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Highland Secrets #1
The Tartan MP3 Player
Book One in the time travel, fantasy romance series, Highland Secrets!
She never believed in magic…
Claire McGowan, Scotophile and historical romance novel addict, finally saves up enough for her dream vacation to Scotland.
She never imagines she’ll get sucked back to the seventeenth century while running on the beach—that’s what she gets for exercising when she should be relaxing.
He knows with a harsh certainty magic exists...
The Fae have taken his brother—Laird of his clan. Duncan MacLeod finds a bonnie naked and confused lass. He’s convinced Claire arrived in 1672 through the Faery Stones—a magical portal he’s been scouring the lands for over the past six months.
At last, he has someone who’s been through the Faery Stones and can help him find them—and get his brother back.
Duncan promises to help Claire get home, even though his desire to have her wars with his vow.
Torn between familiarity of the present and what she wants in the past, can Claire help Duncan find his brother and get back to the future? Will she even want to?
She never believed in magic…
Claire McGowan, Scotophile and historical romance novel addict, finally saves up enough for her dream vacation to Scotland.
She never imagines she’ll get sucked back to the seventeenth century while running on the beach—that’s what she gets for exercising when she should be relaxing.
He knows with a harsh certainty magic exists...
The Fae have taken his brother—Laird of his clan. Duncan MacLeod finds a bonnie naked and confused lass. He’s convinced Claire arrived in 1672 through the Faery Stones—a magical portal he’s been scouring the lands for over the past six months.
At last, he has someone who’s been through the Faery Stones and can help him find them—and get his brother back.
Duncan promises to help Claire get home, even though his desire to have her wars with his vow.
Torn between familiarity of the present and what she wants in the past, can Claire help Duncan find his brother and get back to the future? Will she even want to?
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2014
27 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Szarek
29 books191 followersUSA Today Bestselling, award winning author of romantic suspense and epic fantasy romance, C.A. loves to dabble in different genres. If it's a good story, she'll write it, no matter where it seems to fit!
She's a hopeless romantic and always will be. Risking it all for Happily Ever After is what she lives by!
C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She's happily married and has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.
She's always writing, and helps small business owners by writing their websites, and she loves it!
Sign up for my newsletter:
http://blogspot.us7.list-manage1.com/...
She's a hopeless romantic and always will be. Risking it all for Happily Ever After is what she lives by!
C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She's happily married and has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.
She's always writing, and helps small business owners by writing their websites, and she loves it!
Sign up for my newsletter:
http://blogspot.us7.list-manage1.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 7, 2017
While this was not a literary masterpiece in any way, I did enjoy it nonetheless! Highlander time travel is one of my guilty pleasures when it comes to reading, I just devour them! And this book was no different. Although I did enjoy this story quite a bit, there were some things that could have used improvement. I really would have liked more of an explanation on how the time travel works and the story was so short, it felt like a preview rather than a full book.
August 27, 2016
***Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
Firstly, I do not love the title.
But Scotland!
All right, I'm going to dive right in. This wasn't terrible, but it could have been a lot better. For one thing, the characters have feelings for each other way too fast. I can more or less understand her insta-lust (hello, sexy bare-chested Scot in a tartan), but I didn’t get why he instantly wanted to kiss her unless it was just because she was naked, which...not so romantic. Then following the insta-lust was insta-love, which also didn't feel justified. Too soon.
(Also, Claire-lass gets to be a really annoying name after you see it a couple dozen times. Why not just lass, or Claire, or switch it up? The combination just bugged me after a while.)
There were other little nitpicks here and there—i.e. I get that you’re trying to be romantic/infatuated with this guy you’ve known for roughly a week, whose babies you want to have—bad idea, by the way—but how is a modern day woman with a fascination with history (presumably familiar with it enough to know there wasn’t so much modern medicine back in the day) excited at the thought of childbirth in 1672? If that doesn’t scare you, you might have a couple of screws loose—but I stopped making note of them since there’s really no need to list them.
The gist of it is, I didn’t really enjoy this story all that much. This isn’t my first time travel romance, but it is the first one that felt so rushed. There’s so much you could delve into with time travel, things I expect given the time gap/the character’s curiosity/adjustment, and I didn’t get those things. As soon as the story started they fast forwarded a week? Why? There’s no reason for these two people to give a fig about each other aside from the obvious—if a time traveler pops up out of nowhere—from the past or future—you’re going to notice them. But that was it. On a personal level, there was no basis for this love story. Even by the end I just wasn’t invested in what happened to them/how their story was resolved.
