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Highland Destiny #1
Highland Shift
The Highland Destiny saga begins in Highland Shift, a tale of betrayal, murder, and magick spanning two continents and hundreds of years.
Elena MacFarland wonders what everyone else knows about her new farm that she doesn't, and whether she'll live long enough to find out. Betrayed by her fiancé and the powerful Worthington family, Elena fights back and negotiates a comfortable settlement with one small caveat: she must live in Scotland for two years.
One kidnapping and two attempts on her life later, the darkly arrogant Scot, Faolan MacGailtry declares himself her new protector and moves into her farmhouse. Major problem? He was present at all three incidents. Elena decides to follow the adage to keep her friends close and enemies closer--but which is he? One by one, Elena uncovers Faolan's darkest secrets: his Druid heritage, his connection to her past, and finally, the deadly curse that is powerful enough to destroy them both.
Reader notes: This is the first book of the Highland Destiny series and includes multiple paranormal elements, including Druidry, Fae, shapeshifting and magick. Heat level: slowly builds from extreme sexual tension toward "bring-some-ice-water" hot!
Elena MacFarland wonders what everyone else knows about her new farm that she doesn't, and whether she'll live long enough to find out. Betrayed by her fiancé and the powerful Worthington family, Elena fights back and negotiates a comfortable settlement with one small caveat: she must live in Scotland for two years.
One kidnapping and two attempts on her life later, the darkly arrogant Scot, Faolan MacGailtry declares himself her new protector and moves into her farmhouse. Major problem? He was present at all three incidents. Elena decides to follow the adage to keep her friends close and enemies closer--but which is he? One by one, Elena uncovers Faolan's darkest secrets: his Druid heritage, his connection to her past, and finally, the deadly curse that is powerful enough to destroy them both.
Reader notes: This is the first book of the Highland Destiny series and includes multiple paranormal elements, including Druidry, Fae, shapeshifting and magick. Heat level: slowly builds from extreme sexual tension toward "bring-some-ice-water" hot!
313 pages, ebook
First published September 22, 2011
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2088 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
January 8, 2012
Och, lass, who doona' like a sexy highlander with a Scottish brogue? I must admit I canna' resist one especially one named Faolan MacGailtry (of the Gailtry clan). Aye, he is verr sexy indeed. Doona' fash yourself, I will not continue this review using Scottish brogue. I just could not resist!
The author depicts a wonderful story that gives you a sweet romance, ancient curses, secrets, nemeses, Druidry and magick, all with a paranormal twist. The story begins with the heroine Elena following her from America to her farm in Scotland. The action immediately begins as soon as she arrives in Scotland. You are introduced to the sexy Faolan who is described as having a mahogany mane falling to the middle of his back with red and gold highlights. He delivers a swoon worthy love declaration to Elena that makes you immediately want to switch places with her.
Elena is a woman who has been betrayed in her past and her confidence in herself at times is shaky. However, there is one thing she knows for sure and that is she wants to get real close and personal with the sexy Faolan even if it means giving a no strings attached clause. It was fun watching this relationship blossoming. Faolan was determined to avoid having an intimate relationship with Elena because of his secrets. The 'touch' 'no touching' scenes were very hot!
When it came to rating this book I went back and forth from 4 stars to 3 stars and here is why. As I stated earlier, you are only given Elena's voice-her thoughts and feelings, whereas Faolan's thoughts are quiet. I found myself yearning to hear what he thought of Elena. Did he think she was funny, sexy, strange? There is a particular scene where Elena is trying to seduce him and hearing Faolan's voice, in my opinion, would have added to the seduction. Well, about mid way into the book, chapter 19 to be exact, you are given Faolan's voice. It was a little disconcerting but it did not take away from the story, on the contrary, it adds to it. I would've love to have had it in the beginning.
Lastly, I was disappointed in the ending. There was a "What the What?" moment for me regarding a particular part of the story. I won't go into details because it would definitely be a spoiler. Let's just say I got lost in translation. I know where the author was going but for me it just needed more tweaking. It left the reader questioning the couple's declarations to one another, which were heartfelt, deep, and soul wrenching up until this point. After this scene it was hard for the reader to believe in the couple's love because there was no time spent on re solidifying it and you were abruptly brought to the HEA.
Aye, I decided on 4 stars. Aye, the ending was disappointing but not overwhelmingly. The author does a wonderful job of writing believable characters. She pulls no punches when she writes her attack scenes. It is worth reading this book for the romance, the magick, the seduction, and the journey to discovering the secrets. These were well written and kept me up late at night. Most importantly, the author helped me find my inner Scottish brogue. Hmm...I think that is a good thing.
There is no doubt that there will be another book and I am willing to read the next one.
The author depicts a wonderful story that gives you a sweet romance, ancient curses, secrets, nemeses, Druidry and magick, all with a paranormal twist. The story begins with the heroine Elena following her from America to her farm in Scotland. The action immediately begins as soon as she arrives in Scotland. You are introduced to the sexy Faolan who is described as having a mahogany mane falling to the middle of his back with red and gold highlights. He delivers a swoon worthy love declaration to Elena that makes you immediately want to switch places with her.
Elena is a woman who has been betrayed in her past and her confidence in herself at times is shaky. However, there is one thing she knows for sure and that is she wants to get real close and personal with the sexy Faolan even if it means giving a no strings attached clause. It was fun watching this relationship blossoming. Faolan was determined to avoid having an intimate relationship with Elena because of his secrets. The 'touch' 'no touching' scenes were very hot!
