advanced the series storyline.
As to the romance, it was instant attraction, but then work for it relationship between a pair of opposites. Bannon comes from a sophisticated, aristocratic background and he's always been buffered as the baby in the family that no one takes very seriously. He chafes under this and wants to prove himself and has no idea how until he stumbles into the situation on Skye. He starts to shine there even though he is a fish out of water even with his feelings for Ciaran. Ciaran has been brought up rough as a warrior and a leader of people who have to be tough to live in their rural, rugged world. He has a strong sense of duty and responsibility and already feels like a failure because everything gets thrown at him at once. Bannon is his own tempest, but he is also stalwart and shows Ciaran that the goal can be reached by more than the obvious, blunt-force means. They recognize the strength and ability in each other even while they pursue a sensual getting to know you on a personal level. I loved them together, but I could have done without the distraction of Bannon's internal voice that he called Timothy.
I can't wait to see what comes next for the group of friends now that a surprise about Trouble's past came out and the truth of what is going on with the powerful IN and what it is trying to do.
This is an exciting, extra-spicy m/m sci-fi romance series that I can recommend to those who like this interesting and entertaining mash up of history and sci-fi.
January 6, 2021
4.5+ for story and 4 for the narration.
Reading the first of the Sci-Regency books was a fun romp, I barely noticed the espionage/rumblings of war in the novel. With each subsequent book, the action was ramped up. A long pause in the writing happened, long enough that I had to go back and reread (but this time I was able to listen to) the 3 previous books to get back into the genre.
I developed a slight dislike for Bannon in the other books as he was always so frivolous. I think the author wrote them for the reader to have at least a slight negative opinion. Anyway being crash landed on a practically technology free planet does something for him and he becomes human and someone I enjoyed. I also loved that when he fell hard for Ciaran MacKay he did not become a damsel in distress which previously one could have envisioned him to be. Being adicted to photos of hunky guys, I personally would have switched hair color between Bannon and Ciaran so that the Highlander could have been a redhead, but I digress.
Very interesting plot to have extremely high-tech peoples interact with no-tech "Isle" of Skye inhabitants (Skye this time being a planet and not an Isle).
Very well done plots and romances and tidying up without divulging the next in the series. I am addicted to this now and cant wait for the next installment.
Reading the first of the Sci-Regency books was a fun romp, I barely noticed the espionage/rumblings of war in the novel. With each subsequent book, the action was ramped up. A long pause in the writing happened, long enough that I had to go back and reread (but this time I was able to listen to) the 3 previous books to get back into the genre.
I developed a slight dislike for Bannon in the other books as he was always so frivolous. I think the author wrote them for the reader to have at least a slight negative opinion. Anyway being crash landed on a practically technology free planet does something for him and he becomes human and someone I enjoyed. I also loved that when he fell hard for Ciaran MacKay he did not become a damsel in distress which previously one could have envisioned him to be. Being adicted to photos of hunky guys, I personally would have switched hair color between Bannon and Ciaran so that the Highlander could have been a redhead, but I digress.
Very interesting plot to have extremely high-tech peoples interact with no-tech "Isle" of Skye inhabitants (Skye this time being a planet and not an Isle).
Very well done plots and romances and tidying up without divulging the next in the series. I am addicted to this now and cant wait for the next installment.
November 20, 2020
I adore this authors work so much! This series is incredible and this book has probably taken favorite spot for me. Had me hooked from start to finish with this story, i loved getting to learn more about Bannon and explore a new world in this universe.
The highlands are a weakness of mine and are done beautifully here, with all the characters and the world building was perfection as always. Also major admire the use of language here as it was wonderful, really showed the differences of where they originate throughout.
Plenty of action scenes in this book, lots of revelations and some previous characters get to shine here which was fun. There is a lot of amazing relationships in this one, especially friendships and the clans members were just incredible.
Especially adored Bannon and Louisas friendship, they really shined for me from the start as they support and challenge each other in the best ways. I just really loved their bond, Cieran has an amazing group too. Also Ian and Fiona were hilarious.
I liked the bogles, the flaggers, gardening and the battles. Cieran and Bannon have incredible chemistry, they just bounce off each other really well and both are flawed. Yet a lot of their love and admiration for the other was for those as well which just gave me all the feels.
