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The Ravenscraig Legacy #1
Highlander in her Bed
All-business American Mara McDougall thinks there are no such things as ghosts. But a trip to Scotland and one gorgeous phantom are about to prove her dead wrong . . .
A self-employed tour guide, Mara is weary from leading her charges all over London. So she takes a breather at an antique shop—and spots perhaps the handsomest bed ever. Then she bumps into the handsomest man ever. He has a sexy Scottish burr, a fiery gaze, and a chip on his muscular shoulder. And despite a spat, Mara can't fight her yearning for the irresistible Highlander. Then she learns that she's inherited a Scottish castle, and the stipulations she must meet in order to keep her unexpected windfall will help her banish the hottie Scottie from her mind . . . she hopes.
As a ghost, Sir Alexander Douglas has hated the name MacDougall for ages. Once a medieval knight betrothed to a stranger, he fell victim to her beau, a MacDougall, who tricked him into a curse that he would forever haunt the bed intended for his would-be bride. Now Alexander will stop at nothing to keep the magnificent four-poster out of MacDougall—or McDougall—hands. But when Mara buys the bed for her castle, he reckons she's nothing like his enemy. After all, no other MacDougall ever made him burn with passion and long for the one thing he never knew he missed: love.
A self-employed tour guide, Mara is weary from leading her charges all over London. So she takes a breather at an antique shop—and spots perhaps the handsomest bed ever. Then she bumps into the handsomest man ever. He has a sexy Scottish burr, a fiery gaze, and a chip on his muscular shoulder. And despite a spat, Mara can't fight her yearning for the irresistible Highlander. Then she learns that she's inherited a Scottish castle, and the stipulations she must meet in order to keep her unexpected windfall will help her banish the hottie Scottie from her mind . . . she hopes.
As a ghost, Sir Alexander Douglas has hated the name MacDougall for ages. Once a medieval knight betrothed to a stranger, he fell victim to her beau, a MacDougall, who tricked him into a curse that he would forever haunt the bed intended for his would-be bride. Now Alexander will stop at nothing to keep the magnificent four-poster out of MacDougall—or McDougall—hands. But when Mara buys the bed for her castle, he reckons she's nothing like his enemy. After all, no other MacDougall ever made him burn with passion and long for the one thing he never knew he missed: love.
340 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
99 people are currently reading
1,834 people want to read
About the author
Allie Mackay
49Ìýbooks162ÌýfollowersSue-Ellen MacDuffie Welfonder
aka
Sue-Ellen Welfonder & Allie Mackay
Allie Mackay is the alter ego of USA Today bestselling author, Sue-Ellen Welfonder, who writes Scottish medieval romances . A former flight attendant of Scottish descent, she spent fifteen years living in Europe and still makes annual visits to Scotland. Most inspired by the wild places of Scotland’s far north, she is also fascinated by the paranormal, Scottish folklore and Highland tradition. In addition to her great love of Scotland, her other main interests are medieval history, hill walking, and dogs. Proud of her own Scottish ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: The MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. She currently resides in Florida with her husband, Manfred, and her Jack Russell Terrier, Em. Allergic to flash and brass, she enjoys living quietly and spends her time writing her books and counting the minutes until she can board that next Glasgow-bound plane.
aka
Sue-Ellen Welfonder & Allie Mackay
Allie Mackay is the alter ego of USA Today bestselling author, Sue-Ellen Welfonder, who writes Scottish medieval romances . A former flight attendant of Scottish descent, she spent fifteen years living in Europe and still makes annual visits to Scotland. Most inspired by the wild places of Scotland’s far north, she is also fascinated by the paranormal, Scottish folklore and Highland tradition. In addition to her great love of Scotland, her other main interests are medieval history, hill walking, and dogs. Proud of her own Scottish ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: The MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. She currently resides in Florida with her husband, Manfred, and her Jack Russell Terrier, Em. Allergic to flash and brass, she enjoys living quietly and spends her time writing her books and counting the minutes until she can board that next Glasgow-bound plane.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
February 14, 2012
This was a fun, light, romantic fluff piece with some steamy, sensual scenes. It is not a story to be taken seriously as there are some real big holes in the story. Mainly, the hero/heroine fall madly in love without ever having a lick of meaningful dialog between them. They simply lust after each other, have sex, and fall in love. Plus a lot of "mystical" stuff goes unexplained. But the story is meant to be fun and sexy, which it is. If you can deal with that you may well enjoy it. However, if you prefer your romances with passion and story depth you will want to pass on this book.
