Member Reviews
A time travel story, that while good could have been better. It's never really explained why Abby has been watched, not why she would be a good fit for Aedan as a wife. Also, considering the difference between now and 1600 Scotland, it seemed like the transition was too easy. Also didn't understand about the Aline character. She was irritating, and he thought so too, so unsure why he was going to marry her. Men! Would recommend if you want a light and quick highland read.
Time-traveling isn’t what Abigail Cross had in mind for her Scottish vacation, nor was a potential marriage to the Laird Aedan Macleod. The fact that the obnoxious, yet hot, and definitely sexy Highlander sees the world very differently than she does, is beside the point. Aedan Macleod knows what he wants in a wife, and Abigail certainly doesn’t meet his Highland standard, even though he must rein in his desire, because beautiful, opinionated Abigail would never suit as a laird’s wife.
I really liked this story in the beginning. I loved Abigail, Aedan, and his sister. What I didn’t like was Abigail’s repeated rudeness and interactions because of her situation. It started to get on my nerves and made getting through it a bit rough at times.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
Tamara Gill does not glorify the medieval era. Instead she describes it as it was; smelly, unhealthy, and subject to violence. Why would anyone choose to give up the modern world for that? One answer is that Abby Cross did not have a choice. The laird`s sister, Gwen, possesses some magical power. She feels Abby is perfect for her brother Aeden. Not a match made in Heaven when Abby is first transported back in time. However, what would make a person give up the treasures of the modern era to stay in the stinky, unsanitary medieval era? Would love be enough? How strong is love that would allow the one you loved to leave you forever in order to keep them safe? The answers are in the selling of this tale. A storyline that possesses a bit of everything, yes romance but also indecision, danger, more than a little uncertainty. It all makes for a very good read.
When Abigail Cross finds herself in a different period in time all due to time-traveling, she never imagined she'd meet the man of her dreams. Even if he's an insufferable man that she finds difficult to understand all because their opinions of the world differ. Still, the more time Abigail spends with Laird Aedan Macleod, the more she finds herself falling for a man from a different time to hers. Is a lifetime of happiness between them possible or are they too different to ever have a shot at happy ever after?
This book was so much fun to read, as Abigail and Aedan prove that opposites do attract. Really, and this story provides readers with plenty of chemistry between the main characters, wonderful dialogue, lots of tension and a plot that was fast-paced and compelling. Really, the way this story started had me loving the hero immediately, as the hero is protective of his sister and determined not to let her do anything stupid, which could end up exposing her magic. Will he get through to her? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine comes face-to-face for the first time where this story really takes off, as this couple don't get off to the best of starts since Abigail is nothing at all like Aedan wants for a wife, and yet, he's intrigued by her.
As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and everything this pair go through on their journey to happy ever after. Being in a different time; a time so far back in the past (1601 to be exact) is worrisome for Abigail. Will she be able to handle being in such a different time zone? Will anyone learn the truth that she's from the future? Will she ever be able to return to her time? Moreover, the heroine is resilient and courageous, as she begins to deal with the fact that she's in a different time period and may not be able to return home. I also liked how Abigail challenges the hero, especially since he's the Laird and the person that everyone is supposed to listen to when it comes to the clan. While the hero, he's gruff, obnoxious and I liked how he progresses throughout this story. Certainly, he has some big decisions to make. I also liked the close relationships he has with those he considers family as well as those of his family, especially his sister, even if she's an interfering, audacious woman that goes against his wishes at times.
Overall, Ms. Gill has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry was strong; the romance was wonderful, as the hero begins to realize that he'll do anything to protect Abigail and keep her safe; and the ending had me loving how strong the friendships are that Aedan has and that the hero was willing to do whatever it takes to be with the heroine no matter the consequences. Yet, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as Aedan and Abigail have so much to look forward to. I would recommend To Conquer a Scot by Tamara Gill, if you enjoy Historical Romance, the mysterious strangers trope, Time-Travel Romance or books by authors Heather McCollum, Callie Hutton, Vanessa Kelly and Tara Kingston.
Aedan MacLeod’s sister, Gwen, knows what her brother needs: a wife that understands and accepts him. And most of all loves him. Seeing as there are no women around fitting that description, she sets out to find one herself with her magic. And ends up snagging Abigail Cross from the future, and forcing her back through time. Now the unlikely pair must stomach each other until Gwen gets her magic working on time-travel again. But are they really as unmatched as they wish to believe?
I admit it was a good enough read, and I enjoyed it – to an extent. Mainly because the story seemed fun and the pace and the hot scenes kept me engaged.