When it came to rating this book I went back and forth from 4 stars to 3 stars and here is why. As I stated earlier, you are only given Elena's voice-her thoughts and feelings, whereas Faolan's thoughts are quiet. I found myself yearning to hear what he thought of Elena. Did he think she was funny, sexy, strange? There is a particular scene where Elena is trying to seduce him and hearing Faolan's voice, in my opinion, would have added to the seduction. Well, about mid way into the book, chapter 19 to be exact, you are given Faolan's voice. It was a little disconcerting but it did not take away from the story, on the contrary, it adds to it. I would've love to have had it in the beginning.
Lastly, I was disappointed in the ending. There was a "What the What?" moment for me regarding a particular part of the story. I won't go into details because it would definitely be a spoiler. Let's just say I got lost in translation. I know where the author was going but for me it just needed more tweaking. It left the reader questioning the couple's declarations to one another, which were heartfelt, deep, and soul wrenching up until this point. After this scene it was hard for the reader to believe in the couple's love because there was no time spent on re solidifying it and you were abruptly brought to the HEA.
Aye, I decided on 4 stars. Aye, the ending was disappointing but not overwhelmingly. The author does a wonderful job of writing believable characters. She pulls no punches when she writes her attack scenes. It is worth reading this book for the romance, the magick, the seduction, and the journey to discovering the secrets. These were well written and kept me up late at night. Most importantly, the author helped me find my inner Scottish brogue. Hmm...I think that is a good thing.
There is no doubt that there will be another book and I am willing to read the next one.
December 8, 2013
The book started out great. A paranormal romance about a Scottish shapeshifter and the American woman who falls for him after her engagement falls apart, it was intriguing from page one. Trying to figure out who was trying to kill Elena and why was bringing me back.
And then things got a bit...not so great.
It started with the sudden, almost porn style sex. Now, don't get me wrong - I'm no prude. I love a good sex scene in a story, particularly when it fits the plot. And I don't mind graphic ones. The problem I had with this book's scenes is that, while the first one did seem to fit the plot (it's a romance, so even one scene generally fits, and having the two main characters engage in sex was critical to the plot), the rest were purely gratuitous and read too much like porn. I think the scenes were intended to be romantic, but they simply didn't come off that way to me.
Next was Elena's powers. I understand she had these powers before the story began, and they had simply been lying dormant, and meeting the hero and kind of "falling into" that life brought them out. But she seemed to become comfortable with her new powers much too quickly, figuring them all out almost instantly, and not seeming nearly as overwhelmed as you think someone might feel when they suddenly find out they have the power to do these things. She also seemed to gain knowledge about not only her own powers, but the powers of those around her too quickly. There were a couple of instances where it seemed to be implied that she had read up on things, but the implication is so vague that I was left feeling more like she simply snapped her fingers and figured it out - and that was just a bit beyond the realm of belief for me.
Lastly, at about the 75% point, the book seemed to take a drastic turn from what it had been previously. We went from a story that was focused quite clearly on the two main characters and a small handful of secondary characters that played an integral role, to focusing on Elena and a secondary character, and bringing in a whole host of other characters who had either played a very, very minor role up to that point or who suddenly appeared from nowhere. Then, just as suddenly, those new(ish) characters all disappear again, the majority of them with no explanation. A somewhat ridiculous misunderstanding keeps the two main characters apart for a good 20% of the book at the end (not ridiculous for her, but for him, definitely), only to be cleared up with one, incredibly short (given the supposed severity of the misunderstanding) conversation.
This book was the first in a series, and I don't think I'll be reading the rest of the series. This book simply was not convincing enough to persuade me to read on.
There were also a lot of editing errors - many that were things like:
"Blah blah blah," Elene cried Fallon said angrily.
It is clear there that something had been edited out, but the speech tag was left. I can live with the occasional spelling error, and even a comma misplaced, or a period too many. But leaving random words or even partial sentence remnants behind when you take something out is just sloppy editing.
And then things got a bit...not so great.
It started with the sudden, almost porn style sex. Now, don't get me wrong - I'm no prude. I love a good sex scene in a story, particularly when it fits the plot. And I don't mind graphic ones. The problem I had with this book's scenes is that, while the first one did seem to fit the plot (it's a romance, so even one scene generally fits, and having the two main characters engage in sex was critical to the plot), the rest were purely gratuitous and read too much like porn. I think the scenes were intended to be romantic, but they simply didn't come off that way to me.
Next was Elena's powers. I understand she had these powers before the story began, and they had simply been lying dormant, and meeting the hero and kind of "falling into" that life brought them out. But she seemed to become comfortable with her new powers much too quickly, figuring them all out almost instantly, and not seeming nearly as overwhelmed as you think someone might feel when they suddenly find out they have the power to do these things. She also seemed to gain knowledge about not only her own powers, but the powers of those around her too quickly. There were a couple of instances where it seemed to be implied that she had read up on things, but the implication is so vague that I was left feeling more like she simply snapped her fingers and figured it out - and that was just a bit beyond the realm of belief for me.
Lastly, at about the 75% point, the book seemed to take a drastic turn from what it had been previously. We went from a story that was focused quite clearly on the two main characters and a small handful of secondary characters that played an integral role, to focusing on Elena and a secondary character, and bringing in a whole host of other characters who had either played a very, very minor role up to that point or who suddenly appeared from nowhere. Then, just as suddenly, those new(ish) characters all disappear again, the majority of them with no explanation. A somewhat ridiculous misunderstanding keeps the two main characters apart for a good 20% of the book at the end (not ridiculous for her, but for him, definitely), only to be cleared up with one, incredibly short (given the supposed severity of the misunderstanding) conversation.