July 25, 2010
Loved it! And I was shocked that it received so many bad reviews! It was light, fun, cheesy, sappy, and dirty romance! With kilts! I mean, come on, what is better than an angsty Scot in a kilt?? An angsty dead Scot in a kilt! Maybe more: an angsty, lusty, dead Scot in a kilt guarding his bed!!
Come on people, you don't pick up a book like this and expect Les Miserables, you pick up a book like this and expect something like Devil in a Kilt.
I'm going to go into that corner over there and giggle some more now.
Come on people, you don't pick up a book like this and expect Les Miserables, you pick up a book like this and expect something like Devil in a Kilt.
I'm going to go into that corner over there and giggle some more now.
June 19, 2011
Wow, the ratings on this book are pretty much all 1 and 2 stars. Wish I'd checked before I read it.
My reason for the low rating was that Mara was an idiot. I liked Alex, but he basically cursed himself to haunt his bridal bed for 700 years because the MacDougalls betrayed him and killed his men. His bride set it all up. Then Colin MacDougall (the one who kills him) takes his bride and the bed. Then he screws up Alex's reputation and history has him down as a rat and an all around bad guy.
So I'm thinking the key to getting him out of his ghostly state is to clear his name, right? Apparently not, since they never did that, and he even names his son after Colin. Riight.
It pissed me off because it wasn't just a small grievance like cattle rieving-it was betrayal to the Bruce, and slander. But Alex never really set Mara straight on any of that either...so if your cause is so all-fired important that you haunt your enemies for 700 years, I find it hard to believe that you'll name your first-born son after the man who killed you.
But that's just me.
My reason for the low rating was that Mara was an idiot. I liked Alex, but he basically cursed himself to haunt his bridal bed for 700 years because the MacDougalls betrayed him and killed his men. His bride set it all up. Then Colin MacDougall (the one who kills him) takes his bride and the bed. Then he screws up Alex's reputation and history has him down as a rat and an all around bad guy.
So I'm thinking the key to getting him out of his ghostly state is to clear his name, right? Apparently not, since they never did that, and he even names his son after Colin. Riight.
It pissed me off because it wasn't just a small grievance like cattle rieving-it was betrayal to the Bruce, and slander. But Alex never really set Mara straight on any of that either...so if your cause is so all-fired important that you haunt your enemies for 700 years, I find it hard to believe that you'll name your first-born son after the man who killed you.
But that's just me.
March 12, 2014
Loved the premise: Unlucky in love girl with a thing for history finds herself haunted by a cranky, yet very sexy, Highland ghost. Unfortunately, this book just didn't click for me. Don't get me wrong, Ms. Mackay's love for the subject is clear. She is able to evoke the beauty and mystery that is Scotland with highly immersive detail.
Why I gave this book two stars:
•I just couldn't connect with the characters. This chick inherits a Scottish castle--one in great shape and with a fantastic staff--yet she has the gall to complain nothing good ever happens to her, or there's always a catch??
•And as for Ghosty MacKiltedschlong, UGH. What do you do when you find yourself falling for the descendent of your uber-evil arch nemesis? Why, Because it's not your fault you're a pig. WTF is personal responsibility, amiright? You make me sick Mr. Penis-Kilt.
Also:
•unrealistic dialogue
•exuberant proclamations of love after just a few brief encounters
•TSTL heroine territory
•unnecessary side characters
•uninspiring pillow talk
•repeated use of the nickname "Hottie Scottie"
•goofy euphemisms
•the out of control hyphen and exclamation point count
Why I didn't give it just one star:
•Ms. Mackay's love for all things Scottish is quite palpable, and I had the distinct impression she would have been more comfortable writing this as a historical romance instead.
The next book in the series, unrelated save for some common themes, was a four star read for me.
Why I gave this book two stars:
•I just couldn't connect with the characters. This chick inherits a Scottish castle--one in great shape and with a fantastic staff--yet she has the gall to complain nothing good ever happens to her, or there's always a catch??
•And as for Ghosty MacKiltedschlong, UGH. What do you do when you find yourself falling for the descendent of your uber-evil arch nemesis? Why, Because it's not your fault you're a pig. WTF is personal responsibility, amiright? You make me sick Mr. Penis-Kilt.
