Former Staff Sergeant Ian Mackay didn’t care if he lived or died. He’d left what really mattered strewn across Afghanistan three years ago. All the self-help groups and doctors in the world couldn’t assuage his guilt. But when an accident takes his life and Fate steps in with an offer to fix what was once unfixable, he jumps at the second chance to save his men. Now he’s stuck in a strange land, … land, in an even stranger time, and expected to bed his equally strange but desirable new bride. Healer Aila Gordan of the Sutherland clan thought her betrothed dead, had even seen his lifeless body the night before their wedding. Why then is her sworn enemy, Ian Mackay, standing before the priest, waiting for her to repeat the vows that would make her his wife? The fairies must have possessed his body, a frightening notion, indeed. But marriage to the handsome laird, possessed or otherwise, couldn’t be any worse than living in her brother’s castle where, like all women in 1643 Scotland, she has no freedom. And if the kiss at the altar is any indication, she could just steal the heart of a highlander.
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This book was such an entertaining, exciting, romantic, historical adventure!
This book has a creative storyline, fantastic writing style with vivid scenes, well-developed characters, is steady paced, and keeps you completely entertained through the last page.
This is the second book I’ve read from the incredible writer, Maxine Mansfield. A few years ago, I had the privilege of reading her book, “Time for a Highlander,” which is part of the Real Men Wear Kilts Book Series and I totally loved it, so I was very excited to read her latest work – which also happens to fall in the same series. “Time for a Highlander,” is Book One in the Real Men Wear Kilts Book Series, while this new book, “Heart of a Highlander,” is Book Two.
Maxine’s writing continues to improve and grow with each book! I know she will be an author I will continue to read over the years!
Unlike in the first book, where the focus is on a heroine that is given a second chance and time travels backwards, this book, features a hero that Fate rescues and offers him a similar second chance opportunity. Ian McKay, a former Staff Sergeant, is significantly depressed, suffering from PTSD, and emotionally circling the drain. After a terrible incident in Afghanistan that killed all his men (he was the sole survivor) – which he also feels completely guilty for; Ian is heartbroken, tormented, distraught, and full of regrets. One day, while driving he dies, while swerving and flipping his truck over to help save and avoid hitting a young Amish girl on the road. Fate then comes to intervene and offers Ian an opportunity to go back to Afghanistan and save his men if Ian will do a “small” favor first, which Ian jumps at the chance. Ian is then transported to Scotland in 1643 into the body of his late ancestor and is to be wed to a bride, Aila, he has never met. A new place, a new time, a new bride – this is not exactly what Ian had in mind when he made the agreement with Fate.
I really liked the main characters, Ian, Aila, her brother Fergus, and of course, the ever so entertaining Fate. I loved Ian and Aila together! I enjoyed their chemistry and passion that leaped off the pages! I loved how they pushed each other’s buttons and at times drove each other crazy lol!
I liked how Aila helped Ian work through his emotional baggage, PTSD trauma, and helped him over-come personal obstacles – while also helping him adjust to his new life in 1643. I liked how Ian gave Aila the freedom and independence she wanted. I really liked how they completed each other.
I think the author did a fantastic job on her character development as these characters were so real and personal on many levels.
I loved the scenes where Ian was trying to explain modern-day advancements to Aila. I’ve never thought about trying to explain electricity or cell-phones or airplanes to someone who never grew up with those things. I guess, I too, I would be skeptical about hearing about the government sending someone called an astronaut to walk on the moon lol!!!
I also found it interesting to reflect back on the differences and similarities between these two time periods. Ian went back about 400 years which seems like it was forever ago – and yes, at many intervals it was. However, how much really did change…?! There is still war, incurable illness, famine, gender inequality, greed, hate, and pain. It was intriguing to see after 400 years how our world is still battling and dealing with some of the exact same issues, even with all of our modern-day accomplishments.
The author’s writing is strong and eloquently detailed. She really provided so much detail in her writing that is was easy to picture! There were a few times I found myself totally caught up in the story!
This is one book that I can truly say I really enjoyed the ending. No spoiler alerts here!!! But I definitely needed a couple tissues. And was glad that this book ended with a messy-free, bow-tied HEA!
I really liked the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book. It was clear she was very familiar and well-versed on the culture, customs, and traditions of Scotland. I honestly did not know much about life over there. However, the author provided so much detail and such vivid descriptions it made the scenes easy to picture.
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
This book is book two of the Real Men Wear Kilts Book Series. I have read the first book before reading this book, and I would strongly state that there is not any requirement for having to reading it first. This book can absolutely be read as a standalone. Although, I have thoroughly enjoyed both books so I would suggest checking them both out – in any order!
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend not only this book, but this author as well! I was truly impressed with the quality of writing, intriguing storyline, and excellent character development! I will definitely be continuing to follow this author and check out her upcoming books! I think all time-travel romance readers will like this book too! So, be sure to add it to your TBR List and get to reading – you won’t be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
For me, this was a bit of a roller coaster. My heart ached for all that Ian had gone through and how he strived to do his best to earn a second chance to changes things. He was very gallant, charming, and sweet at times. Aila was wonderful in all that she put up with around her, although it fed her insecurities and doubts. By the end of the story, I had laughed with Aila and Ian, worried with them, and cried for them by the end. Gritty beginning, time travel for a chance to change things, and tearful ending. I highly recommend this story.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.