But I am always one in need of connecting with characters, and the book’s main couple unfortunately didn’t do it for me. Abigail was accepting of Gwen’s magic – almost TOO accepting and cool about it. And Aedan was hot, yes, and kind of likeable, but there were times he was downright intolerable. I especially didn’t care for how quick he was to get engaged with Aline after Abi left – what kind of man in love are you, dude?!
The only characters who actually held some interest were Gwen and Braxton. I loved the dynamic of that couple, and they were truly entertaining throughout the whole book! And Black Ben! Soooo dreamy! In fact, I can’t wait to read his story – I’m sure he won’t mess up as much as Aedan did!!!
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
I loved Abigail and Aedan's story!!
I think Abigail coped pretty well to being pulled back through time against her will. Her strong willed personality was a bit much for Aedean to take. Woman just didn't act that way in his time. It did help that Aedean knew that Abigail had been brought from the future, so she didn't have to try and hide that from him as I've seen happen in other time travel stories.
One of the things I enjoy about time travel stories is watching the person who traveled, trying to navigate the new time period. The differences between what Aedean thought was proper behavior for a woman and what Abigail felt was proper, caused many antics along the way.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Being a huge Outlander Fan I love time travel novels when they are about Scotland - you know, men in kilts ...
This one is a very well written piece though some passages are ... let's say, predictable. You'll like the leads, they are well developed and the story is an easy one.
Thumps up!
I loved this book. I am looking forward to reading about Black Ben and Aline. I would definitely buy this book.
GIVING this book five stars was very easy. I was so engrossed immediately that it was difficult to lay it aside to do my real work. It has every element that makes a great read. I adore mystery and romance and time travel. I long for Scotland when I read of Highlanders. Mixing all of this together and having it balance out to a romance you cannot wait to read and do not wish to end makes this a keeper! So buy buy buy buy buy! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna
In 1601 in the highlands of Scotland Laird Aedan MacLeod of Druiminn castle hears from the servants that his sister Gwen is up to something. In a small cottage by the sea he finds his sister using her magic to bring a woman from the future to him. In present day Scotland while Abigail “Abby” Cross is touring the cottage ends up back in time to 1601. Abby after arriving is strongly attracted to Aedan and so is he. How is Abby supposed to get back to her time since danger lurks in every corner? If Abby goes back what about the love they both feel for each other too?
This book by Ms. Tamara Gill was just amazing! The story was so beautifully told the imagery was easily visualized but the characters just made the book. Sure the book at first jumped around from 1601 to present day Scotland but we spent most of the time in 1601 so that period was easy to visualize. Also Ms. Gill just knows how to captivate her audience despite the harsh times and the numerous hot love scenes which didn’t bother me in the least the love between not just the hero/heroine and family was easily felt.
Aedan is just the perfect highlander honorable, loyal, loving, handsome and willing to put love first who doesn’t love that? The only thing though was the guy on the cover did not match the description of him in the book. In fact every time I kept visualizing him I kept seeing the guy on the cover except for the red haired hero described in the book. So this did make it hard for me to see him a great deal in my mind’s eye. Still I couldn’t help but fall for him and this didn’t change my rating of the book either. Abby was an equally great heroine beautiful brave independent and feisty I seriously just loved her too and could see us getting along. My favorite was Gwen she was just a character. I hope that Ms. Gill will write about Black Ben and Aline even though I can’t stand her either. I can’t wait to reread the book again. I will be awaiting Ms. Gill next jaunt into 17th century Scotland or any time really.
To Conquer A Scot is a well-written story with interesting characters, a hot Scottish laird and a 21st-century woman who travels across 500 years to find her destiny. Aeden is hot, sweet, caring and all male. It's interesting watching Abigail try to adjust to a time with so few of the comforts we take for granted today. She adjusts remarkably well in a short time. I couldn't help but feel a few times that I was being told Abby and Aeden were falling for each other rather than seeing it in their interactions but once they come together, the relationship was more real. There's lots of good tension on the budding love affair from external forces to include a scheming woman, an abduction, and clan warfare.
Lovers of historical, Highland and just plain romance novels will enjoy this book.
reviewed by Jem
I love time traveling romances, especially when there’s a sexy Highlander involved but this one just didn’t do it for me. It took me a little bit to connect with the characters in the beginning. I was a little surprised that Abby took to her new surroundings so fast. There was no, “I’m dreaming. This isn’t real”, she just knew she’d been pulled back in time. Now, I hate it when a character fights it tooth and nail for pages upon pages, but a little pause from Abby would have been nice. I mean, if I was teleported back or forward in time, my first reaction would not be acceptance. However, once Abby got settled into her role as a distant friend of the Laird’s, I started to connect with the characters a bit. I loved that even though these two had an attraction to each other, they knew nothing could come of it.