Also:
•unrealistic dialogue
•exuberant proclamations of love after just a few brief encounters
•TSTL heroine territory
•unnecessary side characters
•uninspiring pillow talk
•repeated use of the nickname "Hottie Scottie"
•goofy euphemisms
•the out of control hyphen and exclamation point count
Why I didn't give it just one star:
•Ms. Mackay's love for all things Scottish is quite palpable, and I had the distinct impression she would have been more comfortable writing this as a historical romance instead.
The next book in the series, unrelated save for some common themes, was a four star read for me.
September 5, 2023
Overall disappointed in this story. Nothing happened. They were enemies and then suddenly they fell in love and bamn he became a human.
November 28, 2016
This is my first by this author and the story had a unique twist I haven't crossed before.
I liked most stuff but more often than not I seem to be more confused than engrossed.
- The prologue was sad and and tore at my heart, but there was a part I felt that it was weird, somewhere during the conversations they seemed more interested in the bed than anything else, I found it weird and an awkward conv to have before a person dies.
- The unique twist I mentioned before wasn't the ghost aspect I crossed path with that theme before, but it was the relationship between a ghost and a living women of flesh and blood.
- I liked the relationship development between the two main characters, it certainly was scorching from the beginning till nearing the end, plus I know that he had 700 years to quench his animosity toward her ancestors and clan, and of course she had nothing to do with it, but for him to later wear her clan's sporran and name their child after the man who killed him and sullied his name in history ... well I kinda couldn't get how he could do it (maybe I'm more cold-hearted than I thought XD)
- Now to the confusing part, I know the paranormal has plenty of aspects no one can thinks about, but many areas in the book weren't explained right, like how could a ghost materialize and actually touch and have sex, and how can he reach dreams, and how could he turn from a ghost to a man and still be able to conjure objects out of no where and still see other ghosts. These are few of the stuff that didn't make sense to me, and are the reason I gave the rating I picked.
- I liked how they were reunited and was instantly accepted by her people, especially how he kicked it off with her dad, that certainly was fun to watch ^^
- Oh and how her father was when he finally reach Scotland was hilarious and cute
Overall, *thumbs side-ways*
I liked most stuff but more often than not I seem to be more confused than engrossed.
- The prologue was sad and and tore at my heart, but there was a part I felt that it was weird, somewhere during the conversations they seemed more interested in the bed than anything else, I found it weird and an awkward conv to have before a person dies.
- The unique twist I mentioned before wasn't the ghost aspect I crossed path with that theme before, but it was the relationship between a ghost and a living women of flesh and blood.
- I liked the relationship development between the two main characters, it certainly was scorching from the beginning till nearing the end, plus I know that he had 700 years to quench his animosity toward her ancestors and clan, and of course she had nothing to do with it, but for him to later wear her clan's sporran and name their child after the man who killed him and sullied his name in history ... well I kinda couldn't get how he could do it (maybe I'm more cold-hearted than I thought XD)
- Now to the confusing part, I know the paranormal has plenty of aspects no one can thinks about, but many areas in the book weren't explained right, like how could a ghost materialize and actually touch and have sex, and how can he reach dreams, and how could he turn from a ghost to a man and still be able to conjure objects out of no where and still see other ghosts. These are few of the stuff that didn't make sense to me, and are the reason I gave the rating I picked.
- I liked how they were reunited and was instantly accepted by her people, especially how he kicked it off with her dad, that certainly was fun to watch ^^
- Oh and how her father was when he finally reach Scotland was hilarious and cute
Overall, *thumbs side-ways*
April 11, 2009
Putting this on the "read" shelf is not quite true. I did not even finish it.
I picked this book up because of its title. I read all Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" and enjoy the stories set in Scotland and the chivalry and honor thing. This book was basically a porno. There was no character development, nothing other than the two main characters lusting after each other. It got really old. I love me a chick book, but I like to know more about the characters other than their "measurements".
I picked this book up because of its title. I read all Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" and enjoy the stories set in Scotland and the chivalry and honor thing. This book was basically a porno. There was no character development, nothing other than the two main characters lusting after each other. It got really old. I love me a chick book, but I like to know more about the characters other than their "measurements".
October 12, 2010
I've had some crap luck with books lately. This is another one. I could care less about either one of these main characters. There were no supporting characters to speak of. I just didn't care what happened to them. Alex was an ass and Mara was an idiot ("History books don't lie!") Blech. This one's going right back in the bag for the used book store. Next.
