Over The Line by Cindy Gerard

When Anne blogged this ARC up at Let’s Gab…, she commented on Gerard’s lengthy build up to the first sex scene. She didn’t feel that the suspense overshadowed the romance. She just couldn’t take much more foreplay. Having read OTL, I now understand.

For me however, Gerard’s careful construction of the mystery captured my undivided attention. So completely, that I almost forgot about the HEA for the hero and heroine. I mean, I KNEW they needed to come together at some point—if the HEA were to be credible—but I was so involved in trying to figure out the real villian’s identity, that I didn’t have time for sex. Gerard put her characters in the same “WTF is going on?” state of mind and even they put off the sex they knew was coming.

It all worked together beautifully, bringing hero, heroine and reader to the edge of the page and keeping them there. The pace of action, the quick and numerous turns all contributed to Gerard’s extended foreplay, heightening reader anticipation. In OTL, Gerard achieves a balance and pace—pleasing to the reader—that I have not seen before.

Gerard did something else I love. She put the hero’s masculinity in question—giving him a face she likens to Opie and a heroine reaction both surprising and embarrassing. Let’s just say there was no swooning. Laughter? Yes. Swooning? No. Given that he is to be her bodyguard, this less than overwhelming picture of him is daring on Gerard’s part. She goes on to create a sexy, but flawed character—emotionally uncertain, inexperienced in private security, etc. His quiet competence—growing throughout the story—ends up casting a much larger—undoubtedly alpha—presence than any stereotypical tall, dark and dangerous description could have. Some grade A characterization.

Gerard’s heroine, a rock star in need of a bodyguard, also defies stereotype. Instead of hiding a simple, down-home girl underneath the flash, Gerard embodies her with a sharp business instinct and easily makes the distinction between the girl’s business and her personality. Brockmann fans will recall the over-the-top persona Cosmo’s love interest (Jane) sported in Hot Target. Outwardly, Jane presented herself one way, while hiding her true self from all but one or two individuals. Gerard does not take this tack. Instead, she makes the rock star stuff business and gives her heroine enough good sense to stand as who she is—without embarrassment.

Over The Line is an excellent addition to Gerard’s Bodyguard series. Having stumbled on this author—picking up my first book by her on an impulse buy with zero knowledge of her work—I am thrilled beyond words at finding a new auto-buy author. Love that.

Crazy Kisses by Tara Janzen

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Crazy Wild by Tara Janzen

Maybe I was a bit of a space cadet. Maybe I just was reading tired. After all, I did the majority of my reading of this book between 11 pm and 1 am. Maybe it was just me. But I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did the first two. This is Creed's story. Back to terrorists. And Creed could have been so much deeper than he was. I just didn't connect well enough with him. Given the torture that Creed went through in S America when he and JT were there, I felt like Janzen could have and should have made so much more of his PTSD. Don't get me wrong. Everybody else talked about it. All the Steele Street gang mentioned it, was worried about it, fretted over it. Even Creed thought about it. But we, the reader, just didn't really see enough of it to make it believable. I've read some amazingly well done PTSD heroes in other romances, and I just wasn't buying this one. Was it because Creed was a relative unknown to me before this book? I don't think so. Anyone else out there feel like this, or am I just Crazy? (ha, get it?... courtesy laugh, please...)

The story felt convoluted. I couldn't find my way from one end to another with the whole Russian/Czech/German bomb thing. Huh? And the ending? I wasn't sure how Creed and Cody ended up where they did. The whole book just made no sense to me.

What else was missing? Where was the humor? The first two books had such funny stuff mixed in. Granted, there is absolutely nothing humorous about PTSD, but there was also absolutely nothing humorous at all in this book. Much of what I enjoyed so much in the first two was the wild sense of almost campy adventure - the cars (did the Hummer not have a name?), the teasing, the silliness. All missing from this one. Sorely missing, I might add.

But, all was not lost. What did I like about this book? Oooohh. Something hot is gonna happen between Dylan and Skeeter. Wow. Janzen really turned it up with these two. I enjoyed every interaction. Dylan's guilt over wanting Skeeter, though she is 12 years younger - "not even old enough to drink." I loved the scene where Dylan was looking at her sketches of all the Steele Street guys, and he felt hurt that there wasn't one of him. Powerful.

