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Lesson #1
A Lesson in Passion
Ginny has a successful career, nice home and good friends. The only thing she's missing is love. Her past attempts at dating always seem to end badly, until a friend recommends some romance novels. Meant to be instructional, Ginny laughs off their usefulness.
Ian is a powerful Scottish laird, living in Medieval times. As the new leader of his clan, he is honor bound to make decisions that benefit his people. Tough, but fair, Ian has made a name for himself among the clans of the Highlands. A freak accident leaves Ginny in a world within herself, the world of the romance novel heroine.
Fighting off an evil band of Lowlanders, Ginny meets her hero, Ian, powerful laird of the clan McKenna. Ginny soon realizes she is in the body of an Englishwoman and is being forced to live with the McKenna clan. Ginny assumes she must fall in love to move out of this world and back into her own. So before her hero can marry another, she schemes to win him back and hopefully reach her goals.
Ian is a powerful Scottish laird, living in Medieval times. As the new leader of his clan, he is honor bound to make decisions that benefit his people. Tough, but fair, Ian has made a name for himself among the clans of the Highlands. A freak accident leaves Ginny in a world within herself, the world of the romance novel heroine.
Fighting off an evil band of Lowlanders, Ginny meets her hero, Ian, powerful laird of the clan McKenna. Ginny soon realizes she is in the body of an Englishwoman and is being forced to live with the McKenna clan. Ginny assumes she must fall in love to move out of this world and back into her own. So before her hero can marry another, she schemes to win him back and hopefully reach her goals.
202 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
84 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Connors
12 books106 followersI started writing fiction at the age of 12 for my friends. Of course, in those days, I was the heroine, saving dashing rock stars from their ruin. Now, somewhat older, hopefully wiser, I decided to finally put down my ideas on paper and write about a heroine not unlike myself (personality wise, certainly not realistically).
After finding my own soulmate (which is just another word for the only man willing to live with me), and having two beautiful children, I'm changing my stay-at-home mom status to part-time author. Which isn't to say that my days are not still filled with laundry and dishes, but I've also added writing.
I have many plans for my heroine, Ginny. She will meet matchmakers, pirates, cowboys and maybe a vampire or two. If I've read it in a romance novel, you can bet, Ginny will live it in an upcoming novel.
Thank you for all the support from my family and friends. Without my overly encouraging husband, none of these books would have been written. And I really appreciate my fellow neighborhood mommies. They make the best editors in the world.
After finding my own soulmate (which is just another word for the only man willing to live with me), and having two beautiful children, I'm changing my stay-at-home mom status to part-time author. Which isn't to say that my days are not still filled with laundry and dishes, but I've also added writing.
I have many plans for my heroine, Ginny. She will meet matchmakers, pirates, cowboys and maybe a vampire or two. If I've read it in a romance novel, you can bet, Ginny will live it in an upcoming novel.
Thank you for all the support from my family and friends. Without my overly encouraging husband, none of these books would have been written. And I really appreciate my fellow neighborhood mommies. They make the best editors in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
January 9, 2012
I am so effing pissed off. Could J. Connors have ended this book worse than I have ever seen? Freakin A...I am so frustrated right now.
I am happy to see that there are more books in a sudden series I knew nothing about. However, I want to know more about Ian. WTH?
Miss Ginny was thrown back in time and she didn't know how, why or how to get back to her time. This felt like another Outlander but holy cow, I was totally impressed with what Connors brought to the table.
I was laughing out loud with tears streaming down my cheeks and then I was stressed about what was going to happen next.
I love Ginny, the heroin. She was funny, gutsy and was real. I can't imagine what I would have done in her place, but she makes me think I would have done something similar.
This book was refreshing. It was a great adventure and the romance was hot. There is some language but not too much.
Overall, this book is definitely worth a re-read. Also, I gotta continue this series because if there is any hope in finding out what happens...then I gotta know.
I am happy to see that there are more books in a sudden series I knew nothing about. However, I want to know more about Ian. WTH?
Miss Ginny was thrown back in time and she didn't know how, why or how to get back to her time. This felt like another Outlander but holy cow, I was totally impressed with what Connors brought to the table.
I was laughing out loud with tears streaming down my cheeks and then I was stressed about what was going to happen next.
I love Ginny, the heroin. She was funny, gutsy and was real. I can't imagine what I would have done in her place, but she makes me think I would have done something similar.
This book was refreshing. It was a great adventure and the romance was hot. There is some language but not too much.
Overall, this book is definitely worth a re-read. Also, I gotta continue this series because if there is any hope in finding out what happens...then I gotta know.
July 5, 2011
OBVIOUSLY written by someone who either hates romance novels in general or who has no idea why they are popular.
The author spent the entire first half of the book making fun of anyone who would read one and the genre itself, picking out specific tropes to make fun of. The second half of the book was just a lesson in torture for anyone who didn't have the sense to stop reading around page 25.
* The heroine is a dumbass, plain and simple and moves to the head of the line for the title of Queen of TSTL. Not that I condone a woman getting beat by any means, but if anyone ever deserved to be backhanded it was her.