Perhaps it if would have been a full-fledged novel that would have been more fleshed out, I would have enjoyed it more, but I just felt this one wasn’t developed as much as I would have liked for it to be.
Review also found at Land of Fiction Book Blog
Firstly, I do not love the title.
But Scotland!
All right, I'm going to dive right in. This wasn't terrible, but it could have been a lot better. For one thing, the characters have feelings for each other way too fast. I can more or less understand her insta-lust (hello, sexy bare-chested Scot in a tartan), but I didn’t get why he instantly wanted to kiss her unless it was just because she was naked, which...not so romantic. Then following the insta-lust was insta-love, which also didn't feel justified. Too soon.
(Also, Claire-lass gets to be a really annoying name after you see it a couple dozen times. Why not just lass, or Claire, or switch it up? The combination just bugged me after a while.)
There were other little nitpicks here and there—i.e. I get that you’re trying to be romantic/infatuated with this guy you’ve known for roughly a week, whose babies you want to have—bad idea, by the way—but how is a modern day woman with a fascination with history (presumably familiar with it enough to know there wasn’t so much modern medicine back in the day) excited at the thought of childbirth in 1672? If that doesn’t scare you, you might have a couple of screws loose—but I stopped making note of them since there’s really no need to list them.
The gist of it is, I didn’t really enjoy this story all that much. This isn’t my first time travel romance, but it is the first one that felt so rushed. There’s so much you could delve into with time travel, things I expect given the time gap/the character’s curiosity/adjustment, and I didn’t get those things. As soon as the story started they fast forwarded a week? Why? There’s no reason for these two people to give a fig about each other aside from the obvious—if a time traveler pops up out of nowhere—from the past or future—you’re going to notice them. But that was it. On a personal level, there was no basis for this love story. Even by the end I just wasn’t invested in what happened to them/how their story was resolved.
Perhaps it if would have been a full-fledged novel that would have been more fleshed out, I would have enjoyed it more, but I just felt this one wasn’t developed as much as I would have liked for it to be.
Review also found at Land of Fiction Book Blog
September 13, 2014
I thought this had potential but the heroine and hero didn't even get to know each other and all they thought about was sex! Where was the romance? And the important character build up? Also thought the situations they were in didn't hold much tension if any so everything fell flat. It is a shame as this could have been great.
April 13, 2014
This fun, sexy novella takes you on a trip through time. Claire is a smart, sassy heroine and you can't help but want to be best friends with. This is the perfect book to take to the beach or pool.
April 10, 2014
I had the pleasure of reading not only my first novel by author C.A. Szarek, but also my first ever time travel romance novel. I devoured The Tartan MP3 Player--which is book one in the Highland Secrets trilogy--in a matter of hours.
First of all I love the story's premise, which is summed up wonderfully by the author's short blurb: Claire gets sucked into 1672, naked and scared. Duncan rescues her only to realize she's the key to finding his brother who was kidnapped by the Fae. Can they work together and both get what they want? Will sudden passion for each other change their goals?
The chemistry between Claire and Duncan is undeniable, and really, who could blame Claire for being smitten? Duncan's a hot, kilt-wearing Scottish lad with a sexy brogue. And what man--from the past, present or future--wouldn't fall head over heels for an attractive mystery woman who shows up on the beach naked?
I have to hand it to Szarek, she packed a lot of story into this novella and I particularly liked the dialogue between Duncan and Claire. One doesn't speak Gaelic and the other can't understand all the nuances in our modern day vernacular, yet I felt the author showed how sexual attraction can break through time and language barriers.
I'll admit, I don't typically read fantasy. Usually it's because the genre seems intimidating or too involved for me. Even though there are aspects of the fantasy genre throughout the novel: the Fae, time travel and trips to other realms, those instances aren't over used. Szarek did a great job of interspersing fantasy elements just enough to create a compelling story, but created complex characters with enough emotions, motives and wit to carry the story through.
I really enjoyed this novel, 4.5 stars!
First of all I love the story's premise, which is summed up wonderfully by the author's short blurb: Claire gets sucked into 1672, naked and scared. Duncan rescues her only to realize she's the key to finding his brother who was kidnapped by the Fae. Can they work together and both get what they want? Will sudden passion for each other change their goals?
