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Mack's Marvelous Manifestations #3
Mack's Rousing Ghoulish Highland Adventure
Mack did not sign up for hunting unknown ghost-eating creatures.
But that’s what he gets when he and Brandon arrive to help Eli and husbands at an old inn situated in the Scottish Highlands. Now he’s surrounded by terrified ghosts on the run, zombie-ghosts that look eaten, and no one knows what the baddie is.
They’re running out of time to figure it out though, because whatever it is? It’s herding ghosts straight for the inn. Scarier still? It’s killing healthy people in a week to eat their soul.
If someone could please come up with a game plan? Mack would be forever thankful.
Before, you know, they all get eaten.
Tags:
Scottish mythology rears its head, not in a good way, it's a hot mess but they’re trying dammit, emotional baggage check, Brandon wants a kilt and sword, Mack wants him in a kilt, it’s a mutual desire thing, Mack being a BAMF, Havili protectiveness rears its head, friends being awesome, no one gets thrown this time, Quinn’s a kissing monster when drunk, Romance novel your highlander is missing, personal growth is hard, shower sex, character growth
But that’s what he gets when he and Brandon arrive to help Eli and husbands at an old inn situated in the Scottish Highlands. Now he’s surrounded by terrified ghosts on the run, zombie-ghosts that look eaten, and no one knows what the baddie is.
They’re running out of time to figure it out though, because whatever it is? It’s herding ghosts straight for the inn. Scarier still? It’s killing healthy people in a week to eat their soul.
If someone could please come up with a game plan? Mack would be forever thankful.
Before, you know, they all get eaten.
Tags:
Scottish mythology rears its head, not in a good way, it's a hot mess but they’re trying dammit, emotional baggage check, Brandon wants a kilt and sword, Mack wants him in a kilt, it’s a mutual desire thing, Mack being a BAMF, Havili protectiveness rears its head, friends being awesome, no one gets thrown this time, Quinn’s a kissing monster when drunk, Romance novel your highlander is missing, personal growth is hard, shower sex, character growth
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2021
161 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Sherwood
80 books1,988 followersAJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
December 14, 2021
Wasn't sure the author could top book two, but they did!
OMG, this installment of the series blew me away! Lots of humor, action sweet and sexy moments. Loved learning a bit of Scottish mythology and all the ghost stuff! What a ride this book was!
OMG, this installment of the series blew me away! Lots of humor, action sweet and sexy moments. Loved learning a bit of Scottish mythology and all the ghost stuff! What a ride this book was!
December 6, 2021
This might have been a case of it's me not the book but oh Gosh was this BORING , I skimmed a lot of it 🙈 I'm not giving it lower than three becuase I still like Brandon and Mack as characters, this one just didn't hold my attention
September 20, 2022
I gotta say, if you are going to add evil to your book, go big or go home. And in here, it was big. Not really scary, but it was different.
In this third book of the Mack and Brandon love story, they go to Scotland to help Eli and her two husbands and end up fighting something that was not known to most other fighters.
Like always, these two are good at everything and are still very much in love.
They do finally decide to get their own home so I'm guessing they will be moving put of Jon and Donovan's house.
The best part was Nessie. I was not expecting that.
In this third book of the Mack and Brandon love story, they go to Scotland to help Eli and her two husbands and end up fighting something that was not known to most other fighters.
Like always, these two are good at everything and are still very much in love.
They do finally decide to get their own home so I'm guessing they will be moving put of Jon and Donovan's house.
The best part was Nessie. I was not expecting that.
January 10, 2022
DNFed at 11% never thought I'd ever hate an aj sherwood book. There's so many 5 star reviews it's gotta just be a me thing but the people sounded like stereotypical leprechauns or pirates that's all I could focus on it was just so over the top too much.
Okay so I went back and made myself finish it I feel really generous giving this a 3 star. I hate writing bad reviews especially since I love aj but this book really disappointed me. Maybe if I hadn't loved Jon's books so much this one wouldn't be such a let down to me idk.
Okay so I went back and made myself finish it I feel really generous giving this a 3 star. I hate writing bad reviews especially since I love aj but this book really disappointed me. Maybe if I hadn't loved Jon's books so much this one wouldn't be such a let down to me idk.
