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Called by a Highlander #4

Highlander's Love

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She’s on the run. He’s digging in. When their destinies collide in medieval Scotland, will they forge a love for the ages?

Afghanistan, 2020. US Army officer Amber Ryan never imagined her honor would come under fire. Framed for murdering her ex-boyfriend, she flees to Scotland and hides out in the ruins of Inverlochy Castle. But when a Highland faerie transports her back in time, she’s catapulted into a fierce skirmish fighting alongside a handsome warrior.

The Scottish Highlands, 1308. Rebellious rake Owen Cambel refuses to serve the clan on any terms but his own. Shocked when he witnesses a gorgeous dark-skinned woman valiantly battling men in the castle, he risks life and limb to save her, only to lead them both into English captivity. And as they plot their escape, he loses his heart to the exotic beauty.

Though Amber is careful not to give too much away, she can’t help falling for the rugged Scot. But if Owen tries to protect the lovely lass, one misstep could doom the future of his clan and change the course of history.

Can the unlikely couple conquer their foes and secure a happily-ever-after?


Highlander’s Love is the fourth book in the enthralling Called by a Highlander time travel romance series. If you like sweeping historical novels, interracial passion, and courageous heroes, then you’ll adore Mariah Stone’s steamy tale.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2020

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About the author

Mariah Stone

47 books619 followers
When time travel romance writer Mariah Stone isn't busy writing strong modern women falling back through time into the arms of hot Vikings, Highlanders, and pirates, she chases after her toddler and spends romantic nights on North Sea with her husband. Mariah speaks six languages, loves Outlander, sushi and Thai food, and runs a local writer's group. Subscribe to Mariah's newsletter for a free time travel book today!

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5 stars
791 (53%)
4 stars
443 (30%)
3 stars
185 (12%)
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37 (2%)
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11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
Profile Image for Korrie’s Korner.
1,268 reviews13.4k followers
November 24, 2023
4.5 ✨

If you know me then you know that HR is my fave sub genre and when you throw in time travel and a Black heroine—I am in!! This story had everything! Amber was a goner as soon as she was catapulted by a Highland faerie from Afghanistan 2020 into the Scottish Highlands in 1308. Let’s just say things got very real. Owen was love stoned the moment he saw her fighting off men and immediately dives in to save her. This book was thrilling, heart wrenching, steamy and funny at times too. One thing that’s certain after finishing is that I need to devour this series from the beginning.
Profile Image for El Olimpo Entre Libros.
576 reviews52 followers
September 4, 2022
¡Manos a la obra, chicas! Porque de la mano de Mariah Stone volvemos a las antiguas Highlands.

Ya tenía tiempo queriendo una historia sobre este hermano Cambel (espero que ustedes también) 😍. Creo que la historia de Owen fue todo lo que debía de ser.

En los libros anteriores nos decían que era un chico al que no le podías dar una responsabilidad, que solo pensaba en andar detrás de las mujeres etc. y yo, como lectora, tenía bastante curiosidad en saber el porqué de esa mala fama.

Sabía que había una historia sobre ello y la autora no nos decepciona, me dolió el corazón cuando lo leí, era también joven y sí, un poco distraído por ser el menor de todos los chicos Cambel.

Ahora vamos con Amber, la chica que viaja por el tiempo gracias a la antigua magia picta. ¿Qué pasa cuando una chica no tiene a nadie a quien aferrarse en el siglo XXI?, ¿qué sucede cuando todos le han dado la espalda, cuando ha sido incriminada y todo parece estar en su contra?

Quedarse en las highlands no parece ser un mal plan, y cuando finalmente se conocen es un ¡Boom! Son almas similares que se reconocen ya que a pesar de prevenir de diferentes tiempos han vivido historias similares con sus familias.

Y por eso mismo es que a Owen se le hace difícil reconocer sus sentimientos hacia Amber 🤧.

Es lindo leer cómo, poco a poco, van acercándose, o esos besos que se roban y la manera en la que Owen pretende hacerse el duro resistiéndose a ella. Porque en el clímax de la historia tenemos una batalla entre ingleses y escoceses 😯. Y ellos dos están por ahí.

Es un libro de lectura rápida, no te aburres en ningún momento por las ganas de querer saber más.

