Customer Reviews

A Highlander of Her Own (Daughters of the Glen, Book 4)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In present day Prairieland, Texas, Ellie Denton's life has become more than complicated. Ray Stanton, her mother's ex-husband, is back in town trying to steal the family ranch out from under her. Ellie's gift with animals takes on an unusual twist when the animals start talking back to her. If that alone wasn't enough to upend her world, a simple wish for true love and an escape turns all too real when faerie magic transports her back to 14th century Scotland. Caden MacAlister has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Responsible for his family as well as the welfare of the land, Caden does not need a woman complicating his life, especially not one sent by the Fae! He has already experienced the kind of complications this kind of magic brings. Convinced she must be sent for one of his brothers, he now must protect her while trying to rescue a brother held for ransom. Ellie Denton, however, might just be exactly the kind of complication he needs if only he can learn to trust her and open his heart.

A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN is a lot of light-hearted fun. A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN has a contemporary tone set by the delightful modern personality of the heroine now faced with a strange medieval setting. Told mostly through the heroine's point of view, A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN is a wonderful mix of humor, fantasy and emotion. In addition, Melissa Mayhue creates a rich depth of character in her portrayal of Caden, allowing the reader to see the inner conflicts of the medieval hero though his point of view. She peers into his heart. Melissa Mayhue does an excellent job of bridging the two different time periods, not only in the description of the time travel itself but also in the hero and heroine's interactions and in showing those things that men and women of all ages have in common. The Texas backdrop and some comments the heroine makes about cowboys as she is faced with a different world (the medieval one) before her are priceless. Medieval enthusiasts in particular will appreciate Melissa Mayhue's portrayal of the hero and the contrast between the hero and heroine. Although Melissa Mayhue brings together a modern woman and a medieval hero, she does not use one as a foil for the other but rather treats each with a vision that sees into the character of both. In many ways, the medieval world view allows Ellie a certain freedom and opportunity to grow as an individual through love and also within herself as an individual. Ellie's ability to talk to dogs and animals adds humor while also creating a soft spot for her sense of compassion and boldness. Melissa Mayhue never uses the heroine's unusual connection to animals or the faerie magic as a mere plot devise or shortcut to make things just happen or make the hero and heroine do things without developing as characters. Instead, she fully integrates both aspects within the very fabric of her tale.

As Ellie and Caden are drawn together through a dangerous suspenseful subplot, the light tone of the romance changes in one brutal scene towards the end. In view of this, readers only wanting only light moments in a romance should be forewarned. Nevertheless, this moment is where Melissa Mayhue truly shows her skill. Here, everything so carefully built up beforehand comes together emotionally and in terms of plot and characterization. In my opinion, removing this scene would be detrimental to the depth of the romance. The ending is superb! The resolution adds several new twists. When faerie magic, love and determination combine, all things are possible!

Although fourth in the Daughters of the Glen series, A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN works as a stand-alone romance. Melissa Mayhue gives just enough inkling to let the reader know the history behind the other romances in the series, but not so much that this book gets bogged down with past books. A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN leaves new readers feeling satisfied rather than as an outsider trying to catch up with a series. Nevertheless, I certainly have a keen interest in discovering more about the hero's past after having met him in this book. Here in the fourth book, Melissa Mayhue handles the series aspect exquisitely with a fine balance between revitalizing the series itself with a new tale for lovers of series while also creating a romance that feels complete in and of itself for new readers --- but with just enough intrigue to make the past of the fictional world intrigue.

Melissa Mayhue's A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN is a wonderful medieval time travel romance! A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN is a romance that will appeal to a wide range of readers with its historical setting, contemporary heroine and magical atmosphere. Medieval enthusiasts will find a special delight in Melissa Mayhue's medieval world. For medieval lovers, the humor is even richer as Melissa Mayhue captures so perfectly the complications and delights of both the modern woman and the fascination with the medieval world.

COURTESY OF BOOK ILLUMINATIONS

Ellie Denton's luck is gone. Nearing the end of her rope, she leaves the home she once knew and the fact that it isn't her choice to do so hurts her heart. Her mother's evil and disgusting ex-husband has seemingly stolen Ellie's home right out from under her. She also has to contend with a new birthmark that has suddenly shown up on her body and the added fact that she can understand animals. Ellie has no idea what turn her life is going to take or why. Finding herself in medieval Scotland might be her first clue that all is not what it seems - seeing Caden MacAlister might be her second. The actuality that she is part Fae is the third. Ellie's life will never be the same whether in historical Scotland or in modern day Texas but if she had a highlander of her very own, things just might be magical.

More than once I was pulled in and totally focused on Ellie's predicament especially since unknown forces are conspiring against this likeable female character. Fully not expecting to have a wish granted, Ellie finds herself in the past after making an innocent wish while alone and sad. Part Faerie, Ellie has to contend with Caden MacAlister, a man who adamantly refuses to believe what is right in front of his face. He refuses to even consider the fact that Ellie just might be his one true love. He is handsome, virile, and loyal to the bone. His loyalty to wanting his brothers' happiness above his own is what drew me to this enigmatic character in the first place. While he falls in love with Ellie, he selflessly tries to steer her towards his other male family members which is quite fun to watch because the Fae that is in Ellie's blood is having none of it. In spite of it all, Caden and Ellie find out that love does work in mysterious and magical ways.

Romance and magic combine to entice the reader. A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN by Melissa Mayhue is a great fourth book of her Daughters of the Glen series.