January 3, 2022
Unfortunately for me this was intensely annoying. Normally, I can cope with the light, fluffy style of writing but this time the author has bitten off more than she can chew. The dialogue was as painful in its attempts to write a generic Scottish accent and dialect(spoiler there is more than one) as listening to Dick van Dyke's cockney accent in Mary Poppins is. All the correct words but not necessarily in the right order,( to misquote Eric Morecombe). There is a rhythm and flow to Scots that was totally lacking, and it grated. And you really ought not just go into a shop and buy a kilt, that's so touristy, they are made to measure and hand sewn . Story was OK though.
December 23, 2021
With this book Mack and Brandon find themselves in Scotland at the request of friends they met in a previous case, while working with some locals. Things are crazy and they discover something hardly anyone has heard of. To defeat this monster they end up with another specialist, this time a sword welding local in a kilt. To say that this was fun is an understatement. But as much fun as it was watching them all beat the monster, the time everyone spent afterwards was more fun. They discovered something about the Loch Ness Monster and most of them learned how to wield their own sword and get their very own kilt.
December 8, 2021
Very fun. Loved the kilts.
January 12, 2022
Plot wise, I liked it. It felt abrupt, however, both in start and finish. I could have used a bit more introduction and a bit more in the conclusion. It's the first time I've felt like that with an AJ book, though.
December 8, 2021
I love AJ Sherwood. I love Mack's and Jon's adventure. But this book was...
not nearly as good.
First, it felt waaaaaaaaaaay too preachy. A character would stop and start lecturing the reader on something for half a page. That last scene in the airport??? Belonged on a blog, NOT a book
Second, there was little to no character development. Like seriously. NONE. Not for the main character, not for the secondary characters.
It honestly felt like a short story meant for funsies, not the next book of a series.
Still, I do plan on keeping with the series. I'm far too loyal to AJ Sherwood for anything else.
not nearly as good.
First, it felt waaaaaaaaaaay too preachy. A character would stop and start lecturing the reader on something for half a page. That last scene in the airport??? Belonged on a blog, NOT a book
Second, there was little to no character development. Like seriously. NONE. Not for the main character, not for the secondary characters.
It honestly felt like a short story meant for funsies, not the next book of a series.
Still, I do plan on keeping with the series. I'm far too loyal to AJ Sherwood for anything else.
March 12, 2022
I think this is my favorite book in the series so far. I just love Mack and Brandon! I love the quirky/spooky adventures that they get sent on working for the FBI's paranormal unit. This time around they've got an inn full of ghosts for Mack to deal with and some sort of big bad scaring all the ghosts into fleeing.
Eli and her men are back again and know they're facing something huge so immediately call for Mack and Brandon. When these five get together things are sure to be a good time. I liked their interactions so much, and the Scottish team they joined to help were nice as well. There's a certain Highland warrior type that I certainly hope we see more of. ;)
All together these books just make me happy. I smile while I read them and enjoy a little bit of spooky with some wonderfully sweet guys. Their relationship is still new, but they're adorable in their support for each other. I loved seeing Brandon work to ease Mack's monetary fears. Gah! They're just too cute and yet can still kick butt with the best of them.
Eli and her men are back again and know they're facing something huge so immediately call for Mack and Brandon. When these five get together things are sure to be a good time. I liked their interactions so much, and the Scottish team they joined to help were nice as well. There's a certain Highland warrior type that I certainly hope we see more of. ;)
All together these books just make me happy. I smile while I read them and enjoy a little bit of spooky with some wonderfully sweet guys. Their relationship is still new, but they're adorable in their support for each other. I loved seeing Brandon work to ease Mack's monetary fears. Gah! They're just too cute and yet can still kick butt with the best of them.
October 24, 2025
Love
This is an author that delivers. The characters are well written and are engaging. The story is a perfect paced story and is full of fun times. I have actually read it multiple times. My next goal is the audible version.
This is an author that delivers. The characters are well written and are engaging. The story is a perfect paced story and is full of fun times. I have actually read it multiple times. My next goal is the audible version.
December 12, 2021
Love these books!!!
November 24, 2023
I enjoyed this more than expected - the ghosts themselves weren't all that spooky, the Scottish haunted inn more quaint than scary, the malevolent monster after the 'reveal' was probably the best bet for a dramatic showdown ending; the battle sequences proved quite exciting in the end. 3.5 stars.
