Two of Scottish romance’s most loved authors have joined pens to write a thrilling new time travel series filled with passion, danger, and intrigue. These never-before-published novels will sweep you to Scotland’s Highland Heatheredge, where magic is real, time is relevant, and there is no escape from desire…

 

Men are disappearing in the Highland crofting village of Heatheredge. The authorities suspect foul play, but without signs of violence—or bodies—they can’t prove a thing.

World champion swordsman Cailean Ross is living the fantasy of a lifetime as the victor of Heatheredge’s medieval reenactment Gathering. But when the fantasy turns into reality, swordplay becomes a fight to the death and he finds himself among the ‘missing’ statistics.

 

Julianna Mackay flees a man she fears is an evil wizard and literally runs into handsome Cailean Ross. Cailean defends Lady Julianna from her attackers. Together, they set out in search of the key to a six-hundred-year-old curse that can only be broken in medieval Scotland.

 

When the veil of time is lifted, Cailean and Julianna find that love may not be enough to save them or those they hold dear.

 

Review 5*

 

This is the first book in a new historical time-travel romance series written by Tarah Scott and Sue-Ellen Welfonder. I am a huge fan of Tarah Scott's books, so when I found out she was co-writing this series with Sue-Ellen Welfonder, I became curious and decided to give this book a go. I am glad I did because I loved it!

 

Cailean Ross is a modern day professor who also happens to be a world champion swordsman. I wasn't sure if I liked him at first as he came across as conceited and a little full of himself. However, as the story progressed I began to like him more. He has the soul of a warrior. When he finds himself mysteriously sent back in time during a reenactment in the Scottish village of Heatheredge, he is torn between finding a way home and staying with the woman he has come to love.

 

Julianna Mackay is a wonderfully strong female character. In a time of male dominance, she fights every day for her independence. She is incredibly strong willed and determined. When she literally runs into the broad chest of Cailean Ross after fleeing for her life, she never expected to have any feelings towards him. But as danger threatens to tear them apart, she can no longer deny her attraction.

 

I don't read many historical time-travel romances. However, I just had to read this one. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, I was unable to purchase a copy. Instead, thanks to Prime, I was able to borrow this book through the lending library. As soon as I had downloaded it, I began reading. I was quickly swept up in the tale, which is told through the eyes of both Cailean and Julianna and gives the reader an insight into their thoughts and feelings. I have never been to a medieval reenactment, so was intrigued by how the village of Heatheredge prepared for the event by placing false fascias over the modern looking buildings and shops.

 

This story took me on a huge adventure into the past, with danger following not far behind. I must admit that I liked meeting a few of the other characters too, though one or two not so much. I liked Lennox, Julianna's brother. He too is a warrior and a kind and just man. However, I took an instant dislike to Val Ross and another character called Crowe. As the story unfolded I found myself holding my breath in places and sitting on the edge of the seat in others. There are kidnappings, sword fights and a mystery surrounding how or why Cailean was transported back in time. The romance between Cailean and Julianna is touching at times. I must admit that, having read a few of Tarah Scott's more racier books, I was expecting a little more in the way of heat between the two. I'm not saying that those scenes were not devoid of heat, only a little more subdued than I had expected though no less explicit. Other readers may not have the same response. Nevertheless, I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. Cailean's character also grows throughout the story and I enjoyed watching him settle into the 14th Century as if putting on a glove. He truly is an old soul. The description of both the present and the past were vividly written and I felt like I was actually there, standing next to Cailean or Julianna and seeing exactly what they saw. In fact, I became so emersed that I forgot I was even in modern day England and not 1395. It was a little jarring to the senses when I finished the story, let me tell you!

 

The story does end on a small cliffhanger, but this only left me itching to get my hands on the second book, which is told through the eyes of Lennox and Ginny (Cailean's sister) to see what happens next.