This book was the first in a series, and I don't think I'll be reading the rest of the series. This book simply was not convincing enough to persuade me to read on.
There were also a lot of editing errors - many that were things like:
"Blah blah blah," Elene cried Fallon said angrily.
It is clear there that something had been edited out, but the speech tag was left. I can live with the occasional spelling error, and even a comma misplaced, or a period too many. But leaving random words or even partial sentence remnants behind when you take something out is just sloppy editing.
January 11, 2012
This one was not perfect but it was pretty good. I found more that I liked than I expected. The story felt long but it was well edited and it's a great start for a series. Basically, we have a Highlander plagued by a curse. His name is Faolan and he is easy to love. The heroine is Elana and she is a woman who knows what she wants. The two meet on a flight from London to Scotland where the sparks fly. Elana has inherited a farm and Faolan is trailing her for some unknown reason. She ends up being attacked and nearly killed and he saves her several times. He then moves into her farm to protect her and the story builds from there.
The bad guy is very bad. I really liked him. He was not one to do a lot of talking. He is a man of action and violence. I regret that in order to find out how bad he was, Elana had to do a few TSTL moves. I wanted to smack her but I give her credit, she knew when she screwed up and didn't try to make excuses. Ms. Harner wrote the story in third person POV so we get to see the story from several angles but mostly Elana. So her actions and decisions were integral and pivotal in moving the plot along. I can't say I fell in love with her but she was not the worst heroine I have endured for a Highlander and/or Druid fix.
A few things a reader should know upfront --
There is a significant amount of sexual tension and graphic sex to relieve that sexual tension when the characters finally hooked up. Make no mistake, this is erotica.
If you love Highlanders, there is brogue and even a kilt but no swords.
If you love mythology, there are Druids and the fae at the heart of the unfolding drama.
There are several plot threads going on and many crop up unexectedly. There is much more than the synopsis describes.
But the strongest element of all is the magic. It's creative and there is plenty of it.
There is not a hard cliffhanger but the story is not done by a long shot. I didn't mind the way the story wrapped because Ms. Harner provided the details needed to understand the overarching plot. I will read the next one in the series for certain.
The bad guy is very bad. I really liked him. He was not one to do a lot of talking. He is a man of action and violence. I regret that in order to find out how bad he was, Elana had to do a few TSTL moves. I wanted to smack her but I give her credit, she knew when she screwed up and didn't try to make excuses. Ms. Harner wrote the story in third person POV so we get to see the story from several angles but mostly Elana. So her actions and decisions were integral and pivotal in moving the plot along. I can't say I fell in love with her but she was not the worst heroine I have endured for a Highlander and/or Druid fix.
A few things a reader should know upfront --
There is a significant amount of sexual tension and graphic sex to relieve that sexual tension when the characters finally hooked up. Make no mistake, this is erotica.
If you love Highlanders, there is brogue and even a kilt but no swords.
If you love mythology, there are Druids and the fae at the heart of the unfolding drama.
There are several plot threads going on and many crop up unexectedly. There is much more than the synopsis describes.
But the strongest element of all is the magic. It's creative and there is plenty of it.
There is not a hard cliffhanger but the story is not done by a long shot. I didn't mind the way the story wrapped because Ms. Harner provided the details needed to understand the overarching plot. I will read the next one in the series for certain.
Read
October 28, 2015I'm going to be nice and not rate this.
I only read it to see if it was like *my* Highland Destiny now that she's been proven a plagiarist.
I only read it to see if it was like *my* Highland Destiny now that she's been proven a plagiarist.
February 3, 2014
This story pulled me in from the word go. It is a story about magic, Druids, Fae, shapeshifters, friends and enemies, light and dark. It is also about love and passion, two lonely souls helping each other to find that elusive healing light.
'Your inner radiance lights my way and completes me. Separately, we were just two people; together, we are a force of nature.'
I really enjoyed this free book more than I expected.
There is the beautiful magical Highlands. A land that comes with its own secrets.
'The ancient members of the Druid Council, who were wise in the ways of both gods and humans, survived and cast wards around an island known only to them. There they continued to practice their arts despite their banishment, maintaining the veil between worlds, keeping humankind safe from otherworldly harm.'
And an old bungalow-like farmhouse with hidden mysteries...
Faolan MacGailtry is very elemental in nature and a hot Druid with curse who needs help even if will never admit it.
Elena MacFarland is an American who moved to Scotland to recover from heart break and claim ownership of the old farm house, not knowing the property comes with more than she bargained for.
She feels instantly attracted to Foalan on a primal level and is not afraid to let him know it or to go after what she wants. She maybe a virgin but this girl is not going to let that stop her or let anyone intimidate her to try and take what's rightfully hers without a fight. The plot was full of action, magic and mystery. There was also lot of passion and so much heat between Faolan and Elan.
I enjoyed reading about the old farmhouse full of many secrets and mysteries, the shifter theme added a nice PNR feel to the book. The druids and Fae heritage and the mystery of the curse a long with the sinister presence of the powerful Worthington family gave this this story a much needed infusion of darkness and danger balancing out the lighter aspects of the book while adding to the excitement and my enjoyment of the storyline.