* The time travel plot was ridiculous. Not that it was a time travel, but that the way it was executed was lame and made no sense. One minute she's in a car wreck, IN AMERICA, and the next she's inhabiting the body of an Englishwoman on the Scottish border. Huh?
There were a few more things that made me want scream and God knows why I continued to read. Maybe to see how far the author would take her obvious disdain of romance novels. And just when I think, finally, this crap is about to be over - it ends on a &^#$% cliffhanger! Sorry Ms. Connors - Diana Gabaldon you are NOT.
The only thing that could have made this worse was if I'd paid money to read it. I'd add this book to my "made me cry" shelf but luckily I got this as a freebie at Barnes and Noble.
F-
The author spent the entire first half of the book making fun of anyone who would read one and the genre itself, picking out specific tropes to make fun of. The second half of the book was just a lesson in torture for anyone who didn't have the sense to stop reading around page 25.
* The heroine is a dumbass, plain and simple and moves to the head of the line for the title of Queen of TSTL. Not that I condone a woman getting beat by any means, but if anyone ever deserved to be backhanded it was her.
* The time travel plot was ridiculous. Not that it was a time travel, but that the way it was executed was lame and made no sense. One minute she's in a car wreck, IN AMERICA, and the next she's inhabiting the body of an Englishwoman on the Scottish border. Huh?
There were a few more things that made me want scream and God knows why I continued to read. Maybe to see how far the author would take her obvious disdain of romance novels. And just when I think, finally, this crap is about to be over - it ends on a &^#$% cliffhanger! Sorry Ms. Connors - Diana Gabaldon you are NOT.
The only thing that could have made this worse was if I'd paid money to read it. I'd add this book to my "made me cry" shelf but luckily I got this as a freebie at Barnes and Noble.
F-
April 3, 2014
This is my first review on goodreads and I chose this book as my first review because it actually caused me to have a fit on the couch when I finished it. I got this as a freebie from Amazon and did not read any of the reviews because, well, it was free and I figured even if it were horrible it was at the low low price of free 99 so what the heck. Before I state my biggest gripe, let me just say that this was a pretty well laid out story and that I did enjoy it to the extent that if it wasn't for the seizure inducing ending I would have happily gone on to the next book in the series even though it is also an extremely quick read and I tend to like longer books. That being said, I can't and won't read the next books. Ginny doesn't get to stay with Ian! No, not due to a kidnapping, war, or other calamity but because she is suddenly plucked away and apparently lands somewhere else where she is going to start the whole process of acclimating to yet another time and place. Folks my nerves simply can't take the main female character being passed around from time,place, and man to learn different "lessons". Call me old fashioned but I like some version of happily every after and I'm not a fan of the romance version of Quantum Leap.If this concept doesn't bother you as it did me this is definitely worth getting for free from Amazon and as of today-8/7/13 it's still free and the other books in the series are inexpensive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2011
I like historical romances, some are excellent, some are truly awful. This one is rather good. I didn't expect much from the synopsis as I am not usually a fan of time-travelling heroines and the cover was pretty off-putting too. But, I am glad I took the plunge.
Ginny finds herself catapulted somehow from modern America into medieval Scotland faced with the kind of highland romantic heroes she had always made fun of. She seems to be in the body of an English Lady, someone mistrusted by the Scottish people. At every turn she finds herself re-evaluating her disbelief in a happy ever after as she battles with how her modern ways and expectations get her into so much trouble in this different time. One useful aspect is that she has medical knowledge from her old life that she can make use of.
The characters are well-written. Ginny is a good character- she takes care not to ruin the life of the woman whose body she may only be inhabiting for a short time. Her relationship with Ian makes for good reading too as they face various obstacles, betrayals and dilemmas. Ian is your typical domineering highland laird with secrets. He's a likeable hero. I found the plot interesting; there was plenty going on, romance, some action, some intrigue and so on.
Throughout the book, Ginny pokes fun mildly at the historical romance formula. I found that pretty amusing as she was never unkind about it; just a little cynical. Ultimately, she just goes along for the ride.
The downside and the reason for 4 stars not 5 comes down to four things. The first is that the Scots, although they find Ginny's behaviour unusually feisty for a woman of their time, seem not to notice in the slightest her modern language (e.g. pissed for angry) and never comment on it. The second is the authors's overuse of the word "screamed" particularly for when the men were speaking. Wouldn't "bellowed" or "shouted" be better? Once, I could let go, but she does it over and over again. The third was the misuse of language. The author on several occasions used totally the incorrect word for what she meant (e.g. using allude when she meant elude). The final problem was that the first three chapters of Ginny's life in her own time were boring, unnecessary and could have been dealt with via a one paragraph summary. I contacted the author (who is an independent author) to politely let her know about the numerous mistakes in the Kindle edition and she made it quite clear that she has no interest in correcting them.
That aside, this book is a lot of fun, has plenty of romance, passion and secrets. It even ends on a cliffhanger ready for the next in the series. I would recommend it to romance/historical romance fans.
Ginny finds herself catapulted somehow from modern America into medieval Scotland faced with the kind of highland romantic heroes she had always made fun of. She seems to be in the body of an English Lady, someone mistrusted by the Scottish people. At every turn she finds herself re-evaluating her disbelief in a happy ever after as she battles with how her modern ways and expectations get her into so much trouble in this different time. One useful aspect is that she has medical knowledge from her old life that she can make use of.
