SECRETS OF THE HIGHWAYMAN

Author: Sara Mackenzie ISBN: 0060795522 10/2006 PARANORMAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: Present Day London

In 1814, the Raven was a notorious highwayman—until his betrayal and murder at the hands of his one-time friend and mentor. Suddenly finding himself in 21st-century England, Nathaniel Raven is determined to avenge his death. Aiding him in his quest is Melanie Jones, a beautiful solicitor from London, who has traveled to Nathaniel's ancestral home. Melanie is helplessly drawn to his plight... and to the mysterious man. But will they overcome the many obstacles in their path to finally find the peace that true love can bring?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

SECRETS OF THE HIGHWAYMAN is the next book in Sara Mackenzie's Immortal Warriors series. It's an impressive mix of paranormal and romance. Ms. Mackenzie dazzles us with yet another hot-blooded hero and vivacious heroine entangled in a supernatural escapade.

Melanie Jones, a young solicitor from London, is about to be caught in the middle of a supernatural mystery involving the notorious highwayman named The Raven. In 1814, Nathaniel Raven was ruthlessly murdered, and he has been awoken in the between worlds by the sorceress to avenge his death. He has been told that Melanie is the key to whether or not he succeeds. Can this strong willed, 21st-century female be willing to help a handsome and darkly erotic 18th-century gentleman? Of course!

SECRETS OF THE HIGHWAYMAN will appeal to not only the romance reader, but also the paranormal reader. The passion that exists between Melanie and Nathaniel is simply breathtaking, and is my favorite part about this book. Each time they were together sent sparks flying off the page. Nathaniel is certainly a hero to fantasize about. Although he has this adventuresome and throw-care-to-the-wind attitude, he is equally sensitive and just as alluring! Ms. Mackenzie knows how to write a hero that every woman can fantasize about!

As much as I enjoyed reading this book, some of the plot was a little bit over the top for me. However, I think that the structure of the characters and how they grow throughout the story trumps the parts of the story that I didn't like. I really loved the romantic side of SECRETS OF THE HIGHWAYMAN. The paranormal aspect was somewhat believable, but it wasn't the reason why I liked this book so much. SECRETS OF THE HIGHWAYMAN is superb as a romance book, and just agreeable as a paranormal book. It gets a Four Rose Read from me because I fell in love with Nathaniel and the relationship between him and Melanie. I was also ecstatic as to how she chose to give Melanie and Nathaniel their happy ending.

I would recommend reading Sara Mackenzie's SECRETS OF THE HIGHWAYMAN. Also, if you haven't read the first book in her Immortal Highlander series, RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDER, I recommend that you read that one, as well!

Julie Kornhausl