However, the conflict that the author brought about was a little annoying and boring at times. Not only did you have the whole time-travel thing, but of course there was a simpering way-too-young girl who was hoping to secure a marriage with Aedan, and to top it off there’s an angry Laird from another area who mistakes Abby as his runaway betrothed. While the simpering girl didn’t bother me, the continuous, “you are her!” “I am not her!” conversation that went around and around and around for chapters was very tiresome. I got it, this guy really thought Abby was his betrothed, but I could have done without the loop of dialog that we seemed to have gotten stuck on. I will admit, I skimmed over all those pages after a while because I was tired of reading the back and forth of it all. Not only did I feel like a lot of that could have been cut out, but the ending was not my cup of tea. I don’t understand what the whole point of it was. I feel like the whole thing could have been scrapped and the story could have ended with their engagement. It just seemed unnecessary and left me, again, a little bored.
While I had some issues with this story, I still enjoyed it. I loved Aedan’s character, even when he was brooding. I loved how he was willing to give up his love for the sake of his people. He was a very strong character and was always looking past his needs and his wants to what those around him needed. I also liked that Abby, while horrible with archery, was able to hold her own among those of Aedan’s time. While I did enjoy my time with this book, I do not plan to continue with the series.
This was a really nice time travel Scottish romance, a fun read!
Time-traveling isn’t what Abigail Cross had in mind for her Scottish vacation, nor was a potential marriage to the Laird Aedan Macleod. The fact that the obnoxious, yet hot, and definitely sexy Highlander sees the world very differently than she does, is beside the point.
Aedan Macleod knows what he wants in a wife, and Abigail certainly doesn’t meet his Highland standard, even though he must rein in his desire, because beautiful, opinionated Abigail would never suit as a laird’s wife.
Tempers flare yet passion is undeniable, as Abby navigates her way in seventeenth century Scotland—without toilet paper. When two rival clans threaten the maddening twenty-first century minx who’s captured Laird Aedan’s heart, the mighty Highlander is willing to sacrifice everything to keep Abigail safe.
Review:
In this first installment of this series we get to know Abigail and Aedan. Abigail is brought through time by Aedan's sister to be a bride to him.
I will start with saying that there is some not liking each other at first. Aedan needs a wife, but neither him nor Abi want it to be her. Of course they grow on each other and it was lovely to read that slow build-up for these two.
**spoilers coming up** sorry I hate to do that but I could not figure how to relate my likes without giving away some things
The story is an exciting and entertaining time-travel romance. I liked that the story was written in a style that grabbed my attention and kept me reading. I loved the witty dialogue, that had me laughing at times. I ran the gamut of emotions reading this book, have some tissues ready, just a warning. I was sad when Abi is thrown back to her time, and very angry when she gets back and Aedan had not waited for her, but the ending leaves you happy and was very satisfying. Of course, the story has is spicy, sexy elements too. Abi & Aedan are very sexy together and the chemistry is off the charts. There is a lot of action in this story too, with fighting clans and really bad guys. I hope I did not ruin the book for anyone. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see where the series leads.
4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*
Abigail Cross thinks to goes to see the Scottish lands she’s always been drawn to on vacation. Clan Chief Aedan Macleod is in need of a wife and plans to choose one at highland games much to his sister Gwen’s dismay. So Gwen works her own magic and transports Abby to the 17th century to be her brother’s perfect bride. Aedan and Abby don't hit is off at first and they argue a lot Abby doesn’t care for the overbearing demanding handsome Highlander. Aedan even threatens to kill her if she doesn’t fall in line with the plan while she is in the 17th century to explain her presence. Gwen can’t send Abby back to the 21st century right away so Abby has to bide her time and eventually her and Aedan come to an understanding and they start to have feeling for each other, but when something happens pulling them apart can love be strong enough to go through time. You need to read this amazing story to see how it ends!!!
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
An exciting and wonderful time travel romp, with Abigail traveling back to the 17th century, expect warriors, swords and hot guys in kilts.
Couldn't put it down, I was hooked
I received an ARC from Netgalley and voluntarily leave my own opinion
Book: To Conquer A Scot
By Tamara Gill
Series: Highland Love series, Book 1.
