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Immortal Warriors SM #1
Return of the Highlander
What is this world he has awoken into—where metal "monsters" roar down smooth stone paths and people parade in unfamiliar costumes? Where is the home that once stood on this pile of ancient rubble? And who is this woman who sees him when no one else can . . . and who stirs the fire in his soul? Her research into the legend of a notorious 18th-century Highland chieftan has brought Arabella Ryan to Scotland's storm-swept Loch Fasail. And now the Black Maclean himself has invaded her dreams. The sensuous caress of her mysterious "ghost lover" is no mere fantasy, lifting Bella to heights of ecstasy she never imagined existed. But fate has a reason for bringing them together across the centuries—a perilous mission that could change history as it tests the power of their desire and their love.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
9 people are currently reading
942 people want to read
About the author
Sara Mackenzie
63 books49 followersSara Mackenzie writes Paranormal/Time Travel Romance. She is the author of the Immortal Warriors series. She is currently writing a spin off trilogy called the Hellfire Club, and the first book Lorne is out in August 2017.
Visit Sara's website to read an excerpt and catch up on the latest news.
https://saramackenzie1.wordpress.com/...
Visit Sara's website to read an excerpt and catch up on the latest news.
https://saramackenzie1.wordpress.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 11, 2008
Fact 1: I am a critical reader.
Fact 2: I read on a curve and rate most books three stars.
Fact 3: I am not a book sycophant. If I think a book is flawed, I will say so and feel no remorse.
Fact 4 : I think a fascinating article could be drafted under the following title, "The Romance Novel: Quality vs. Quantity." It would be both gentle and derogatory at the same time. Damning with faint praise. Hmm.
Fact 5: Most romance novels are really, really, really bad.
Fact 6: That doesn't stop me from reading them. Heh.
Fact 7: Hahaha!
Fact 8: When I come across one that really and truly moves me, I feel an intense need to justify my opinions about it.
Hence the list of facts that have just preceded this review. I feel a deep desire to justify my reasons for liking this book. Why? I'm not sure. Probably because it's really, really cheesy. But there may also be a personality flaw in there somewhere that I should start working on, something to do with excessively needs to seek validation, bla bla bla.
So yes. Elements of time travel. I'm a sucker for them. I'm intrigued by any book whose main premise starts with an old-fashioned man from a time long past and a contemporary woman brought together by some surreal passage through time or magical spell and ends with a kiss and a promise to love each other for all time. Top that off with a Scottish setting and yo-ho-ho! Sign me up, son!
I was especially impressed by this one because it set me to thinking about a conversation I had with my best friend approximately 5 million years ago. We were at a liberal arts college where she majored in history and I found myself with a double major in sociology and anthropology (explain to me again how I ended up in finance?) She was explaining that one of the things that fascinated her the most about history was that it might be wrong. You could have two, three, four, more people all telling their perspective of the same event, each one drastically different than the one before (ie Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and that by piecing together all those different accounts you might get close to the truth. Maybe.
Arabella Ryan, the heroine of this novel, is a historian whose job is to do exactly that. She is a published author who specializes in researching obscure historical characters and bringing the details of their lives to life again. On a trip to a museum with her jackass of a boyfriend (a putz named Brian), Bella sees a painting of one such obscure character from Scotland's past and feels intensely drawn to the man known as the Black Maclean.
The legend of the Black Maclean is shameful. It tells the story of Morven Maclean, a cowardly Scottish laird who fled the battlefield of Culloden shortly before the fateful battle was to take place. Upon arriving home, he unwisely decides to ride to one of his neighbor's lands on a raiding party. He is killed. Meanwhile, a group of English dragoons who had followed him from Colloden Field arrive at Loch Faisal and massacre all the men, women and children who had been left unprotected when he went raiding.
At least, that’s what history says. Could it be wrong? And that’s where Bella comes in.
But then the premise turns supernatural…actually, it turned supernatural straight off the bat and I almost wrote the entire book off due to a too-fast start, which led to confusion. But things evened out eventually and I found myself enjoying the read.
Other things to watch out for:
--a sorceress who brings Maclean back to life
--a pissed off blonde woman from Maclean’s past
--Maclean’s mama issues
--Bella’s body image issues
--a water horse
--ghostly kisses
--the Loch Ness monster's cousin (you know, the lesser known Loch Faisal monster)
--the first time Maclean and Bella have a go at the old in-out in-out, he's still invisible. Kinky. But I liked it. I had Madonna's "Supernatural" looping through my head during the whole scene.