The characters are well-written. Ginny is a good character- she takes care not to ruin the life of the woman whose body she may only be inhabiting for a short time. Her relationship with Ian makes for good reading too as they face various obstacles, betrayals and dilemmas. Ian is your typical domineering highland laird with secrets. He's a likeable hero. I found the plot interesting; there was plenty going on, romance, some action, some intrigue and so on.
Throughout the book, Ginny pokes fun mildly at the historical romance formula. I found that pretty amusing as she was never unkind about it; just a little cynical. Ultimately, she just goes along for the ride.
The downside and the reason for 4 stars not 5 comes down to four things. The first is that the Scots, although they find Ginny's behaviour unusually feisty for a woman of their time, seem not to notice in the slightest her modern language (e.g. pissed for angry) and never comment on it. The second is the authors's overuse of the word "screamed" particularly for when the men were speaking. Wouldn't "bellowed" or "shouted" be better? Once, I could let go, but she does it over and over again. The third was the misuse of language. The author on several occasions used totally the incorrect word for what she meant (e.g. using allude when she meant elude). The final problem was that the first three chapters of Ginny's life in her own time were boring, unnecessary and could have been dealt with via a one paragraph summary. I contacted the author (who is an independent author) to politely let her know about the numerous mistakes in the Kindle edition and she made it quite clear that she has no interest in correcting them.
That aside, this book is a lot of fun, has plenty of romance, passion and secrets. It even ends on a cliffhanger ready for the next in the series. I would recommend it to romance/historical romance fans.
April 30, 2014
Wow! My vacation from my most fave romance genre, Historical/Highland Romances, was definitely worth the break. What a story to come back to. It was definitely a thirst quencher incorporating some of the most enticing characteristics. First, the heroine was a true 20th century career woman who got to live out a textbook written romance by magically being transported back into medieval Scotland.Of course, what's even more fantastical is that she finds herself inside another woman's body with many of those woman's memories. However, the twist is that she is also herself with full knowledge of her own life and memories. Her romance doesn't always smell like roses though, and she finds herself dealing with some of the more brutal aspects of medieval culture and norms especially when it comes to women. But what a show it often was, watching medieval men react to and attempt to grasp the concept of 20th-century woman. It made for some hilarious scenes, but also some rather harsh consequences for our heroine. The ups and downs and back and forths of this story were fun and exciting always keeping you wide eyed and turning the next page. The story ends in an awkward place, practically right in the middle of a scene. It was like being cut off in the middle of a sentence . . .How rude! Then, you realize that the heroine's story/ adventure continues in the next book and in another time and place altogether when she is thrust thru time again. My interest is more than peaked, and I can't wait to see what's in store for her next. I am hoping I will get a glimpse of what happened to our hero, at least, I hope he will get the opportunity to reappear. If not for the weird ending, this one would be a 5-star for me.
December 13, 2011
I liked this one, it was a fresh take on the genre. But....I would agree with the 'Almost' crowd.
1. The heroine is a dumbass. She could at least TRY to play the part in her new life. The whole idea that she convinced a bunch of these macho Scottish guys to talk out their problems instead of battling it out is goofy. I was really annoyed with how that turned out. I know Alec fought with Bram, but the whole thing felt very cheesy.
2. I think there should have been a little bit of a freak out after she traveled to another time. She seemed to transition quite easily. I know the whole story isn't realistic since it's about time travel, but I would expect a person who travelled back in time to stress out about it a little. Ginny just went with it. It was a little weird for me.
3. The ending kinda stinks. I need a little closure. What happens after Ginny leaves this poor girls body? Does she know what is going on? Does Ian like this new Ginny? *Who had probably never been called Ginny in her entire life, so she is going to be wondering WTH that's all about* Now Ian is stuck with some other girl who probably doesn't have the strong 21st century personality he fell in love with, and who has no idea who this guy even is!! Help me out here!!
Overall, it was a fun read and had a lot of potential. I like the premise, and I will read the other books in the series, but I hope they don't all leave me wondering.
1. The heroine is a dumbass. She could at least TRY to play the part in her new life. The whole idea that she convinced a bunch of these macho Scottish guys to talk out their problems instead of battling it out is goofy. I was really annoyed with how that turned out. I know Alec fought with Bram, but the whole thing felt very cheesy.
2. I think there should have been a little bit of a freak out after she traveled to another time. She seemed to transition quite easily. I know the whole story isn't realistic since it's about time travel, but I would expect a person who travelled back in time to stress out about it a little. Ginny just went with it. It was a little weird for me.
3. The ending kinda stinks. I need a little closure. What happens after Ginny leaves this poor girls body? Does she know what is going on? Does Ian like this new Ginny? *Who had probably never been called Ginny in her entire life, so she is going to be wondering WTH that's all about* Now Ian is stuck with some other girl who probably doesn't have the strong 21st century personality he fell in love with, and who has no idea who this guy even is!! Help me out here!!
Overall, it was a fun read and had a lot of potential. I like the premise, and I will read the other books in the series, but I hope they don't all leave me wondering.