December 29, 2013
It's a good paranormal romance book, most of these reviews are ridiculous. You can not expect life altering from a little romance book and if you do then you should switch genres.
September 12, 2014
Spectacular and imaginative! You won't be able to put this one down! Another beautifully written breath taking, knock your socks or kilt off magical read! Loved it.
This is the second time for me reading this spectacular Scottish paranormal romance in "Highlander in Her Bed" by the multi talented Allie MacKay. Which is book one of "The "Ravenscraig Legacy Series". You can read this outstanding book alone or in series order. It was even better the second time around as I absolutely love love loved this book! Well the male hero is a hot Scot, green eyed sexy, muscle bound, six foot-four, sword wielding , kilt wearing honorable knight who can play the bag pipes quite beautifully. This man has the sexiest brogue that would melt any lassies heart.and the backdrop of the story is bonnie Scotland. Have I got your attention yet? Guaranteed you won't be able to put this one down! I read it in a day, yes it is that fabulous!
In this beautifully written captivating story that sizzles it starts off in the West Highlands, near Oban, the year of our lord 1312....
In this story....Sir Alexander Douglas one of The kings most trusted and honorable knights goes to claim his wife Lady Isobel MacDougall even bringing the biggest most beautiful hand carved four poster bed as bridal gift. This union was to end the feuding his beloved King Robert Bruce believed. Yet he and his entire clan are met and cut down with treachery by the evil MacDougall's ,where his treacherous evil wife is the mastermind. Yet the MacDougall's send a curse upon him with this magical pin to protect themselves from King Roberts's wrath to protect the MacDougall Clan and honor. This pin called the Bloodstone of Dalriada a sacred pin passed down from the first King of Scotland Kenneth MacAlpin and stolen from King Robert the Bruce's cloak in a struggle at Dalrigh. It is a possession of The MacDougall's. They had it all planned out to say Honorable Alexander had stolen it and make it look as Alexander had shamed his bride. Collin explains the pin is magical containing the blood of a saint or even fey magic and can grant three wishes between a year and a day according to the fairy folk. It's obvious Collin does not believe in the power of the pin and us only attempting to infuriate Alex. Except Alexander damned himself wishing himself and Collin MacDougall in hell first. His next wish was in anger "you will rue the hour you e'er laid eyes on my bed! "I shall haunt you and your issue until the end of all days!" After that Alexander sadly was murdered.
Present day 2014 England and Scotland....
The heroine of this story is beautiful tour guide one Mara MacDougall from Philadelphia USA who enters an antique shop and hears the words "bluidy MacDougall bastards" admiring an antique hand carved four poster bed. As she turns around she literally bumps into the most handsome man she has ever seen! One six foot-four with the most gorgeous sea green eyes with the sexiest Scottish brogue she ever saw,but also extremely rude with a definite chip on his shoulder when it came to the MacDougall's. As she is admiring this beautiful antique fbed and she apologizes for bumping into him he says the bed is mine wench, begone! Mara who was on her last day in England knew she couldn't afford this enormous bed nor her small place in Philadelphia she wouldn't even be able to fit through the door. Also why was this man talking as he was from another time thinking he is just another person who dislikes American. Not realizing she is talking to a seven hundred year old ghost! Especially since she is the last person who believes in the paranormal as she has been taking around a bunch of ghost hunting clients all around old English castle with some seance's too and not one single apparition found not the she believe in it. Then she gets a call and finds out one of her eccentric clients has passed away and left her Ravenscraig Castle with some stipulations which she accepted anything to stay on UK soil.
Of course Alexander who has been guarding the bed all these years is not too thrilled he has to go to his enemies holding now. As this castle was to be part of his bride price long ago. So his temper is really in a tangle you might say, even worse then it had been. Now the fun begins and I will leave the rest for the reader to find out how these two can finally put their differences and prejudices aside to come together and big differences at that considering one is a mortal and the other a ghost. Yet the chemistry between them is immediate as you feel it through each written word. One doesn't believe in ghosts and the other hates everything MacDougall!
This was really such a joy to read and even the cast of her eccentric staff at Ravenscraig Castle was hilarious. The one legged gardener, ghost hunting cook, and of course there are several four legged furry dogs that will melt your heart with hilarity at some of their shenanigans. Another reason I always love reading Allie MacKay book being such a tremendous animal love myself especial mans best friend. Also Mara's Philadelphia Scottish American father was so sweet, endearing and humorous to read about, as he is Scottish obsessed very proud of his Scottish roots which I loved.
