Audiobook Review: Highland Protector by Catherine Bybee

Author: Catherine Bybee

Narrator: David Monteath

Title: Highland Protector

(MacCoinnich Time Travels #5)

Genre: Historical Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, SCI FI

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 300 

Published:  November 7th 2013

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

No ordinary hero can save Amber from death... it will take a Highland Protector

Amber MacCoinnich survival depends on her traveling to the twenty first century, or so her mother’s premonition told her. Death taunts Amber and offers peace in her endless pain. Without the mysterious savior her mother spoke of, Amber prepares for death only to wake with a handsome, dark stranger in her bed.

Gavin Kincaid spends his life shifting time in order to preserve and protect the MacCoinnich family and their line even though he’s never met one living MacCoinnich. A haunting portrait of a beautiful woman captures his attention and he embarks on a quest to put a name to the picture. When a colleague vanishes, the time-stream forces Kincaid to the twenty first century where he finds his mystifying woman close to death. His Druid gift can save her, but at what price? And when they both find themselves emotionally linked, the truth behind Kincaid’s heritage just might kill them both.

Review:

The final book in the series. I am so sad!!

We continue the story with Amber who's survival depends on her traveling to the 21st century according to her mother's premonition. Death hangs over Amber and would be the only way to offer peace and end her pain. Amber is preparing for her death only to wake up with a handsome stranger in her bed. Gavin has spent his life shifting time to help preserve and protect the MacCoinnich family line. During one of his missions, a portrait of a beautiful woman catches his attention and he feels like she needs his help. He embarks on a mission to find out who she is. When a colleague vanishes, the time-stream forces Gavin to go to the 21st century where he finds the mystery woman close to death. His Druid gift seems to be the only thing that can save her. 

This is really bittersweet. I hate saying goodbye to this world and the MacCoinnich clan. There are so many stories left to tell! Especially with that ending! SUCH A CLIFF HANGER! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! HOW CAN YOU LEAVE ME LIKE THIS!!!!!!!!!?????? SOBS!!!!! GAHHH I NEED TO SEE CIAN BE HAPPY! I heard a rumor...that the series might get a follow-up someday...so I am hopeful....but it has been years since this one came back. 

I loved watching Amber and Gavin fall in love. Their love story is not a-typical. The lust is of course there right away, but they are forced to bond and get "married" in order to save Amber. The love comes last but I loved watching them learn to trust each other and finally succumb to their love. 

Awwwww I also adored watching Selma and Jake finally get together! In some ways I loved their love story a touch more especially when we get to meet Jake's kiddos. Too cute!

I really must applaud the author! She has people from three entirely different centuries co-existing! Different speech patterns and behaviors. It flowed perfectly together. 

Which - I must applaud the narrator as well. He was able to really distinguish all the different characters from different centuries and countries. His American girl accent has really improved from book 1. 

All-in-all, I am sad to say goodbye to this world and our characters. I hope the rumors are right that we will get another book, but it's been years since this came out. I enjoyed this overall, but the ending left me sad because there is so much more and it was for sure a cliff-hanger. Sighs. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #11 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Highland Shifter by Catherine Bybee

Author: Catherine Bybee 

Narrator: David Monteath

Title: Highland Shifter

(MacCoinnich Time Travels #4)

Genre: Historical Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, & SCI FI

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 296 

Published:  February 5th 2012

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

A mysterious Druid book and Helen’s sixth sense send her to Scotland in search of a missing boy. After being attacked by strange men dressed in medieval garb, a handsome, desirable hero answering to the boy’s name rescues her. No one is more surprised than she to find herself in sixteenth century Scotland. Unable to deny the reality of time travel, Helen discovers smoldering passion with a man destined to leave her.

Simon has lived his Druid life in two very different worlds, two vastly different times, and when Helen practically lands in his lap, he knows his life is about to change forever. There are enemies in California lying in wait for her, and an army in Scotland closing in on his family. Simon is the only person who can protect her. But when she learns his most guarded secret, will she still want him? Can Helen love a Highland Shifter?

Review:

Decided to dive in. Couldn't help myself ;) 

In book 4, some time has passed and Simon is all grown up. He has lived in two very different worlds. He grew up in the 2000s/2010 USA and then his young adult life he grew up a Druid Highlander in the 1500s. Things have been calm for a few years until Helen pretty much lands in his lap. Thanks to a mysterious Druid book and Helen's strange sixth sense, Helen finds herself in search of a missing boy. After an accident, she wakes up in a strange forest in Scotland and she finds herself in a story for the ages. Can Helen and Simon be able to save everyone they care about from enemies in modern day California and an army hellbent on destroying MacCoinnich clan? 

This was the book I was worried about. One - because it is the first book in a new arc. Two - it is pretty much "next gen". Simon is Liz's kid and the oldest of the next generation to take the helm pretty much. We still have our old faces, but it has been 15 years or so and they are old and happy in their love. So yes - worried I was........