Then there's Skeeter wanting Dylan to see her as an adult, wanting to be close to him. I so remember that feeling you get just standing next to "the one." Janzen did a great job describing Skeeter's emotions when she is close to Dylan. (If only she had done such a good job with Creed and Cody.) Each book reveals a little more about Skeeter, and her story is more and more intriguing... and sad. Just makes you love Superman all that much more, doesn't it, for rescuing her?

Anyway, Dylan and Skeeter redeemed this book for me. Their story, Crazy Love, is being released the end of this June. So first I must read Kid Chaos and Nikki's story, and then Dylan & Skeeter's story. I am looking forward to them both. That way I can just put Crazy Wild out of my head and return to the good feelings I had after reading the first two in the series (see below).

The Last Mermaid by Shana Abe

531: The tiny island of Kell is said to be enchanted, inhabited by an extraordinary creature who comforts shipwrecked sailors passing into the next world. Prince Aedan of the Isles believes in no such nonsense—until he awakens on Kell itself and meets the sensuous siren who rescued him from the sea.

1721: Ronan MacMhuirich, Earl of Kell, is the target of an unlikely assassin: Leila, a mysterious woman from an exotic land. But his irresistibly beautiful would-be slayer is in just as much danger as Ronan when she falls for this man with a magic of his own.

2004: What do you do when you inherit a Scottish island you never knew existed—and find yourself pursued by a handsome stranger who wants to buy it from you? That’s what happens to Ruri Kell when she accepts Iain MacInnes’s invitation to visit her birthright, and listens to a proposition as sinfully tempting as everything else about him.

Three seductive love stories, three passionate couples, all linked by one of the most romantic myths of all.

I had read another book by Shana Abe, The Smoke Thief, and really enjoyed it (it wasn’t romance but fantasy) so when I found this book in the romance section of the library, I wanted to give it a try. Abe has an elegant style and in her descriptions I could almost smell the sea, see the colors, feel the despair and joy.

I enjoy trilogies but am frustrated when I have to wait for each book. I know I’m not alone here. Shana Abe takes care of that in spades! Although the blurb says there are three stories, there are actually four. The story that begins the legend of Kell serves as the first romance. As with so many connecting stories, there is always one that is weaker than the others and for me the modern story seemed to get short shrift. Abe didn’t flesh out Ruri and Iain much. They function more like an epilogue – albeit a very satisfying one.

This is 580 pages long but doesn’t seem like it. I stopped at the end of each story to savor the HEA. The Last Mermaid had all the components I enjoy in romance: historical, fantasy and contemporary. It was also kinda neat that the mermaid wasn’t always a woman and I love the twist at the end. No spoiler here, it’s best if you read the book yourself. Really!

More Ebook Buzz.... Heart of a Soldier by Vanessa Hart

I'm in a hurry this morning, so perhaps this book won't get its full due, but... I found this time travel book while perusing the May issue of Passionate Ink Book Notes. If you don't belong, I highly recommend it. Because I never would have stumbled across this terrific book otherwise. Here's the blurb, courtesy of Liquid Silver Books:

On her way to her best friend's wedding, college student Stacy Webber is transported to 1963 West Germany, where the U.S. Army suspect her of being a Soviet spy. She's put under the guard of Douglas Lee Bradley III.

He worries that his sudden, explosive affair with the woman he’s supposed to be guarding could jeopardize his shot at Officer Candidate School. He doesn't understand a lot of what Stacy says but is drawn to her imaginative tales of the future. She just wants to get back to her own century and needs Brad to help her. She doesn’t expect to fall in love with him. Once Stacy uncovers the reason for her time-jump, she faces a terrible secret that affects Brad’s life. Will Brad’s future be saved if she sacrifices her own?

First of all, I found this to be one of the most plausible time travels I've ever read. The interactions between Stacy and Brad were well done, as were the references to 2006 and Brad's disbelief of things that were only 40 years in the future - even given the fact that he is a huge science fiction fan. Stacy's reaction to being transported in time is also believable, as she grasps onto the one person who seems symapthetic to her plight.

As the attraction and connection grows between them, Brad finds himself torn between wanting to believe in Stacy, and just finding the entire time travel scenario too implausible. When the true reason for her time travel becomes clear, as does her mode of transport, the two lovers struggle to find the key to happiness - should Stacy stay or should she go back to her own time?