--a happily ever after ending complete with the clearing of Maclean's name, the righting of the historical wrong along with a kiss and a promise to love each other for all time.
Yes, there were some eye-rolling moments (there always are in these kinds of books) and some consistency issues, but I quickly forgave them because of how engrossed I became in this story. This was the first book in a series so I now have high hopes for the others!
Fact 2: I read on a curve and rate most books three stars.
Fact 3: I am not a book sycophant. If I think a book is flawed, I will say so and feel no remorse.
Fact 4 : I think a fascinating article could be drafted under the following title, "The Romance Novel: Quality vs. Quantity." It would be both gentle and derogatory at the same time. Damning with faint praise. Hmm.
Fact 5: Most romance novels are really, really, really bad.
Fact 6: That doesn't stop me from reading them. Heh.
Fact 7: Hahaha!
Fact 8: When I come across one that really and truly moves me, I feel an intense need to justify my opinions about it.
Hence the list of facts that have just preceded this review. I feel a deep desire to justify my reasons for liking this book. Why? I'm not sure. Probably because it's really, really cheesy. But there may also be a personality flaw in there somewhere that I should start working on, something to do with excessively needs to seek validation, bla bla bla.
So yes. Elements of time travel. I'm a sucker for them. I'm intrigued by any book whose main premise starts with an old-fashioned man from a time long past and a contemporary woman brought together by some surreal passage through time or magical spell and ends with a kiss and a promise to love each other for all time. Top that off with a Scottish setting and yo-ho-ho! Sign me up, son!
I was especially impressed by this one because it set me to thinking about a conversation I had with my best friend approximately 5 million years ago. We were at a liberal arts college where she majored in history and I found myself with a double major in sociology and anthropology (explain to me again how I ended up in finance?) She was explaining that one of the things that fascinated her the most about history was that it might be wrong. You could have two, three, four, more people all telling their perspective of the same event, each one drastically different than the one before (ie Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and that by piecing together all those different accounts you might get close to the truth. Maybe.
Arabella Ryan, the heroine of this novel, is a historian whose job is to do exactly that. She is a published author who specializes in researching obscure historical characters and bringing the details of their lives to life again. On a trip to a museum with her jackass of a boyfriend (a putz named Brian), Bella sees a painting of one such obscure character from Scotland's past and feels intensely drawn to the man known as the Black Maclean.
The legend of the Black Maclean is shameful. It tells the story of Morven Maclean, a cowardly Scottish laird who fled the battlefield of Culloden shortly before the fateful battle was to take place. Upon arriving home, he unwisely decides to ride to one of his neighbor's lands on a raiding party. He is killed. Meanwhile, a group of English dragoons who had followed him from Colloden Field arrive at Loch Faisal and massacre all the men, women and children who had been left unprotected when he went raiding.
At least, that’s what history says. Could it be wrong? And that’s where Bella comes in.
But then the premise turns supernatural…actually, it turned supernatural straight off the bat and I almost wrote the entire book off due to a too-fast start, which led to confusion. But things evened out eventually and I found myself enjoying the read.
Other things to watch out for:
--a sorceress who brings Maclean back to life
--a pissed off blonde woman from Maclean’s past
--Maclean’s mama issues
--Bella’s body image issues
--a water horse
--ghostly kisses
--the Loch Ness monster's cousin (you know, the lesser known Loch Faisal monster)
--the first time Maclean and Bella have a go at the old in-out in-out, he's still invisible. Kinky. But I liked it. I had Madonna's "Supernatural" looping through my head during the whole scene.
--a happily ever after ending complete with the clearing of Maclean's name, the righting of the historical wrong along with a kiss and a promise to love each other for all time.
Yes, there were some eye-rolling moments (there always are in these kinds of books) and some consistency issues, but I quickly forgave them because of how engrossed I became in this story. This was the first book in a series so I now have high hopes for the others!
March 15, 2016
Meet your light-hearted and shorter version of Outlander. I didn't find the plot to be difficult and detailed as Outlander. So with that being said, this book does have flaws, but I literally breezed through it because of how entertaining it was. Return of the Highlander was exactly what I needed to knock me out of my book slump. The characters were easy to love and so was the mythology. If you're looking for something cheesy and light-hearted, this should be your go-to.
November 17, 2009
In this first book of the Immortal Warriors, Bella is researching the Black Maclean for a book, when oh, what do ya know, he shows up one night. He's not a ghost, but he's not a man...yet. He's been awakened by a sorceress from the Between-Worlds who feels he was wronged in his death, and gives him a chance at Redemption. But he needs Arabella Ryan to help him find his way. Bella is in love with him from the second she sees his portrait in a museum, but his ghost haunting her until he can become substantial might be too much for her.