¿Aún siguen en busca de su sexy highlander? Este libro es para ustedes
Profile Image for Kira.
1,031 reviews33 followers
November 13, 2022
THIS WAS SO FREAKING GOOD!!!

I realised that I am loving the time travel historical romance theme and am sure to read more of these as and when I get the chance.

Amber and Owen shared a super hot chemistry and the whole forced proximity trope suited them really well. I also liked Owen's hot medieval accent and the way he supported Amber right from the start. He was such a sweet mc and I started liking him right since I read the first scene.

Amber on the other hand came across as someone really strong and clear headed. As such, both of them complemented each other perfectly which made the story all the more pleasing.
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,228 reviews32 followers
November 3, 2020
I was so excited to learn that Owen would have his own story in this series and wow, what a story it is!! He has something to prove to himself and his family and the last thing he needs is distractions. Too many times he's let down his clan by being distracted by a lass but this time, now that he has information that will aid Robert the Bruce, he's determined to succeed. He certainly doesn't expect to have Amber suddenly appear in his life!!

Amber is from 2020 and is on the run for her life, being wrongfully accused of murder. While hiding in some castle ruins, she comes upon a strange woman who tells her she can escape through a time tunnel. Before she can think twice about it, she finds herself in medieval Scotland and the first person she meets is Owen.

Together they embark on a journey that will test their strength in mind and in body. While passions run hot, Owen does everything to resist Amber....no distractions!!! Amber also has something to prove and her conscience won't rest until she's proven her innocence. This is such a well written story and is filled with so much adventure, you'll be glued to the pages from start to end!

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
8 reviews
October 26, 2020
This story starts in the year of 1295 in Scotland ,Owen Cambel was given a bag of money to deliver to the acting King staying at his family castle,Innes Chonnel castle. On the way He was tricked by a young girl who was beening attacked by a man, he saved the girl but she drugged Owen and stole the good money.After he told his family members what happened they thought he was not able to have responsibility in the clan. In present time 2020 Amber Ryan is beening hunted by the Army and the police,she is beening framed by a Major Jackson. While in Scotland staying with her aunt the police arrive and Amber runs,on the run she meets Sineag ,she is a fairy who sends Amber back in time to 1308, to the castle and Owen finds her while the castle is beening attacked. They are captured by DeBourgh an English commander,and taken th a castle three days away.This is the fourth book in the series,and each one just gets better and better. There is drama, love, suspense, it will keep you turning the pages,I loved Owen how he had to prove to his family members He was not a person who only thought of women and having a good time.Amber has issues herself and can't trust men who try to control her.I received this ebook as a ARC for honest review,and I totally loved Owen and Ambers story,all that happen to them held by the English in prison. Gave this ebook 5 stars couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Kat Tolle.
636 reviews12 followers
November 12, 2020
FAB-U-LOUS!!! Highlander's Love by Mariah Stone is book 4 in the Called by a Highlander series and I think this is my favorite book in this series. I loved how Mariah brought the 20th century into Medieval Scotland. This time travel story is truly a great read and very original though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. Mariah story is an easy read and the characters are just wonderful… I just loved Amber and Owen. Mariah is a very talented writer and I so enjoy reading her books. I can’t wait for book 5. This story has a military women, a youngest brother who is alway distracted by women, a father who does not have faith in his son, a battle, rescue, being setup, not wanting to be distracted, staying focus, imprisonment, tortured, over hearing a plan of attack, on the run and hiding, being chased by the police, defying one’s father and love at first sight. Yes it has it all and I can tell you this, this book has a lot of action in it. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this book.

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
5 reviews
October 25, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the fourth book in Mariah Stone's Called by a Highlander series, Highlander's Love.

Growing up with three brothers, Amber Ryan never stood up for herself to her soldier father and even took the blame for what her brothers did. Amber is now a soldier on the run from the police for murder that she didn't commit. She travels through time to avoid being arrested.

Owen Cambel has always been a prankster to get his father's attention. Now Owen wants to be taken seriously. When he sees Amber fighting an English attacker without a sword or shield, he is instantly attracted to her. Owen tries to ignore the attraction and focus on convincing his family that he can be depended on to lead Robert the Bruce on a surprise ambush. Amber refuses to fight when the king orders her to join his army. Owen stands with her against the king. Something nobody has ever done before now.