The only problem is that the ending was rushed and a bit confusing and some issues were not resolved leaving the story somewhere between HEA and HFN. Since this is a series, naturally I thought perhaps the author was going to continue with Faolan and Elena's story and tie up all the lose ends were this couple is concerned giving this sweet romantic tale the perfect ending it deserved but sadly that is not the case.
'Your inner radiance lights my way and completes me. Separately, we were just two people; together, we are a force of nature.'
I really enjoyed this free book more than I expected.
There is the beautiful magical Highlands. A land that comes with its own secrets.
'The ancient members of the Druid Council, who were wise in the ways of both gods and humans, survived and cast wards around an island known only to them. There they continued to practice their arts despite their banishment, maintaining the veil between worlds, keeping humankind safe from otherworldly harm.'
And an old bungalow-like farmhouse with hidden mysteries...
Faolan MacGailtry is very elemental in nature and a hot Druid with curse who needs help even if will never admit it.
Elena MacFarland is an American who moved to Scotland to recover from heart break and claim ownership of the old farm house, not knowing the property comes with more than she bargained for.
She feels instantly attracted to Foalan on a primal level and is not afraid to let him know it or to go after what she wants. She maybe a virgin but this girl is not going to let that stop her or let anyone intimidate her to try and take what's rightfully hers without a fight. The plot was full of action, magic and mystery. There was also lot of passion and so much heat between Faolan and Elan.
I enjoyed reading about the old farmhouse full of many secrets and mysteries, the shifter theme added a nice PNR feel to the book. The druids and Fae heritage and the mystery of the curse a long with the sinister presence of the powerful Worthington family gave this this story a much needed infusion of darkness and danger balancing out the lighter aspects of the book while adding to the excitement and my enjoyment of the storyline.
The only problem is that the ending was rushed and a bit confusing and some issues were not resolved leaving the story somewhere between HEA and HFN. Since this is a series, naturally I thought perhaps the author was going to continue with Faolan and Elena's story and tie up all the lose ends were this couple is concerned giving this sweet romantic tale the perfect ending it deserved but sadly that is not the case.
December 21, 2014
ok things happened in this book that made me say "wait what just happened?"
I've got about two hours left and I am so over this book. seriously this author just didn't know what she wanted to do. The editor should have been smacked because she failed in helping to tighten up this book and to make it the best story the author could have told.
2hrs left and I'm seriously contemplating just saying fuck it.
back to the book.......
Wait What!?!?! Elena just read Lily's letter.
WHAT THE FUCK!! I. CANT.
back to the book.......
DONE **le sigh**
story - 1st half of the book = 3
2nd half of the book = 1
narrator - 3 he made a bad book tolerable
I've got about two hours left and I am so over this book. seriously this author just didn't know what she wanted to do. The editor should have been smacked because she failed in helping to tighten up this book and to make it the best story the author could have told.
2hrs left and I'm seriously contemplating just saying fuck it.
back to the book.......
Wait What!?!?! Elena just read Lily's letter.
WHAT THE FUCK!! I. CANT.
back to the book.......
DONE **le sigh**
story - 1st half of the book = 3
2nd half of the book = 1
narrator - 3 he made a bad book tolerable
September 29, 2011
You must NOT miss this amazing author's take on shape shifting, Scotland, Druids and full on, face melting romance!
This is not normally a genre I go for ("kilt rippers") but these characters are so deftly and beautifully drawn, the setting so vividly described and the overall story arc so compelling I was a convert.
Buy This Book!
This is not normally a genre I go for ("kilt rippers") but these characters are so deftly and beautifully drawn, the setting so vividly described and the overall story arc so compelling I was a convert.
Buy This Book!
November 10, 2015
I did not read this book that I had downloaded onto my Kindle because the author has been accused of plagiarizing it, and in fact after checking out various screen caps I am convinced it is true. So no go.
May 17, 2016
At 70% I quit..
I read some of the reviews on Goodreads and I could see where a lot of the 1 and 2 star reviews were coming from. I couldn’t understand either why Elena didn’t tell Faolan (pronounced Full-on, go figure) about the secret room, especially since she found out the truth about him, Red and Lilly. What was the reasoning in her keeping the secret of the secret room? That didn’t make a bit of sense.
This could have been a really good story but the author wanted to throw in pages and pages of non-intercourse sex, so he wouldn't take her virginity. That wasn’t at all necessary. However, I skimmed over that and stuck with the story. I love sex in my books but not that kind. There were 5 or 6 or 7 or 10 sex scenes, I lost track, and that’s just too many, and they were all long and drawn out. I must have flipped through 75 to 100 pages, or more, of sex and still ran across some of it to get back to the story. (And the words and phrases they used while having sex was just stupid.) A 473 page book and half of it was sex. Yuck!
I did like the meeting between Martin Worthington and Elena. He was so icky and so smug but she wasn’t going to take his crap. It really was the beginning of the story, if it had stuck with the story and not gone off into ridiculous sexcapades. I mean, something went wrong since this book had almost 450 reviews and the next one, Highland Pull, has 71 reviews. Don’t authors EVER learn from the reviews of their first books in a series? 4 books in this series and the reviews get less and less. Oh, well, I guess some authors write what THEY like and never mind the readers want. For the most part I did enjoy this book but I can’t see myself reading any more from this author. She seems to be a little more interested in the sexual parts than the storyline. I need one to balance out the other, not one overpowering the other.
There was swearing. The F-bomb was used 9 times. So, if you don’t like swearing, and a story ruined by soooo much sex, then keep looking for something else to read.