I found this story nicely written, very sweet, and quite enjoyable. Quite shocking, really, how far we've come in my lifetime.

Passion by Lisa Valdez

In her second year of mourning, lovely young widow Passion Elizabeth Dare never dreamed she would be with a man again--and certainly not a complete stranger. But amidst the crowds of London's Crystal Palace, Passion finds herself discreetly, yet insistently, pursued by a sensual gentleman who awakens her long-supressed desires. After a loveless marriage of restrained propriety, Passion abandons herself to true bliss for the first time.

Intoxicated by his encounter with the beautiful stranger, Mark Randolph Hawkmore, Earl of Langley, cannot wait to see her again. As a series of rapturous rendezvous follows, he and his mystery lover find something rare and wonderful blossoming between them. But a blackmail scheme against the Earl threatens to destroy everything. As a scandal brews, each will have to choose between duty and desire...their love for their families--and their love for each other.

Passion is an extraordinary and powerful love story that literally ignites with the first encounter between its hero and heroine. Valdez brings them together in a coupling that is astonishingly erotic—for its time and place. And she continues to heighten that eroticism until it consumes hero, heroine and reader. Their physical need for one another transforms them on every level and, keeping with the single, unerring focus of this tale, Valdez uses their obsession with one another to reveal character. The heroine’s true artistic talent. Her dry wit and independent mind. The hero’s unflinching honesty within his own thoughts. His self-possession.

Valdez wastes little time letting readers in on their damned fate. There is no clutter, no side trips, no prolonging the misunderstanding, no foreseeable way to a happy ending. When she unmasks the need that drives them as a deep, unabiding love neither thought to ever have, Valdez elevates an already unbearable anguish to outright panic. It is just that gut-wrenching.

Valdez writes beautifully, evoking reader emotion with words both purple and profane. It is a talented pen that can simultaneously provoke and lure the reader, rendering enough shock to jolt the reader physically without loosening the story’s grip on her senses.

And it is the story itself that grips. Its characters breathe as you and I do. But it is their story—what and who they are together—that sweeps them and the reader forward. Not since Shelby Reed’s Midnight Rose, have I been as possessed, as captivated by a story. Which means I’m averaging two such reads a year.

Granted, Karen’s review (and others) prompted its appearance on my TBR list quite a long time ago. Had I simply gone online and bought it, I could have experienced it much sooner. But no, I had to search high and lo-cally, bumping it further down the list every time I could not find it. Ah well. So worth the wait.

My only regret is that I vaguely recall grumblings about Valdez’ next release. Something about its delay…

May TBR Challenge - Blackout... and a couple other Crazy books

I really like Annie Solomon's books. Absolutely loved Blind Curve. So, what did I think of Blackout? Not sure. Here's the blurb, courtesy of Annie Solomon's web site:

A month ago, she was a book dealer surrounded by family and friends. Now, suddenly, she can't remember the last four weeks of her life and everyone close to her has disappeared. Worst of all, she's the prime suspect in a murder she has no memory of committing, and she's being hunted from every direction.

Undercover agent Jake Wise has his suspect in sight and is ready to take her out—but something is keeping him from pulling the trigger. Is he tempted to protect Margo because she's innocent—or because he's falling for her? And if he's falling, what happens when he hits bottom? Nothing adds up and danger is closing in. But Jake is about to take the chance of a lifetime to save Margo—and if she's the assassin they say she is, it may be the last chance he ever takes.

So, what didn't work for me? The heroine, Margo. She wasn't deep enough for me. Perhaps that was intentional. After all, she was suffering from amnesia, and given who she is (which we later find out), it's not surprising that she would be in such total control. She was obviously one tough woman, but she wasn't sure why. As the reader, we figure this out long before she does. This, I knew was intentional, and I was ok with that. But if Margo was so seemingly unfeeling, why wasn't she puzzled by her lack of emotions? About 2/3 of the way through the book, Margo figured it out, and began displaying much more depth of emotion. At this point she became a much more believable and sympathetic character to me. I began to enjoy the book more. This is also where the action became more intense, and the story began to all come together, so maybe that had something to do with it as well.