The chemistry between Claire and Duncan is undeniable, and really, who could blame Claire for being smitten? Duncan's a hot, kilt-wearing Scottish lad with a sexy brogue. And what man--from the past, present or future--wouldn't fall head over heels for an attractive mystery woman who shows up on the beach naked?
I have to hand it to Szarek, she packed a lot of story into this novella and I particularly liked the dialogue between Duncan and Claire. One doesn't speak Gaelic and the other can't understand all the nuances in our modern day vernacular, yet I felt the author showed how sexual attraction can break through time and language barriers.
I'll admit, I don't typically read fantasy. Usually it's because the genre seems intimidating or too involved for me. Even though there are aspects of the fantasy genre throughout the novel: the Fae, time travel and trips to other realms, those instances aren't over used. Szarek did a great job of interspersing fantasy elements just enough to create a compelling story, but created complex characters with enough emotions, motives and wit to carry the story through.
I really enjoyed this novel, 4.5 stars!
Read
April 8, 2014The writing is crisp and clean. The cover and title are intriguing. But. The story is too much belief to suspend. You're immediately, from the first word, thrown back in time. A modern woman listening to her MP3 player turns up on a beach, naked, and you're not sure how or why. Then the Laird of the Clan rides up on a horse and his inner monologue brings up fairies. Then you learn the past laird married a fairy princess, had a son, and now the old laird has been captured and the current laird is trying to find him so that he can get out of being the laird and boink the heroine because from jump all the hero and heroine think about is boinking the other.
Its a DNF at 15% unfortunately.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Its a DNF at 15% unfortunately.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2014
I love a good time travel story, and C.A's story didn't disappoint. Claire is practically ripped through time, and lands in Scotland. She meets Duncan, or rather Duncan while minding his own business finds her, naked and confused on a beach. And ends up taking her home with her. What follows is a a series of humourous events as she tries to fit in this new place.
This was a fast-paced, steamy read and I LOVED the dialogue between the two. (Clare with her advanced wordage from the future and Duncan in Gaealic, and wonderful side characters.
I can't wait to see what Ms Szarek comes up with in this series. :)
This was a fast-paced, steamy read and I LOVED the dialogue between the two. (Clare with her advanced wordage from the future and Duncan in Gaealic, and wonderful side characters.
I can't wait to see what Ms Szarek comes up with in this series. :)
March 26, 2014
Give me any story where someone travels back in time to medieval Scotland and I'm a happy gal. Love them. Obviously. This one is a fun quick adventure with what looks like more stories surrounding the secondary characters to follow. Add in that not just time travel, but traveling into different realms of the Fae for added danger and adventure, and I'm eager for more.
April 5, 2014
My first book by this author and as it's the first in her new Highland Secrets series a very good place to start. There are lots of books out there that feature time travel as a romance devise and frankly sometimes they work and sometimes they just don't! Although this book is largely set in the seventeenth century the author has cleverly focussed on the characters rather than tried for lots of historical accuracy and it makes this book an easy fun and romantic read.
Claire quite literally finds herself naked and running on a beach on the Isle of Skye and has no idea how she come to be there. Her memory is hazy but one thing she's positive about is she is dreaming , isn't she? Meeting Duncan the laird is surely part of her overactive imagination and she's going to wake up soon, isn't she? Slowly coming to terms with the idea that she's travelled back in time Claire finds that Duncan surpasses all her wildest fantasies of what a sexy Scottish man would be like. Duncan's a canny one though as he wants to know more about Claire and tries his hardest to gain her trust.
Duncan's brother has been kidnapped by the Fae and it's clear that Claire's dramatic appearance may well have something to do with the magic used. Maybe by working together Duncan can find a way to get his brother back and Claire can find a way home to her own time. There's a passion brewing between them that cannot be denied. Time is running out though and they will risk their lives but can Duncan really stand by and watch this fascinating woman leave and more importantly will Claire still want to ?
What a simply fabulous little book. It sucked this reader in right from the start with it's likeable and warm characters and a simple storyline that just whisked me away. We dont get a lot of detail and backstory but the immediacy of everything still worked quite well. Duncan's such a strong protective guy and just so honourable that it's impossible not to like him and Claire could have been a whiney dissatisfied character but no, she's written as a woman who meets any challenge head on and embraces life. Its a relationship that starts quite quickly but it felt both warm and passionate and right for these two people.