***Natalie S. for Wild on Books***

This was a fantastic novel. I love that it had a strong plot in addition to passionate romance. To many times I have read a paranormal romance and found the plot lines absolutely laughable, corny and not worth reading. This series of books is excellent (all of them)! Most of the books I have read in the paranormal genre have been vampire romances, these were such a refreshing change for me. I highly recommend all The Daughters of the Glen books.

The High Prince of Fae has made a huge mistake. Trying to make amends from an earlier mistake, he has now bestowed the fae magic on all the daughters of his sons in his line. Now, women all across the world are suddenly gifted in fae magic without any warning. They have no idea what powers they now carry. Accidents waiting to happen or not?

Ellie Denton's mother has recently passed way. She thought her mother had divorced her step-father, but obviously not as he has made himself at home on the farm. He tells Ellie she can stay if she keeps his bed warm. Distraught, she camps at a nearby creek rubbing the new unusual strawberry mark on her chest. When she awakes, she is in a smelly barn not in her own time.

Caden MacAlister recently lost his betrothed to a nunnery. He is determined to never marry and instead will nominate an heir from kin when the timing is right. His cousin is missing and his brother recently captured in battle. All he needs is a woman from the future dumped in his lap.

Ellie is determined to get back to her own time. Caden's mother Rosalyn tries to tell Ellie that she won't be able to return until she has done what she has been sent to do. What did Ellie say when the fae magic ignited into her trip to the past? Find her true love is the answer. Ellie and Caden spark when they are together. Caden is determined Ellie will marry another, and Ellie is unsure whether to seek out her true love or focus on returning home to Texas.

Sparks fly with Caden and Ellie that is pure magic. Ellie's special fae ability of communicating with animals is charming and brings more warmth to the story. The Scotland background and highland speak add realism to this sparkling gem. I look forward to the next installment!

I absolutely love these books. I know I will continue to buy them for as long as she writes them. The romance and adventure are wonderful. The humor is great. Being completely obsessed with Highlanders makes me a little biased but I just adore these novels. I used to only read paranormal romance novels, mostly werewolves and vampires but now I have moved on to these wonderful books.

Way to throw a texan into 13th century Scotland!! hahahaha


I actually enjoyed Caden's story here. The romance is light and believable-when he calls her Elle you're hooked.

The animals thoughts are funny and add plenty of comical relief in some darker dungeon scenes. Getting to know all the MacAllister/MacPhearson characters developed here is surely a hint that we will be visiting them more in future books.

Dair, & Colin,More Highland Knights "sigh" and the ever intuitive Drew--we can't leave them out........Ms Mayhue

STORY BRIEF:
Over the years, several faeries from the royal family married humans and had descendants, who did not know about their faerie heritage and had no magic abilities. The High Prince of the Fae accidentally gives full faerie powers to all of the royal family descendants. Ellie is one of them. She doesn't understand why all of a sudden she can communicate with animals. She works for a vet and wants to go to vet school. Her mother died recently and the no-good stepfather takes over the sheep ranch and all of her mother's assets. He wants Ellie to sleep with him or leave. Ellie is distraught and makes a wish to find her one true love. Because of her faerie powers, she is transported back in time to Scotland where she meets Caden. Caden was hurt by a woman in the past and plans never to marry. Ellie brings interesting knowledge regarding animals and sheep ranching. Other clans and thieves cause problems.

REVIEWER'S OPINION:
After the first intimate scene, Ellie lied about something which bothered me. I saw no reason for the lie other than to artificially continue the conflict. That was my major problem, conflict due to vague communication. Other than that, it was nicely done. There may not be enough romance and magic for some readers, but it's a pleasant story with enjoyable characters. I was chuckling at a few of the lines. I enjoyed the role of the dogs in the story, something a little different.

DATA:
Story length: 325 pages. Swearing language: none. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 2. Total number of sex scene pages: 8. Setting: 1295 and 1304 Scotland and present day Prairieland, Texas. Copyright: 2009. Genre: time travel historical romance.

OTHER BOOKS:
To date, I've read one other book by Melissa Mayhue. My 2 star review of "Thirty Nights With A Highland Husband" was posted 7-16-09.

This was a fast read and I loved the characters. Ms. Mayhue tells a story and a romance with real expertise. Time travel novels can sometimes be too detailed and boring. This one just entertains. I can recommend it highly.

If you are looking for Romance this book is not it!!! This is an adventure story mixed with a little Fairy Mischief and very little magic. Ellie Denton's mother has died. Her step father has inherited everything including her home. Ellie is told by Ray her step father she must become his new bed partner or leave which she does. Ellie doesn't know she has fairy blood or even what that means, but she makes a wish for a Highlander her true love to come rescue her. She is pushed back in time to the 13th centry ,she happens upon Caden her one true love. After which the author goes page after page after page keeping them apart (repetitive) until the story of love and magic gets Lost!!! leaving the reader bored!! Their is maybe 4 or 5 pages out of 324 pages devoted to the romance between Ellie and Caden which is not enough to make this a romantic story. Maybe it was not intended to be ramance story but the title of the book makes you think it is. If you are looking for a romantic story with magic and and adventure THIS IS NOT IT!!!! Ms Mayhue need to spice it up a bit I really wanted to like this book, but I only liked the idea of the story. SORRY BUT THIS WAS BADLY DONE AND BADLY WRITTEN!!!!!

A Highlander of her own, was honestly ONE of the best in the series.
I could NOT put this book down. OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!