OK, I’m done with this book. At 70% I’ve read all I can. If it was rewritten with a whole lot less sex and more attention paid to the story I’d read it again, but until then no more from this author for me.
As to the narrator: He was barely OK. He did laugh and whisper when the book called for it and his emotions were alright, too. But this was a book about Scotland and his Scottish accent was pretty terrible. He tried but I just wasn’t thrilled with it. And when Elena and Lilly and Brigid talked it was even worse. A bad accent and doing a woman’s voice just didn’t do it. He does have a nice reading voice but he shouldn’t do accents.
I read some of the reviews on Goodreads and I could see where a lot of the 1 and 2 star reviews were coming from. I couldn’t understand either why Elena didn’t tell Faolan (pronounced Full-on, go figure) about the secret room, especially since she found out the truth about him, Red and Lilly. What was the reasoning in her keeping the secret of the secret room? That didn’t make a bit of sense.
This could have been a really good story but the author wanted to throw in pages and pages of non-intercourse sex, so he wouldn't take her virginity. That wasn’t at all necessary. However, I skimmed over that and stuck with the story. I love sex in my books but not that kind. There were 5 or 6 or 7 or 10 sex scenes, I lost track, and that’s just too many, and they were all long and drawn out. I must have flipped through 75 to 100 pages, or more, of sex and still ran across some of it to get back to the story. (And the words and phrases they used while having sex was just stupid.) A 473 page book and half of it was sex. Yuck!
I did like the meeting between Martin Worthington and Elena. He was so icky and so smug but she wasn’t going to take his crap. It really was the beginning of the story, if it had stuck with the story and not gone off into ridiculous sexcapades. I mean, something went wrong since this book had almost 450 reviews and the next one, Highland Pull, has 71 reviews. Don’t authors EVER learn from the reviews of their first books in a series? 4 books in this series and the reviews get less and less. Oh, well, I guess some authors write what THEY like and never mind the readers want. For the most part I did enjoy this book but I can’t see myself reading any more from this author. She seems to be a little more interested in the sexual parts than the storyline. I need one to balance out the other, not one overpowering the other.
There was swearing. The F-bomb was used 9 times. So, if you don’t like swearing, and a story ruined by soooo much sex, then keep looking for something else to read.
OK, I’m done with this book. At 70% I’ve read all I can. If it was rewritten with a whole lot less sex and more attention paid to the story I’d read it again, but until then no more from this author for me.
As to the narrator: He was barely OK. He did laugh and whisper when the book called for it and his emotions were alright, too. But this was a book about Scotland and his Scottish accent was pretty terrible. He tried but I just wasn’t thrilled with it. And when Elena and Lilly and Brigid talked it was even worse. A bad accent and doing a woman’s voice just didn’t do it. He does have a nice reading voice but he shouldn’t do accents.
September 27, 2017
This book was a strange ride with a disappointing ending. It starts out like a spicy yet simplistic romance novel. Lots of Elena gushing about how hot 'mysterious Faolan' is. Then all of a sudden, Faolan is in love with her but he can't have sex with her so it's a long drawn out tease. After they finally get together at about half way it felt like the book should end, but it didn't. I almost stopped listening to the audiobook, but I had stuff to do on the computer anyways, so I kept listening. Then the book got stranger. You knew from the get go that there was something supernatural about Faolan, but now we have druids and wolves and enough sacred magical objects to fill a truck. Kinda makes me want to go check the attic. Maybe there's a magical chalice or something there. I think I've mentioned before how much I dislike god-like 'super powers' in stories. It seemed like every chapter the 'powers' of everyone was increasing at a ridiculous rate. It all just got so over the top that I couldn't stop rolling my eyes and sighing. Then there's a HUUUUUGE misunderstanding and Faolan is an unforgiveable asshat. Sure, it was the 'super evil bad druid's' fault, but Faolan acts more like a neutered dog than an alpha werewolf.
Was there some good grovelling...
Was it a happy ending...
I felt really let down after listening to this for 13 hours.
Do I want to read the next book... nope.
Was there some good grovelling...
Was it a happy ending...
I felt really let down after listening to this for 13 hours.
Do I want to read the next book... nope.
October 20, 2013
Why does Laura Harner do this to me? She is a master at dragging you into her world and then turning it on its axis - there are no rules in her books, only a damn fine story...
I went from sweating and fanning myself to blubbering like a baby searching for something to throw - because I couldn't throw my kindle, I had to finish reading this and make sure everything would end up all right. Did it? Well now, I can't tell you that...what I can tell you is if you like Highlanders with a thick make-you-shiver brogue about them...if you like HOT sex...and if you like to sit next to a box of tissues every once in a while - well, you know where I'm going with this.
*sighs heavily* I need a drink...and maybe a wardrobe change.
I went from sweating and fanning myself to blubbering like a baby searching for something to throw - because I couldn't throw my kindle, I had to finish reading this and make sure everything would end up all right. Did it? Well now, I can't tell you that...what I can tell you is if you like Highlanders with a thick make-you-shiver brogue about them...if you like HOT sex...and if you like to sit next to a box of tissues every once in a while - well, you know where I'm going with this.
*sighs heavily* I need a drink...and maybe a wardrobe change.
December 30, 2011
This book has it all, brooding Scot hunk, spunky virgin woman working to get over past hurts...misunderstanding, ancient curses, shifters, Fae, old farmhouses with secrets...While the book was a fun read,it did not hold up to its promise. The characters did not act in a manner true to the way they were written and the ending felt rushed and muddled. It appears there is another book, I'll give it a go and hope for more focused storytelling.