What worked for me? The hero, Jake. Strong, reliable, there for Margo, but there because he wants the truth. He wants to avenge his mentor's death. And because he believes that Margo holds the key. Unwittingly, he finds himself attracted to her, even when he believes she might have pulled the proverbial trigger. I felt like he was a much more well rounded character than Margo. Yes, she did have amnesia, but I believe that it is possible to show real depth of emotion and flesh out a character with amnesia. In fact, it's a grand opportunity. I've seen a number of authors do this with a bit more success.

These two strong people come together in a flurry of fast paced action and subterfuge. Add in a high level cover up, and a bit of corruption into the mix. I did feel like the story lost its way just a little there in the middle, but Solomon wrapped it up fairly well in the last few chapters. The last scenes where Margo and Jake find themselves in danger, after the rest of the story has wrapped up felt unneccessary to me, though. I thought the book could have ended a chapter earlier.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, just not quite as much as I expected to, and not as much as I've enjoyed previous Solomon books.

---

Crazy Hot... by Tara Janzen
I've read all kinds of reviews of this series - leave your sense of reality at the door. Not realistic enough. Blah blah blah. I disagree. I absolutely adored this book. What a sense of fun and adventure. I loved that there was a history between Regan and Quinn. Actually, between Regan and all the Steele Street guys. It really set the stage for the entire series. I loved all the car references. I loved the action. This was just a fun, escapist adventuresome novel. But Janzen did throw in some deep stuff as well. The entire Kid storyline is quite sobering. I could have done without the Nikki/sex angel thing, actiually, but I was totally willing to overlook that and take the book for what it is.

Crazy Cool...
Kat and "Superman". This one was a tad more convoluted than the first one. Less "terrorist"y, and more "revenge"y. But still thoroughly enjoyable. Once again, I loved all the car stuff; the way Hawkins cringes while Kat messily eats in his beloved car is hilarious. Once again, you need to be willing to accept the book at face value, but if you can do that, you will be thoroughly entertained. I look at it like this: For many years, I was a critical care repiratory therapist. Yet, I still watch ER, most nights without screaming "Where's the damn RT?!?!" "They don't do it that way, you idiot!" Face value, people. It's all about the entertainment. Once again, there is a heartbreaking storyline related to Kid, and it does serve to temper the hilarity and wild campiness of much of the rest of the book.

I can't wait to read the rest of this series. Now I just need to find the time!

Been plowing through my TBR stack like it’s my job….

Linda Castillo

Dead Reckoning

Both hero and heroine are interesting, less than perfect characters. He battles pain, prescription drug addiction and a resulting surliness—at best, or complete loss of control—at worst. She was a victim at 17 and the burden manifests itself into a measure of bitchiness and degree of isolation off the scale. Castillo skillfully subjects readers to the same anguish experienced by both, soliciting both empathy and admiration for their struggles.

The mystery is interesting, but not so difficult to unravel. And I’m not certain if that may have been by Castillo’s design. It is the characters—their individual crises and the tension building between them—that moves the story along. A fast but good read and her latest I believe.


Perfect Victim

My first DNF this year. These characters lacked common sense—thinking, saying and doing outright stupid things. You have to suspend belief along about page 5. And leave it suspended.

Lisa Kleypas


When Strangers Marry

Vintage Kleypas set in pre-statehood Louisiana. It read like a good, formulaic romance written in the 1980s. Of course, compared to Kleypas’ later work—particularly her Derek Craven, Bowrunner and Wallflower series—When Strangers Marry lacked depth in both plot and characterization. A quick, light read, but not a keeper in the tradition of an early Garwood title.


A Stranger In My Arms

More vintage Kleypas that reminds me of an interview I saw on Arsenio Hall once (seriously dating myself there). Referring to the actress that played Hope on Days Of Our Lives, Arsenio acknowledged that she absolutely could not act when she joined the soap. But she was so beautiful, with so much potential, that the audience didn’t mind watching her learn. They were entranced despite her less than stellar performance. Because I know Kleypas ultimately produced stunning work, I’m equally forgiving—in an Arsenio kind of way—of these early titles.


Shadow Lover by Anne Stuart

Another from Stuart’s backlist. I liked this one. The mystery was interesting and not readily solved. The pull between the hero and heroine was laced with menace—in true Stuart style—but not enough to limit their appeal. Overall, one I’m glad I read.


Shadows and Lace by Teresa Medeiros

Another very old fashioned historical—you know, Part I, Part II and so on. Pretty good overall, but again, not a keeper to read again. I’m working my way up to reading Medeiros’ paranormal title everyone raved about last year. Just wish I liked paranormals.