August 4, 2011
I didn't know what to expect with this book. I had been running errands and decided to stop in for a pedicure. I had my Droid with me so I decided to start reading. Rather than try to find the book I had been reading and going through the archived list, I opened this one up.
I have to say the beginning of the book had me wondering why I had purchased this one! (It must have been a free Amazon book!) It was not well written at all! But after the vacation, on their way back home the girls were hit by a truck and it got better from there.
The H thinks she is in a coma and has been transported back to a romance novel, and the only way out is to get to the end of the story. At 80% I decided to stay up and finish it. So I ended up staying up until 2am to find out there is really no ending to this story. It seems when she settles everything in one life she hops to another. She is in a different body with each adventure.
But it leaves you wondering about what happens after she leaves and the real person has to take over where she left off married, minus her virginity and pregnant. Does this all end up being just her mind full of stories or what? After reading the reviews on the next three it seems that it keeps happening over and over. I'm not sure if I want to read the others, but I might pick them up later.
I have to say the beginning of the book had me wondering why I had purchased this one! (It must have been a free Amazon book!) It was not well written at all! But after the vacation, on their way back home the girls were hit by a truck and it got better from there.
The H thinks she is in a coma and has been transported back to a romance novel, and the only way out is to get to the end of the story. At 80% I decided to stay up and finish it. So I ended up staying up until 2am to find out there is really no ending to this story. It seems when she settles everything in one life she hops to another. She is in a different body with each adventure.
But it leaves you wondering about what happens after she leaves and the real person has to take over where she left off married, minus her virginity and pregnant. Does this all end up being just her mind full of stories or what? After reading the reviews on the next three it seems that it keeps happening over and over. I'm not sure if I want to read the others, but I might pick them up later.
August 10, 2016
This book was pretty good. At first I was very skeptical, it seemed as though it was probably just a rip-off of the Outlander series (which I love!) so it took me a while to get into it. By the end I really did like the characters, and the storyline was good (if a bit predictable).
Here are the basics of the story:
Ginny, our unlucky in love heroine, goes on what turns out to be the "worst vacation EVER" with her lesbian friend, and through unfortunate circumstances (gay/lesbian convention at the hotel, food poisoning, natural disaster) spends the entire time reading romance novels, which are not her norm. They finally leave the horrible vacation, and on the way home, end up in a car accident. This is when Ginny wakes up in Scotland, in the 16th century, and in the middle of a romance novel. She has to fall in love with the hero, and get to the end of the story in order to go home.
Or perhaps not???
The final twist is that Ginny DOESN'T get home, she gets into someone else's life again.
I'm eager to read the rest of the series. Hopefully, the other books won't remind me quite so much of others that I've already read.
Here are the basics of the story:
Ginny, our unlucky in love heroine, goes on what turns out to be the "worst vacation EVER" with her lesbian friend, and through unfortunate circumstances (gay/lesbian convention at the hotel, food poisoning, natural disaster) spends the entire time reading romance novels, which are not her norm. They finally leave the horrible vacation, and on the way home, end up in a car accident. This is when Ginny wakes up in Scotland, in the 16th century, and in the middle of a romance novel. She has to fall in love with the hero, and get to the end of the story in order to go home.
Or perhaps not???
The final twist is that Ginny DOESN'T get home, she gets into someone else's life again.
I'm eager to read the rest of the series. Hopefully, the other books won't remind me quite so much of others that I've already read.
May 16, 2011
Is this book even for young adults? It has many inappropriate scenes that I am too embarrassed to mention. Why would one want to read about how attractive one is to another and describe how much they want to make out with each other. It's very disturbing.
Pretty much Ginny is like "men are depressing". Then she gets sucked into a story with some Scottish lord. They're instantly attracted to each other. But uh........................ they love to hide their attraction with tons of insults, or beatings. Very awkward.
In the end, when Ginny switches to another body, this whole book is completely useless. She doesn't stay with one man. Oh no, she's going to make out with at least 500 of them! Irritating!
Pretty much Ginny is like "men are depressing". Then she gets sucked into a story with some Scottish lord. They're instantly attracted to each other. But uh........................ they love to hide their attraction with tons of insults, or beatings. Very awkward.
In the end, when Ginny switches to another body, this whole book is completely useless. She doesn't stay with one man. Oh no, she's going to make out with at least 500 of them! Irritating!
September 11, 2016
I was very pleased with this story. Ginny was funny and witty and took unexpected chances. I loved that she viewed the whole story as an adventure/mystery instead of constantly pining to get home. It reminds me of a lighter Outlander book - but with more romance than violence.
I just purchased the next book in the series ($0.99 ebook at Amazon y'all). I was captivated by the sample chapter and I want more, more, more.
I just purchased the next book in the series ($0.99 ebook at Amazon y'all). I was captivated by the sample chapter and I want more, more, more.
May 10, 2013
This book is in need of editing and this will be my only complaint. The story got me from the beginning, the plot is original and the end unexpected. I really enjoyed both main characters, actually the hero is so funny that I laughed ouy loud several times. All in all, this is a great read and I can't wait to begin the next instalment in the series.