It's well written and the simple plot flowed very well. Interesting secondary characters and one in particular -Xander, really caught my interest so I'm looking forward to more in this series. Is it an earth shattering book? Well no but it's a story that took me away from reality and it was a wonderful way to while away a few hours. My only real criticism is the title! It's not one that attracted me. This is a nice feel good little time travel romance that made me smile and I will definitely read more from this author.
Claire quite literally finds herself naked and running on a beach on the Isle of Skye and has no idea how she come to be there. Her memory is hazy but one thing she's positive about is she is dreaming , isn't she? Meeting Duncan the laird is surely part of her overactive imagination and she's going to wake up soon, isn't she? Slowly coming to terms with the idea that she's travelled back in time Claire finds that Duncan surpasses all her wildest fantasies of what a sexy Scottish man would be like. Duncan's a canny one though as he wants to know more about Claire and tries his hardest to gain her trust.
Duncan's brother has been kidnapped by the Fae and it's clear that Claire's dramatic appearance may well have something to do with the magic used. Maybe by working together Duncan can find a way to get his brother back and Claire can find a way home to her own time. There's a passion brewing between them that cannot be denied. Time is running out though and they will risk their lives but can Duncan really stand by and watch this fascinating woman leave and more importantly will Claire still want to ?
What a simply fabulous little book. It sucked this reader in right from the start with it's likeable and warm characters and a simple storyline that just whisked me away. We dont get a lot of detail and backstory but the immediacy of everything still worked quite well. Duncan's such a strong protective guy and just so honourable that it's impossible not to like him and Claire could have been a whiney dissatisfied character but no, she's written as a woman who meets any challenge head on and embraces life. Its a relationship that starts quite quickly but it felt both warm and passionate and right for these two people.
It's well written and the simple plot flowed very well. Interesting secondary characters and one in particular -Xander, really caught my interest so I'm looking forward to more in this series. Is it an earth shattering book? Well no but it's a story that took me away from reality and it was a wonderful way to while away a few hours. My only real criticism is the title! It's not one that attracted me. This is a nice feel good little time travel romance that made me smile and I will definitely read more from this author.
April 17, 2014
originally posted on The Book Tart http://thebooktart.com/book-review/th...
I love time travel romances. C.A. Szarek’s new story The Tartan MP3 Player was short, sweet and sexy, and just what I needed on a lazy Saturday afternoon. I giggled at the pop culture references and sighed at the steam. It’s a fast paced adventure and it made me eager for more books in the Highland Secrets series.
Claire’s journey through time leaves her naked on the beach holding her MP3 player. I liked being dropped into the story basically the same as Claire, (excerpt I had on my pajamas and was holding my ereader. ;) ) I was uncertain what was happening at first but I was game for the journey and after we met Duncan MacLeod I just held on tight for the ride.
Duncan is temporary Laird while he searches for his brother whose been kidnapped by the fae! He hopes that Claire traveled through time by way of the Faery Stones and can help him rescue his brother. She has no clue how she got to Scotland in 1672 but she has a good attitude about it. The fact that she was found by Duncan helped I think. ;)
The two of them have immediate chemistry and the steam level was yummy. I enjoyed the glimpses into their heads at how they felt for one another. The search for the missing Laird leads them on a wild hunt with weddings, pirates, faeries, battles and love.
A few of my fav lines…
♥ “Okay, no more Scottish Highlander romance novels before bed for you, Claire McGowan.”
♥ Duncan’s dark hair was mussed. She wanted to smooth it out and mess it up even more at the same time.
♥ Suddenly this feels like I’m in Braveheart… or a pirate flick.
I really enjoyed this quick romp through time. I loved meeting Claire and Duncan and watching them fall hard for each other. Give The Tartan MP3 Player a chance to sweep you back in time, or at least sweep a few hours away in a delightful escape.
The Queen of Tarts
♦ eARC provided for review for my honest opinion.
I love time travel romances. C.A. Szarek’s new story The Tartan MP3 Player was short, sweet and sexy, and just what I needed on a lazy Saturday afternoon. I giggled at the pop culture references and sighed at the steam. It’s a fast paced adventure and it made me eager for more books in the Highland Secrets series.