 

Tarah Scott and Sue-Ellen Welfonder have written a fantastic historical time travel romance. I love their writing style which is fast paced and entertaining, and the flow is wonderful too. Since Tarah Scott is already one of my favourite authors, I will have to add Sue-Ellen Welfonder onto my list too. I am looking forward to reading more of both authors' books in the future.

 

Due to scenes of a sexual nature that are rather on the explicit side and some bad language, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 16. I do, however, highly recommend this book if you love historical, time travel or contemporary romances. - Lynn Worton

Playing with Fire - Julia Mills,Claudy C... Book: Playing with Fire
Author: Julia Mills , Claudy Conn, Melanie James, KyAnn Waters , Allie Mackay, Tarah Scott, Evan Trevane, Teri Riggs , Candice Staufer, Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Publication Date:12/9/2016
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne-Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars

Review
What a fantastic box set. I have read a few of the stories in this set so I am adding to this my review for those books.

HAUNTED BY HER DRAGON Julia Mills
This is Lance and Samantha’s Story. You know Lance the jokester of the guards.
Samantha Malone is a doctor who was held captive by The Auctioneer in the 2nd installment and Lance was her rescuer. She was then haunted by memories of Lance for 7 long months. Finally she has the man of her dreams but at what cost?
The Guards are still battling the loser/trader fellow brother Andrew and also the Auctioneer is still causing trouble. Then we are introduced to Kyra a white witch who has been held captive by brother Andrew. He knows who she is and what she can do.
Do the other guards know who Kyra is?
Can they finally capture the traitor Andrew?
How will Samantha feel about her sexy man after she hears the truth?
This book gave me a little bit of everything I like in a book Comedy, Tears, Suspense and Very HOT passion !!!
I highly suggest you pickup your copy !! I would also suggest you read the series in order !!!


DARK LOVE Claudy Conn
Finally I was able to read this book… And Oh boy am I glad I finally got to it..!!!
Chaz aka Chazma Donnelly has powers which to her are not normal. She has very vivid dark dreams . Her parents were supposedly killed by a serial killer in New York and it has consumed her to seek revenge for their deaths. Chaz gets offered a job to organize a library at a mansion in Ireland. It is Jethro McBain the owner that has offered the job and it is with Chaz’s grandmother that she accepts the position. Jethro McBain lives in Brionn Ireland and for Chaz this is perfect as she has figured out or at least she thinks this is where to begin her search for her parents death.
Will Chazma be able to control the darkness that is building inside her and threatening her powers to over flow. What about the Oh So Sexy Jethro McBain? They both have figured out each others powers . Now they must fight a very dark warlock. Can they come out of this unharmed? Can they keep fighting their attraction to each other or will it end up as more?
Grab your copy of the book and get reading !!
Tons of suspense and Oh so hot and heavy chemistry !!!
Another great book !!!


KARMA INC. Melanie James
If you have ever read the Literal Leigh series by this author you will know why it’s a laughing pee your pants kind of book. In this book, we get Kelly and Esmeralda who decided to open a new business together. What better than making sure Karma gets a little shove at whom she needs to aim her fury at? However, things do not always go as they seem and Kelly now faces charges by none of other than the Witches Union. Can Gertie, Marie, and Esmeralda get her out of the mess she is in? Add many of the other characters and Hunters parents and you get one heck of a big ole mess.

Absolutely loved this book. Esmeralda doesn’t have a lot of friends but she is a good one to Kelly. These two are hilarious. So if you like a good paranormal but with some comedy added then this I highly recommend to you.


EXSQUISITE BREATH OF DARKNESS Candice Stauffer
Joseph Payne is a warrior and Mia Harte is a lycan although she doesn’t know it. She seems to always find herself in danger.
Can Joseph save her from her many risks? Can he capture her heart?
Will she become his mate? Eli Thomas seems to think she is his mate but in the end true love wins .. Very passionate and sexy book !
[b:Playing with Fire|33305423|Playing with Fire|Julia Mills|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1481397968s/33305423.jpg|54040352]

A bit uneven. Some cute stuff, some over the top fluff, but also some stuff that really annoyed me. 

