Beyond the Highland Mist (Highlander, Book 1) [Mass Market Paperback]

Karen Marie Moning (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 9, 1999

He would sell his warrior soul to possess her. . . .

An alluring laird...

He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart—until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length—but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.

A prisoner in time...

She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side. . . .

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Moning offers the promise of a terrific plotline in her debut romance: a troubled young woman, Adrienne is transported from the 20th century to 16th-century Scotland by an evil jester to take revenge on a Scottish laird. The author has the right characters: there's the heroine who doesn't trust beautiful men and a handsome hero cursed to love a woman who will not return his love. Add gypsies and Scottish mysticism, against the backdrop of the stark beauty of the Highlands, and you've got an intriguing story. The lovers endure quite a bit of torment in order to find happiness, a downer that even Moning's doses of humor can't always leaven. Unfortunately, Moning doesn't fully deliver: she too often relies on transparent plot devices, and while her falconry imagery is both poignant and sensual, it will remind readers of Elizabeth Lowell's Untamed.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap

He would sell his warrior soul to possess her....

An alluring laird...

He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir.No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart--until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland.Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue.Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length--but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.

A prisoner in time...

She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her.Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love.Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side. . . .

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Dell; Reissue edition (March 9, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440234808
• ISBN-13: 978-0440234807
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.1 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (297 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,697 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Karen Marie Moning is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of thirteen novels, including the urban fantasy Fever Series and the Rita-award winning Highlander series. Her novels have been translated into twenty-four languages. She's currently working on a spin-off series set in the Fever world and a graphic novel featuring MacKayla Lane. Visit her at www.karenmoning.com

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#34 in Books > Romance > Fantasy & Futuristic

#47 in Books > Romance > Historical

#66 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy

#87 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Romance > Historical Romance

#34 in Books > Romance > Fantasy & Futuristic

#47 in Books > Romance > Historical

#66 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy

#87 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Romance > Historical Romance

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

99 of 104 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a book for lovers of romance! June 12, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Karen Moning with Beyond the Highland Mist brings a romance novel back to Romance. I loved this book. The kind of novel romance readers thrive on. A book to curl up with and takes you away from the everyday. The characters were well developed, the struggle between the hero and heroine compelling and the added touch of fantasy makes Beyond the Highland Mist a story you can dream on. I found BTHM witty, funny and touching. Hawk is an example of the true alpha-male, so handsome, strong and masculine in every way, but with a past that makes him vulnerable. Adrienne is not only beautiful but strong and independent. Badly hurt in the present she finds it hard to trust in the past. The catalyst for conflict is an amazing character called Adam Black, beautiful but sinister. This book has it all. Fantasy, fun and drama. Karen Moning has created with words a mind painting of romance of old. This is her first book and I for one am eagerly looking forward to her next book. I read approximately 300 romances a year and this one is a keeper.

133 of 145 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Good But Slightly Disappointed January 27, 2000

By Tina

Format:Mass Market Paperback

The book was well-written and started out with great sexual tension and humor. The major problem I had with this book is the same one I've had with quite a few books I've read lately: they start great, end great, but the entire huge middle portion is filled with exasperation and poor attempts at trying to stretch out the inevitable sex scene with too many scenes where the heroine begins to "think clearly" at the last minute.

The heroine also takes her weariness of trusting a man too far, to the point where she was hurtful and insulting to the hero, who treats her wonderfully throughout the whole read. There were a couple scenes where she even deliberately called the hero by another man's name in the heat of passion in an effort to push him away. The first time, I was like, okay this might make for great tension. By the second and third time, I disliked the heroine immensely. She seemed too selfish and heartless for me to relate to.

The book was well-written, I give the author that much. And if you enjoy books where there is constant mistrust and outward conflict between the hero and heroine, you will like this one too. My tastes run along different lines, which is why I can't give it more than a 3.

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW! March 20, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Aoibheal, Queen of the Fae, told her court about "the Hawk". She told of how he could win any woman's heart and soul. She even made some believe Hawk had stolen her favor, as well. The King of the Fae, as well as "the Fool" Adam, decided upon revenge. Adam traveled through time until 1997. It was there he found a perfect woman who hated beautiful men, for very good reason.

Adrienne de Simone was whisked through time to the sixteenth century and forced to wed a man known as Hawk. She wanted nothing to do with such a good looking man. Beautiful men mean trouble and pain. Hawk could not believe she would have nothing to do with him. Worse yet, a smithy suddenly appeared in town, named Adam Black and was determined to woo her away from him! Adrienne, wanting nothing to do with either of them, was made into a pawn of which only Aoibheal, who ruled over all, could save.

***WOW! I loved this book. It is definately "a keeper"! Here is one that will never see the inside of a used book store. Powerful, romantic, and leaves you believing in Fairies.***

33 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars First Book Written? WOW! July 29, 2000

By Slue

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I bought this book for my mother-in-law who loves time-travels. On her recommendation I bought second copy for myself and began to read. I could not put this book down. I found myself emotional. Never have I been so engrossed in a book like this to the end. Hawk was the Adonis of 1513. Adrienne, an orphan who did not trust beautiful men. Brought together by fairies who want to see Hawk refused by a woman, Adam must make sure that Adrienne refuses Hawk at all costs. Not only does he want the Hawk to fail but he wants Adrienne. The details in this book will make you feel as if this were unfolding right before your eyes. I cannot believe this is her first book! I will definetly follow Monings writing career.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Slow To Start...But A Good Ending!!! November 27, 2003

By Kristi Ahlers

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I must admit that this has not been one of my favorites by this author. I think she has finally come into her own since penning this novel. I think it's unfair though to compare her to other authors based on the fact that they share the same genre, and location.

My biggest problem with this book was Adrienne. I realize that she was abused and hurt but hello...to base your judgement on a person based on what they look like is shallow and in my opinion a waste of time in a romance book. There were many different times I just wanted to shake her and say alright already!!! The fact that it took her more then half the book to see beyond Hawk's looks to see the good in the man was upsetting.

Hawk on the other hand may have had the looks but he was hurting on the inside and found himself tied up with a shrew...still he saw past the facade to the goodness that was buried deep in Adrienne. Just like a hero should.

This book was very slow to start but did pick up and Ms. Monings trademark humor and style began to shine out in the end. For the most part this book had all the good things it needed to be a winner, time travel, yummy men in kilts, fairies, and intrigue...it was just not put together all that well. If you are knew to Ms. Moning this is a good example of her earlier work and worth taking time to read...just be aware that she does have better books out there!