Claire’s journey through time leaves her naked on the beach holding her MP3 player. I liked being dropped into the story basically the same as Claire, (excerpt I had on my pajamas and was holding my ereader. ;) ) I was uncertain what was happening at first but I was game for the journey and after we met Duncan MacLeod I just held on tight for the ride.
Duncan is temporary Laird while he searches for his brother whose been kidnapped by the fae! He hopes that Claire traveled through time by way of the Faery Stones and can help him rescue his brother. She has no clue how she got to Scotland in 1672 but she has a good attitude about it. The fact that she was found by Duncan helped I think. ;)
The two of them have immediate chemistry and the steam level was yummy. I enjoyed the glimpses into their heads at how they felt for one another. The search for the missing Laird leads them on a wild hunt with weddings, pirates, faeries, battles and love.
A few of my fav lines…
♥ “Okay, no more Scottish Highlander romance novels before bed for you, Claire McGowan.”
♥ Duncan’s dark hair was mussed. She wanted to smooth it out and mess it up even more at the same time.
♥ Suddenly this feels like I’m in Braveheart… or a pirate flick.
I really enjoyed this quick romp through time. I loved meeting Claire and Duncan and watching them fall hard for each other. Give The Tartan MP3 Player a chance to sweep you back in time, or at least sweep a few hours away in a delightful escape.
The Queen of Tarts
♦ eARC provided for review for my honest opinion.
March 26, 2014
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I really loved this little gem of a time travel story! It is a quick read and totally draws you in from the start. While you don't learn a lot much backstory on the characters, they are written in a way that makes them likable (well, except for the pirate Riley and his woman Bridei, but they're not meant to be liked) and has you hoping everything will work out okay for them. Duncan, the main male character, is my favorite since he is fierce and protective, but at the same time sweet and loving toward Claire.
The story flows well and you're not left wanting for information even with this being a pretty quick read (it only took me a few hours to finish). I would love to read more with these characters and find out more about their world (I think Xander's story is just begging to be told!). Oh, and I just love the reference to the TV show Charmed that Claire makes to Duncan. It's funny to see both Claire and Duncan's reactions to things not from their time.
While the relationship between Claire and Duncan develops very quickly, given the circumstances and the intensity of their unique situation it doesn't feel overly rushed to me.
If you're looking for a fun time travel romance with a nice dose of spice and action, I'd certainly recommend this book! I'm looking forward to hopefully reading more based on this world!
I really loved this little gem of a time travel story! It is a quick read and totally draws you in from the start. While you don't learn a lot much backstory on the characters, they are written in a way that makes them likable (well, except for the pirate Riley and his woman Bridei, but they're not meant to be liked) and has you hoping everything will work out okay for them. Duncan, the main male character, is my favorite since he is fierce and protective, but at the same time sweet and loving toward Claire.
The story flows well and you're not left wanting for information even with this being a pretty quick read (it only took me a few hours to finish). I would love to read more with these characters and find out more about their world (I think Xander's story is just begging to be told!). Oh, and I just love the reference to the TV show Charmed that Claire makes to Duncan. It's funny to see both Claire and Duncan's reactions to things not from their time.
While the relationship between Claire and Duncan develops very quickly, given the circumstances and the intensity of their unique situation it doesn't feel overly rushed to me.
If you're looking for a fun time travel romance with a nice dose of spice and action, I'd certainly recommend this book! I'm looking forward to hopefully reading more based on this world!
April 10, 2014
First of all I am happy to say I had the absolute pleasure of meeting C.A. Szarek in Houston and speaking with her for some time.
Who wouldn't love a handsome, brawny, Scottish, kilt wearing man?
This was such a welcomed change of pace from what I have been reading lately. I was a little weary when I first started reading. It did not take long for the story to pick up and me to catch on. I have not read many books about time traveling or the fae world. I am happy to say I stepped out of my comfort zone and read this one.
I was so captivated by the instant love that you felt between Claire and Duncan. I instantly started to question weather or not Claire would be able to leave him and go back to her time and Texas. I think I weighed the pros and cons in my head for half the book.
I often found myself reading with a Scottish accent and loved when he called her his Mo Ghradh. Duncan was so sweet and in love and gentle with Claire. It is something every woman is looking for and Claire seems to have cornered the market with Duncan.
Yes, there was more to the story but, I was infatuated with Claire and Duncan. There's a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy in this book. Love, fae, time travel, pirates, and hunky men with
Scottish accents...