April 6, 2024
I loved it! It was fantastic!
September 17, 2025
3.5 stars
December 7, 2025
Mack and Brandon ♥️
January 13, 2023
So so
Okay, by the midway point, I started skim reading.
Maybe it's because I don't love this pair as much as the original... Maybe it's the French, and the nicknames got a bit much... maybe it was just too over the top... but whilst I enjoyed this book, I didn't love it. Mack isn't that great or special. There were some fun characters, but it really became too much. To unbelievable, to perfectly worked out, to drawn out.
Anyway. Nice. Glad I read it. Very, very, glad the next story is back to Jon and Don.
Not done with the author, but done with this pair
Okay, by the midway point, I started skim reading.
Maybe it's because I don't love this pair as much as the original... Maybe it's the French, and the nicknames got a bit much... maybe it was just too over the top... but whilst I enjoyed this book, I didn't love it. Mack isn't that great or special. There were some fun characters, but it really became too much. To unbelievable, to perfectly worked out, to drawn out.
Anyway. Nice. Glad I read it. Very, very, glad the next story is back to Jon and Don.
Not done with the author, but done with this pair
December 21, 2021
I'm 13% in and can't stand it anymore.
The continual: 'he be', 'I be', 'she be' from just about every Scottish character in the hotel so far. Argh! It's grating.
Did the author perhaps forget to add the 'll on to the pronouns? That would sound more familiar. Everything else sounded ok apart from that.
I generally like these stories and this author so I'll try the next book, as long as it's not based in Scotland.
The continual: 'he be', 'I be', 'she be' from just about every Scottish character in the hotel so far. Argh! It's grating.
Did the author perhaps forget to add the 'll on to the pronouns? That would sound more familiar. Everything else sounded ok apart from that.
I generally like these stories and this author so I'll try the next book, as long as it's not based in Scotland.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2023
All my favorite things, ghosts, kilts and broad swords! This was a great adventure for the crew. There is something scaring the ghosts and they are all running to the oldest inn in the area. Mack is doing his best to clear out as many ghosts as possible to keep them safe. They finally get a lead on what the darkness is and that information puts them all on edge. The bonus is finding out about the Loch Ness Monster!! Love these books!
February 21, 2022
Rating: 2.5
I think I say this every time, but this spin-off series gets a big pass from me simply by being Jon's Mysteries adjacent because I'm so desperate for more from that universe. Unfortunately, they're just not measuring up.
This one's biggest issue is pacing, which, if I remember correctly was one of the issues with the book before this one too. That, and wasted potential.
On the topic of pacing:
On the topic of wasted potential: I think this ties into the pacing issues somewhat. It felt like the end of the book was almost... length padding? Which is ridiculous because SO MUCH MORE could have been done with the slaugh. And it just wasn't. It's like the author got bored of the plot she'd picked and just couldn't wait to wander off.
I don't know. Overall, I guess I would say I really wanted to like it, but I definitely felt let down in the end.
I think I say this every time, but this spin-off series gets a big pass from me simply by being Jon's Mysteries adjacent because I'm so desperate for more from that universe. Unfortunately, they're just not measuring up.
This one's biggest issue is pacing, which, if I remember correctly was one of the issues with the book before this one too. That, and wasted potential.
On the topic of pacing:
On the topic of wasted potential: I think this ties into the pacing issues somewhat. It felt like the end of the book was almost... length padding? Which is ridiculous because SO MUCH MORE could have been done with the slaugh. And it just wasn't. It's like the author got bored of the plot she'd picked and just couldn't wait to wander off.
I don't know. Overall, I guess I would say I really wanted to like it, but I definitely felt let down in the end.
September 11, 2022
The good
+ Brandon's inner child coming out at every turn
+ Brandon trying to convince a random woman he's a lost little child in the hopes of getting a sword (I am not making this shit up, this really happened)
+ Brandon's unwavering support of Mack
+ Mack trusting Brandon's love and believing in their relationship
+ Brandon and his brother from another mother Quinn
+ Eli, Quinn and Booker
+ Swordfighting
+ How Brandon is a truly good person through and through (seriously, who gives the reader a lecture on consensual sex with drunks while carrying like ten drunk people to their beds?)