November 4, 2016
Highland Shift had the potential to be entertaining, all of the elements were there, but it just didn't quite make it. The story seemed to wander and instead of becoming more interested in what was happening, I found myself being tempted to fast forward at times. However, the narration was well done. I probably won't continue with this series.
Read
December 28, 2018Dnf. I'm glad I got this for free. I will not read more books in this series. This is my opinion. We all have the right to have one. It was not my cup of tea. There are better Highlander books out there.
Want to read
April 18, 2013Free today 4/18/13! She writes some great M/M so I can't wait to try her M/F!
October 14, 2016
Elena MacFarland is on her way to Scotland, to take possession of a small farm due to her in a legal settlement with her ex-fiance, when she meets Faolan MacGailtry on the airplane. He’s attractive, dangerous and exceedingly arrogant, and Elena, thinking they will go their separate ways when they land, makes pleasant small talk on the flight.
Upon arrival in Scotland however, Elena finds herself at the receiving end of more than one murder and kidnapping attempt. Faolan, conveniently, happens to be present and manages to foil these attempts. He appoints himself protector and moves into Elena’s small farm house.
Soon, Elena finds herself drawn into Faolan’s dark world of ancient, magical secrets. How long can she stay alive and withstand his dangerous, magnetic attraction.
I quite enjoyed this novel. It has many draw-cards: a handsome, brawny Scot, an independent heroine, danger, romance, paranormal, ancient magic and plenty of hot attraction. The writer in me felt that it should possibly have been two separate books since there are two distinct segments to the novel. There’s the first part when Elena and Faolan meet. This part was wrought with hot tension and intrigue and was well-paced. Then there is the second part, after the two fall in love. This part felt very rushed, almost as though the author wanted to shove too many things into the last few chapters. The result was an ending that skipped over some important story-lines, but still had a darkly-magical feel to it.
The plot and characters were still interesting and there were some amazingly steamy sex scenes. Overall, it was a fun story.
Upon arrival in Scotland however, Elena finds herself at the receiving end of more than one murder and kidnapping attempt. Faolan, conveniently, happens to be present and manages to foil these attempts. He appoints himself protector and moves into Elena’s small farm house.
Soon, Elena finds herself drawn into Faolan’s dark world of ancient, magical secrets. How long can she stay alive and withstand his dangerous, magnetic attraction.
I quite enjoyed this novel. It has many draw-cards: a handsome, brawny Scot, an independent heroine, danger, romance, paranormal, ancient magic and plenty of hot attraction. The writer in me felt that it should possibly have been two separate books since there are two distinct segments to the novel. There’s the first part when Elena and Faolan meet. This part was wrought with hot tension and intrigue and was well-paced. Then there is the second part, after the two fall in love. This part felt very rushed, almost as though the author wanted to shove too many things into the last few chapters. The result was an ending that skipped over some important story-lines, but still had a darkly-magical feel to it.
The plot and characters were still interesting and there were some amazingly steamy sex scenes. Overall, it was a fun story.
April 19, 2014
I love a good highlander Druid story but haven’t really found another one since Karen Maria Moning Highlander series. When I was first asked to do a review on this series I had my doubts but halfway through Highland Shift I was hooked. I loved the way lore was preserved and each character, even the evil ones, had a voice.
Elena had just learned that the life she planned was not going to happen. Dumped and forced to quit her job she was offered a once in a lifetime chance to move to Ireland. Thinking that it would give her time to get her life in order she never expected that she would find out about her true heritage, find her soul mate, gain a mother and a tight family.
Faolan has been living a cursed life forced to change to his wolf form every full moon. The only thing keeping him going is his friends, Lily and Red, who have been like a family to him for over three hundred years. When he hears that his family farm is being given to an unknown woman he has no idea that he is about to met his destiny his soul mate and his Druid powers.
Through trials, fears and a lot of mixed feelings they learn to trust each other and are gearing up to fight the darkness trying to take over the world.
This was a great introduction to a series I can’t wait to sink my teeth into.
Elena had just learned that the life she planned was not going to happen. Dumped and forced to quit her job she was offered a once in a lifetime chance to move to Ireland. Thinking that it would give her time to get her life in order she never expected that she would find out about her true heritage, find her soul mate, gain a mother and a tight family.
Faolan has been living a cursed life forced to change to his wolf form every full moon. The only thing keeping him going is his friends, Lily and Red, who have been like a family to him for over three hundred years. When he hears that his family farm is being given to an unknown woman he has no idea that he is about to met his destiny his soul mate and his Druid powers.
Through trials, fears and a lot of mixed feelings they learn to trust each other and are gearing up to fight the darkness trying to take over the world.
This was a great introduction to a series I can’t wait to sink my teeth into.
March 28, 2014
Highland Shift mixes several of my favorite themes, shifters, the fae, potential time travel, druids and a hearty romance. I was thoroughly delighted. Elena MacFarland’s life falls down all around her, and the result is ownership in a farm in the highlands of Scotland! Once there, she ends up in the adventure of a lifetime. She learns more about herself than she ever thought possible, and literally finds her soul mate.
I just love Elena. She isn’t a weak character. She is a normal girl with the potential for such strength and boy, was it fun to watch her grow into herself. Now, Faolan MacGailtry isn’t quite what he seems. A protector that must learn to trust the woman he loves, while reconciling with a prophesy that he feels will be more of a curse.