Who wouldn't love a handsome, brawny, Scottish, kilt wearing man?
This was such a welcomed change of pace from what I have been reading lately. I was a little weary when I first started reading. It did not take long for the story to pick up and me to catch on. I have not read many books about time traveling or the fae world. I am happy to say I stepped out of my comfort zone and read this one.
I was so captivated by the instant love that you felt between Claire and Duncan. I instantly started to question weather or not Claire would be able to leave him and go back to her time and Texas. I think I weighed the pros and cons in my head for half the book.
I often found myself reading with a Scottish accent and loved when he called her his Mo Ghradh. Duncan was so sweet and in love and gentle with Claire. It is something every woman is looking for and Claire seems to have cornered the market with Duncan.
Yes, there was more to the story but, I was infatuated with Claire and Duncan. There's a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy in this book. Love, fae, time travel, pirates, and hunky men with
Scottish accents...
December 31, 2016
The Tartan MP3 Player by C.A. Szarek
*I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review
The Tartan MP3 Player by C.A. Szarek is a fun little novella. The story was completely out of my comfort zone. I normally do not read about time travel and different realms but C.A. Szarek made it fun plus there was a steamy romance with a hot Scottish man in a kilt. Count me in!
Duncan, aka the Hot Scott, finds Claire naked on a beach and the adventure grows from there. I loved the characters and how they all interacted with each other. Since I am not really into all the fantasy, I just threw myself into it and it was easy to just believe what was laid out in front of me. Since I am such a newbie, C. A. Szarek explained the realms without being to descriptive and losing me. Well written and fun, I would definitely suggest this little gem for a quick fun read with a little steam.
The Tartan MP3 Player by C.A. Szarek receives 4 out of 5 Platypires!!!
Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!!
*I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review
The Tartan MP3 Player by C.A. Szarek is a fun little novella. The story was completely out of my comfort zone. I normally do not read about time travel and different realms but C.A. Szarek made it fun plus there was a steamy romance with a hot Scottish man in a kilt. Count me in!
Duncan, aka the Hot Scott, finds Claire naked on a beach and the adventure grows from there. I loved the characters and how they all interacted with each other. Since I am not really into all the fantasy, I just threw myself into it and it was easy to just believe what was laid out in front of me. Since I am such a newbie, C. A. Szarek explained the realms without being to descriptive and losing me. Well written and fun, I would definitely suggest this little gem for a quick fun read with a little steam.
The Tartan MP3 Player by C.A. Szarek receives 4 out of 5 Platypires!!!
Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!!
April 12, 2014
I don't get so much time these day to read books, because I am mainly making book covers now, but I am so glad I read this one.
I was so excited when Chrissy contacted me to do all 3 of her covers for this series, and we have talk a ton about the series. I usually don't read book I do covers for, because I find out what happens up front, but the more I heard about it the more I wanted to read it.
It held my interest throughout the whole story and had a nice pace without those really slow over-explained moments.
I don't usually read books from this genre but I am so glad I did, it had humor, time-travel, a Hot romance, suspense, action, and mostly of all it was really well-written.
I would defiantly recommend this book to anyone who likes Romance, even if its out of your usual genre its such a good book and not one to pass up!
I was so excited when Chrissy contacted me to do all 3 of her covers for this series, and we have talk a ton about the series. I usually don't read book I do covers for, because I find out what happens up front, but the more I heard about it the more I wanted to read it.
It held my interest throughout the whole story and had a nice pace without those really slow over-explained moments.
I don't usually read books from this genre but I am so glad I did, it had humor, time-travel, a Hot romance, suspense, action, and mostly of all it was really well-written.
I would defiantly recommend this book to anyone who likes Romance, even if its out of your usual genre its such a good book and not one to pass up!
March 29, 2014
Nothing makes me happier than an author who can write a series of novellas that wrap up the main arc and don't leave a freaking cliffhanger. C.A. Szarek - you are awesome for this!
This story starts with one of those classy dream sequences - running naked down the beach, rocking to some tunes, then a bunch of muscley highlanders appear at the top of a hill. Maybe not so much one of MY better dreams, but it works just fine for her - until she's not dreaming.
What follows for the next half is an awkward fumbling of sexual tension and chaffing members while the plot is slowly uncovered. Then it hits hard, fast, and dirty.. the way I like it. Action, suspense, Scottish claymores and bouncing boobies!