Owen wants her to stay but thinks she will be a distraction from his plans and new responsibilities. After finding the courage to stand up for herself, Amber wants to go back and face her accuser. Read Highlander's Love to see if Amber and Owen can overcome their past to trust in love and each other.

654 reviews
October 27, 2020
Amber Ryan is accused of a murder that she did not commit. She runs and hides in Scotland. When the police give chase, she runs to the old castle ruins near to her Aunt’s house, there she meets an old lady who shows her where to hide. Why they hide she tells her a story about a time travel rock and Owen Cambel who lives in Medieval Scotland and how he needs her if she is willing to go there. So, it’s either travel in time or go to prison which may result in the death penalty: easy, go back in time!
Owen Cambel has always been ignored by his family, even as a child he would pull pranks just to get attention from his father. He feels that the only way to get the respect of his family is to ignore the woman he sees whilst defending the castle against the attacking English, but he can’t do it. He rescues her and while trying to get her to safety, they manage to get captured by the English troops.
I thoroughly enjoyed Owen and Amber’s story; they were fantastic characters who had their own demons they needed to slay.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.
Profile Image for Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat.
1,230 reviews13 followers
October 28, 2020

If you have read 1 book by this writer you are addicted to her stories. Her book series "Called by a Highlander" simply has it all. History, magic, love. But the love that every character finds doesn't come just like that. Somewhere there has been a tragedy for the main characters and somewhere there is someone who makes them whole.
In this story about Amber and Owen, they both find out how to leave their fears behind and stand for who they are.
Together they survive dangers, escape from the hands of the Sassanachs and prevent an attack on King Bruce. Then Amber returns to 2020 to defend herself against a murder charge. Can she return to Owen or will it cost her her freedom?

I have received a reading copy of this book from the author and I am giving my review voluntarily and without any conditions
436 reviews6 followers
October 22, 2020
I’ve always (for some reason) always found Owen sweet from the time he was first introduced in the series. I knew he was pure Scottish Highland Medieval man through and through but there was just something about how he was portrayed that told me that underneath all that warrior persona was a sweet and 100% loyal man. I loved that he finally got the chance to share his story in this book. Amber (at first) reminded me of Amy with the female warrior personality but then, I actually fell in love with how unique Amber is! She’s definitely someone special and perfect for Owen. Her courage is top notch and she’s no coward. I loved the fact that she chose to stop running away. She did great on that regard, not to mention make things right before she left that part of her life forever. This was just another strong, wonderful chapter to this series!
Profile Image for Rosie Trzewik.
713 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2020
Love that we finally got to hear Owen story and wonderful to read about all the insecurities Owen had as the youngest. He finally has grown up and wants to prove his worth to his father and the clan.
Amber is from 2020, a soldier in Afghanistan that had been setup by a crooked officer and is on the run. She escapes to her aunt in Scotland, but the police is on her trail and almost catches Amber! If it isn’t for a little fairy magic that sends her into the past, she would have been caught. Wondering if maybe the police was a better choice than now being in the middle of a medieval battle, Amber must defend herself.
Owen see the beauty fighting with moves he never saw, but the strange dress reminds him of Craig and Ian wife’s.
Read as both work their way through the insecurities and learn how to trust and love. Fast read, great continuation of this series.

 I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.
Profile Image for Maria Sena.
615 reviews14 followers
April 17, 2024
4
Quizás el que más me ha gustado además el de craig y Amy , el primer libro, en el primero que es otro de los que más me ha gustado también lo tenía todo excepto en ese punto de pasión que me había faltado, en cambio en este de Owen no me ha faltado nada de pasión entre ellos, las escenas románticas me han parecido intensas y completas, dos personajes me han encantado. a él ya lo conocíamos del primer libro y me había llamado la atención tenía ganas de saber de él y su historia, y una vez habiendo indagado más en sus temores y anhelos más me ha gustado el personaje y ella me ha encantado con su fuerza y valentía.
De momento de la serie este es el mejor
1,315 reviews6 followers
October 22, 2020
Does love make you weak?