I am a big believer in second chances but for Mara and Alex there are many obstacle in the way. Will they get that second chance of happiness or are they doomed to a lifetime or in Alexander's case an eternity of misery? You really must read this magnificent book to find out,
This book has all the elements that make reading books like "Highlander In Her Bed" such a pleasure and delight to read. I laughed, I cried, sighed and tingled. There were nail biting scenes too with anticipation of what would happen next, so many twists in turns which only happens in truly spectacular reads to me. It really is a really wonderful book. This book was extraordinary and I totally was mesmerized by each page and couldn't stop reading. It was that outstanding yes and I highly recommend this magnificent book you don't want to miss it!
I look forward to more books by this gifted author Allie MacKay in the future which are always so wonderful and on my keeper shelf forever! Happy Reading~ B
October 9, 2021
This was not exactly what I was expecting, I went into this novel expecting a lighthearted and fun romp and while I do think this book is trying to do that it just missed the mark for me. I felt like it was missing some humor and quirky ness which I was anticipating, so the tone of the book just did not fully work for me. I also did not believe in the relationship between the hero and heroine. The hero had what I would describe as a hate to lust journey and the heroine was kinda just there. I felt like their interactions did not show them really falling in love, sure I was told they were attracted to the other and the hero definite had a thing for nipples. But when it came to them realizing they were in love I was like, what? There was definitely a lack of emotional growth in their relationship. Overall, I am glad I read it, but I would not be rushing out to read the next novels in this series.
April 15, 2014
I saw this book and thought "why not give it a try?" I mean, I love Highlanders, so a ghostly one should be fun, right? Well, it could have been. Sadly this book just didn't do enough with it. The potential was there, but it wasn't really utilized.
Alex Douglas is a knight who was killed by a clan that he was supposed to be marrying into. But his bride-to-be's cousin Colin MacDougall sets up a trap to kill him and his men, frames them to ruin his reputation and even steals the very bed he carved for his bride. So Alex, unwittingly, curses himself to haunt the bed, making sure no MacDougall descendant will ever enjoy it.
Then Mara McDougall (different spelling, but sure) comes into an inheritance in a somewhat shaky way and buys the bed. I mean shaky because it's just thrown in there. After the one scene that briefly explains who the mystery woman is that leaves her castle and fortune to Mara, that's kind of it. I thought more would be explained later, but no. The woman's name is merely mentioned in passing at that point. Then there's Mara. She's kind of dumb. She consistently does idiotic things (leaning over a huge hole into a pit dungeon while the floor is slimy and covered in rushing water anyone?), finally believes in ghosts, then believes she's in a dream the next. And we know she thinks she's in a dream because that word is used like 30 times in the scene. (I'm just dreaming afterall.....you're my dream.....I plan to enjoy this dream.....what a great dream)
I was rather disappointed with the ending. Characters were introduced at the end that had no baring on the story at all, new plot points are added (her father gets married to an awful woman but it really doesn't add to the story) and Mara begins to speak more like Alex than an American girl. When did that happen? Like I said earlier, it had potential as a story, but fell flat. Too bad.
Would I recommend this book to friend? No
Would I reread this book? No
Alex Douglas is a knight who was killed by a clan that he was supposed to be marrying into. But his bride-to-be's cousin Colin MacDougall sets up a trap to kill him and his men, frames them to ruin his reputation and even steals the very bed he carved for his bride. So Alex, unwittingly, curses himself to haunt the bed, making sure no MacDougall descendant will ever enjoy it.
Then Mara McDougall (different spelling, but sure) comes into an inheritance in a somewhat shaky way and buys the bed. I mean shaky because it's just thrown in there. After the one scene that briefly explains who the mystery woman is that leaves her castle and fortune to Mara, that's kind of it. I thought more would be explained later, but no. The woman's name is merely mentioned in passing at that point. Then there's Mara. She's kind of dumb. She consistently does idiotic things (leaning over a huge hole into a pit dungeon while the floor is slimy and covered in rushing water anyone?), finally believes in ghosts, then believes she's in a dream the next. And we know she thinks she's in a dream because that word is used like 30 times in the scene. (I'm just dreaming afterall.....you're my dream.....I plan to enjoy this dream.....what a great dream)
I was rather disappointed with the ending. Characters were introduced at the end that had no baring on the story at all, new plot points are added (her father gets married to an awful woman but it really doesn't add to the story) and Mara begins to speak more like Alex than an American girl. When did that happen? Like I said earlier, it had potential as a story, but fell flat. Too bad.