+ The truth about Nessie
The neutral
o Brandon did another one of those war dance thingies, and it makes me giggle every single time. I just can't imagine it actually works and it looks so fucking dumb in my head I can't help it. Sorry Brandon love you
The bad
- There were many, many loooong talks with professionals and colleagues and experts and all the like. I understand they have to take place and I love the introduction to Scottish mythology, but sometimes I really didn't retain any of the information because it was just soo much
Quotes
x "Not to flex, but I'm better at making bad decisions than you."
As expected of my favorite author, another great book with a lovely Havili brother. Would definitely recommend this book and I can't wait to see what else is in store for Mack, Brandon, Jon and Donovan.
+ Brandon's inner child coming out at every turn
+ Brandon trying to convince a random woman he's a lost little child in the hopes of getting a sword (I am not making this shit up, this really happened)
+ Brandon's unwavering support of Mack
+ Mack trusting Brandon's love and believing in their relationship
+ Brandon and his brother from another mother Quinn
+ Eli, Quinn and Booker
+ Swordfighting
+ How Brandon is a truly good person through and through (seriously, who gives the reader a lecture on consensual sex with drunks while carrying like ten drunk people to their beds?)
+ The truth about Nessie
The neutral
o Brandon did another one of those war dance thingies, and it makes me giggle every single time. I just can't imagine it actually works and it looks so fucking dumb in my head I can't help it. Sorry Brandon love you
The bad
- There were many, many loooong talks with professionals and colleagues and experts and all the like. I understand they have to take place and I love the introduction to Scottish mythology, but sometimes I really didn't retain any of the information because it was just soo much
Quotes
x "Not to flex, but I'm better at making bad decisions than you."
As expected of my favorite author, another great book with a lovely Havili brother. Would definitely recommend this book and I can't wait to see what else is in store for Mack, Brandon, Jon and Donovan.
Read
November 16, 2023Nope, can't do it. I'm Scottish and I don't speak like I belong on a pirate ship or like Groundskeeper Willie's cousin. We be, I be, he be. What is with that? I've never met a Scot who would use that phrasing, We'll be or I'll be would be more accurate, but even then the words am, are or is would fit better. This book has a major lack of 'L' s apparently. I only reached 13% and had to stop. Sad, as I enjoy AJ usually. Onto the next, as long as it's not set in Scotland. I'll be skipping this one (see what I did there?)
January 2, 2023
Mack and Brandon forever!
I love these guys. They are so strong on their own but when you put them together, they are nearly unstoppable. It was nice to see Eli, Quinn, and Booker too.
I really need to see Brandon do a Sipi Tau in a kilt.
I love these guys. They are so strong on their own but when you put them together, they are nearly unstoppable. It was nice to see Eli, Quinn, and Booker too.
I really need to see Brandon do a Sipi Tau in a kilt.
January 21, 2024
This story takes place only a short while after the last book, with no case in between.
It was just as expected. The characters were fun, the story interesting, there were ghosts, swords and kilts and it was an all-around good read! No dull moment in this story.
It was just as expected. The characters were fun, the story interesting, there were ghosts, swords and kilts and it was an all-around good read! No dull moment in this story.
December 15, 2021
It’s been a while since the release of Mack's last book, Mack's Perfectly Ghastly Homecoming, so I forgot how much I love this series. This fantastic new book combines mythology and demonology for one heck of an adventure in the Scottish Highlands, including – to Brandon's utter delight – kilts and shiny, stabby, things. And what trip to Scotland would be complete for paranormal experts without the Loch Ness Monster? Expect a whimsical little twist about Nessie.
Mack, a psychic medium, and his boyfriend/anchor, Brandon, are both special agents with the FBI's Paranormal Activity Division. They’ve only been working cases together for about a month when they end up over their heads in a case at a terribly haunted Scottish inn. It’s not just one or two everyday, harmless ghosts, but hundreds of spirits – some partially eaten zombies – overtaking the inn as refuge from a beast trying to eat their souls. Fellow FBI medium and exorcist, Eli, and her anchors/husbands, Quinn and Booker, were consulting on the case in Scotland and called in Mack and Brandon for backup when the situation got out of hand.