Right from the start, the author has you feeling sorry for Amber’s situation: set up for a murder she didn’t commit and no help from her brothers. As for Owen, he thinks himself a loser. Both have serious trust issues and it’s easy to see that until it’s resolved, the interest they have for each other, will go nowhere. There is so much heartache in this book for both Amber and Owen and until they each stand up for themselves, it can’t change. But eventually it’s Amber’s courage that will have you stand up and cheering.
Profile Image for Marcy G.
349 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2020
Highlanders Love is a continuation of this Series of time travel. Each one different, Each with a different message, but the characters all are part of same the Clans and Family. Making this invested in the story at the start. Owen Cambel and Amber Ryan both had a lot in common. Even being Centuries apart they were both trying to prove themselves to other people and have the confidence in themselves to do so.They were able to bring the best out of each other. There Journey was adventurous and life threatening. Also compassionate and emotional. Time Travel gives you that feeling that you can just escape and start over or find the love you never had. It makes you dream and forget maybe and puts a smile on your face.
Enjoyable Read
408 reviews
October 28, 2020
This story is about Owen and Amber. Owen is the youngest boy of the cambell chan and Amber is from 2020 she is a soldier. Amber was being chase in her time from the police. She was being accused of murder of her ex boyfriend. She meets up with a fairy and fell thru time. She meets up then with Owen. Owen was defending Inverlochy Castle from the English. This is a sweet story you will enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
166 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2020
I'm used to reading time travel books and in that sense, this book has all the bells and whistles. Amber is an interesting character and I got invested early in the book about her journey. I rooted for her and was glad to see how the book ended. It was a fast paced read which was good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,743 reviews70 followers
October 26, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,677 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2023
Terrific Story!!!

I absolutely loved Amber and Owen’s strong characters. I just loved reading this book. The characters and storyline were wonderful. I never like giving the story away so I’m off to start the next one in the series. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊
Profile Image for Pauline.
609 reviews
October 23, 2020
Great to read about Owen’s life now.He sounded a great guy from when first read this series.And it revolved into a great chapter in this series.And adding Amber into the mix.Was as great as the first books in this series.All the thrilling Scottish and English dramas that go with war,from these times.What a change for a girl from another century.Fantastic reading from Mariah Stone.All her books are a great read.
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,515 reviews141 followers
November 15, 2020
Highlander's Love: A Scottish Historical Time Travel Romance
Called by a Highlander Series #4
Mariah Stone
https://www.facebook.com/mariahstonea...
Release date 11/18/2020
Publisher Stone Publishing

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

She’s on the run. He’s digging in. When their destinies collide in medieval Scotland, will they forge a love for the ages?


Afghanistan, 2020. US Army officer Amber Ryan never imagined her honor would come under fire. Framed for murdering her ex-boyfriend, she flees to Scotland and hides out in the ruins of Inverlochy Castle. But when a Highland faerie transports her back in time, she’s catapulted into a fierce skirmish fighting alongside a handsome warrior.


The Scottish Highlands, 1308. Rebellious rake Owen Cambel refuses to serve the clan on any terms but his own. Shocked when he witnesses a gorgeous dark-skinned woman valiantly battling men in the castle, he risks life and limb to save her, only to lead them both into English captivity. And as they plot their escape, he loses his heart to the exotic beauty.


Though Amber is careful not to give too much away, she can’t help falling for the rugged Scot. But if Owen tries to protect the lovely lass, one misstep could doom the future of his clan and change the course of history.
Can the unlikely couple conquer their foes and secure a happily-ever-after?


Highlander’s Love is the fourth book in the enthralling Called by a Highlander time travel romance series. If you like sweeping historical novels, interracial passion, and courageous heroes, then you’ll adore Mariah Stone’s steamy tale.

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will the scars on their soul impede their future happiness ...

I was curious about Owen as he was the one behind one of the most dramatic event in the first book. I did not know what to think about him, spoiled, lost, irresponsible or lacking luck....
And in fact he is a bit of everything.
The child in him wanted to attract his father’s attention, but his awkward ways mostly attracted his scorn and ire. Which led him to a path of errors after mistakes, while he is a good man in the inside, when he weights his decisions, so unsure about what to do, he most often decides for the wrong ones.
Why he is so determined to prove himself that for once he is the man his family can rely on.
But to do so, he can’t let anyone in, even Amber, as she is the embodiment of all his wrong choices. He is persuaded that if he get closer, he will once more mess everything up.
I was sorry for the petulant child he once had been, he only wanted love from the man he admired. But his exuberance led him to bad choices until he gave up, leaving behind a piece of himself.