June 17, 2022
DNF. I love TT romance, but this book is a no for me. Right out of the gate there is incessant bashing of the romance genre. There are far too many cultural references. Good writers of TTR keep the cultural refs for after the time travel. That way readers can enjoy the story even 13 yrs after it's written. Then we have the very weird descriptions of the gay best friend. I lost count if the numbe of times I saw the word lesbian, and I quit at 5% in!
Example: Ginny was what she would call a pretty lesbian. Seriously. Just say Ginny is pretty. Then because she is 'pretty' her favorite activity is getting straight guys wound up in bars. I don't know any gay people who would find that a fun activity. Anyway, I dislike the female lead so much I don't care what happens to her. Two thumbs down.
Example: Ginny was what she would call a pretty lesbian. Seriously. Just say Ginny is pretty. Then because she is 'pretty' her favorite activity is getting straight guys wound up in bars. I don't know any gay people who would find that a fun activity. Anyway, I dislike the female lead so much I don't care what happens to her. Two thumbs down.
November 1, 2021
My opinion on this book is largely biased, as it was an first read for me many years ago and has a nostalgic vibe to it. I love the situation the MC is put in, not your typical time travel romance situation. But instead, a more sexually based one where she is also a new person.
December 5, 2018
Cliffhanger
August 1, 2023
I’m not much into time travel romance but this one kept me hooked to the story. There was a lesson to be learned and that’s what I liked about it.
June 25, 2025
Different
Read this book years ago and had to find it again. The theory always lived rent free in my head.
Read this book years ago and had to find it again. The theory always lived rent free in my head.
February 2, 2019
For a romance novel, there’s a lot of bashing of the genre
I wanted to like this book. I really did. But the continual disparaging of people who read romance novels, the genre itself, and the whole the heroine isn’t like other women killed this book for me.
The POV switches from character to character with no rhyme or reason. There is a ton of info dumping. The hero isn’t introduced until the 17% mark... way too late. And finally my nope out of the book... the killing of the sassy gay best friend.
I’m reclaiming my time.
One star.
I wanted to like this book. I really did. But the continual disparaging of people who read romance novels, the genre itself, and the whole the heroine isn’t like other women killed this book for me.
The POV switches from character to character with no rhyme or reason. There is a ton of info dumping. The hero isn’t introduced until the 17% mark... way too late. And finally my nope out of the book... the killing of the sassy gay best friend.
I’m reclaiming my time.
One star.
July 9, 2011
Ginny is a 21st century girl, looking for love. After an accident, she finds herself living in the past, as a romance novel heroine. Occupying someone else's body, she lives the life a medieval maiden, saved from certain death by a powerful Scottish laird. Will they fall in love, allowing Ginny to return to her own time? Or will her modern sensibilities get her in too much trouble?
A tropical vacation, food poisoning, a car crash, time travel, and abduction: what more could you ask for in your romance novel? The heroine, Ginny, seems to be like many of today’s women, hard-working and realistic. Unfortunately, there is no “romance” in her life. An unexpected illness while on vacation with her best friend leaves her with time to read the romance novels that she normally has no time or desire to read. Hilarity then ensues!
A creative and amusing twist to the story, the story switches to medieval times, yet is not your typical “time travel” or “paranormal” story. Fans of this genre should enjoy the story nonetheless.
Having to deal with the change in role of women after her time switch proved difficult for Ginny, as was the need to pledge allegiance to the head of the clan in order to receive protection. However, her medical knowledge made her a valuable asset and assisted with her acceptance into the clan.
Not to be missed is the scene where Ginny is paddled in front of the entire clan for laughing at the laird!
I found myself waiting for the return to modern day (as does Ginny). A surprising plot twist not only bumped up my interest level, but allowed for the series to continue.
This story is the first in a series, and is a light read, but has enough twists and turns to allow me to laugh, and enjoy the romance between several couples featured in the story.
I really enjoyed this story, and can’t wait to read the rest of the series! I suggest that you don’t wait until you get food poisoning on vacation before you pick up this romance!
First published on Long and Short Reviews
November 20, 2018
A LESSON IN PASSION by Jennifer Connors presents a fresh and interesting twist on the time travel genre. In her Lesson series, the main character is catapulted into various romance books, here medieval. I loved the believable characters and witty repartee, and I give it 4 stars.
In this first installment in Jennifer Connors' Lesson series, physician's assistant Ginny goes on vacation, and it turns into the worst vacation ever. She brought some trashy romance novels a friend insisted she take with her for educational purposes. On her return, she gets into a car accident and is transported into one of the romance novels, set in medieval Scotland during a time of unrest among the clans.
Ginny finds herself in the body of Lady Chatham, a hostage of a lowlander clan. She has the woman's memories, but is still Ginny. As Ginny figures out what is going on, how to navigate the story and how to live in medieval times, she makes use of her medical knowledge, and she gets involved with Ian McKenna, the "mega-hunk" Laird of the McKenna clan. Add a pre-arranged betrothal, clan alliances and betrayals, skirmishes, more kidnapping, and rival suitors, and you have a dramatic (and often funny) novel.