This was definitely a deliciously delightful start to the series and I'm curious to see what the future holds for this storyline.
This story starts with one of those classy dream sequences - running naked down the beach, rocking to some tunes, then a bunch of muscley highlanders appear at the top of a hill. Maybe not so much one of MY better dreams, but it works just fine for her - until she's not dreaming.
What follows for the next half is an awkward fumbling of sexual tension and chaffing members while the plot is slowly uncovered. Then it hits hard, fast, and dirty.. the way I like it. Action, suspense, Scottish claymores and bouncing boobies!
This was definitely a deliciously delightful start to the series and I'm curious to see what the future holds for this storyline.
April 6, 2014
I really, really liked this story! Claire finds herself naked, on the beach, on the Isle of Skye in 1672 still running with her MP3 player. Thank goodness Duncan finds her. Lucky Claire, Duncan is all the highlander heroes from her romance novels rolled into one! Duncan's brother Alex is missing, Duncan believes he is locked up in the Fae world by the Fae king. Duncan is working on getting to the Fae kingdom to rescue his brother when he finds a naked Claire and brings her home. Duncan and Claire are falling for each other quickly. Can Duncan rescue his brother and will Claire return to the future? Does she want to? Awesome story, steamy sex scenes, and realistic characters. Would love to read more by this author, a very cute story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2014
I'm not one for writing reviews, or really reading this genre... but this story caught my eye and I have always wanted to read a book with time travel.
I really loved the book/ writing style, and the comic relief, it was a nice change of pace from some of the moody books I have been reading. It was a fun quick read and I wasn't expecting to get so caught up in it, I would defiantly recommend it to anyone who likes a little adventure with their Romance.
I am excited to read the rest of this series, and more from the author!!!
I really loved the book/ writing style, and the comic relief, it was a nice change of pace from some of the moody books I have been reading. It was a fun quick read and I wasn't expecting to get so caught up in it, I would defiantly recommend it to anyone who likes a little adventure with their Romance.
I am excited to read the rest of this series, and more from the author!!!
April 10, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
Partial Review: I am intrigued by anything time travel, so choosing to read Tartan MP3 Player was a no-brainer for me. What fascinated me more than the storyline, though, was learning that C. A. Szarek was a YA author writing her first paranormal romance. How would that translate? I just had to know!
Read more of the review and excerpt!
Partial Review: I am intrigued by anything time travel, so choosing to read Tartan MP3 Player was a no-brainer for me. What fascinated me more than the storyline, though, was learning that C. A. Szarek was a YA author writing her first paranormal romance. How would that translate? I just had to know!
Read more of the review and excerpt!
March 27, 2014
I fell in love with this book from page one What a awesome book but it doesnt surpise me that my friend C.A Szarek give us another awesome book. It makes me want to have a Highlander of my own. Can not wait to see what happens next in this seires.
April 4, 2014
This was really good. I liked how she took a legend and created a whole new world. I was reminded of the elves in Lord of the Rings.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2014
super cute and quirky
it's a fun ride into the past. great writing, funny dialogue, hunky highlanders and a spirited heroine.
it's a fun ride into the past. great writing, funny dialogue, hunky highlanders and a spirited heroine.
June 25, 2021
This book looks a lot like it started as Outlander fanfiction, especially at the start. . However, the style is very different and as the story progresses the fantasy element comes out more, the differences become more obvious.
Usually, I don’t like books with a lot of magic or a strong fantasy element. However, the way it was dealt with in this book was quite believable and I found that it didn’t feel strange or unusual.
There were a couple of erotic scenes in the middle of the book that were excessively explicit. We don’t need to know that much!
Why didn’t the Fae princess leave the Fae realm earlier, perhaps when she first married Alex, or when she had Angus? Of course, if she had there would be no story and this book would be absolutely rubbish.
The writing style is a bit abrupt. There are a lot of short sentences and one-line paragraphs that make it feel jumpy. There are also a couple of bits where the author explains things that happened earlier, which seems a bit amateurish.
Despite the above negative comments, I got hooked into this book, read it several times in a row, and want to read the other books in the series.
Check out my full review at www.travellingbooknerd.com/the-tartan...
Usually, I don’t like books with a lot of magic or a strong fantasy element. However, the way it was dealt with in this book was quite believable and I found that it didn’t feel strange or unusual.
There were a couple of erotic scenes in the middle of the book that were excessively explicit. We don’t need to know that much!