Amber found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. And scared, she chose to run away, fearing she would never able to prove her innocence.
Until she landed in the middle of a medieval battle, she thought she has made the right decision.
Yet for all his flaws and mistakes, Owen still tries to help, to show he is reliable. But the more time passes, the more people remember his past deeds, thus his difficulties to demonstrate he is in the right.
And while he pushes her away, he also stands by her side when she needs it.

They both will have to face their inner demons to bring the strength to fight for what they hold dear in their heart, to determine what ou whom makes their soul thrill.
It is a long way to go before being able to rest, up to them to do it alone or together.
4.5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,480 reviews33 followers
November 14, 2020
This is my first time traveler romance and I liked it.

In the present, Amber is on the run from the police, falsely accused of a crime she didn't commit and flees into the darkness where she's guided to follow a path to freedom by a mysterious lady who tells her she's about her destiny. The road she takes catapults her 700 years into the past where she immediately meets Owen who's fighting for his life on the battlefield. He's surprised and intrigued to see a woman fight with moves he's never seen before. They are forced to run for their lives where they are soon captured and taken to be held prisoners. Their captivity brings them closer and they fight the good fight against giving into their feelings. Daily, they are starved and soon tortured for information and I was really appalled with the type of punishment she received, there had to be another option.

An unexpected ally is on their side and gives them an opportunity to escape. Owen has information that is vital to the King and Scotland, but his past as a screw-up prevents his father and brothers from taking him seriously. Owen has to decide to stand against his family or to risk it all, for King and Country. Amber has her own dilemma, should she stay in the past with Owen or go back to the present and clear her name.

The battles of both their lives and their reputations are at stake, and failure is NOT an option. Recommended: Read It!
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book104 followers
December 13, 2020
Too Violent

Over the past two years, I have read several books by this author in two different series, if I remember correctly. I have enjoyed most immensely. She writes time-travel romance books, a genre I like. This author has sometimes had a touch of whimsy in her books, which I found great fun. Unfortunately, this particular installment of her current series was a disappointment for me. It is the first of her books I could not finish... because I just could not stomach it. I felt for the heroine right away as she went on the run in the present time, attempting to escape those who would capture her for a crime she didn't commit. But things don't get much better for her in medieval Scotland. I didn't like the way the hero treated her in the part that I read. I read books for escape, and I don't want to read about women being subjected to such violence.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Profile Image for The Written.
451 reviews4 followers
January 7, 2022
Racist
This book is written by a white author who writes a biracial heroine who is the only heroine in the Called by a Highlander series that is publicly humiliated and allowed to be injured. There are racist themes related to her being indirectly associated to crime and drugs. The racism, biases and micro aggressions by this author are unconscionable, disgusting and wrong. She needs to remove this book from the series or work with a biracial or black author so they can point out to her these themes and counsel her on how demoralizing, insulting, hurtful and dangerous her words are. Mariah Stone
1,962 reviews12 followers
November 11, 2021
This story was all about finding inner strength to do the right thing despite perceived family lack of support in the past. Amber and Owen meet per chance as she falls through time while escaping the police. Although the details of their lives are different, both are haunted by similar things in their past. I loved the pairs’ interactions and the re-emergence of characters from the previous novels. It was very satisfying watching Amber and Owen work together to conquer their self doubt and find their HEA.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Profile Image for Zsa Zsa.
1,068 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2021
Found elements of this book problematic. I believe the author hoped to perhaps exploit the need for diversity in a way that was misguided, callous, indifferent, or purposely choosing to embrace negative and pejorative narratives. I have read several books from this author, but this one was a disappointment.
3 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2022
Excepcional narración una vez más Mariah, es empezar el libro y no parar de leer. Para mí gusto lo mejor del libro la intensidad de sentimientos con una excelente ambientación histórica.
Profile Image for Su.
122 reviews9 followers
November 18, 2020
They are both broken and defeated by life’s misfortunes (and treachery) but together can they find the strength to succeed and maybe even find... happiness?

I received a free ARC (advanced review copy) of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest review.

I volunteered for this as I’m a sucker for highland romance and the premise was too good to miss out on - a 21st century soldier fleeing a trumped-up murder charge gets entangled with a perennial failure 14th century Scot as he fights to overthrow the English occupation in a mixed romance and together they work against the dastardly invaders, and find unlikely love complete with temporal gender/cultural clashes. So much to unpack there, m. Stone has their work cut out, so I was excited to see how it would go.