I enjoyed this novel and can't wait to read the next. The plot does not disappoint, and the book only rarely succumbs to the cheesy, melodramatic flare of the typical romance book. The beginning isn't slow per se, but it seems to take a long time for Ginny to get to the accident and into the romance novel. The dialogue is witty, and Ginny's comments on daily life in medieval rural Scotland are sometimes downright hilarious. The book is long enough to have realistic character and romantic relationship developments. The romance, while not pervasive, is specific enough to warrant a heat level rating of 3, appropriate for those 18 and over.
There is really nothing better than a romance novel making fun of itself. I highly recommend A LESSON IN PASSION for your summer reading enjoyment.
In this first installment in Jennifer Connors' Lesson series, physician's assistant Ginny goes on vacation, and it turns into the worst vacation ever. She brought some trashy romance novels a friend insisted she take with her for educational purposes. On her return, she gets into a car accident and is transported into one of the romance novels, set in medieval Scotland during a time of unrest among the clans.
Ginny finds herself in the body of Lady Chatham, a hostage of a lowlander clan. She has the woman's memories, but is still Ginny. As Ginny figures out what is going on, how to navigate the story and how to live in medieval times, she makes use of her medical knowledge, and she gets involved with Ian McKenna, the "mega-hunk" Laird of the McKenna clan. Add a pre-arranged betrothal, clan alliances and betrayals, skirmishes, more kidnapping, and rival suitors, and you have a dramatic (and often funny) novel.
I enjoyed this novel and can't wait to read the next. The plot does not disappoint, and the book only rarely succumbs to the cheesy, melodramatic flare of the typical romance book. The beginning isn't slow per se, but it seems to take a long time for Ginny to get to the accident and into the romance novel. The dialogue is witty, and Ginny's comments on daily life in medieval rural Scotland are sometimes downright hilarious. The book is long enough to have realistic character and romantic relationship developments. The romance, while not pervasive, is specific enough to warrant a heat level rating of 3, appropriate for those 18 and over.
There is really nothing better than a romance novel making fun of itself. I highly recommend A LESSON IN PASSION for your summer reading enjoyment.
March 18, 2014
Ginny is a career focused woman who could use a boost in her love life. As she embarks on a vacation, a well meaning friend gives her a stack of romance novels to read. Ginny makes fun of the books, but after encountering the vacation from hell, she ends up reading them out of boredom. After a freak accident, Ginny finds herself smack dab in the middle of a romance novel, set in medieval Scotland. Her snarky inner dialogue about the hunky hero is funny, and Ginny decides to play along with the plot until she can figure out how to get back home.
There were things I liked and things I didn’t about this book. The first part describing Ginny going on vacation and having a bunch of bad things happen seemed to go on too long. It also was written very “telly” rather than showing the action to the reader. This got better once Ginny woke in the romance novel setting. Here, the writing was funny and entertaining. Ian, the hunky Scottish laird, was super stereotypical, but he was supposed to be, and that was part of the fun. I didn’t completely buy into the romance between he and Ginny though. Hot or not, a 21st Century woman would have trouble with his chauvinistic ways.
The ending was also a little quick, but the cliffhanger is meant to build suspense for the next book in the series, A Lessons in Forgiveness. The book could have benefitted from a professional editor, but it’s not bad for a self-pub.
Overall, I give A Lesson in Passion…
Plot – 3 ½ bookmarks
Character Development – 3 bookmarks (Thought Ginny was a tad disrespectful of the social morays of the time period.)
Love Story – 2 bookmarks
Dream Cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) – Rachael Bilson (Ginny), Ben McKenzie (Ian)
There were things I liked and things I didn’t about this book. The first part describing Ginny going on vacation and having a bunch of bad things happen seemed to go on too long. It also was written very “telly” rather than showing the action to the reader. This got better once Ginny woke in the romance novel setting. Here, the writing was funny and entertaining. Ian, the hunky Scottish laird, was super stereotypical, but he was supposed to be, and that was part of the fun. I didn’t completely buy into the romance between he and Ginny though. Hot or not, a 21st Century woman would have trouble with his chauvinistic ways.
The ending was also a little quick, but the cliffhanger is meant to build suspense for the next book in the series, A Lessons in Forgiveness. The book could have benefitted from a professional editor, but it’s not bad for a self-pub.
Overall, I give A Lesson in Passion…
Plot – 3 ½ bookmarks
Character Development – 3 bookmarks (Thought Ginny was a tad disrespectful of the social morays of the time period.)
Love Story – 2 bookmarks
Dream Cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) – Rachael Bilson (Ginny), Ben McKenzie (Ian)
April 29, 2011
Almost. That's all I could think when I finished this book. It almost got there...but not quite. Romance is not usually a genre I choose, but probably got this one because of the time travel element. I am fascinated by stories that involve time travel. In this one the main character retains her knowledge and memories while living in a different time period.
There were a few minor errors in things like syntax that were a bit jarring, but I think the thing that bothered me most was the unevenness of it. There is quite a long description of a bus ride at the beginning, with all sorts of unnecessary details, but then later, it skips what seems to be weeks or maybe months during which an entire village of people changes its feelings about the main character.
The other thing is that the time travel is prefaced by an automobile accident, and the main character is aware of that fact throughout the story. She wonders when she will wake up, if she is comatose or in purgatory, or what. The question is never answered. It might have been interesting if there had been scenes from the present interspersed with the story from the past, but that would have been a different book.