Why didn’t the Fae princess leave the Fae realm earlier, perhaps when she first married Alex, or when she had Angus? Of course, if she had there would be no story and this book would be absolutely rubbish.
The writing style is a bit abrupt. There are a lot of short sentences and one-line paragraphs that make it feel jumpy. There are also a couple of bits where the author explains things that happened earlier, which seems a bit amateurish.
Despite the above negative comments, I got hooked into this book, read it several times in a row, and want to read the other books in the series.
Check out my full review at www.travellingbooknerd.com/the-tartan...
January 10, 2019
3.75/5 stars
Claire is running on the beach, listening to her MP3 player, which just happens to have a "skin" of the MacLeod tartan. She hears an odd noise and, just like that, she's in 1672 Scotland, with Duncan MacLeod (that is not a typo) shouting at her from afar.
There is a whole lot of insta-love and intrigue involving the Fae, and how Claire came through because of some magic stones that were accidentally activated in just the right way and time to bring her from modern-day Texas to the Highlands. And it just so happens that she loves reading romance novels featuring Highlanders, so it's like a dream come true.
Soon enough, though, there are good reasons to re-open those Fae stones ... even as Duncan and Claire are sorting out their complicated feelings for one another.
In many ways, the last third of the book felt very rushed. It felt a little like the author was trying to tie up too many loose ends at once.
I am not crazy about high fantasy/historical crossovers, but that's a matter of personal taste and no reflection on the quality of writing or research on the part of this author.
Claire is running on the beach, listening to her MP3 player, which just happens to have a "skin" of the MacLeod tartan. She hears an odd noise and, just like that, she's in 1672 Scotland, with Duncan MacLeod (that is not a typo) shouting at her from afar.
There is a whole lot of insta-love and intrigue involving the Fae, and how Claire came through because of some magic stones that were accidentally activated in just the right way and time to bring her from modern-day Texas to the Highlands. And it just so happens that she loves reading romance novels featuring Highlanders, so it's like a dream come true.
Soon enough, though, there are good reasons to re-open those Fae stones ... even as Duncan and Claire are sorting out their complicated feelings for one another.
In many ways, the last third of the book felt very rushed. It felt a little like the author was trying to tie up too many loose ends at once.
I am not crazy about high fantasy/historical crossovers, but that's a matter of personal taste and no reflection on the quality of writing or research on the part of this author.
July 19, 2021
I really liked the story, but it was very rushed. I wish the book had been longer and more detailed. There were parts that were told to me instead of showed to me, like the main characters falling in love and her transition to the past. I would have loved more because I really liked the characters and wanted to see more of the romance. But overall, I did enjoy the story ^^
April 7, 2024
Much like the Princess and the Laird this book was easier to read. Even tho the author fell back into letting the throbbing cock, the self talk, and the dueling tongues lead at times the segues between them were much smoother. I could actually follow the story.
September 4, 2018
The Tartan MP3 Player
I really like the characters and the story, what's not to love about men in kilts
I really like the characters and the story, what's not to love about men in kilts
October 30, 2016
The Tartan MP3 Player by C. A. Szarek
Claire travels back in time with only her MP3 player in hand. Her clothes didn't make it through the portal. Fortunately a gentlemanly Scottish highlander rescues her and loans her his tartan for coverage and warmth.
A cute adventure with time travel, fae magic and love.
Claire travels back in time with only her MP3 player in hand. Her clothes didn't make it through the portal. Fortunately a gentlemanly Scottish highlander rescues her and loans her his tartan for coverage and warmth.
A cute adventure with time travel, fae magic and love.
March 31, 2014
I received this in exchange for an honest review. It was just okay. There was nothing really special about it. I have read a ton of time-travel romances and this one was just okay. The story and characters were fine but did not pull me in.
May 7, 2017
Fun Stuff
I really rather enjoyed this. Full of humor, though some of it seemed a bit ridiculous in spots, I still liked it anyway. As time travel goes, it was a bit interesting, but I would have liked more ideas as to the science behind it all.
Four stars!
I really rather enjoyed this. Full of humor, though some of it seemed a bit ridiculous in spots, I still liked it anyway. As time travel goes, it was a bit interesting, but I would have liked more ideas as to the science behind it all.
Four stars!
June 19, 2014
A really romantic lovely story that pulls on the heart strings. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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