Kiss of the Highlander

A modern woman's Scottish vacation takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a sleeping Highlander in a cave. Drustan MacKeltar, a 16th-century warrior trapped in an enchanted sleep, awakens to find himself in the present day with Gwen Cassidy as his only connection to this unfamiliar world. The pair must navigate their growing attraction while racing against time to prevent a catastrophe. Their journey forces them to confront the barriers between past and present, dealing with everything from cultural differences to the complexities of time travel. As they work together to unravel ancient mysteries and battle dark forces, both Drustan and Gwen must decide how far they'll go for love. The story combines elements of Scottish history, Celtic mythology, and romance. The novel explores themes of destiny versus free will, and questions whether love can truly transcend time. Through its blend of historical and contemporary settings, it examines how the past continues to influence the present.

Readers consistently rate Kiss of the Highlander as one of the strongest entries in the Highlander series. Readers praise: - The chemistry and relationship development between Gwen and Drustan - The balance of humor and emotion - Time travel elements that avoid common plot holes - Clear explanations of Celtic mythology - Detailed historical research Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first third - Some repetitive internal monologues - Scientific explanations that feel out of place Average ratings: Goodreads: 4.28/5 (52,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,400+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "The scenes between Drustan and Gwen crackle with tension" - Amazon reviewer "Finally a time travel romance where the rules make sense" - Goodreads review "Drustan's confusion about modern technology provides genuine laugh-out-loud moments" - BookBub comment

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon A nurse from 1945 travels through time to 18th-century Scotland where she falls in love with a Highland warrior while navigating political intrigue and clan warfare.

The Secret by Julie Garwood An English lady and a Highland laird form an alliance through an arranged marriage during medieval Scotland's clan conflicts.

Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning A modern woman finds herself transported to 16th-century Scotland where she becomes entangled with a Highland warrior who must break a fae curse.

The Bride by Julie Garwood A Scottish laird claims an English bride through a king's decree, leading to a clash of cultures and unexpected romance in medieval Scotland.

A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux A 16th-century knight travels through time to modern day and back, creating a love story that spans centuries and defies temporal boundaries.

🔹 Author Karen Marie Moning originally worked as a bartender, insurance specialist, and personal trainer before becoming a full-time writer - much like her protagonist Gwen, who worked various jobs before her Highland adventure. 🔹 The novel features a unique twist on time travel romance by having the male protagonist, Drustan MacKeltar, travel forward in time rather than the more common trope of women traveling to the past. 🔹 The book incorporates authentic Scottish Gaelic phrases and customs, with Moning conducting extensive research into 16th-century Highland culture and Druidic traditions. 🔹 "Kiss of the Highlander" is part of the Highlander series but was written to stand alone - readers can enjoy it without reading the previous books in the series. 🔹 The cave where Gwen finds Drustan was inspired by real Scottish caves, many of which were historically used as hiding places and were believed to have magical properties in Celtic folklore.