If you are on vacation or you are looking for something fun and quick, this is a good book. If you prefer stories that have an ending, this will be frustrating. The idea of a person who hates romance stories winding up smack in the middle of one is neat, and the time travel is cool.
There were a few minor errors in things like syntax that were a bit jarring, but I think the thing that bothered me most was the unevenness of it. There is quite a long description of a bus ride at the beginning, with all sorts of unnecessary details, but then later, it skips what seems to be weeks or maybe months during which an entire village of people changes its feelings about the main character.
The other thing is that the time travel is prefaced by an automobile accident, and the main character is aware of that fact throughout the story. She wonders when she will wake up, if she is comatose or in purgatory, or what. The question is never answered. It might have been interesting if there had been scenes from the present interspersed with the story from the past, but that would have been a different book.
If you are on vacation or you are looking for something fun and quick, this is a good book. If you prefer stories that have an ending, this will be frustrating. The idea of a person who hates romance stories winding up smack in the middle of one is neat, and the time travel is cool.
January 14, 2012
This story started out confusing because you knew there was to be sometime of switch and I kept waiting for it happen when all the strange vacation stuff was happening and then it didn't happen. When it finally it did it came as a surprise. I loved the story line of Ginny and Ian a modern girl in her mind but a book character in her body.
Stop here if you don't want to read a spoiler ******
I might come back to more of the series when I get my TBR list whittled down a bit.
Stop here if you don't want to read a spoiler ******
I might come back to more of the series when I get my TBR list whittled down a bit.
February 8, 2012
I am happy to know that there are more books in this series I knew nothing about. At first I was lost until I realized that something went awry. Once I found myself back on my horse and my sense in full array this book took me to recesses in my mind I don't know if I want to visit again. It was a great read. I had me a little emotional by the end and cracking up with laughter at some parts. I was totally impressed with what Connors brought to the table.
This book was refreshing. It was a great adventure and the romance was phenomenal. Overall, this book is definitely worth a re-read. Also, I gotta continue this series because if there is any hope in finding out what happens...then I gotta know. I was so much of a great read I suggested it to my sister, who I beleive is now reading it on her kindle.
Now considering the ending...I can not fault her for the ending considering there have been times when I have written short stories and decided to leave the ending open....Actually now I know how my friends felt when I did it to them...Now that the shoe is on the other foot, I may have to rethink my strategy.
This book was refreshing. It was a great adventure and the romance was phenomenal. Overall, this book is definitely worth a re-read. Also, I gotta continue this series because if there is any hope in finding out what happens...then I gotta know. I was so much of a great read I suggested it to my sister, who I beleive is now reading it on her kindle.
Now considering the ending...I can not fault her for the ending considering there have been times when I have written short stories and decided to leave the ending open....Actually now I know how my friends felt when I did it to them...Now that the shoe is on the other foot, I may have to rethink my strategy.
March 6, 2024
I have an extra soft spot for this book as it was my first ever dive into reading a historical book. It made me fall in love with the genre and I’ve never looked back. Over the past 10 years I’ve read this book a handful of times.
I love the premise of this entire series and how she learns a lesson in every book - it’s so cool that each book is based in different times/worlds and has different MCs she falls for.
I have a beef with Ian oh man Ginny had SO much patience for him. I couldn’t forgive him at all he treated her so badly - I understand she needed to cop it all to move into the world/book but he made me feel soooo annoyed. ALSO when she was backhanded and punished like brooooo I was about to put the book down WDYM u forgive him after that???? Are u serious girl how did u keep biting your tongue 😭😭😭 then you go and kiss him??? HUHHHH I wanted to smack both of them
ANYWAYS I still very much recommend this book (and the entire series tbh)!! ❤️ it’s written so well, the characters are flawed and real (it’s not ur typical everyone’s perfect and it’s all sunshine and roses) and the plot is so unique
I love the premise of this entire series and how she learns a lesson in every book - it’s so cool that each book is based in different times/worlds and has different MCs she falls for.
I have a beef with Ian oh man Ginny had SO much patience for him. I couldn’t forgive him at all he treated her so badly - I understand she needed to cop it all to move into the world/book but he made me feel soooo annoyed. ALSO when she was backhanded and punished like brooooo I was about to put the book down WDYM u forgive him after that???? Are u serious girl how did u keep biting your tongue 😭😭😭 then you go and kiss him??? HUHHHH I wanted to smack both of them
ANYWAYS I still very much recommend this book (and the entire series tbh)!! ❤️ it’s written so well, the characters are flawed and real (it’s not ur typical everyone’s perfect and it’s all sunshine and roses) and the plot is so unique
August 21, 2014
Ginny is young woman who is jaded on romance - she dubs her relationships 3-date wonders since none last longer than 3 dates. She works as a physician assistant who reads history, biography or serial killer novels. She and her best friend Lisa take a vacation every year, and before she leaves for this year's trip to the Caribbean, a co-worker gives her a bunch of romance novels to take along, telling her she might learn something! After their trip, when Ginny and Lisa are on their way home from the airport, they are hit by a truck - and Ginny wakes up in another place, century and body. She catches the eye of the Laird of McKenna clan, Ian, and realizes she's living a romance novel! Her independent streak gets her into plenty of trouble in a time that women are second-class citizens. This is a fun read with a cliff-hanger ending that makes you want to read about Ginny's ongoing time travels.
