Beyond The Highland Mist

In the enchanted land of the Fae, the troublesome Queen prods a scorned court fool and a jealous King on. She taunts them about a man of renowned prowess and stamina, stinging the pride of both men. To seek vengeance, they decide to send a curse of sorts on the man; the perfect woman who will be immune to his good looks, charm, and well…all of him.

In the 20th century, Adrienne was an abused young woman. She was used and stooped by a gorgeous man that she thought she loved. She swears never to even like another handsome man as long as she lives…in fact, she hates them, hates them, hates them.

The Fae men hear her proclamation and see the means to their vengeance…poof Adrienne is transported to the 16th century.

The man of the hour is known as Hawk. He’s well known for his skills in bed and out. Everyone wants him. He’s interested in none of them, not for long anyway. He’s duty bound to marry a woman tying two houses together. What he didn’t expect was for her to a) not want him b) inspire him and c) capture his imagination and heart.

In classic Moning fashion, Beyond The Highland Mist brims with sexual tension and humor. However, the heroine frustrated me. I’d like to think even though I’d been duped a time or two in my life, I would never be so shallow and superficial as to damn everyone on Earth, in my century or not, for a physical trait - handsome, stocky, tall, short, fat, or thin; nor make everyone pay for those who hurt me. The heroine, Adrienne, seemed childish, sulky and frustrated to me. Hawk, I could appreciate on many levels but several times it made me crease my brow and think…were men this dumb in the 16th century, too?

All of that aside, I adore Moning’s fantastic turn of phrase, her vivid imagery, and her spunk. This was her debut novel, originally released in March 1999. If you are a collector, definitely get it, but know her writing has grown, matured, and is itself a beautiful work of art.

Reviewed by: Izzy