When they arrive at the 14th century Old Inn Gairloch, they find chaos. It seems the ghosts are fleeing their usual haunts for many miles around because they see the inn as a beacon of safety. It’s the oldest structure in the area and has been continuously absorbing the energy of guests for 800 years. Soon, the FBI crew, along with the help of local authorities, is hunting down an evil entity – some kind of terrifying, murderous, dark energy. It’s a threat to humans, too, not just spirits.
Their secret weapon comes in the form of sexy Highlander, Lachlan McTavish, a local expert in mythology and demonology. His exuberance and wit are among the highlights of the book. He leads the battle against the Big Bad and even teaches Brandon and Quinn how to sword fight. In kilts. Brandon is in heaven and Mack certainly doesn’t mind that Brandon wears his kilt in the traditional manner *wink*. I certainly wouldn’t have minded the wind blowing Lachlan's kilt up around his hips a bit.
Mack and Brandon are so in sync; both professionally and personally they complement each other perfectly. They're both lovable characters and a cute couple together. Although they haven’t been together long, they have complete trust in their love for one another. As his anchor, Brandon takes care of Mack’s needs all day long while they work, but after hours the script flips. It's Mack’s turn to care for Brandon during their steamy, sexy times.
It’s fun to spend time in this world where the paranormal is normal; everyone accepts that ghosts exist and governments actually have departments to deal with them. The Scottish Highlands made for an inviting setting as the gang traveled around the countryside. I would’ve enjoyed more thorough world building and imagery, though. I feel it was an opportunity not fully realized.
Mack and Brandon have forged close friendships with Eli, Quinn, Booker, and even Lachlan. I, for real, got a lump of sadness in my throat when the crew all split up and went their own ways at the end. I hope the wait for book four in Mack's Marvelous Manifestations series isn’t as long. These are delightful characters in creatively written books and I can’t wait to read more.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
Mack, a psychic medium, and his boyfriend/anchor, Brandon, are both special agents with the FBI's Paranormal Activity Division. They’ve only been working cases together for about a month when they end up over their heads in a case at a terribly haunted Scottish inn. It’s not just one or two everyday, harmless ghosts, but hundreds of spirits – some partially eaten zombies – overtaking the inn as refuge from a beast trying to eat their souls. Fellow FBI medium and exorcist, Eli, and her anchors/husbands, Quinn and Booker, were consulting on the case in Scotland and called in Mack and Brandon for backup when the situation got out of hand.
When they arrive at the 14th century Old Inn Gairloch, they find chaos. It seems the ghosts are fleeing their usual haunts for many miles around because they see the inn as a beacon of safety. It’s the oldest structure in the area and has been continuously absorbing the energy of guests for 800 years. Soon, the FBI crew, along with the help of local authorities, is hunting down an evil entity – some kind of terrifying, murderous, dark energy. It’s a threat to humans, too, not just spirits.
Their secret weapon comes in the form of sexy Highlander, Lachlan McTavish, a local expert in mythology and demonology. His exuberance and wit are among the highlights of the book. He leads the battle against the Big Bad and even teaches Brandon and Quinn how to sword fight. In kilts. Brandon is in heaven and Mack certainly doesn’t mind that Brandon wears his kilt in the traditional manner *wink*. I certainly wouldn’t have minded the wind blowing Lachlan's kilt up around his hips a bit.
Mack and Brandon are so in sync; both professionally and personally they complement each other perfectly. They're both lovable characters and a cute couple together. Although they haven’t been together long, they have complete trust in their love for one another. As his anchor, Brandon takes care of Mack’s needs all day long while they work, but after hours the script flips. It's Mack’s turn to care for Brandon during their steamy, sexy times.
It’s fun to spend time in this world where the paranormal is normal; everyone accepts that ghosts exist and governments actually have departments to deal with them. The Scottish Highlands made for an inviting setting as the gang traveled around the countryside. I would’ve enjoyed more thorough world building and imagery, though. I feel it was an opportunity not fully realized.
Mack and Brandon have forged close friendships with Eli, Quinn, Booker, and even Lachlan. I, for real, got a lump of sadness in my throat when the crew all split up and went their own ways at the end. I hope the wait for book four in Mack's Marvelous Manifestations series isn’t as long. These are delightful characters in creatively written books and I can’t wait to read more.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2024
When Brandon and Mack are invited by their new friends Eli, Quinn, and Booker to assist them on a case in Scotland, they're expecting a few stubborn ghosts. Maybe something moderately malevolent. They absolutely do not expect to be facing off against evil incarnate. And yet, that's exactly what they get.
