"Just in Time for a Highlander" - Review

Prior to Camp NaNoWriMo I was sent “Just in Time for a Highlander” via goodreads giveaway and in thanks to author for sharing their hard work and a piece of their soul with me, I always try to post a review for them.  Gwyn Cready’s novel was not an exception. [goodreads review]

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A strong woman whose passion inspires devotion!
#Romance #TimeTravel #Highland #StrongWomen

3 Stars
Series:  Book 1: Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands
Characters: Abby & Duncan
Setting: Scotland 1700’s
Mature Themes: Sex, talk of sexual violence, violence

Recommendation: As a fan of both Highland novels and time travel I was satisfied with both of these aspects. The romance was a little lack luster and Abby was sometime too hard to understand with her ever changing moods. I did enjoy the story, the characters, and the strength Abby had and that alone would make me pick it back up again for a second read. 

When Duncan MacHarg finds himself out of his own time and into the 1700’s and at the feet of a fiery clan leader he has no idea the adventure before him.  Abby’s clan is suffering and she must find a way to save them and when a hunky Scotsman turns up at her feet amidst a battle, she must make a decision to trust him, or kill him.  When her instincts and her heart lead her a direction she’s not expecting a decision weighs on her and she must fight for what she believes.

Most novels set in old world Scotland are vivid and beautiful and this one is no exception, thanks mostly in part to my imagination.  There was very little in the way of descriptions and other than a few main objects in each scene nothing was explicitly described. Regardless, the feel of the story’s setting was perfectly old world and fit well with the character while still contrasting enough to differentiate between the modern and past sections. 

While the setting descriptions were lacking, the characters made up for it.  Abby is a strong and clever woman and her dedication for her clan when no one believed in her is remarkable. Even when her family berates her and schemes to overthrow her, she stands her ground. Duncan is an equally strong character who quickly learns when to protect Abby and when to stand down and let her will lead where she thinks it must.  Their dynamic and dialogue is refreshing and entertaining, playing off of each other in a friendly and relatable way.  The flip side of this relationship is both characters end up being a bit wishy-washy in their attitude towards one another.  They want each other, then they don’t, one gives up and then they both do, etc. After a few rounds of this I found it tiring.  

The plot was rewarding with a different take on a time travel romance than I am typically used to, mostly because the man is the one traveling.  Abby is a smart woman who knows when to listen those around her, yet surprised me with her quick thinking and adaptability when plans buckle.  The main plotting between the characters and the twist at the end were very enjoyable and left me smiling and happy with my read.