Oh and Timothy is the best muse ever, i wasn't sure on at first but he made me smile always and i liked Cierans recognition. It was such a sweet happy ending for everyone, with lots still to look forward to in the future 💕
This book just made me so happy and was so close to a 5 star, if not for the ending feeling sudden. Still perfect way to finish with these two and shall keep an eye out for more in this universe xx
The highlands are a weakness of mine and are done beautifully here, with all the characters and the world building was perfection as always. Also major admire the use of language here as it was wonderful, really showed the differences of where they originate throughout.
Plenty of action scenes in this book, lots of revelations and some previous characters get to shine here which was fun. There is a lot of amazing relationships in this one, especially friendships and the clans members were just incredible.
Especially adored Bannon and Louisas friendship, they really shined for me from the start as they support and challenge each other in the best ways. I just really loved their bond, Cieran has an amazing group too. Also Ian and Fiona were hilarious.
I liked the bogles, the flaggers, gardening and the battles. Cieran and Bannon have incredible chemistry, they just bounce off each other really well and both are flawed. Yet a lot of their love and admiration for the other was for those as well which just gave me all the feels.
Oh and Timothy is the best muse ever, i wasn't sure on at first but he made me smile always and i liked Cierans recognition. It was such a sweet happy ending for everyone, with lots still to look forward to in the future 💕
This book just made me so happy and was so close to a 5 star, if not for the ending feeling sudden. Still perfect way to finish with these two and shall keep an eye out for more in this universe xx
August 24, 2020
I love this series, but I went to read the fifth installment with a really low bar because it wasn't about one of princes... and after the fourth installment and everything that happened for this book to see the light... yeah, I was ready for almost anything.
Nevertheless, I was not ready for the highland accent and how much if was going to break the flow for me every time it popped, which was 50% of the time since one of the MCs spoke like that and it happened on a planet were people spoke like that... I'm all for accents and flavors in life, but some things are best left to your ears not your eyes.
Don't get me wrong, it's a good story; both Bannon and Ciaran are likable and feel real enough with their quirks and habits, and because somehow even coming from different angles their stories are similar, so it make sense that they could relate to each other and see the similarities beyond the disparities.
As I said the bar started low (automatic 3 stars) and never reached the maximum level because the reason for the IN to be doing what they are doing was a total letdown, and the ending seemed abrupt and illogical. An epilogue (which has happened in other books of the series) would have been the thing to wrap it all nicely because who knows how long we'll need to wait to get the next book.
I hope Langley pairs Prince Tarren with the Duke of Knighton (that rascal rake Rourke) and finishes the series with Rexley and Trouble's wedding. The whole IN mess is a third-level character to me; still, that doesn't mean it has to be messy at the end.
Nevertheless, I was not ready for the highland accent and how much if was going to break the flow for me every time it popped, which was 50% of the time since one of the MCs spoke like that and it happened on a planet were people spoke like that... I'm all for accents and flavors in life, but some things are best left to your ears not your eyes.
Don't get me wrong, it's a good story; both Bannon and Ciaran are likable and feel real enough with their quirks and habits, and because somehow even coming from different angles their stories are similar, so it make sense that they could relate to each other and see the similarities beyond the disparities.
As I said the bar started low (automatic 3 stars) and never reached the maximum level because the reason for the IN to be doing what they are doing was a total letdown, and the ending seemed abrupt and illogical. An epilogue (which has happened in other books of the series) would have been the thing to wrap it all nicely because who knows how long we'll need to wait to get the next book.
I hope Langley pairs Prince Tarren with the Duke of Knighton (that rascal rake Rourke) and finishes the series with Rexley and Trouble's wedding. The whole IN mess is a third-level character to me; still, that doesn't mean it has to be messy at the end.
February 1, 2024
Unfortunately, the author has retired from writing a few years back, so I won't be able to read about Jeremy and Rexley, or Rourke and Tarren. I also would have liked to see how the whole overarching plot would have been wrapped up.
August 20, 2020
Lots of ye and ken and och. Perhaps too much. The story was good, but definitely not a standalone.
October 21, 2021
The sci-regency world is a real break from the pattern of more realistic period romances - here, LGBTQ characters are able to fall in love and marry in a warm, accepting society.