WHICH was silly. This was really good. Not as good as the last book, but the last book was a hard one to beat. The last one was still my favorite so far. Alas, there is only ONE more book. BOOOO. Give us moreee. 

But yes, this was really good. It was exciting to see Simon all grown up and in complete control of his shifting gifts. He really has become a powerful Druid and I would want his gift for sure. Controlling animals, talking to animals, and even being able to shift to ANY animal you want? Epic. That is what I want. 

I was bummed we really didn't get to play around with Helen's gift and have her strengthen it. Maybe next book we'll get to see hers get better? Sure her ability to find what she wants thanks to her "sixth" sense is cool, but I'm sure there is a lot of potential there. We shall see. 

Poor Amber. Sobs! I feel so bad for her. I am excited for the next book because we get to see her find love and maybe be able to get comfy and find away to live with her ability. Poor thing. 

What I loved about this book was how much time travel we got. It was fun to jump back and forth more so then in the other books. Loved that! 

Now....I didn't like how easily the big baddie was dealt with. I was hoping for more of a...fight? I guess after such a bad baddie in the last three, this one felt super meh. Not really an issue and easily dealt with compared to the threats in the last ones. Sighs. I wasn't even remotely worried about the baddie in this. Very predictable sadly. 

The narrator is the same so that made me happy. His American girl keeps getting better so that makes me happy. 

Overall, I did really enjoy this, but it wasn't as good. The baddie wasn't a real threat compared to the last one and the baddie was super predictable and easily resolved. Still...though...this was good and my worries were for naught. I'm sad there is only one book left. Maybe I should hold off? I do not want to say goodbye! I'll give this one 3 stars.   

Challenge(s):
- #8 for Audiobook challenge

- #5 for Romance Bingo - "Highland in Title"

 

Audiobook Review: Redeeming Vows by Catherine Bybee

Author: Catherine Bybee 

Narrator: David Monteath

Title: Redeeming Vows

(MacCoinnich Time Travels #3)

Genre: Historical Romance, SCIFI, Fantasy, Paranormal

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 314 

Published:   December 17th 2010

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

For her own safety, modern day, single mom, Lizzy McAllister is forced to bow to the medieval men who surround her when she's thrust back in time to the sixteenth century against her will. When Lizzie finds herself trapped in time with Fin, the one man she finds both irresistible and maddening, she agrees to combine forces with him to rid Scotland of the evil witch, Grainna. Finlay MacCoinnich's attraction to Lizzie sizzles the very air they breathe. Tearing down the solid walls the woman has built around her won't be easy, but he's willing to do anything to keep her by his side. When a spell cast by their deadliest foe throws them forward in time, will they manage to find their way back in time to save their family from peril? And will Lizzy willingly stay in his time, or abandon him altogether?

Review:

Book 3!!!! This has been  the one I have been itching for. I wanted Fin's and Liz's story really badly, but you need to read/listen to the first 2 in order to know what the heck is going on. 

Things are coming to a-head with the evil witch Grainna. Lizzy is stuck in the past and she isn't happy. Sure, she loves being with her sister and all, but she has been so independent and self-reliant since she was a teen and was pretty much kicked out of the house when she got pregnant. Soooo being stuck with medieval men is driving her mad. Especially Fin who is both irresistible and maddening. When a spell cast by their deadliest foe throws her and him back to modern day, they are stuck with each other and need to work together to get back to the past and save their families. 

OOOOoooOOO Grainna. You evil, evil beyotch! BUT you gotta love a super bad baddie. Makes it more scary and fun. I was not sure how they were going to get rid of her once and for all. 

I liked Lizzy even though she was too stubborn sometimes. Fin was adorable but he was too alpha sometimes. It worked between them and I am happy they found a compromise and realized they are two beings from two completely different worlds. It isn't an easy love or romance. And yesssss it did take forever for them to admit feelings. Sure...the lust is obv, but the love? NAH, they have a lot to work out. I do think this is my favorite couple so far of the series. I loved the others too. Heck I want a prequel with Fin's parents. They have such a deep love and I want to see their tale!

This is technically the end of this arc of the series. I am curious to see what is going to happen in the next books. We know its a few years in the future since Liz's son is grown up and so are the young siblings. I am curious and I can't wait to start them! Hopefully the baddie is just as bad....or worse. EEEEK! HOWEVER, I am super nervous for the next few. Hopefully the author doesn't copy/paste pretty much. Sighs. 

Oooo the narrator is winning me over. I like him a lot and his American girl accent has gotten SO much better. Still makes me giggle once in a while, but I am proud of him. I can't imagine anyone else doing these books. His Scottish accent is perfect!

All-in-all, I do think this was my favorite of the series. I am curious, but scared for the next books since this "arc" is done. MMMMMM but I do highly recommend this series so far. I'll give this a 5. 