 

 

Pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and ghosts...fun! Here are more ghost romances for your spooky pleasure! These romances have ghost as leads, haunts, or secondary characters in an otherwise normal contemporary world. 

 

1. Trouble in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon 

 

Scientist Maryse Robicheaux thought that a lot of her problems had gone away with her mother-in-law’s death. The woman was rude, pushy, manipulative and used her considerable wealth to run herd over the entire town of Mudbug, Louisiana.

Unfortunately, death doesn’t slow down Helena one bit.

DEA Agent Luc LeJeune is wondering what his undercover assignment investigating the sexy scientist has gotten him into – especially as it seems someone wants her dead. Keeping his secrets while protecting Maryse proves to be easier than fighting his attraction for the brainy beauty.

 

2. A Wish for Love by Gina Wilkins

 

Bailey Gates is tired of picking guys loaded down with emotional baggage—her "Dear Bailey" days are through. But one look at the fascinating, sexy Ian Cameron and she can't help falling hopelessly in love. However, Ian has a problem that even Bailey isn't ready to take on. Because seventy-five years ago Ian Cameron was shot down in cold blood….

 

3. Body and Soul by Susan Krinard

 

Jesse Copeland, an expert in mountain rescues, has returned to Manzanita after years in the Peace Corps. Despite an indomitable courage that sent her rappelling down cliffs, she is haunted by the nightmares and shadowy half-memories surrounding her mother's mysterious death. Now she is determined to find out if her mother's "accident" was murder. What she finds instead is a man as transparent as air--sensual, muscular, his blue eyes burning into hers as she cries out one word from a place deep within her: David.

David Ventris, Lord Ashthorpe, late of His Majesty's Light Dragoons, is, simply put, a ghost. He's waited two centuries to be called back to earth by the woman he wronged. He knew her as "Sophie," a wondrous lady who sparked a passion so blazing that time could not dim the flames. Now he is being given the chance to guard her from danger and get back his soul--if only she will believe him real and not madness. If only she will love him enough to create a miracle...and give him life again.

 

4. Seeing is Believing by Erin McCarthy 

 

Ever since Piper Tucker was young she wanted to be like everyone else, but her uncanny ability to see ghosts always put her on the other side of normal. And the apparitions are showing up now more than ever, desperately seeking help. But what can she possibly do for them? They’ve already been dead for years. Besides, she has a personal concern of her own right now. A real flesh and blood concern—named Brady.

He’s Piper’s childhood crush, and no sooner is he back in town than sparks start giving off heat. For Brady, it’s hard not to notice the sexy young woman Piper’s become, or forget the special gift she had as a girl. And right now it could come in handy, because a long-forgotten murder has been keeping a restless spirit from finding peace. All Piper and Brady have to do is solve the crime to put the specter to rest. But the passion brewing between them is just as restless, and could prove twice as dangerous.

 

5. Haunted Warrior by Allie Mackay

 

Kendra Chase is exhausted from her work as a ghost whisperer, so she's been looking forward to her vacation in Edinburgh. But work awaits her as the tiny fishing village is being excavated, and supernatural uprisings have been reported.

Graeme MacGrath knows the source of the psychic trouble. The excavation is disrupting the protective veil between this world and darker, more ancient ones. He hates to admit it but he will need the fetching Kendra and her paranormal abilities to save the town he loves from unspeakable evil.

 

6. Freudian Slip by Erica Orloff

 

Everyone loves shock jock Julian Shaw…except the guy who shot him.

The raunchy radio DJ expects the dark tunnel, white lights—even his late grandmother greeting him at the pearly gates. Instead, he gets a coma, a spirit guide named Gus and a pushy demon with a deal. His assignment: Katie Darby.

Katie Darby's best friend just stole her guy! Now she's losing her mind.

All she really wants to do is stay in mope mode, but it feels as if someone is watching her, whispering strange thoughts into her head, making her say and do things she would never normally consider. And it's actually making her life better!

