FORGED IN DREAMS AND MAGICK is the first of a time travel - Highland romance series. I'd read the second, set firmly in thirteenth century Scotland, and decided I needed to read the first to see exactly how the time travelling took place. Well, apparently it occurs when a woman kisses a Scottish man while holding the box. This particular Scot, Iain Brodie, has already made a similar journey forward to Isobel's time. Isobel, reeling from her first real kiss, is shocked to find herself in a crude stone room with a man in plaid clothing. Iain tells her that the clan laird uses the box to find his soul mate to strengthen the clan. She insists on trying to go home at once, but it doesn't work again... seems she's stuck.

Sensibly for a time traveller, Isobel decides she had better blend in with the locals, and accepts hospitality from Iain. I liked the way that this academic adapted to medieval life in a cold castle. She finds Iain attractive, but she doesn't want to marry him! Isobel's accent and manners are explained by stating that she is English, as these people don't know of the Americas. However the English are not universally popular in Scotland, and Isobel has to watch her step, even among friendly red-haired lasses and the handsomest men she's ever seen. Besides which, she's caffeine-deprived. At least she has one advantage; she's taken archery lessons. But time travel isn't finished with her - she's yet to meet primitive Picts.

There is so much to read that it is hard to pick out what I enjoyed the most, with battles, romance and a love triangle through time. If you like action in your highland tales or just enjoy time travel with good solid characters FORGED IN DREAMS AND MAGICK is a fine read.

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