Challenge(s):
- #3 for Audiobook challenge

 

Audiobook Review: Silent Vows by Catherine Bybee

Author: Catherine Bybee

Narrator: David Monteath

Title: Silent Vows

(MacCoinnich Time Travels #2)

Genre: Historical Romance, Time Travel, Fantasy, Sci Fi

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 302

Published:  September 3rd 2010

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Myra, a medieval virgin druidess, flees five hundred years into the future to escape death at the hands of a cursed witch and lands in the arms of a handsome but cynical twenty-first century cop. Officer Todd Blakely knows Myra is hiding something, but can't resist her innocent charms. Destiny throws them both into a world of intrigue and mysticism. Can Todd be the true white knight she needs? Or will magic and the winds of time tear them apart?

Review:

Couldn't wait to get started on book 2! Book 1 was so good and it left on a cliffie of sorts. 

We now follow Myra who was sent to the future to hide from the evil witch who wants her virgin druid blood. Also, Myra needs to find her sister-in-law's sister, Liz, and nephew to warn them and let them know that Tara is okay. She finds herself in the path of Officer Todd Blakely who knows Myra is hiding something and may know where the missing Tara is. But he is oddly also attracted to her and wants to help her. 

I am loving this series so far. I can't wait for book 3. 

This was good and again slightly different than the a-typical time travel books. We get to see the aftermath of book 1 when Tara left the modern age all of a sudden. The cops are looking for her and Liz is a mess. I am bummed we didn't get to re-meet up with Tara's old friend. Poor thing must be a mess too. We rarely see the ramifications and it made me worried for Myra because the cops know she knows something but she won't say. 

I was a little unsure of Todd at first and it took me near to the end when he finally man's up and admits he loves Myra. I don't blame her brothers for wanting to knock his head off. LOL. But yes - he does finally man up when things get really real. 

This does add more of a witch element. Yes, we have the time travel element, but there is also a lot more magic used in this one. I liked it. I am curious to see how far it goes. 

That evil witch, Grainna, really is true evil and she worries me. She is getting stronger. Oh boy. We get a better look into her powers. I feel bad for her followers who are mind-controlled for sure and/or severely lied to. 

The narrator is the same as before. I like him even though his young American voice still needs a touch of work, but I feel like it was a hair better this time around. 

Overall, I liked this one a lot. I am itching to get a start on book 3! Everything is coming to a head and I need to know what will happen next. Plus we get to see Liz's story with Fin. They have a lot of chemistry but a LOT of differences they will need to settle. I'll give this 4 stars.  

Challenge(s):
- #63 for Audiobook Challenge

 

Audiobook Review: Binding vows by Catherine Bybee

Author: Catherine Bybee

Narrator: David Monteath

Title: Binding Vows

(MacCoinnich Time Travels #1)

Genre: SciFi, Fantasy, Historical Romance, Paranormal, Time Travel

Format: Audiobook

Published:  December 4th 2009

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Duncan MacCoinnich's task... Travel to the twenty-first century Renaissance Faire, deflower the Druid virgins, and go home. Only his job is not so easily accomplished with the virgin in question, Tara McAllister. Time is running out. The evil is closing in on them both. Tara finds Duncan irresistible after what was supposed to be a mock Hand-fasting binds them. When Duncan whisks her to his home in Scotland she could accept that. But, can she forgive him for taking away her modern life when she finds herself in the sixteenth century? And is it love they feel? Or something else?

Review:

Trying to complete my reading challenge so I grabbed this one since it is "time travel". Plus it seems to take a different spin on the concept *fingers crossed*

We follow Duncan MacCoinnich and Tara. Duncan and his family have been given a task from the Ancients to travel to the 21st century once a year and deflower any Druid virgins that go to the Renaissance Faire in order to stop an evil witch from killing them and taking their virgin blood to break her curse. This year...is not so easy when he comes across Tara who is stubborn even though she is instantly attracted to Duncan. After a mock Hand-fasting between the two that binds them, Duncan whisks her back in time to save her. Can she ever forgive him? 

This was a lot of fun. It was not your a-typical time travel romance novel. Sure they have insta-feelings and all that, but there is a lot at play because of that evil witch and the MacCoinnich's task to protect the people of all centuries. Sure it isn't nice to seduce the virgins and never call them again, but they will be killed if they do not. I really did love the reason WHY Duncan dragged her along. He really had no choice at that point and it worked. 

I loved Duncan and his brother. I can't wait for his brother to find his HEA. He is very sweet and wicked. I also want Tara's bff to get a HEA! 

Ooooo that witch is evil. They need to get rid of her ASAP. Evil, but I liked it. What a good baddie! A part of me feels bad when we find out WHY she went totally evil...but damn...she is evil and I do not think they can save her at this point. She has done way too much. 

The narrator was good. I feel like I heard him before. His accents and different voices were really good. Except for his American young woman accent. I had to stifle a chuckle. I think he tried to hard at the beginning because I felt like he relaxed (or I totally just got used to it and it didn't bother me anymore) and then it worked and fit. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this. I can't wait for book 2! Another twist...Duncan's little sis is forced to go to the 21st century. Bound to be a lot of fun for sure! I highly recommend this one. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #61 for Audiobook Challenge

- #22 Time Travel

Another bingoooo