French Twist by Roxanne St Clair

A contemporary I picked up right after finishing Fetzer’s last book. Although good, St Clair pales in comparison. I couldn’t get more than a few pages into French Twist. After the edgy Fetzer title, I had to revert to a historical or two before trying French Twist again. I’m glad I did. It was fairly good. A fast read with only a couple of “they wouldn’t really do that” moments. I liked it enough to pass it on to a friend.

May TBR Challenge: Over The Edge

Title: Over The Edge
Author: Suzanne Brockmann
Year Published: 2001

Blurb:

Her passion is flying. As one of the best helicopter pilots in the naval reserves, Lieutenant Teri Howe is strong, dedicated, and highly skilled–until a past mistake surfaces, jeopardizing everything she’s worked for.

Rock steady Senior Chief Stan Wolchonok has made a career of tackling difficult challenges. So it’s no surprise when he comes to Teri’s aid, knowing that his personal code of honor–and perhaps his heart–will be at risk. But when a jet carrying an American senator’s daughter is hijacked, Stan’s unflinching determination and Teri’s steadfast courage are put to the ultimate test. The rescue mission will be daring and dangerous. But somewhere between peril and resolution, the line between friends and lovers begins to blur, pushing both their lives over the edge. . . .

Why did you get this book? I inadvertantly started Brockmann’s SEAL Team Sixteen series out of order—reading Sam and Alyssa’s story first. I worked through the remaining books in this series as I could get my hands on them—again, not in order. Over The Edge was the last book I picked up and it has been languishing in my TBR stack. Despite loving these characters, I just felt that I knew all there was to know about them already. I didn’t anticipate any surprises, just an easy, comforting visit with them again when I got around to this book.

Do you like the cover? It’s nice, yes.

Did you enjoy the book? I loved the book. I had forgotten how quickly and completely Brockmann captivates with tight action, rapier wit and emotional tension. The time we spend in these characters’ thoughts is as enjoyable and engaging as their dialogue; as riveting as their actions. High praise from someone prone to skimming entire sections of internal thought. I’ve read damn few authors capable of lending animation, humor and edge to a character by simply letting us into his head. Brockmann can. She also nails every opportunity to deepen characterization through action and dialogue.

I didn’t get the easy, comfortable return to this cast of characters I expected. The pace of the action, the secondary and assorted underlying plots, and the realization that THIS is the book where Gina is attacked all served to wind me up. Brockmann doesn’t shy away from unpopular politics or violence. She does however, carry off both with integrity, IMO. As with the other books in this series, I couldn’t stop reading and didn’t want it to end.

As for the “new” characters—Stan and Teri—I enjoyed getting to know them. The romance reader in me particularly enjoyed the way Brockmann wielded Stan’s steadiness, man-to-get-things-done persona—turning it into unadulterated sex appeal from the very first scenes in the book. This guy turned me on.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? No and yes—the minute Into The Storm hits shelves in December.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing it on. I don’t keep books. Generally.

Anything else? Just a small gripe about the blurb. Teri's past mistake? Never materializes in the story. The blurb is misleading.

My little granola...

My little granola.....



So I ask my 3-year old if he would like to wear his sandals. Sure, he says. I put them on his bare feet. He walks around for a moment, then decides they don't fit right. I shrug and say, ok, sneakers it is. I put his socks on and reach for his sneaks. He objects, grabbing his sandals instead. With socks? I ask. Yeah. You can't wear socks with sandals, I explained. Yes I can. Ok then. So here he is, socks and sandals. His Dutch grandmother would be so proud. Sigh.

Over The Line by Cindy Gerard

(As blogged on http://annescomments.blogspot.com)

I was blessed to be gifted with an ARC of Cindy Gerard's latest installment of The Bodyguards called Over The Line, Romantic Times 4-1/2 star top pick, which comes out on May 30th (thanks so much Cindy!). The book can be preordered/purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or at New and Used books.com. You can also read an exerpt here.