Would I recommend this book to friend? No
Would I reread this book? No
February 16, 2009
This is a trashy romance novel. I've read trashy romance novels before, even medieval-era stories of knights and damsels in distress, and while they're formulaic they at least usually have some kind of plot and character development to go along with the naughty bits. Sadly, this book was about 88% naughty bits and 12% ridiculous plot, the kind in which I just kept yelling at the main character for her stupid behavior.
So a modern woman buys a 14th-century handmade bed...that's haunted...by a medieval Scottish knight...whose forsworn enemies are the woman's own ancestors...and she moves it into the ancestral castle...and proceeds to have ghostly sex with him, a lot. The "forsworn enemies" part didn't last long, and the main character was supposed to be a plucky modern gal but I lost complete patience with her when she refused to believe the Scottish knight was a ghost, and thus instead must have thought he was a stalker/intruder but had no problem with that. Ack! Call the police if a strange man shows up in your bedroom and threatens you with a dagger! (No, that's not a metaphor. An acutal dagger.)
It all gets resolved in the end, they all live happily ever after - 7 centures and ancient curses be damned. The book got better towards the end, and by that time I just gave up on the author's terrible writing style and wanted to figure out how they'd finish out the formula. The naughty bits were a lot naughtier than I expected, as well, and I'd just find myself giggling at some of the metaphors and descriptions!
I did give this 2 stars, rather than 1, because it was a very entertaining birthday gift and I look forward to discussing it with Selena in full detail! We might have to underline passages to debate just what the author was thinking. (No, not *those* passages!)
So a modern woman buys a 14th-century handmade bed...that's haunted...by a medieval Scottish knight...whose forsworn enemies are the woman's own ancestors...and she moves it into the ancestral castle...and proceeds to have ghostly sex with him, a lot. The "forsworn enemies" part didn't last long, and the main character was supposed to be a plucky modern gal but I lost complete patience with her when she refused to believe the Scottish knight was a ghost, and thus instead must have thought he was a stalker/intruder but had no problem with that. Ack! Call the police if a strange man shows up in your bedroom and threatens you with a dagger! (No, that's not a metaphor. An acutal dagger.)
It all gets resolved in the end, they all live happily ever after - 7 centures and ancient curses be damned. The book got better towards the end, and by that time I just gave up on the author's terrible writing style and wanted to figure out how they'd finish out the formula. The naughty bits were a lot naughtier than I expected, as well, and I'd just find myself giggling at some of the metaphors and descriptions!
I did give this 2 stars, rather than 1, because it was a very entertaining birthday gift and I look forward to discussing it with Selena in full detail! We might have to underline passages to debate just what the author was thinking. (No, not *those* passages!)
July 6, 2012
I have to say that half the time I had no idea what Mara was talking about and it seemed like things jumped out at you abruptly. It also seemed rather unlikely that this “ghost� and this woman would fall in love the moment they met considering Alex already knew she was a MacDougall and hates her clan with a passion.
Some of his ghostly haunts were fun. Though this strong confident man seemed to turn weak the moment he decided to “love� Mara.
Then there are the “extra� characters. They were cheesy and at times pointless. The “shrew� (her step-mom) was annoying and unnecessary. I don’t know if MacKay is writing books that connect but this one was just awful.
Some of his ghostly haunts were fun. Though this strong confident man seemed to turn weak the moment he decided to “love� Mara.
Then there are the “extra� characters. They were cheesy and at times pointless. The “shrew� (her step-mom) was annoying and unnecessary. I don’t know if MacKay is writing books that connect but this one was just awful.
June 3, 2016
DNF!!!!! I found this book on goodreads and thought that it sounded really good. I love stories that have ghosts or time travel or some mystical element. This was a BIG let down. It started off pretty good and just went down hill from there. The characters were so annoying!!!! All either one of them could do was talk about how lustful they were and all of that, body parts and tingly bits and what not. I wish that I could have even speed read through it but I could not even tolerate that.
March 13, 2015
Oh, good grief, I was sick of reading about them droning on and on about each other's looks, and what they wanted to do with them, especially when the behavior was bad! Many times I have thought someone was good looking and then when I got to know them, and what a creeper they were, they became ugly to me! Not enough action and too many thoughts... good thing I read this one last or I never would have read the next one, which is better. I skipped chunks of repetitive thoughts on this one and thought about not finishing it, luckily, I did like the ending.