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2) Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1601
This is the time-travel romance of 17th century Aedan Macleod and 21st Abigail (Abby) Cross
Abby is 21st century modern woman who has always dreamed of going to Scotland. While on vacation and visiting a castle she gets whisked away to 17th century Scotland. This is with the help of Aedan’s meddling sister Gwen. Gwen has the gift of magic, Abby is actually brought to 17th century Scotland by Aedan’s sister Gwen. She doesn't want him to marry the 17th century harlot he has his eye on. Plus she knows her brother Aedan being Laird needs a wife like Abby and feels they are perfect for each other. As Gwen has been watching Abby for a long time.
The problem is they don't seem to even like each other's company - gosh Aedan even thought of killing Abby at first. Even as they demand Abby be sent back to her proper time but soon as are drawn to each other. Then there are villains in at every corner along with malace and treachery. As two rival clan threaten Aedan's 21st century woman The tides of fate soon turn as he realizes no other woman but Abbey will do. Aedan will do anything to keep her from harms way! Yet will it be too little too late? You must read and find out in this captivating delightful read!
Will Abbey stay or will she go? What will be best for Aedan and the clan? I also loved the relationship between Aedan and his best friend Ben ~ though it had heartbreaking moments too.
This book is is a definite for Scottish historical readers. It has all the elements readers love. Filled with breathtaking settings that you can literally smell the heather with exquisite dialogue too. A beautifully written story that is both rich and intriguing. The plotting was just brilliant, with so many twists and turns and non-stop action! I was gasping for air, plus wondering with anticipation and bated breath, what could possibly happen next?
This is my first book by this Australian author Tamara Gill. It definitely won't be the last! I absolutely and unequivocally loved this spectacular read “To Conquer a Scot”. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Disclaimer:I received this book from Entangled publishers for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
AMAZON BUY LINK:
https://www.amazon.com/Conquer-Scot-Time-Travelers-Highland-ebook/dp/B075DCK2R1/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1506050834&sr=1-6&keywords=tamara+gill+kindle+book
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm always on the lookout for time traveling romances that involve the Scots or Irish and this one has definitely been added to my list of favorites!
Abigail Cross is a young American woman from Oregon living in 2017 who has recently taken a vacation to Scotland for research and what she had hoped to be a great time. Things aren't going so well as it has mostly rained while she's there and decides to explore Druiminn Castle on the Isle of Skye. While checking out a quaint cottage with a lovely garden, she happens to touch a clay bottle and then blacks out.
When she comes to, she is met by a woman named Gwen who is wearing period clothing from the 17th Century and is told that magic was used to bring her back to 1601 in the hopes of marrying her brother Aedan MacLeod, Laird of Druiminn Castle, At first she thinks the woman is crazy about the time travel theory until she sees proof of what life would be like in that particular and accidentally runs right into the muscled arms of Aedan MacLeod himself.
Aedan MacLeod is a man who is in need of a wife who will take over his household, produce heirs and be mild mannered. He's dead set against all of these qualities until shortly after meeting Abby who is anything but biddable and more than his match, she's exactly what he needs. That is if he'd stop being so stubborn and admit it.
Abbu and Aedan come to an agreement which includes Abby being willing to partake in the Highland Games, pretend to be a friend from abroad and help look for a wife for Aedan. Seems like a fairly straightforward plan but things don't go quite as planned especially in the potential wife department.
These two come from two completely different parts of the world and vastly different time periods but sometimes what can seem to be completely the opposite, is sometimes the perfect match.
Just when things seem to be going well for these two, a wolf hiding in sheep's clothing shows up at The Highland Games and will throw things completely out of balance, causing Aedan and Abby to have to make a painful decision that could separate them for a very long time.
All is not lost though and fate may yet still have some interesting plans for these two. Only time will tell how they turn out and if they both have the courage to take a leap of faith.
This book was a wonderful mix of adventure, magic, Highlanders in kilts, humor, steamy scenes, the power of friendship and love.
I'm so glad I was given a chance to read this book and I look forward to seeing who is next in this new series!
Abigail Cross, a museum curator from Salem is in holiday in the Highlands of Scotland where she time-travelled to 1601, not of her own volition but by the summons of a witch.
The witch, Gwen MacLeod has magical powers. She was desperate to find a feisty but kind wife for his brother, Aedan MacLeod, Laird of Druiminn Castle, who's opposed to Gwen's meddling.
Abigail resented what Gwen did and found all circumstances extremely difficult to live in 1601 Scotland and demanded she be returned to 2017 United States.
Four hundred years ago, Scotland was considered a savage land. Various clans were warring, women were considered men's properties and witchcraft was punishable by death.
Aedan and Abigail found love in each other in the end after all the anguish they've gone through.
I would have given this a five-star rating if the heroine has expressed interest in objects/articles/items she's seen in 1601. As a museum curator, she failed to appreciate her surroundings.
I received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my impartial review.