Without further ado, here is the blurb for the book:

WHEN EVERY FRIENDLY FACE COULD MASK A KILLER…

“Sweet Baby Jane” Perkins has carved out a mega-selling reputation as rock’s favorite bad girl. But her hard-living, tough-talking image can’t prevent the sharp dose of reality that hit home when her estranged mother is killed in a car accident. As bizarre coincidences escalate in her own life, Janey grows certain that someone is watching her every move, and it’s not one of her adoring fans…

THE ONLY PERSON SHE CAN TRUST…

Since leaving the Army Rangers six months ago, Jason Wilson has been adrift, a warrior without a war. Now he’s taken his first civilian assignment for his army buddy’s security firm: protecting a rock diva on her sold-out tour. Far from being a spoiled star, Janey is a revelation—sweet, modest, and incredibly sexy. Their friendship is turning to mutual, heated desire, but it’s a distraction that could cost them more than their hearts…

MAY BE A PERFECT STRANGER.

Drawn into the depths of a deadly secret, they’ll face off against a killer growing more ruthless every day, and Jase will discover just how far he’ll go to protect an explosive passion he never expected…

Did I like this book? Yes. Did I love this book? You bet your sweet bootie I did! Over The Line is a capativating and compelling read that will have you turning page after page in anticipation of what happens next.

Jase and Janey don't get together sexually until you're into the book a bit and I have to commend Ms. Gerard on a job well done. It was like reader foreplay... I wasn't sure which was more overpowering, the anticipation in the waiting or the wanting them to just get down to it already. It was an element of the book that was wonderfully done yet drove me crazy at the same time... hence, foreplay. God, I love it when an author has me devouring the pages.

And the whodunit in this book.. man, oh man... there are so many suspects you don't have a clue as to who it is. You might think you do, then something else happens and it changes your mind. I wanted so badly to peek to the back of the book to find out who was making Janey's life a living hell, but I resisted the temptation.. and let me tell you that was very, very hard to do! I even emailed Ms. Gerard to tell her so. BUT, when I got to the whodunit, I was soooooo glad that I didn't peek! It would have ruined the surprise to find out who it really was. Let me say, I honestly and truly was shocked when I found out who it was.. my jaw dropped, my eyes bugged out, and I was like, "Holy shit!" Seriously, it was that big of a moment for me. I didn't see that coming. Not for a single second.

So, my grade for Over The Line: A

It's a fan-freaking-tastic addition to The Bodyguards series, and I'm anxiously(and impatiently) awaiting Manny's story in Under The Wire which will be coming out in *gasp* December! WAIL! I've got to wait SEVEN FREAKING MONTHS? That's way too long. But WAIT! Then we've only got to wait a little while longer, June 2007, for Dallas and Amy's story in Into The Dark. Oooooh, that's very good news. So, I guess I can overlook the SEVEN torture-filled months waiting for Manny's story since it's only a little while after that to get to the find out what happens with Amy and Dallas.. you know you're dying to know as much as I am. There's no point in denying it... we're all wanting to know just what the heck Amy's story is. Soon my friends. Soon. : )

Charming the Highlander by Janet Chapman

A feisty beauty tempted by a bold highlander's touch...When a plane crash strands brilliant scientist Grace Sutter on an icy mountaintop in Maine, she finds herself alone in the wilderness with the only other surviving passenger -- Greylen MacKeague, a sexy, medieval warrior who's been tossed through time to find the woman he's destined to love. Forced together to survive the harsh, wintry landscape, neither expects the fierce passion that flares between them. But Grace is not used to letting her heart take control, and Greylen will settle for nothing less than her heart's surrender.

This is the first in a trilogy about some sexy Highlanders from the 12th century who are thrown into the 20th century and are living in Maine. Grey is strong and protective of both Grace and the infant he thinks is hers. Grace is still mourning her sister's death and although she's promised her sister to give the child to his father, she really doesn't want to give him up. Especially since she thinks the father is insane - he really thinks he's from the 12th century. She's a scientist and just knows that's impossible.

Now Grace really is a rocket scientist (I loved this aspect of our heroine) and there are some sticky complications with her boss. Grace seems to be constantly in jeopardy. Whether it's from a nasty ice storm or from a shady company that wants her rocket propulsion research.

Oh yes, there's another complication, MacKeague and the baby's father, McBain, are mortal enemies and were in the midst of battling each other when they got thrown into the future. They still hate each other.

I loved this book even though I read it way out of order. The other two are Loving the Highlander and Wedding the Highlander (in that order). I read them in 3-2-1 order and still enjoyed them!