As these delightful characters come together, they are just on fire! Be forewarned, there is a lot of sex in Highland Shift, and it is rather graphic, but, in my opinion, it didn’t take away from the story, but if you like your romances tame, this may not be for you.
Explore more reviews of mine at www.sciencefictionandsuch.com
I just love Elena. She isn’t a weak character. She is a normal girl with the potential for such strength and boy, was it fun to watch her grow into herself. Now, Faolan MacGailtry isn’t quite what he seems. A protector that must learn to trust the woman he loves, while reconciling with a prophesy that he feels will be more of a curse.
As these delightful characters come together, they are just on fire! Be forewarned, there is a lot of sex in Highland Shift, and it is rather graphic, but, in my opinion, it didn’t take away from the story, but if you like your romances tame, this may not be for you.
Explore more reviews of mine at www.sciencefictionandsuch.com
January 29, 2014
This book is a paranormal romance, with emphasis on the romance. The hero is a hottie, the heroine is a cinderella. The sex was hot, the romance spot on. So what was wrong? Well, there was too much of it. The book went on and on with sex and romance and more sex and romance. The story just didn't move. There was a villian and there were threatening situations but you kinda forgot all about them because of all the romance. I read this on my nook, if I had been reading a hard copy I would have skipped to the end.
I think this author has potential. She has some good ideas but its seemed like she was trying to throw all of them into one book and she obviously intended this to be the start of a series. It would have been better if she saved some of her romantic/sexual ideas for future books.
I think this author has potential. She has some good ideas but its seemed like she was trying to throw all of them into one book and she obviously intended this to be the start of a series. It would have been better if she saved some of her romantic/sexual ideas for future books.
April 9, 2015
I just couldn't do it, free book or not. There was a plot, but I kinda felt like maybe I had skipped a chapter or two trying to understand the background of the two main characters. And I'll quote another reviewers thoughts on the sex scenes…
"It started with the sudden, almost porn style sex. Now, don't get me wrong - I'm no prude. I love a good sex scene in a story, particularly when it fits the plot. And I don't mind graphic ones. The problem I had with this book's scenes is that, while the first one did seem to fit the plot (it's a romance, so even one scene generally fits, and having the two main characters engage in sex was critical to the plot), the rest were purely gratuitous and read too much like porn. I think the scenes were intended to be romantic, but they simply didn't come off that way to me. "
-Totally agree! So I bailed less than half way through.
"It started with the sudden, almost porn style sex. Now, don't get me wrong - I'm no prude. I love a good sex scene in a story, particularly when it fits the plot. And I don't mind graphic ones. The problem I had with this book's scenes is that, while the first one did seem to fit the plot (it's a romance, so even one scene generally fits, and having the two main characters engage in sex was critical to the plot), the rest were purely gratuitous and read too much like porn. I think the scenes were intended to be romantic, but they simply didn't come off that way to me. "
-Totally agree! So I bailed less than half way through.
October 11, 2014
3.5 stars
Highland Shift has some unique world-building, lots of action, and a steamy love story. Although there are wolf-shifters in the story, the plot involves more magick and lore related to druids and fae. A couple of plot points annoyed me (no spoilers), but overall it is a very entertaining read.
Still free on Amazon (10-10-14). http://www.amazon.com/Highland-Shift-...
Highland Shift has some unique world-building, lots of action, and a steamy love story. Although there are wolf-shifters in the story, the plot involves more magick and lore related to druids and fae. A couple of plot points annoyed me (no spoilers), but overall it is a very entertaining read.
Still free on Amazon (10-10-14). http://www.amazon.com/Highland-Shift-...
December 31, 2013
I loved the story and it kept me enthralled up to about half way and then I became a little bored. that didn't last for long though as the action toward the end of the story had my interest peak again. a different tale from most wolf books that included magic and druid rituals with a bit of fae thrown in for good measure. this is just the start of journey, so I am looking forward to the next book.
September 18, 2014
It's not often that I can't finish a book, and I could not finish this book. It had SUCH a promising story line, in all honesty, but it reads like a porn- and that coming from someone that likes a steamy highland romance! The sex-but-not-sex pages take up more of the story lines and keep interrupting the actual plot.
I give it 2 stars only because, as I said, the actual story itself was very promising.
I give it 2 stars only because, as I said, the actual story itself was very promising.
February 14, 2012
I enjoyed this one, but I couldn't help feel that a really good story was lost at times to the (intimate) action between the main characters, and while I enjoy action of that type there were times when it felt a bit too much.
All in all though it is a really good story which touches on Scottish mysticism and supernatural aspects and introduces a solid heroine and a delectable hero.
All in all though it is a really good story which touches on Scottish mysticism and supernatural aspects and introduces a solid heroine and a delectable hero.
November 21, 2013
The character's love is clearly displayed in every page. It's an adorable love story, but they are having sex in about every chapter! I swear if you took out all the pages involving sex, this 324 page book would become 80 pages. Way too much sexy time and not enough story for me. I was bored, and almost could not finish the novel. Sorry, but only three stars.
December 3, 2012
Its's been a while since I read a book with Druids and the Fae. This one was outstanding and I can hardly wait until the next one of the series comes out. I want it now!
February 15, 2015
I thought this plot sounded familar! i've already read this story! l love Highlanders!
June 15, 2019
Book Review- Highland Shift by Laura Harner
Elena MacFarland moved to Scotland. Her ex-boyfriend’s father tried to fire her from her firm. Elena was able to settle the situation by getting a transfer and a house in Scotland. She left for a fresh start. Unfortunately, there is more to the situation then Elena realizes. Her boss wants the house back and she has a strange man trying to protect her.