Whereas in traditional regency romance, social pressures usually contribute much of the conflict and plot matter - or at least, have to be dealt with in some way - in this series, acceptance presents no obstacle at all and the author can focus on the interpersonal dynamics of the eccentric and contrasting central characters. And when the romantic badinage and familial hi-jinks all get a bit over the top and need breaking up, there’s always the option of throwing in some spaceships, cloning and laser guns *pew pew* to give a semblance of an underlying series long plot arc.
This approach has made the series feel original and interesting for me so far - I’ve rated all four previous books three stars, because I did enjoy them, but I probably wouldn’t recommend them to anyone I know personally. Sure, if you’re an m/m regency romance enthusiast and you can suspend your powers of disbelief in the service of a perfectly good romance storyline, these four books are a fun read. But three stars is as far as it goes.
This latest volume however was much less fun for me, for three reasons: 1) it is almost entirely set in Scotlandworld (TM) which lacks the manners and elegance I find most charming about the other books in the series 2) I can’t remember anything about the cast of supporting characters who have been developed in the previous books because it’s been years since I read them. They really don’t get much description in this book so if I wanted to get any idea of who they are I would have to reread the series, which I can’t bring myself to do right now.
Reason number 3) is the main one for me though: the writing of the scottish dialect is terrible. I may not know much about writing, and I don’t pretend to be any kind of expert on Scottish dialect either, but I’m pretty sure you can’t just replace every single “don’t” with “dinnae” and every “know” with “ken” and expect it to sound convincing to anyone who has actually heard Scottish speakers. For me, constantly wading through a really badly imitated dialect made every page of this book painful to read and I actually gave up on finishing this more than once. In the end I was motivated to finish this by the prospect that the next volume in the sci-regency series probably won’t be based in Scotlandworld again.
**I will just add here that I am aware this is a forthright and somewhat negative review on public social media and I want to emphasise this is just my own dumb opinion and I mostly wrote it to vent how I personally felt after reading the book, not to demean the effort or talent of the creator, nor to invalidate anyone else’s enjoyment. If you find yourself disagreeing with all or part of this review please feel free to avoid interacting with me in any way - and go do something nice for yourself instead, as a reward for not getting upset about something someone wrote on the internet.
Whereas in traditional regency romance, social pressures usually contribute much of the conflict and plot matter - or at least, have to be dealt with in some way - in this series, acceptance presents no obstacle at all and the author can focus on the interpersonal dynamics of the eccentric and contrasting central characters. And when the romantic badinage and familial hi-jinks all get a bit over the top and need breaking up, there’s always the option of throwing in some spaceships, cloning and laser guns *pew pew* to give a semblance of an underlying series long plot arc.
This approach has made the series feel original and interesting for me so far - I’ve rated all four previous books three stars, because I did enjoy them, but I probably wouldn’t recommend them to anyone I know personally. Sure, if you’re an m/m regency romance enthusiast and you can suspend your powers of disbelief in the service of a perfectly good romance storyline, these four books are a fun read. But three stars is as far as it goes.
This latest volume however was much less fun for me, for three reasons: 1) it is almost entirely set in Scotlandworld (TM) which lacks the manners and elegance I find most charming about the other books in the series 2) I can’t remember anything about the cast of supporting characters who have been developed in the previous books because it’s been years since I read them. They really don’t get much description in this book so if I wanted to get any idea of who they are I would have to reread the series, which I can’t bring myself to do right now.
Reason number 3) is the main one for me though: the writing of the scottish dialect is terrible. I may not know much about writing, and I don’t pretend to be any kind of expert on Scottish dialect either, but I’m pretty sure you can’t just replace every single “don’t” with “dinnae” and every “know” with “ken” and expect it to sound convincing to anyone who has actually heard Scottish speakers. For me, constantly wading through a really badly imitated dialect made every page of this book painful to read and I actually gave up on finishing this more than once. In the end I was motivated to finish this by the prospect that the next volume in the sci-regency series probably won’t be based in Scotlandworld again.
**I will just add here that I am aware this is a forthright and somewhat negative review on public social media and I want to emphasise this is just my own dumb opinion and I mostly wrote it to vent how I personally felt after reading the book, not to demean the effort or talent of the creator, nor to invalidate anyone else’s enjoyment. If you find yourself disagreeing with all or part of this review please feel free to avoid interacting with me in any way - and go do something nice for yourself instead, as a reward for not getting upset about something someone wrote on the internet.
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November 11, 2021Welcome back, J.L. Langley! I've always been a huge fan of this author's work.
