Beyond the Highland Mist

There are two reviews of this book.

You know the old saying Be careful for what you wish. . . ? Those are definitely words of wisdom in this book. The third Earl of Dalkeith, Sidheach James Lyon Douglas is known for his prowess in the bedroom. Being devastatingly handsome is an added benefit. But unbeknowst to "Hawk," he has brought the wrath of The Fairy down on his gorgeous head. Apparently, the Queen of the Fairy chose Hawk as her ideal, which didn't set well with her King or the Fairy Fool. They want revenge.

After fifteen years of service to the King of Scotland, the King has decreed Hawk will wed Janet Comyn or see his entire clan destroyed. Hawk is upset about the nuptials to say the least as his betrothed is known to be mad. Hawk and his best friend Grimm are discussing the upcoming wedding one evening when they see a falling star. Grimm wishes on the star that Hawk get a woman with a perfect face, body and a "no." A woman who unlike all the others, does not want Hawk.

Adrienne de Simone grew up as an orphan in New Orleans who ran away from a horrifying past to Seattle. Her heart is broken and she hates "beautiful men." The Fairy decides Adrienne is the perfect woman that Grimm wished for Hawk so she is transported back to Scotland in the year 1513 and finds herself betrothed to a man she has never met. Upon meeting her husband, Adrienne takes out her tortured past on him and Hawk is truly baffled at the idea of such a beautiful woman not wanting him, as he defintely wants her.

These two must overcome great obstacles to be together. There is danger afoot as Adrienne is the target of numerous murder attempts. There are also forces of darkness and evil Hawk and Adrienne must battle to win happiness.

Frankly, I was disturbed at the underlying darkness of the book. I love time travel and the idea of Fairies and magic appeal greatly, but this bordered on the twisted and sadistic. The Fairy Fool does everything underhanded to exact his revenge on a man who is innocent, including a seduction scene that borders on rape while Hawk watches nearby. It was almost too tortuous to "watch." I liked Hawk and Adrienne though I was tempted to throttle her every time she stubbornly refused to give into her feelings about Hawk. Yeah, I know she was terribly hurt by a past relationship but it isn't healthy to hang onto that and definitely not fair to "blame all men."

Another thing that bothered me about this book is when Hawk decides to exert his husbandly rights, he is of the mind that Adrienne has already been unfaithful to him. He practically takes her prisoner, ties her up and covers her head like he does his falcons. My modern thinking mind went into high gear rebellion at this. When he realizes she wasn't unfaithful, he is filled with remorse over not trusting her and his treatment of her. What about the way she treated him? Give me a break! Luckily for Hawk, this seduction scene works and Adrienne is receptive to him. When she finally realizes her feelings and it looks like they will be happy, the Fairy Fool strikes again and she is whisked back to the twentieth century. I was ready to do battle with the Fool myself, just to get him out of the picture. Enough already!

The best part of the story occurs at the end when Hawk and the Fool square off in a final showdown. A little too late, if you ask me. There is, of course, a happily-ever-after, and perhaps stalwart time-travel fans or masochists will enjoy this book, but I didn't. Perhaps author Moning's future books will be better. They couldn't get much worse.

-- Sharal Heinemann

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