She enters into this world of druids and shapeshifters. She also becomes a target when she realizes there are relics hidden in a secret room. Faolan knows what is going on the whole time. In fact, he was following Elena while she was in Phoenix. He inserts himself into her life to learn about her at first, then to protect her. There is more to him than meets the eye. Elena needs to learn all she can about this new world of druids and trust her own instincts.
I liked this story. Elena is smart and self-sufficient. She moves to another country and embraces her new life. Unfortunately, she gets thrown into this weird battle between an insane druid that happens to be her former boss. He is definitely evil. The things Worthington does to obtain the relics and more power are chilling. It kept you reading to see what he would do to her next.
The situation after the Beltrane celebration was confusing and the story as it was approaching the end was not my favorite part. In fact, it was my least favorite part of the book. Glad it happened pretty close to the end. Otherwise it was a pretty good story full of good characters. I give it a 4 out of 5.
Elena MacFarland moved to Scotland. Her ex-boyfriend’s father tried to fire her from her firm. Elena was able to settle the situation by getting a transfer and a house in Scotland. She left for a fresh start. Unfortunately, there is more to the situation then Elena realizes. Her boss wants the house back and she has a strange man trying to protect her.
She enters into this world of druids and shapeshifters. She also becomes a target when she realizes there are relics hidden in a secret room. Faolan knows what is going on the whole time. In fact, he was following Elena while she was in Phoenix. He inserts himself into her life to learn about her at first, then to protect her. There is more to him than meets the eye. Elena needs to learn all she can about this new world of druids and trust her own instincts.
I liked this story. Elena is smart and self-sufficient. She moves to another country and embraces her new life. Unfortunately, she gets thrown into this weird battle between an insane druid that happens to be her former boss. He is definitely evil. The things Worthington does to obtain the relics and more power are chilling. It kept you reading to see what he would do to her next.
The situation after the Beltrane celebration was confusing and the story as it was approaching the end was not my favorite part. In fact, it was my least favorite part of the book. Glad it happened pretty close to the end. Otherwise it was a pretty good story full of good characters. I give it a 4 out of 5.
May 22, 2018
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Rating: 3/5
Heat Rating: 3/5
Narrator Performance: 5/5
This was a good story that had great promise. Unfortunately it didn't quite fulfill it's destiny. In general I liked the writing but I found it lacking at times. There was just something missing. I can't quite put my finger on what was amiss. Well, that's not 100% true. There was pacing problems. Not a lot but a few times I wished things would speed up some. Especially at the end. Plus the story just didn't feel complete.
This is the first Laura Harner book that I've read and I'm not sure if I'm a true fan of hers. The world that she's created has captured my interest but her writing style needs some polishing in my opinion. I plan on continuing the series at some point. I think the antagonist in this book is the antagonist in the second book but I'm not sure. He didn't get his comeuppance so I hope he is. However if the protagonists from this book don't have a huge part in book two of the series then the author will really be letting her readers down. I'm not ready to write Harner off yet. Like I said, she has promise.
The narrator for this was fantastic! He had such a nice voice and it was wonderful hearing his accent. I had no problem immersing myself into the story. He immediately drew me in. Then to make the experience even better he "acted out" the scenes instead of simply reading them. You could hear the characters' emotions coming through in his performance.
Rating: 3/5
Heat Rating: 3/5
Narrator Performance: 5/5
This was a good story that had great promise. Unfortunately it didn't quite fulfill it's destiny. In general I liked the writing but I found it lacking at times. There was just something missing. I can't quite put my finger on what was amiss. Well, that's not 100% true. There was pacing problems. Not a lot but a few times I wished things would speed up some. Especially at the end. Plus the story just didn't feel complete.
This is the first Laura Harner book that I've read and I'm not sure if I'm a true fan of hers. The world that she's created has captured my interest but her writing style needs some polishing in my opinion. I plan on continuing the series at some point. I think the antagonist in this book is the antagonist in the second book but I'm not sure. He didn't get his comeuppance so I hope he is. However if the protagonists from this book don't have a huge part in book two of the series then the author will really be letting her readers down. I'm not ready to write Harner off yet. Like I said, she has promise.
The narrator for this was fantastic! He had such a nice voice and it was wonderful hearing his accent. I had no problem immersing myself into the story. He immediately drew me in. Then to make the experience even better he "acted out" the scenes instead of simply reading them. You could hear the characters' emotions coming through in his performance.
January 6, 2025
I had to DNF this. This was…a bitof a struggle to even get to the 32% or 37% I did get to.
The pacing was lightning fast, the writing was so toned down that if it obviously wasn’t a smut book, I would have thought it was for children.
This was just a book that I picked up at random to read while I was places where I couldn’t have my physical book, because I was also reading the Dreamhouse Kings series at the same time.
I’m so glad I tried to read this while I was reading something else, because I think just reading this by itself would have put me back into a reading slump. The TBR jar is really helping me out though.
If you'd like to read the rest of my review, please visit my blog!
The pacing was lightning fast, the writing was so toned down that if it obviously wasn’t a smut book, I would have thought it was for children.
This was just a book that I picked up at random to read while I was places where I couldn’t have my physical book, because I was also reading the Dreamhouse Kings series at the same time.
I’m so glad I tried to read this while I was reading something else, because I think just reading this by itself would have put me back into a reading slump. The TBR jar is really helping me out though.
If you'd like to read the rest of my review, please visit my blog!
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