July 31, 2016
I admit. Highlander romances are sure to get me going. This one was no exception. Combine it with a ghost and I'm sold.
There was not much that annoyed me reading this novel, but one thing was that I found the writing a bit simplistic. It did however not take that much away from the enjoyment. And then there was the way the Scottish burr got annoying. I like the burr, but it was a bit over the top.
Other than that the story was really good and the characters were really likable. I will certainly look into reading Allie MacKay's other books.
There was not much that annoyed me reading this novel, but one thing was that I found the writing a bit simplistic. It did however not take that much away from the enjoyment. And then there was the way the Scottish burr got annoying. I like the burr, but it was a bit over the top.
Other than that the story was really good and the characters were really likable. I will certainly look into reading Allie MacKay's other books.
February 17, 2009
I love romance novels. I love paranormal romances. That being said, this had to be one of the stupidest, pointless paranormal romances I've ever read.
The plot was all over the place, and it never really explained anything indepth. I actually liked the side characters better then the main ones. That being said, I read the second book in this series and enjoyed it much more then this one.
The plot was all over the place, and it never really explained anything indepth. I actually liked the side characters better then the main ones. That being said, I read the second book in this series and enjoyed it much more then this one.
October 30, 2012
this book was lame. I feel like it was written in the style of a Young Adult book, but the content was anything but aimed for young adilt. the last thing that I want to read about is a 23 year old woman who acts like a teenager. I can NOT believe that this book is the first of a series almost as much i can not believe that there are several more. Somebody gag me.
December 21, 2018
Decent premise, terrible execution. Luckily I was given this book, otherwise I'd have felt bad about wasting the money. The characters are flat and one dimensional, the idea of the plot is good, the basic research is poor, the plot execution is terrible. Just, why someone okayed this for publication in its present state is beyond me.
January 14, 2012
Allie Mackay always writes great highland romance novels! Mara and Alex have great chemistry starting where they butt heads down to the hot steamy scenes that are so good, you may look up airline tickets to fly to Scotland just to find a highlander of your own...
April 4, 2015
2.5 stars. A bit uneven. Some cute stuff, some over the top fluff, but also some stuff that really annoyed me.
May 23, 2024
I loved the premise - ghostly man haunting my bed, yes please!
But the execution left a lot to be desired. The girl kept saying and thinking things that were unrealistic. A lot of the phrasing felt off, like when AI writes a story.
--Referring to being a Philly / Cairn Avenue girl WAY too often. Plus Hottie Scottie. The repetition was mind-numbing.
--Falling asleep in her bedroom after a strange man was just there threatening her, not questioning how he disappeared or where he might be hiding before going to sleep.
--The first night he watches her sleep, she's randomly sleeping completely naked in a hotel room and moving around in very suggestive ways during her sleep, pushing out her boobs or rubbing her legs? Whatever, so unrealistic.
--Demanding her staff discard of dowsing rods as she won't have them in her house. Get over yourself.
--They both lusted for each other from the beginning and thought / talked about it non-stop. But love? Made no sense, there was no actual connection.
--Multiple times claimed history books don't lie. Pfft okay
The book needed a more aggressive editor.
But the execution left a lot to be desired. The girl kept saying and thinking things that were unrealistic. A lot of the phrasing felt off, like when AI writes a story.
--Referring to being a Philly / Cairn Avenue girl WAY too often. Plus Hottie Scottie. The repetition was mind-numbing.
--Falling asleep in her bedroom after a strange man was just there threatening her, not questioning how he disappeared or where he might be hiding before going to sleep.
--The first night he watches her sleep, she's randomly sleeping completely naked in a hotel room and moving around in very suggestive ways during her sleep, pushing out her boobs or rubbing her legs? Whatever, so unrealistic.
--Demanding her staff discard of dowsing rods as she won't have them in her house. Get over yourself.
--They both lusted for each other from the beginning and thought / talked about it non-stop. But love? Made no sense, there was no actual connection.
--Multiple times claimed history books don't lie. Pfft okay
The book needed a more aggressive editor.