September 23, 2015
First I have to say I really shouldnt complain as it was a free book. It was a pretty good story. I gave it 3 stars because I hated the ending. The story is about Ginny and Ian. Ginny is in her real life in our time when she gets into an accident. She is in a coma I guess, and is taken by her subconcious to a time of early highlanders. She is now living the life of a character in a romance novel she read while on a really bad vacation. The thing that really annoyed me was I read over 500 pages to get to a bad ending and finding out in the next book Ginny is now a different character in a different senario with different people in a different time. We don't get to continue with Ian and the others I met in this book. If someone knows if she did follow up with this book as a series, please let me know.
*gets off her soapbox.picks it up and walks away*
*gets off her soapbox.picks it up and walks away*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2012
At first I was like huh? What? Not trying to judge a book by its cover but I was like what’s going on with a Jamaica vacation with a Scotland cover... But then leaving the worst vacation ever for a single woman looking for a hook up and lands in a Gay/Lesbian Alliance convention, with tropical storms, and food poison and stuck reading romance novels something happens and wham the leading lady Ginny gets trapped in a historical romance novel with a Plaid kilted Scot!!
No this modern woman is stuck in like 13th century Scotland with warring clans, sharp discipline and an ever sharper tongue to match her temper. I honestly had tears of anguish for her, and while thinking of reading historical books had the same feeling as Ginny did how she would have done stuff different then the characters in other novels.
Needs less to say I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!
No this modern woman is stuck in like 13th century Scotland with warring clans, sharp discipline and an ever sharper tongue to match her temper. I honestly had tears of anguish for her, and while thinking of reading historical books had the same feeling as Ginny did how she would have done stuff different then the characters in other novels.
Needs less to say I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!
January 19, 2012
Hmmm, a story with no ending. What'll they think of next?
Actually, this book didn't even end; it just stopped.
Modern-day heroine goes on vacation with nothing to read but a bunch of romance novels that a friend has lent her. Upon returning home, she's involved in an auto accident and wakes up to find herself in medieval Scotland. (Can anyone say "Outlander"?)
She figures she's got to go with the flow and bring the romance story to fruition before she can get back home and into her own body.
You get the gist. I won't say anymore except that this is the first in a series of time travel books with the same heroine.
This was a free Barnes & Noble Nook selection.
(I'm grabbing lots of free titles; I only hope I'm lucky enough to find one that's any good!)
Actually, this book didn't even end; it just stopped.
Modern-day heroine goes on vacation with nothing to read but a bunch of romance novels that a friend has lent her. Upon returning home, she's involved in an auto accident and wakes up to find herself in medieval Scotland. (Can anyone say "Outlander"?)
She figures she's got to go with the flow and bring the romance story to fruition before she can get back home and into her own body.
You get the gist. I won't say anymore except that this is the first in a series of time travel books with the same heroine.
This was a free Barnes & Noble Nook selection.
(I'm grabbing lots of free titles; I only hope I'm lucky enough to find one that's any good!)
January 7, 2013
I really liked the complete story line and think it is completely plausible. After getting hit by the other car, the bad vacation and drowning in the love stories that she read. No matter what happened she is now stuck there in the past. For now nothing can be donw about
Ginny is getting the hang and the clansmen are beginning to except her if she just kept her trap shut, of that I am not sure. She finalily realizes that she has falllen in love with Ian. The mega hunk hero. That is hotter than heck! The marriage was the best thing for both of them.
l know that I would not want the ending told and I am not going to make that mistake. This is a very good read and I know that I enjoyed it, I think you will too. Good reading.
7/7/12
Ginny is getting the hang and the clansmen are beginning to except her if she just kept her trap shut, of that I am not sure. She finalily realizes that she has falllen in love with Ian. The mega hunk hero. That is hotter than heck! The marriage was the best thing for both of them.
l know that I would not want the ending told and I am not going to make that mistake. This is a very good read and I know that I enjoyed it, I think you will too. Good reading.
7/7/12
October 10, 2014
As a self-published book, A Lesson In Passion could do with the time and attention of a professional editor to tidy up some straggly sentences and the sorts of errors that are usually taken out by the time a book makes it to print.
With that in mind, however, this is a book that deserves the attention of professional editing. The story is quirky, and Our Heroine is easy to like. Connors has constructed an internally plausible story that allows the C21st reader to enjoy all the best bits of a romance novel, while at the same time gently poking fun at the whole genre.
As an example of the Half-Naked Highland Warrior sub-genre this is an appealing read. As a self-deprecating and occasionally hilarious collision of the romance novel with the modern woman, it is excellent.
With that in mind, however, this is a book that deserves the attention of professional editing. The story is quirky, and Our Heroine is easy to like. Connors has constructed an internally plausible story that allows the C21st reader to enjoy all the best bits of a romance novel, while at the same time gently poking fun at the whole genre.
As an example of the Half-Naked Highland Warrior sub-genre this is an appealing read. As a self-deprecating and occasionally hilarious collision of the romance novel with the modern woman, it is excellent.
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