This case was intense from beginning to end. From the moment Mack and Brandon got the call for help, they put everything on hold to jump right in. And did they ever jump in with both feet. But they both know what it's like not to have anyone you can turn to or rely on, and they're damn determined not to let Eli, Quinn, or Booker down. And I don't blame them. Friends that quickly become family like that are very hard to come by.
While this book was mainly plot-centric, we were introduced to a very vast, very diverse, and very fun cast of characters. The Scottish agents were a delight to get to know, and were a wealth of knowledge. I found myself intensely fascinated with the history and folklore surrounding the Scottish Highlands, and I would be a liar if I said it hadn't given me a bit of a wanderlust. (Planning a trip through Scotland may have to wait a while. But a gal can dream!)
In the end, they end up facing off against something I'd never even heard of - and that something was definitely ancient, and fairly dark and twisted. Honestly, it was downright spooky. It's a good thing Brandon can handle the spooky far better than his brother.
While we didn't get as much character growth from this book, we definitely got one hell of an adventure. And now that I've read this series, following Jon's Mysteries, I can understand why A.J. Sherwood included a reading order on their website.
While I'm glad my first experience with this universe was reading both series separately, and the accompanying novella featuring Grant and Alan, I can definitely see the appeal of reading them more in plot order rather than series order (if that makes sense). Getting to know the characters in that way would have gone a fair way to making little nuances and easter eggs make sense in other books. But those are things I'll be able to pick up again at another time.
I fell hard for this universe and these characters. I felt minorly like a part of their world. And it's a world I will be going back to again and again, as I am a chronic re-reader of my favourite books and series. But this time, I'll read them in the author-suggested order. And fall in love with this universe all over again.
This case was intense from beginning to end. From the moment Mack and Brandon got the call for help, they put everything on hold to jump right in. And did they ever jump in with both feet. But they both know what it's like not to have anyone you can turn to or rely on, and they're damn determined not to let Eli, Quinn, or Booker down. And I don't blame them. Friends that quickly become family like that are very hard to come by.
While this book was mainly plot-centric, we were introduced to a very vast, very diverse, and very fun cast of characters. The Scottish agents were a delight to get to know, and were a wealth of knowledge. I found myself intensely fascinated with the history and folklore surrounding the Scottish Highlands, and I would be a liar if I said it hadn't given me a bit of a wanderlust. (Planning a trip through Scotland may have to wait a while. But a gal can dream!)
In the end, they end up facing off against something I'd never even heard of - and that something was definitely ancient, and fairly dark and twisted. Honestly, it was downright spooky. It's a good thing Brandon can handle the spooky far better than his brother.
While we didn't get as much character growth from this book, we definitely got one hell of an adventure. And now that I've read this series, following Jon's Mysteries, I can understand why A.J. Sherwood included a reading order on their website.
While I'm glad my first experience with this universe was reading both series separately, and the accompanying novella featuring Grant and Alan, I can definitely see the appeal of reading them more in plot order rather than series order (if that makes sense). Getting to know the characters in that way would have gone a fair way to making little nuances and easter eggs make sense in other books. But those are things I'll be able to pick up again at another time.
I fell hard for this universe and these characters. I felt minorly like a part of their world. And it's a world I will be going back to again and again, as I am a chronic re-reader of my favourite books and series. But this time, I'll read them in the author-suggested order. And fall in love with this universe all over again.
August 17, 2025
Thank you AJ Sherwood @sherwoodwrites for the free ebook!
“Mack’s Rousing Ghoulish Highland Adventure” (Mack’s Marvelous Manifestations #3) by AJ Sherwood⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: An LGBTQIA+ inclusive Psychic Mystery/Romance. Location: Gairloch in the Scottish Highlands, Scotland. NOTE: graphic lovemaking scenes.
THE SERIES: After Brandon Havili’s brother Donovan becomes a psychic anchor, the FBI recruits former SWAT team member Brandon to do the same. Sexy FBI Medium/exorcist Mackenzie Lafayette (Mack) is not at all what Brandon expected to anchor in work or partner in love. They sometimes work together as a larger team with coworkers/friends Eli (medium/exorcist) and her husbands Quinn (anchor) and Booker (investigator).