January 5, 2019
Sir Alexander Douglas was tricked by his betrothed admirer a MacDougall and is cursed to haunt all MacDougall generations whom try to occupy his bed. Till fates strike him with a beautiful woman looking to buy his bed but she is a bloody MacDougall. A fair wench whom smells clean and not like onions ad the others had in sir Douglass own words
Mara MacDougall while working on a tour in lo don see a beautiful bed in an antique store and runs into a rude brute of a hunky highlander who cursed her given name . while she tries to find an excuse to his presence since she dont believe he is aught else but an intruder to the castle she inherited. Once she learns the truth and his true ways of his heart and mind time seperates them and his not dead not alive condition .
This is my fav installment to the series series. I fell hard in love with Sir Alexander Douglas and Mara story. These two come to life everytime i read it . great book and highly recommended
Mara MacDougall while working on a tour in lo don see a beautiful bed in an antique store and runs into a rude brute of a hunky highlander who cursed her given name . while she tries to find an excuse to his presence since she dont believe he is aught else but an intruder to the castle she inherited. Once she learns the truth and his true ways of his heart and mind time seperates them and his not dead not alive condition .
This is my fav installment to the series series. I fell hard in love with Sir Alexander Douglas and Mara story. These two come to life everytime i read it . great book and highly recommended
November 14, 2021
This book will leave you teary eyed but happy
I read this book in one sitting because I had to. I was so caught up in emotion. The hero Alex is murdered in battle. Betrayed by his MacDougal betrothed he places a curse on himself to haunt MacDougal ancestors. Why he does this you must find out for yourself. Mara meets Alex when she inherits his intended castle and purchases his bed. He intends to haunt and scare her off. Instead they each find themselves attracted to each other. I literally felt Alex's anguish when he is torn from Mara's arms. The pain he endures. Books don't often make me cry unless they involve animals but this one did. Alex and Mara do get their HEA. "Shall I love you as only a Highlander can love a woman?" Completely swoon worthy!
I read this book in one sitting because I had to. I was so caught up in emotion. The hero Alex is murdered in battle. Betrayed by his MacDougal betrothed he places a curse on himself to haunt MacDougal ancestors. Why he does this you must find out for yourself. Mara meets Alex when she inherits his intended castle and purchases his bed. He intends to haunt and scare her off. Instead they each find themselves attracted to each other. I literally felt Alex's anguish when he is torn from Mara's arms. The pain he endures. Books don't often make me cry unless they involve animals but this one did. Alex and Mara do get their HEA. "Shall I love you as only a Highlander can love a woman?" Completely swoon worthy!
April 22, 2019
It's a fun and sexy story full of many of the tropes that make the genre fun. It would be a five-star read if it weren't for the increasingly ridiculous and unfortunate words Mackay chose to describe certain parts of her characters' anatomy. It really pulls me out of the story when I have to stop and roll my eyes at the awful/punny phrases.
That said, the characters were fun and the plot interesting, so it's definitely worth forgiving the unfortunate choice of vocabulary.
That said, the characters were fun and the plot interesting, so it's definitely worth forgiving the unfortunate choice of vocabulary.
May 29, 2017
Awesome, utterly romantic, touching story! The story, the author, and the narrator all deserve five stars. I listened mesmerize to the entire audio in one sitting. David Monteath is an amazing storyteller who brought the characters to life with his amazing narration. Amazing, must experience, audio book!
May 29, 2017
Highlander in Her Bed (The Ravenscraig Legacy Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
Awesome, utterly romantic, touching story! The story, the author, and the narrator all deserve five stars. I listened mesmerize to the entire audio in one sitting. David Monteath is an amazing storyteller who brought the characters to life with his amazing narration. Amazing, must experience, audio book!
Awesome, utterly romantic, touching story! The story, the author, and the narrator all deserve five stars. I listened mesmerize to the entire audio in one sitting. David Monteath is an amazing storyteller who brought the characters to life with his amazing narration. Amazing, must experience, audio book!
August 18, 2022
Oh this one made me laugh 😂 the series it is essentially a really shit Outlander fan fiction spinoff kind of vibe. They fall in love without really having a conversation and everything kind of works out perfectly for them. By all acounts it's an eye roll of a book. But hey, it's easy, indulgent, and a great literary palate cleanser 😅
June 4, 2018
Lovely story, light on the sexual scenes, but still made my heart flutter. Great if you want a sweet romance to make you smile. Look forward to reading her other novels!
One issue was the amount of errors. Several words missing, and others in the wrong places altogether. Otherwise, great story.
One issue was the amount of errors. Several words missing, and others in the wrong places altogether. Otherwise, great story.
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