Beyond the Highland Mist is my first read by this author, and not a bad start to the Highland series, though only loosely tied to it.
Those who know me know that I suffer from a sometimes debilitating disorder known as MRBIOs, Must Read Books In Order syndrome. It’s important that you understand this about me because I’m about make a shocking statement, here: In order to enjoy this series, it isn’t necessary to read the first book. Yes, I really did say that, and no, I’m not on medication. Just stating the facts.
As I said, this isn’t a bad start to the series, though it definitely suffers from a case of the FITS – First in the Series syndrome. My overall feelings about this story have nothing to do with the fact that I’m not a fan of time travel, rather everything to do with the hero and heroine.
Hawk has all the characteristics of an amazing hero, and I adored him! In ways, he reminds me of Gaston from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast because he’s extremely good looking and enjoys reaping the reward of women in his bed because of it. He’s a powerful laird, physically and mentally, and his clan has great respect for him. He’s a man of honor and integrity and can be trusted to always do the right thing. Was he perfect? No, and by the end of the story I wanted to shoot him and end my own misery.
What had me to the point of committing charactercide? Well, I got so tired of Hawk running after Adrienne, when time after time she intentionally hurt him. Constantly using Adam’s name for no other reason than to drive Hawk away. I reached the point where I had lost respect for him as a man and have no qualms about telling you that by the end of the story, I couldn’t have cared less about either of them.
Adrienne, on the other hand, bothered the heck out of me right from the start and I never really cared about her one way or the other, except for how she affected Hawk’s happiness. I found very little about her to be appealing, and by the end of the story there was really nothing she could have done to redeem herself enough to be deserving of Hawk.
For those who, like myself, aren’t fans of time travel, that element in this book is very minor and I don’t think it takes too much away from the story. Although I suppose it could be argued that it had a huge impact on my rating because Adrienne being from the future and her over the top “I have rights” attitude throughout the book ruined the story for me. I’m giving this 2.5 out of a possible 5 stars because Hawk was hot.
Again, this book is not necessary to the ongoing storyline of the series.
Aw, I'm sorry you were crazy about this story. I read it a few years ago and if I recall correctly, I think I liked it. Although, I like the time travel theme. I know, I know, no throwing tomatoes, lol. I don't know what it is that appeals to me. I think maybe because I adore history and historical romance, I think it would be cool to be swept away to another place and time ;)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your review!
Now, Barbara, you know I don't throw tomatoes! LOL But watch out for flying casaba fruit! ;)
ReplyDeleteI knew going in that most people enjoyed it, even though I didn't. I really liked the next book though, To Tame a Highland Warrior!