Now Julian wants another chance to prove he's a good guy. But he just might have to sell his soul to the devil to get it….

 

7. Dream Lake by Lisa Kleypas

 

Alex Nolan is about as bitter and cynical as they come. One of three Nolan brothers who call Friday Harbor home, he’s nothing like Sam or Mark. They actually believe in love; they think the risk of pain is worth the chance of happiness. But Alex battles his demons with the help of a whiskey bottle, and he lives in his own private hell. And then, a ghost shows up. Only Alex can see him. Has Alex finally crossed over the threshold to insanity?

 

Zoë Hoffman is as gentle and romantic as they come. When she meets the startlingly gorgeous Alex Nolan, all her instincts tell her to run. Even Alex tells her to run. But something in him calls to Zoë, and she forces him to take a look at his life with a clear eye and to open his mind to the possibility that love isn’t for the foolish.

 

The ghost has been existing in the half-light of this world for decades. He doesn’t know who he is, or why he is stuck in the Nolans’ Victorian house. All he knows is that he loved a girl once. And Alex and Zoë hold the key to unlocking a mystery that keeps him trapped here.

Zoë and Alex are oil and water, fire and ice, sunshine and shadow. But sometimes it takes only a glimmer of light to chase away the dark, and sometimes love can reach beyond time, space, and reason to take hold of hearts that yearn for it. .

 

8. Crazy For The Cowboy by Cindy Spencer Pape

 

Tough-as-nails Sheriff Fitz Hall has learned the hard way that transplanted city girls are not to be trusted, so he plans to steer clear of the new arrival in town. Rhiannon Jakobowski has lived a staid, regimented life. Inheriting a bookstore in Shirley, Wyoming, is her first chance at independence, and she?s determined to make the most of it. Within days of arriving, however, she wakes up to find the handsome sheriff in her bed. Pretty soon she?s talking to ghosts. Is she losing her mind? Or is she just crazy for the cowboy?

 

9. The Ghost and Cheri by Jacqueline Diamond 

 

Former child star Cheri Louette, who retreated from the world to raise her orphaned nephew, wants to help the seven-year-old recover from his parents' deaths, but now he's hearing voices in the night. Is it possible that their old house came with resident ghosts?

 

When bookish college co-ed Alexis heads to the laundry room in her new apartment, she runs into Ian Reese, the chem lab partner she crushed on all last semester. And the guy who stood her up on their first date. But she’s down for an awkward reunion, and no better place than her creepy laundry room.

 

Ian has every intention of making amends, but just when Alexis begins to trust him again, a new threat calls more than their future together into question. A ghost from the apartment’s past is hellbent on revenge, and if he wants to get his girl, he’ll have to get the ghost first.

 

 

Let me know your favorites on this list and if any didn't make it!

 

To vote for the best of the best go to the Goodreads list: Beyond: Contemporary Romance with Ghosts. 

 

 

 

Originally Posted On My Blog at Addicted To Romance

Short Review:
Kira has had dreams of Aiden, a Scot from the 1300's, and she has always had a certain fascination with everything Scotland. It is her greatest passion. Then one day she has the strongest urge to return to Scotland, and while searching through some ruins, she finds herself in Scotland only in Aiden's time, and she is face to face with a man that she has been dreaming of. Aiden has been dreaming of Kira and won't be satisfied until she is in his arms, and when it finally happens, a enemy of Aiden could be the end to both of them.

I really loved the way Aiden was with Kira, and I enjoyed the concept of them sharing dreams with each other before they actually meet. I liked how obvious it is that this author has done her research on Scottish history, especially about the culture. You see it in the little details of the story that definitely make it seem more vividly detailed and realistic. It was almost as if the reader steps right into 1300's Scotland, and seeing everything in real time. Highlander In Her Dreams is a time travel based romance, and when you mix a modern day woman with a medieval Scottish Laird...well things certainly get sensual and yummy steam. A charming love story that is imaginative and endearing. It will win over any readers heart. A DELIGHTFUL ROMANTIC ROMP!!