THIS BOOK: Eli, Quinn, and Booker are in Scotland for a training session to help the Scottish National Crime Agency (NCA). They call Mack and Brandon when the job is too much for them to handle. When Mack and Brandon arrive at the old Scottish Highlands inn, they find terrified ghosts on the run, including half eaten zombie-ghosts. Something is herding ghosts to the inn, and killing healthy people to eat their souls. Brandon must anchor Mack carefully- he’s only been an agent for 3 months and is still finding his limits.
Author Sherwood has written a quirky, lovingly sexy, paranormal mystery. In addition to the mystery, there is a strong focus on relationships, both sexual and friendship. Her well-developed characters are strong, but have their flaws. Her narrative alternates between Brandon and Mack, and her twisty, interesting plot is scary, but not too over the top. Sherwood blends psychics, monster-fighting, romance, sex, mysteries, and loving families in this 3rd in the series book. (It can be read as a standalone.) It’s 4 stars from me👩🏼🦳#macksrousingghoulishhighlandadventure #ajsherwood
“Mack’s Rousing Ghoulish Highland Adventure” (Mack’s Marvelous Manifestations #3) by AJ Sherwood⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: An LGBTQIA+ inclusive Psychic Mystery/Romance. Location: Gairloch in the Scottish Highlands, Scotland. NOTE: graphic lovemaking scenes.
THE SERIES: After Brandon Havili’s brother Donovan becomes a psychic anchor, the FBI recruits former SWAT team member Brandon to do the same. Sexy FBI Medium/exorcist Mackenzie Lafayette (Mack) is not at all what Brandon expected to anchor in work or partner in love. They sometimes work together as a larger team with coworkers/friends Eli (medium/exorcist) and her husbands Quinn (anchor) and Booker (investigator).
THIS BOOK: Eli, Quinn, and Booker are in Scotland for a training session to help the Scottish National Crime Agency (NCA). They call Mack and Brandon when the job is too much for them to handle. When Mack and Brandon arrive at the old Scottish Highlands inn, they find terrified ghosts on the run, including half eaten zombie-ghosts. Something is herding ghosts to the inn, and killing healthy people to eat their souls. Brandon must anchor Mack carefully- he’s only been an agent for 3 months and is still finding his limits.
Author Sherwood has written a quirky, lovingly sexy, paranormal mystery. In addition to the mystery, there is a strong focus on relationships, both sexual and friendship. Her well-developed characters are strong, but have their flaws. Her narrative alternates between Brandon and Mack, and her twisty, interesting plot is scary, but not too over the top. Sherwood blends psychics, monster-fighting, romance, sex, mysteries, and loving families in this 3rd in the series book. (It can be read as a standalone.) It’s 4 stars from me👩🏼🦳#macksrousingghoulishhighlandadventure #ajsherwood
November 2, 2025
While I did enjoy the spinoff series to a degree, I will admit the Mack series isn't as appealing to me as the main Jon series. I found this book in particular a smidge repetitive and at times I struggled to continue it. Sometimes it felt like I was rereading certain parts due to how the lines were reused. For instance, we are reminded multiple times throughout the book that Brandon cannot see the supernatural normally and that he has a protective personality, but I don't believe we need to be reminded that since this is the third book. Not only that, but one line was quite jarring since it felt shoehorned in and it just didn't seem natural how it was phrased. If I didn't already know it was to set up for a different book later on, it would just seem random. I'm referring to this quote on page 163, “Anyone in the family—including my cousin Alan, who was the bookworm of the family—would choose to be in danger themselves and have their loved ones safe." Like why suddenly bring up your cousin who isn't around (or even in this book) and is unrelated to your current fight with a practically demonic monster?
The main monster in this story was unique though! I've never heard of it or its lore until now. There were also other new side characters that were introduced, but they didn't particularly stand out too much. The main characters are still cute though! They have healthy communication and work through Mack's financial anxieties due to his upbringing
Also note: there is no current audiobook version of this spinoff series!
The main monster in this story was unique though! I've never heard of it or its lore until now. There were also other new side characters that were introduced, but they didn't particularly stand out too much. The main characters are still cute though! They have healthy communication and work through Mack's financial anxieties due to his upbringing
Also note: there is no current audiobook version of this spinoff series!