The sorceress helps him here and there, and helps Bella too. But she must protect the Between Worlds. Mind you, she has a cavern full of these warriors who've been wronged and she will bring each of her favorites back as she sees fit. (I'm assuming a book for each?)
I love the idea of this series. This book however, was kind of boring. The beginning is good,then it gets kinda boring, then the middle to end is good. I think I'll try the next in the series to see if maybe it's just cuz it's the first book, but I don't think I'll go out of my way to buy the whole series.
The sorceress helps him here and there, and helps Bella too. But she must protect the Between Worlds. Mind you, she has a cavern full of these warriors who've been wronged and she will bring each of her favorites back as she sees fit. (I'm assuming a book for each?)
I love the idea of this series. This book however, was kind of boring. The beginning is good,then it gets kinda boring, then the middle to end is good. I think I'll try the next in the series to see if maybe it's just cuz it's the first book, but I don't think I'll go out of my way to buy the whole series.
January 27, 2008
This is book #1 in the Immortal Warriors series.
There is some time-travel, paranormal, and both modern and historic time periods. Whew! A nice series. Bella is thought to be abit overweight and has a very low opinion of herself. She encounters Maclean who is "released" by the powers that put him to sleep for a few hundred years until someone worthy and cabable of redeeming him came along.
Neat read. Different!
There is some time-travel, paranormal, and both modern and historic time periods. Whew! A nice series. Bella is thought to be abit overweight and has a very low opinion of herself. She encounters Maclean who is "released" by the powers that put him to sleep for a few hundred years until someone worthy and cabable of redeeming him came along.
Neat read. Different!
January 8, 2008
When I get on a particular book jag, I really follow it through! I am on a Scottish Highland romance kick right now! This one was really, really good -- the author of a book dreams of a Highland warrior, the Black Maclean, and soon he invades not only her dreams but her life! Fun, fun, book to read.
December 1, 2009
I enjoyed this story and the authors writing style. I didn't develop a strong bond to the h/h, and that is the only thing keeping it from a higher rating. Sometimes the story is good, but you just don't develop the "awe factor" as I like to call it. I would recommend this author as a definate read, and will read more by her.
June 11, 2013
I've been on a Highlander craze lately and this book was a satisfying read. The way the author combines the past with the present is interesting and I like this twist in comparison with most books of the genre. It was something new and interesting. I enjoyed being placed into a new world with Morven's past and Arabella's present. Great read. =)
November 5, 2010
kinda out of the ordinary this book is. Not the usual Highlander book. A book that I just couldn't put down. I am now looking for the next two to read.
Read
July 31, 2011Okay, just not great.
January 26, 2012
Return of the Highlander by Sara Mackenzie.
July 12, 2013
I've read several of her books and they are very good. I enjoy the time travel mixed with the historical. Hope you enjoy it!
January 3, 2022
Time-travel romances aren't my typical "go-to" genre, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one! Characters were (mostly) well thought-out and the story line was interesting. I would have liked for more of the story to have taken place in the Highlands of the past, but most of the book takes place in the present. Overall a good read!
August 18, 2025
COULD have been a great book. sucked me in, couldn't put it down
no bouncing back and forth for whole chapters at a time forgetting whose era you were in. however I must takeaway at least 1 star for the piss-poor ending. "he leads he through the standing stones" and THEN what? nothing. NOTHING? How about Autry's betrayal? How does Ishbel get her comeuppance? how does he explain her appearance. or maybe, what did they do to the red army coming up the loch? COME ON.
no bouncing back and forth for whole chapters at a time forgetting whose era you were in. however I must takeaway at least 1 star for the piss-poor ending. "he leads he through the standing stones" and THEN what? nothing. NOTHING? How about Autry's betrayal? How does Ishbel get her comeuppance? how does he explain her appearance. or maybe, what did they do to the red army coming up the loch? COME ON.
March 13, 2021
Absolutely loved it, sucker for Scottish men *hmm Scottish ghosts?
July 13, 2011
AUTHOR: A time travel romance. First book written in the Immortal Warriors series. Appears to be the first book that author Sara Mackenzie has written. She wrote books 1, 2 and 3 in the series within the same year, 2006. In my humble opinion, if you have ever read, “Oh darling I love you” as the sun creeps over the mountain and the violin plays in the background. Well, guess what.