With a lot of works in this subgenre, it can be very generic or formulaic or start to stretch incredulity with sequels, but they sidestep this with a faerie trick that neatly underpins and explains how and why the series works - it’s magic! Okay, it’s something of a gimme but it works for me for suspension of disbelief.

Although this is standard romance (with a time travel bent) I really enjoyed the byplay and interaction between the leads, and I really wanted to know how a black modern woman would go in ancient Scotland and how the cultural, racial and traditional limitations might be overcome. Although this is a rich field in itself and more could be done m. Stone does a great job of navigating all these while keeping the romance ticking along. It was hilarious to see this big tough Scot getting outmaneuvered, outclassed and simply outfought by Amber. Nor is she portrayed as some unbelievably cheesy warrior goddess either, she has her own faults playing off his, her own dashed hopes and dreams just as he does, but with strong willpower and drive to succeed he can’t help but admire and desire, along with her standout physical virtues. The climactic battle scene is engrossing and honest, exactly how I expected it to play out and quite satisfying in wrapping up the threads.

The romance is well played, neither too fast nor too slow, and simmers along nicely through the work, it was a pleasure to watch them play off each other and the events leading them to the conclusion. The only downside was how duuuumb Own acted for most of the book, assuming things, not communicating and trying to sacrifice himself over and over (which leads to the main tension point) oh well I guess that was how it was done in ye olde days. Amber doesn’t take too long to knock that silliness out of him, but it goes on for quite some time. :)

The only thing I could have wished for was a little more rigor with how the time travel worked and potential drama/twists with events in the past affecting those in the future, or exploring some paradox concerns. As written there’s two timelines that have nothing to do with each other - they might as well be completely different worlds (which they may be). No big deal and I understand the focus isn’t on that nor was there time to explore it too much but it would have made a really interesting subplot to have the timelines affect each other.
Profile Image for Emma.
2,863 reviews35 followers
December 6, 2020
+5 points for the storyline. It was exciting, suspenseful, mysterious, dangerous, dire and frightening. Year 2020: Army soldier Amber a fugitive on the run for a crime she did not commit. She ends up in Scotland hiding out with her Aunt. When the police were alerted to her location, she fled to the ruins of Inverlochy Castle. Here she meets faerie Sineag who helps her hide.in the deep tunnel of the ruins. Sineag just told Amber about Pictish Magic that controls the stone that opens the tunnel to travel through time. Right then the police find her. Amber had no choice but try to escape using the stone. She ends up in 1308 Scotland at a fully functioning Inverlochy Castle in the middle of a battle. In order to protect herself she uses her martial art moves. Warrior Owen Cambel sees her and is astonished at her moves. Because she is a female he ushers her to the lower level of the castle for safety and to escape. When the reach the end of the escape route they are captured by the English. The story covers Amber and Owne getting to know each other. It covers the torture they endured and about the saintly old man who assists them heal and escape.
- 1 point for what I feel is the underdevelopment of the main characters. Amber as a hardened Army soldier who had been in combat in Afghanistan is given the spotlight for about two seconds in regard to what she was capable of helping the struggling people of Scotland. She wanted to earn her keep. She could have taught her combat skills and martial art skills to the warriors at the castle. But that did not happen. She also gave military strategic advice to Robert the Bruce in order to foil an ambush by their mortal enemies. But like I said the author spent about two seconds on each of her two skills when she was much more than that. I would have liked to see her take a more active part in offering her skills to the Laird of the Castle. The other point I had was she was described as looking like an African-American. But I was not sure if she was bi-racial or not. Her Aunt was described as having pasty skin. Which to my mind is white? It was not clear to me what race she was.
In regard to Owen's character, the story characterized him as an f-up and letting any pretty lass make him lose his focus. His father and brothers thought him immature and irresponsible. Owen recognized his faults and was trying to redeem himself in his father's eyes. His chance came and he took it against the advice of his stern father. It was not until the end that he received his father’s admiration for a job well done. Why did his family not see he was really trying? The other issue I had was that there was very little romance between Amber and Owen. I did not expect Owen to be a Romeo but I felt a little more attention to the blooming relationship could have been added. There was physical attraction, temptation, flirting but little romance. As I said the overall story is excellent, I felt that Amber and Owen needed to be more developed. Other than that it is a good read.

KINDLE UNLIMITED BOOK
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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