March 17, 2025
Mack did not sign up for hunting unknown ghost-eating creatures.
But that’s what he gets when he and Brandon arrive to help Eli and husbands at an old inn situated in the Scottish Highlands. Now he’s surrounded by terrified ghosts on the run, zombie-ghosts that look eaten, and no one knows what the baddie is.
They’re running out of time to figure it out though, because whatever it is? It’s herding ghosts straight for the inn. Scarier still? It’s killing healthy people in a week to eat their soul.
If someone could please come up with a game plan? Mack would be forever thankful.
Before, you know, they all get eaten.
Tags:
Scottish mythology rears its head, not in a good way, it's a hot mess but they’re trying dammit, emotional baggage check, Brandon wants a kilt and sword, Mack wants him in a kilt, it’s a mutual desire thing, Mack being a BAMF, Havili protectiveness rears its head, friends being awesome, no one gets thrown this time, Quinn’s a kissing monster when drunk, Romance novel your highlander is missing, personal growth is hard, shower sex, character growth
Heather's Notes
I don't know why, but I just do not like Mack as much as Jon. Something about him annoys me, but I cannot put it into words. The story was not bad, I enjoyed the other characters. I would love to see a book about how Eli, Booker, and Ethan met. I am glad the next few books, we are going back to Jon. I would also like a book about Lachlan please.
But that’s what he gets when he and Brandon arrive to help Eli and husbands at an old inn situated in the Scottish Highlands. Now he’s surrounded by terrified ghosts on the run, zombie-ghosts that look eaten, and no one knows what the baddie is.
They’re running out of time to figure it out though, because whatever it is? It’s herding ghosts straight for the inn. Scarier still? It’s killing healthy people in a week to eat their soul.
If someone could please come up with a game plan? Mack would be forever thankful.
Before, you know, they all get eaten.
Tags:
Scottish mythology rears its head, not in a good way, it's a hot mess but they’re trying dammit, emotional baggage check, Brandon wants a kilt and sword, Mack wants him in a kilt, it’s a mutual desire thing, Mack being a BAMF, Havili protectiveness rears its head, friends being awesome, no one gets thrown this time, Quinn’s a kissing monster when drunk, Romance novel your highlander is missing, personal growth is hard, shower sex, character growth
Heather's Notes
I don't know why, but I just do not like Mack as much as Jon. Something about him annoys me, but I cannot put it into words. The story was not bad, I enjoyed the other characters. I would love to see a book about how Eli, Booker, and Ethan met. I am glad the next few books, we are going back to Jon. I would also like a book about Lachlan please.
November 11, 2022
Mack and Brandon visit Scotland to help Eli and her husbands combat an ancient malevolent force in this latest adventure. There's ghosts galore and a ton of secondary characters, including Lachlan MacTavish, a kilt-wearing, sword-bearing demon hunter. Drool-worthy and that's without a clear visual. I can't imagine how he'd look on TV. LOL.
The boys find time for each other as they work to rid an old Scottish inn of its unwanted guests and to solve the mystery of what's chasing the ghosts to the inn in the first place. They are also dealing with Mack's insecurities about buying a home as they work long distance with a realtor to find their ideal house. Good news though--Eli and husbands may be moving to the same area so I suspect we'll see more of this paranormal investigation team in the future. At least, I hope there will be more stories in this series. I've enjoyed all the characters I've met to date and Brandon and Mack have more to go, IMO.
Definitely a series not to miss if you happen to like paranormal investigators, ghostly hauntings and the fun of hunting demons and other monsters that come out in the night.
The boys find time for each other as they work to rid an old Scottish inn of its unwanted guests and to solve the mystery of what's chasing the ghosts to the inn in the first place. They are also dealing with Mack's insecurities about buying a home as they work long distance with a realtor to find their ideal house. Good news though--Eli and husbands may be moving to the same area so I suspect we'll see more of this paranormal investigation team in the future. At least, I hope there will be more stories in this series. I've enjoyed all the characters I've met to date and Brandon and Mack have more to go, IMO.
Definitely a series not to miss if you happen to like paranormal investigators, ghostly hauntings and the fun of hunting demons and other monsters that come out in the night.
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