I listened to, and thoroughly enjoyed, the first four books in the author's Sci-Regency series, and eagerly awaited the fifth. And waited. And waited. Then the first four disappeared from Audible! In checking the author's website, I found that book five had been released in ebook but then taken down. The author retired! Oh no! I was recommending these books right and left, and no one could find them.
By accident, I found a post on Facebook that said the books were back. Oh, happy day! I ran and grabbed this one as an ebook, because I had to find out what happened next, and I'd come to like Bannon in the previous installments.
This offering differs a lot from the previous stories, as it doesn't take place on a regency planet, but rather on a world based on historical Scotland. Without technology. Instead of fancy dress balls, we have battles. Instead of cravats, we have kilts. (I know, right?) Chaperone? What chaperone? Faced with giving up his pampered life, Bannon actually grows, learns what's important, and has a chance to show who he really is when free of the rules of his restrictive society and his family's ideas of who he is.
His alter-ego, Timothy, is a hoot, especially as each chapter begins with a quote by him. Louie is back, and I'm happy to see her stepping out from Bannon's shadow and becoming her own person (though she's still devoted to Bannon). An older couple that I thought long dead showed up in the world Bannon finds himself on, as well as a character we briefly met and who disappeared. I was glad to make their acquaintance (reacquaintance). Beautiful imagery, great secondary characters, and a solid couple make for a wonderful addition to this series.
And...... I heard there will be at least one more book! Yay! Very much recommended.
I listened to, and thoroughly enjoyed, the first four books in the author's Sci-Regency series, and eagerly awaited the fifth. And waited. And waited. Then the first four disappeared from Audible! In checking the author's website, I found that book five had been released in ebook but then taken down. The author retired! Oh no! I was recommending these books right and left, and no one could find them.
By accident, I found a post on Facebook that said the books were back. Oh, happy day! I ran and grabbed this one as an ebook, because I had to find out what happened next, and I'd come to like Bannon in the previous installments.
This offering differs a lot from the previous stories, as it doesn't take place on a regency planet, but rather on a world based on historical Scotland. Without technology. Instead of fancy dress balls, we have battles. Instead of cravats, we have kilts. (I know, right?) Chaperone? What chaperone? Faced with giving up his pampered life, Bannon actually grows, learns what's important, and has a chance to show who he really is when free of the rules of his restrictive society and his family's ideas of who he is.
His alter-ego, Timothy, is a hoot, especially as each chapter begins with a quote by him. Louie is back, and I'm happy to see her stepping out from Bannon's shadow and becoming her own person (though she's still devoted to Bannon). An older couple that I thought long dead showed up in the world Bannon finds himself on, as well as a character we briefly met and who disappeared. I was glad to make their acquaintance (reacquaintance). Beautiful imagery, great secondary characters, and a solid couple make for a wonderful addition to this series.
And...... I heard there will be at least one more book! Yay! Very much recommended.
June 28, 2022
Bannon just stared at it for a moment, then met that mischievous gaze. "What is this for?"
"Tae wash my back, of course."
This book almost reads like a gay, sci-fi Outlander.
I can't say I was *that* interested in reading Bannon's (also known as Red) story prior to opening this book. In previous installments, his youth and immaturity seemed to shine through more then the others, despite being all around the same age. I was pleasantly surprised with his depth of character and growth while also staying true to self in this novel!
Ciaran was fun to read - a muscular kilt-wearing laird, what's not to like?
"She knows you don't like it when she cries, doesn't she?" Red asked.
"Aye." Something told him they'd just been played.
It was nice to get off Regelence again and explore more of the intergalactic universe Langley has crafted. Per usual, the cast of side characters really try to steal the show from our main men. And it took me until Chapter 4 to click in on who Oooh, angst!
I mentioned this in my review of book #4 but its really hitting home that Langley will not be publishing more books in this series. Let me make this very clear - there are many loose ends in the overall story. These are just a few things I am really lamenting not getting the chance to read.
Maybe, one day Langley will change her mind? Fingers crossed.
"Tae wash my back, of course."
This book almost reads like a gay, sci-fi Outlander.
I can't say I was *that* interested in reading Bannon's (also known as Red) story prior to opening this book. In previous installments, his youth and immaturity seemed to shine through more then the others, despite being all around the same age. I was pleasantly surprised with his depth of character and growth while also staying true to self in this novel!
Ciaran was fun to read - a muscular kilt-wearing laird, what's not to like?
"She knows you don't like it when she cries, doesn't she?" Red asked.
"Aye." Something told him they'd just been played.
It was nice to get off Regelence again and explore more of the intergalactic universe Langley has crafted. Per usual, the cast of side characters really try to steal the show from our main men. And it took me until Chapter 4 to click in on who Oooh, angst!
I mentioned this in my review of book #4 but its really hitting home that Langley will not be publishing more books in this series. Let me make this very clear - there are many loose ends in the overall story. These are just a few things I am really lamenting not getting the chance to read.
Maybe, one day Langley will change her mind? Fingers crossed.
May 22, 2025
Sad to say this one did not capture me they way the rest did.
While overall the story was good, I felt myself getting bored with Bannon. Plus not being set on Regelence there was no interaction with the other characters. Another turn off point was Timothy, I just found the alter ego annoying.
Ciaran was another just OK guy. I never felt the spark between them though.
So a sad end to a great series, I live in hope that one day J.L. Langley will return to her M/M roots and finish this series. Not only to give us an ending to the up coming war, but mostly I want Trouble and Tarrens story.
While overall the story was good, I felt myself getting bored with Bannon. Plus not being set on Regelence there was no interaction with the other characters. Another turn off point was Timothy, I just found the alter ego annoying.
Ciaran was another just OK guy. I never felt the spark between them though.
So a sad end to a great series, I live in hope that one day J.L. Langley will return to her M/M roots and finish this series. Not only to give us an ending to the up coming war, but mostly I want Trouble and Tarrens story.
October 10, 2020
4.75 stars, and I only knicked off that .26 since I really want more after the last paragraph!
Who's next? Are we getting Tarren or Trouble and Rexley? Because I really want both of them, as soon as possible, thank you very much...
Who's next? Are we getting Tarren or Trouble and Rexley? Because I really want both of them, as soon as possible, thank you very much...
August 12, 2020
A good addition to a series I like. Pleasingly the innumerable typos and errors that marred a recent release from this author are absent leaving this an enjoyable read.
March 5, 2021
I have no complaints... not one... none...
OK, I may have one small, very tiny problem with this story... Where is the dang lead into the next book? Who is the next book about? My money is on Trouble (Jeremy) but who knows? We were given NO CLUES... grrr
There, all better now! *snort* LOL!!!
OK, I may have one small, very tiny problem with this story... Where is the dang lead into the next book? Who is the next book about? My money is on Trouble (Jeremy) but who knows? We were given NO CLUES... grrr
There, all better now! *snort* LOL!!!
October 28, 2020
最初は面白かったんだけど、だんだん飽きてしまい、80〜90%は飛ばし読み。シリーズを通して伏線となる陰謀部分はだいぶん明らかになってくるんだけど、バノンのアルターエゴやアーティスト設定が面倒過ぎた。正直に言うとアーティストキャラは嫌いなんです。次に期待したい。
September 22, 2020
oh the disappointment, so much expectation and then ... this.
so my problems were many-fold on this, the Scottish accent, so distracting and messy, then there was the Bannon / Timothy thing...
And i suppose it just wasn't part of the series, the world building has been good, so the theory is that they are futuristic planets, that have been created by technology, and to specific society types, so if you wanted a world full of people called Barry for example you could, but why would you create a world without plumbing, or electricity, or basic healthcare.... its just nonsensical. So yeah that bugged me but without the whole Relegance society thing just didnt feel like part of the series.
And that ending, why, no explanation, really is Bannon going back to the planet without aforementioned mod cons, and no tea?
so my problems were many-fold on this, the Scottish accent, so distracting and messy, then there was the Bannon / Timothy thing...
And i suppose it just wasn't part of the series, the world building has been good, so the theory is that they are futuristic planets, that have been created by technology, and to specific society types, so if you wanted a world full of people called Barry for example you could, but why would you create a world without plumbing, or electricity, or basic healthcare.... its just nonsensical. So yeah that bugged me but without the whole Relegance society thing just didnt feel like part of the series.
And that ending, why, no explanation, really is Bannon going back to the planet without aforementioned mod cons, and no tea?
October 22, 2021
2.5 stars
Found this difficult to finish, which is probably partially due to the Scottish and partialy due to not remembering very well the characters from the previous books.
Also I thought the fact that he had a voice in his head, with a different personality, which he named (!), was very weird. It shows some mental issues, but it plays in the plot as though it's natural for an artistic/creative person.....
Found this difficult to finish, which is probably partially due to the Scottish and partialy due to not remembering very well the characters from the previous books.
Also I thought the fact that he had a voice in his head, with a different personality, which he named (!), was very weird. It shows some mental issues, but it plays in the plot as though it's natural for an artistic/creative person.....
October 29, 2020
Yeah ok so, we keep getting these side characters. For some reason I confused Bannon for Tarren and wondered why he was an artist with psychosis for 2+ chapters. I kept wondering where the dogs were.
It was very hard to read the Scottish accent dialogue. So hard.
This was one of my first M/M series. I really wanted to like it.
It was very hard to read the Scottish accent dialogue. So hard.
This was one of my first M/M series. I really wanted to like it.
September 22, 2022
Unfortunate end to series
I'd noticed before that the author wasn't as interested in her writing as she was in earlier books. This book is a sad footnote to the Sci Regency series. Uninteresting characters, strange mixture of settings, and pages upon pages I skipped to at least figure out how she'd settle the series.
I guess this qualifies as DNF.
I'd noticed before that the author wasn't as interested in her writing as she was in earlier books. This book is a sad footnote to the Sci Regency series. Uninteresting characters, strange mixture of settings, and pages upon pages I skipped to at least figure out how she'd settle the series.
I guess this qualifies as DNF.
August 27, 2020
I think I lost interest in the series. And kind of skimmed over this book.
September 7, 2020
No as good as the others... and the Scottish accents were waaaaaaay over done. Bummer, we waited a long time for it, and I found it disappointing.
January 19, 2022
Sci-Regency #5
I enjoyed it… BUT… There was way too much jumping… No… Leaping in this book. Granted they were mostly intuitive leaps, but every single one of those "Leaps" skipped a lot of information that I would have liked to have, only to circle around later to give that information to us in a couple of throwaway sentences/paragraphs. It was quite frustrating and sometimes very hard to follow. I'm still liking this series but honestly, if the author would just take the time to add the information as it occurs, with the details we all love, I think her writing would go from being good to EPIC. Enjoy!
Read:
January 17-18, 2022 – Kindle Edition
Chronological Reading Order for J.L. Langley Sci-Regency Series
1. My Fair Captain - Sci-Regency #1 - November 5, 4829, featuring: Aiden Townsend, Prince, fourth in line to the throne of the planet Regelence & Captain Nathaniel (Nate) Hawkins (a.k.a. Hawk)
1.1. A Regelence Christmas - Sci-Regency #1.1 (Free Short Story) - shortly before Christmas, December 4829, featuring: Steven Townsend, King of Regelence & Raleigh (Cony) Townsend, King-Consort of Regelence
2. The Englor Affair - Sci-Regency #2 - January 15, 4830, featuring: Payton Townsend, Prince, third in line to the throne of the planet Regelence & Colonel Simon Hollister, Prince, heir to the throne of the planet Englor
2.1. Jared's Surprise - Sci-Regency #2.1 (Free Short Story) - shortly before Christmas, December 4829, featuring: Leland Hawkins (Nate’s father), Duke of Hawthorne & Kit Bradford, Marques of Oxley
3. My Regelence Rake - Sci-Regency #3 - January 12, 4831, featuring: Colton Townsend, Prince, fifth in line to the throne of the planet Regelence & Sebastian Hastings, Viscount Wentworth, Captain of the palace guard.
3.1. Happy Valentine's Day, Sir - Sci-Regency # 3.1 - February 14, 4831, featuring: Aiden Townsend, Prince, fourth in line to the throne of the planet Regelence & Captain Nathaniel (Nate) Hawkins (a.k.a. Hawk)
3.2. To Catch A Traitor - Sci-Regency #3.2 - three years after Nate & Aiden get married, November 4832, featuring: Aiden Townsend, Prince, fourth in line to the throne of the planet Regelence & Captain Nathaniel (Nate) Hawkins (a.k.a. Hawk)
4. Diplomatic Relations – Sci-Regency #4 – Dalton Fairfax and Blaise Thompson
5. My Highland Laird – Sci-Regency #5 – Bannon Thompson and Laird Ciaran MacKay
I enjoyed it… BUT… There was way too much jumping… No… Leaping in this book. Granted they were mostly intuitive leaps, but every single one of those "Leaps" skipped a lot of information that I would have liked to have, only to circle around later to give that information to us in a couple of throwaway sentences/paragraphs. It was quite frustrating and sometimes very hard to follow. I'm still liking this series but honestly, if the author would just take the time to add the information as it occurs, with the details we all love, I think her writing would go from being good to EPIC. Enjoy!
Read:
January 17-18, 2022 – Kindle Edition
Chronological Reading Order for J.L. Langley Sci-Regency Series
1. My Fair Captain - Sci-Regency #1 - November 5, 4829, featuring: Aiden Townsend, Prince, fourth in line to the throne of the planet Regelence & Captain Nathaniel (Nate) Hawkins (a.k.a. Hawk)
1.1. A Regelence Christmas - Sci-Regency #1.1 (Free Short Story) - shortly before Christmas, December 4829, featuring: Steven Townsend, King of Regelence & Raleigh (Cony) Townsend, King-Consort of Regelence
2. The Englor Affair - Sci-Regency #2 - January 15, 4830, featuring: Payton Townsend, Prince, third in line to the throne of the planet Regelence & Colonel Simon Hollister, Prince, heir to the throne of the planet Englor
2.1. Jared's Surprise - Sci-Regency #2.1 (Free Short Story) - shortly before Christmas, December 4829, featuring: Leland Hawkins (Nate’s father), Duke of Hawthorne & Kit Bradford, Marques of Oxley
3. My Regelence Rake - Sci-Regency #3 - January 12, 4831, featuring: Colton Townsend, Prince, fifth in line to the throne of the planet Regelence & Sebastian Hastings, Viscount Wentworth, Captain of the palace guard.
3.1. Happy Valentine's Day, Sir - Sci-Regency # 3.1 - February 14, 4831, featuring: Aiden Townsend, Prince, fourth in line to the throne of the planet Regelence & Captain Nathaniel (Nate) Hawkins (a.k.a. Hawk)
3.2. To Catch A Traitor - Sci-Regency #3.2 - three years after Nate & Aiden get married, November 4832, featuring: Aiden Townsend, Prince, fourth in line to the throne of the planet Regelence & Captain Nathaniel (Nate) Hawkins (a.k.a. Hawk)
4. Diplomatic Relations – Sci-Regency #4 – Dalton Fairfax and Blaise Thompson
5. My Highland Laird – Sci-Regency #5 – Bannon Thompson and Laird Ciaran MacKay
August 18, 2020
SPOILERS!!!!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book for a very long time. Regelence world is a favourite of mine, and Bannon is one of my favourite characters in this series. Having such high expectations is not always the best.
First of all, the fact that it takes place in a different planet, one very different from Regelence, was a bit of a let down. We don’t get to see any of the great world building and society intricacies that have made this series so special. Moist of the beloved characters were sadly missing.
Bannon being one of my favorite, I wanted him to have a great love story. I may be in the minority here, but I found Ciaran to be… not quite interesting… I’m sorry, I found him a little boring. So, the love story was not my favourite. The instant attraction didn’t bother me, but they didn’t spend much quality time together for Bannon to decide to leave it all behind to stay with Ciaran in Skye.
Also, Ciaran broke a promise, didn’t listen and didn’t trust Bannon’s words, he dismissed his opinions, all of that after Bannon confided in him about the way his family treated him… not good.
I would have been happier if Ciaran had stayed in Skye and Bannon had resumed his life in Regelence, maybe find another man in a later book. I think he would have been much better suited to a guy like Dalton, or even Sebastian’s friend… what was his name? Rourke?
The ending felt very rushed, as if the author run out of space. Everything seemed to be solved off page.
I still enjoyed the book because I like the overall story, and things are getting more clear with the IN situation. Whose story is next? Trouble and Rexley?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book for a very long time. Regelence world is a favourite of mine, and Bannon is one of my favourite characters in this series. Having such high expectations is not always the best.
First of all, the fact that it takes place in a different planet, one very different from Regelence, was a bit of a let down. We don’t get to see any of the great world building and society intricacies that have made this series so special. Moist of the beloved characters were sadly missing.
Bannon being one of my favorite, I wanted him to have a great love story. I may be in the minority here, but I found Ciaran to be… not quite interesting… I’m sorry, I found him a little boring. So, the love story was not my favourite. The instant attraction didn’t bother me, but they didn’t spend much quality time together for Bannon to decide to leave it all behind to stay with Ciaran in Skye.
Also, Ciaran broke a promise, didn’t listen and didn’t trust Bannon’s words, he dismissed his opinions, all of that after Bannon confided in him about the way his family treated him… not good.
I would have been happier if Ciaran had stayed in Skye and Bannon had resumed his life in Regelence, maybe find another man in a later book. I think he would have been much better suited to a guy like Dalton, or even Sebastian’s friend… what was his name? Rourke?
The ending felt very rushed, as if the author run out of space. Everything seemed to be solved off page.
I still enjoyed the book because I like the overall story, and things are getting more clear with the IN situation. Whose story is next? Trouble and Rexley?
November 28, 2025
I really liked this book. I honestly don't understand why people were opposed to this book. Bannon has been a character since the beginning. Trouble could not have had his book until after some of the revelations from this one. I believe Terran is still too young. Now, I understand people being upset because apparently Langley has given up all m/m writing, and the series will not continue. But that is hardly Bannon's fault.
The groundwork was clearly layed out in previous books. The overall arc took major steps forward.
There are those that didn't like how those from Sky talked, but others would have complained about authenticity if it hadn't been maintained. It really wasn't that bad especially once one realizes the word "Ken" means "know". The rest was spelled different, but familiar based on phonetics.
I loved the contrast of the worlds. I loved seeing the growth in Bannon. I loved that even Lou may have found love. I wasn't at all fond of the "muse", but that didn't really effect my enjoyment.
I am deeply saddened there won't be at least 2 other books for the princes and the wrapping up of the IN story. I am glad we have an idea of the pairings for their HEA and an idea how the overthrow of the IN might come about between those still in the IN and the 3 planets allying together.
The groundwork was clearly layed out in previous books. The overall arc took major steps forward.
There are those that didn't like how those from Sky talked, but others would have complained about authenticity if it hadn't been maintained. It really wasn't that bad especially once one realizes the word "Ken" means "know". The rest was spelled different, but familiar based on phonetics.
I loved the contrast of the worlds. I loved seeing the growth in Bannon. I loved that even Lou may have found love. I wasn't at all fond of the "muse", but that didn't really effect my enjoyment.
I am deeply saddened there won't be at least 2 other books for the princes and the wrapping up of the IN story. I am glad we have an idea of the pairings for their HEA and an idea how the overthrow of the IN might come about between those still in the IN and the 3 planets allying together.
May 24, 2025
This is my second time reading Langley's Sci-Regency series and the first time since I discovered audiobooks and the ability to read critically. Langley excels at writing romance, she mixes sexual, romantic, and interpersonal tension between her leads in a way that is really satisfying and makes her stand out from less skilled romanciers. Having said that, the setting of the Sci-Regency series is wild and tests my suspension of disbelief (I am pretty good a suspending my disbelief.) The idea that a future society would model itself after the Sacred Band of Thebes and the Regency period is a bridge too far. I enjoy the books, they're well written, but I can't wrap my mind around Regelence society. Regardless, the woman owes me at least two more books, I want Tarran and Rexley to have their happily ever afters.
August 11, 2020
Wonderful!!!!
If you were unaware there have been issues in the publishing world. It has had an effect on a lot of authors. Then JL had a bad case of writers block. It has been hard waiting but finally we have My Highland Laird!
I am not a professional reviewer I won't sit and bore you with little bits and pieces. This is just the next book in a great series!
I was thrilled with how this series is coming together. To be honest I was at first a little bummed that we wouldn't get Rexley and Jeremy.
Now that I have read this book I am not upset!
This series needs to be read in order. You cannot jump around! You will become addicted.
If you were unaware there have been issues in the publishing world. It has had an effect on a lot of authors. Then JL had a bad case of writers block. It has been hard waiting but finally we have My Highland Laird!
I am not a professional reviewer I won't sit and bore you with little bits and pieces. This is just the next book in a great series!
I was thrilled with how this series is coming together. To be honest I was at first a little bummed that we wouldn't get Rexley and Jeremy.
Now that I have read this book I am not upset!
This series needs to be read in order. You cannot jump around! You will become addicted.
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