SYNOPSIS – 18th century MacLean, 21st century Bella, controlling boyfriend Brian, an annoying book agent, the Fiosaiche, a hag, mean girl Ishbel from the 18th century, a loch monster and the famous door that is open between “here and there” that must be closed.
PASSION SCALE: This book gets TWO STARS for WILL make you wiggle a little. I had to take my imagination to the gymnasium for a good work out. However, it only required lifting 10 pound weights as opposed to 25 pound weights.
* NOT very descriptive and requires imagination
** WILL make you wiggle a little)
*** WISH it was me;
**** OH BODY, whew;
***** EROTICA and well over the top
FAVORITE PART: Brian thinking he was going to get Bella back so easily. HA!
LEAST FAVORITE PART: All the running around with a Fiosaiche (Scottish Gaelic for a prophet, soothsayer or fortune teller) and a Hag and a Loch monster.
YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE: Historical romance. Time travel. Tales of myths and legends brought from the 18th century into the 20th (21st ?) century
This book gets THREE Stars. If this book was meant to be an adult romance, author Sara Mackenzie falls short of adult like sizzle. If the book was meant to be “YA” then it is too descriptive on the sizzle. Where does that leave us? Good question.
SYNOPSIS – 18th century MacLean, 21st century Bella, controlling boyfriend Brian, an annoying book agent, the Fiosaiche, a hag, mean girl Ishbel from the 18th century, a loch monster and the famous door that is open between “here and there” that must be closed.
PASSION SCALE: This book gets TWO STARS for WILL make you wiggle a little. I had to take my imagination to the gymnasium for a good work out. However, it only required lifting 10 pound weights as opposed to 25 pound weights.
* NOT very descriptive and requires imagination
** WILL make you wiggle a little)
*** WISH it was me;
**** OH BODY, whew;
***** EROTICA and well over the top
FAVORITE PART: Brian thinking he was going to get Bella back so easily. HA!
LEAST FAVORITE PART: All the running around with a Fiosaiche (Scottish Gaelic for a prophet, soothsayer or fortune teller) and a Hag and a Loch monster.
YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE: Historical romance. Time travel. Tales of myths and legends brought from the 18th century into the 20th (21st ?) century
This book gets THREE Stars. If this book was meant to be an adult romance, author Sara Mackenzie falls short of adult like sizzle. If the book was meant to be “YA” then it is too descriptive on the sizzle. Where does that leave us? Good question.
August 12, 2008
Arabella is researching a scottish lord for a book with her obnoxious boyfriend and encounters the ghost of the Back Maclean (the very laird she is researching). She introduces him to the modern world and helps him to clear his name of the inaccurate historic record left after his death.
I liked the concept and the way the ghost story was written. I also liked Arabella (who is not your typical romance heroine). The book sets up future spin-offs in the same context. I would read one of the others.
I liked the concept and the way the ghost story was written. I also liked Arabella (who is not your typical romance heroine). The book sets up future spin-offs in the same context. I would read one of the others.
February 3, 2013
This book was okay for me. I liked the characters and their back stories but I didn't care for the pacing. It could have been a novella easily. It took me a week to finish it because I was able to put it down after less than an hour of reading. Anyone that knows me knows this is a bad sign. I am giving it 3 stars because of the characters. They were easy to like and to get behind. It felt like Ms. Mackenzie is really a romance writer first and foremost. The paranormal aspects felt forced into the story and seemed to drop in whenever Ms. Mackenzie remembered to put them in.
November 11, 2014
I bought this book from the charity shop, mostly because of the title, as a Diana Gabaldon~lover, I simply had to. it was far better than I thought, imagined it just to be another cheap romance. it had several interesting twists and the author was well studied in the time and place in history. an enjoyable read on a foggy & rainy November day... <3
July 18, 2010
I might have given this book 4 stars, but the heroine turned stupid near the end of the book & kind of ruined it for me. Overall, it was still a pretty enjoyable read.
December 31, 2013
Pretty average time travelling romance, with a hint of paranormal. Good potential but very poorly delivered.
July 25, 2012
Too strange for me. :(
December 24, 2014
Predictable, but I liked the writing style.
September 12, 2016
A fun, easy read, but not something I would waste money on buying.
June 30, 2015
Good book
I enjoyed reading this book about immortal warriors, can't wait to start reading the next book. If was an easy read.
I enjoyed reading this book about immortal warriors, can't wait to start reading the next book. If was an easy read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews