Return of Black Douglas

The Lanarkshire hills of Scotland lack the sharp and ridgy majesty of the rugged Highland mountains, for they resemble rounded loaves of bread fresh from the oven, all huddled together. The lonely hills are somehow irre­sistibly attractive, with their pasture-covered slopes and fairy-like meadows, where clear streams murmur through rolling undulations of thick woodlands, and the wood mouse and roe deer reside. Here, the sterner features of the north give way to a grace of forest and tenderness of landscape, where the gentle Douglas Water flows.

Alysandir Mackinnon thought it a good day as he rode across the rolling hills, accompanied by the rhyth­mic clang of his sword tapping against his spur, while larks, hidden among the leathery leaves of trees, broke into song as he passed beneath the heavy branches. A glance skyward told him the sun had passed its zenith, as it dipped behind a cloud to begin its slow descent into afternoon. Just ahead, spangles on the river danced and sparkled their way downstream.

Alysandir pushed back his mail coif. Sunlight brought out the rich darkness of his black hair and the vivid blue of his eyes. He turned toward his brother Drust. “We will follow the river until we find a place to ford.”

Drust followed Alysandir’s lead and pushed back his own coif, the shiny links of mail almost matching his sil­very, blue-grey eyes. He wiped the sweat from his face and gave a silent nod. They continued and drew rein at a point where the terrain sloped gently downward toward the river, before it narrowed to make a meandering turn.

“This looks like as good a place as we have seen,” Alysandir said, and he spurred his mount forward and plunged into the water. His horse staggered with the first splash and the water washed over his hocks, but Gallagher was a hobbler, a sturdy Highland pony known for its stamina and ability to cover great distances over boggy and hilly land at high speed. Alysandir only had to spur the horse lightly as he urged him slowly forward until Gallagher gained his footing as the water rose over the stirrups.

When they reached a point where the water became deeper than they expected, Alysandir was about to turn back, but Gallagher leaped ahead with a mighty splash, and they began the climb upward toward the opposite bank.

Wet and dripping, they rode into town and attracted a great many curious stares from villagers who gawked as if they rode into town to slay a dragon or two. Although a small town, Douglas was large enough to have a two-story tavern with a stable out back and streets that were fairly busy at this time of day. They rode between un­even rows of buildings stacked on each side of curving streets that had been laid out more than three hundred years before.

They passed a steep cobbled path that ran through an archway to a small, walled garden next to a house in ruins, and as they threaded their way among carts, wagons, barking dogs, clucking chickens, and the oc­casional darting child, they observed the slow progress of a lone rider coming toward them. He was leading a prisoner riding a hobbler, the unfortunate wretch bruised and blindfolded, with his hands bound behind his back. Alysandir wondered what the Highlander’s crime had been—probably no more than trying to eke out a living in a harsh and unforgiving land.

Just ahead, near the center of town, stood St. Bride’s Kirk, where mail-clad heroes of yesteryear lay entombed within, most of them with the surname Douglas. But Alysandir’s fiery thoughts centered not upon the long-dead knights but upon his own desire to be away from the Lowlands, Douglas, and Lanarkshire, and back in the Highlands and his home on the Isle of Mull.

Drust, meanwhile, was giving his attention to a young lassie with copper-colored hair who was standing in the kirkyard and holding a bonnet full of eggs. Alysandir caught a glimpse of her standing beneath the graceful branches of an old tree and felt a strange yearning tug at him, but he hardened his heart and dismissed her. Aye, she was a beauty and his body stirred at the sight of her, but he still wasn’t interested. The sound of Drust’s voice cut into his thoughts.

“That lassie with the russet ringlets is a beauty, and she has taken a fancy to ye, Alysandir, for already she has wrapped ye in her tender gaze.”

“I am leery of any lass standing under a wych elm,” Alysandir replied.

“I know ye have no desire ever to have a woman in yer life again, but just suppose ye did find yerself in a position where ye were forced to take another wife. What virtues would ye seek?”

“Ye ken I have no desire to marry again. Not ever.”

“So make up a list just to keep me happy. We’ve naught else to do right now.”

Alysandir did not know why his brother insisted on having high discourse with him. Of late, Drust had been making too many inquiries as to Alysandir’s unmarried state. “Ye are becoming a great deal of trouble, Drust. Next time, I will let Ronan or Colin ride with me.”

“Fair enough,” Drust replied as a wide smile settled across his face. “I will start the list. Loyalty would be one, am I right?”

Loyalty. The word evoked pain. “Aye.”

“Ye canna stop there,” Drust said with a teasing tone. “Give me the rest.”

“I will give ye the virtues that any man should want in a woman, but only if ye promise to keep quiet the rest of our journey.”

“Aye, I agree. Now, give me the virtues.”

“Chastity, loyalty, honesty, wisdom, strength, cour­age, honor, intelligence, confidence, and a strong mind. A woman who knows when to yield as readily as she knows when to take a stand. A woman equal to the man in question, not in might but in nature, virtue, and soul. She would possess a true and steadfast love for him, and in return, she would have his undying love, respect, and honor.”

“What aboot silence and obedience?”

“If a man had a woman’s love in the truest sense of the word—which I have yet to see any proof of—then he would have all the others for they are but parts that make up the whole.”

“I hand it to ye, brother. I didna think ye could give me one virtue, yet ye named many. Surely ye miss hav­ing such a woman.”

Alysandir pinned him with a cold stare. “I never had such a woman, so how could I miss her?”

“Ye changed once. Perhaps ye can change again.”

“Changed? In what way?”

“I remember when ye would as soon tryst in the kirk­yard as in a hayloft. How is it that knowing what ye or any man would want in a woman, ye refuse to find her?”

“’Tis easy enough to answer, for such a woman does not exist.”

The words were barely uttered when the faintest echo of a man’s laughter reached their ears.
The sound of it seemed to break into a thousand pieces and fall like tin­kling glass. Alysandir and Drust exchanged glances as the laughter faded and a slight wind stirred the heavy branches of the old wych elm.

As they rode on past St. Bride’s Kirk, a tossing and rustling of the leaves sent a chill wafting down upon them. Across the way, a startled flock of sheep bolted, running across the meadow and up the hill to the pasture on the other side. The hair on Alysandir’s neck stood, and his scalp felt as if it were shrinking.

“Did ye hear the laughter?”

“Aye, I heard it and felt the cold wind that blew through the trees. Unless my senses deceive me, there is an oddity aboot.”

“What oddity is that?” Alysandir asked.

“We are riding by the crypts of the ancients. Perhaps they wish us to pass by quickly and not linger.”

Alysandir laughed. “Perhaps ye are letting yer imagi­nation take the lead. The Mackinnons never had a quar­rel with any Douglas, living or dead.”

“What aboot the laughter? Ye heard it as well as me,” said Drust.

Alysandir’s face looked drawn as he replied, “Mayhap it was the bleating of a winded sheep.”

“Aye, and mayhap it was not.” Drust gazed at the river.

Isobella Douglas, fresh off a failed engagement, is convinced she was born hundreds of years too late. She and her twin sister Elizabeth are touring Scotland, seeking the tombstones of their Douglas ancestors and indulging Isobella’s passion for Medieval Celtic archaeology when they suddenly find themselves thrust backward in time by the devilish ghost of the Black Douglas. They arrive on the island of Mull in 1515 just in time to witness a clash between rival clans, the Macleans and the Mackinnons. With no way back to their own time, Isobella and Elizabeth will discover if they have what it takes to survive in the 16th century Scottish Highlands, and whether they can resist the wild Highland men.

Elaine Coffman has blended a couple of my favorite ingredients, Scottish Highland Lairds and the time-travel genre, to concoct a delightful fantasy. Romantic, titillating and exciting.



I love it when I am proven right about a book purchase. Elaine Coffman’s backlist was one of my featured purchases from The Binge last week. I can’t wait to read the rest of them because this one was amazing.

Isobella was an amazing heroine. She never loses any of her strength or independence. She is also not transported to 1515 with complete knowledge of how to live in the 16th century. We see her adapt to the customs of the time period. What she did know about 16th Century Scotland, she knew because of her research and I really loved that. I often find that in time travel romances, the person transported is able to adapt to a new time period in 20 seconds but that was not so here. Alysandir was The Epic Highlander Hero. He was gruff, full of machismo and stubborn as a mule but he also had a very sweet and vulnerable side. I did have a bit of trouble with forgiving him for how he treated his son but I do think he redeemed himself. He may be one of my favorite Highlander heroes.

I am not usually a fan of time travel romances but I loved this one. I love the way that it was done and, even more, the Black Douglas’ presence was amazing. He was the hero in the previous book (that I ordered and still have not received). I have no idea what happens in The Bride of the Black Douglas but in this one, he reminds me of Peeves the Poltergeist. He had me hysterical every time he appeared. I also loved that both Isobella and Elisabeth were capable and intelligent women with the abilities to survive in a different time and place. I do want to read Elisabeth’s story. I was shipping her with Ronan throughout the book and I am curious as to how she did not end up with him.


I have always loved a good time-travel story, sometimes time travel stories can be so predictable but The Return of Black Douglas by Elaine Coffman was different. For starters, not only was Isobella sent back in time but so was her sister Elizabeth with the help of the ghost of Black Douglas who is a matchmaking ghost. The story was a fun and easy read and the characters so real that they could have stepped right out of a portrait... Oops that is what happened to Black Douglas. The setting was in the 16th century between two clans who have their own conflicts with each other and the arrival of the sisters only enhance the conflicts. This is a great romance story, sure to make you smile at the end. If you love a great well told story than you will love this one. Full of handsome Highlanders, including the brogue, a pure escapist story. I enjoyed it..


Isobella Douglas and her twin sister Elizabeth have traveled to Scotland to research their family history. Both are fascinated by the Douglas family tree and after Isobella’s broken engagement, she wants to put her archeological skills to use. She gets Elizabeth, a medical doctor, to join her on this trip. While driving in Scotland, they see a mysterious figure that appears to be an apparition of Isobella. Some other unusual things happen, but when Isobella touches a painting of the Black Douglas, she and Elizabeth are transported back in time to the year 1515.

Elizabeth and Isobella are disoriented and don’t realize at first what has happened. Then they realize they are in the middle of a battle. Elizabeth is spirited away by one faction and after a nasty and almost life-threatening fall, Isobella is rescued by none other than the laird of the Mackinnon clan—Alysandir. Alysandir agrees to take Isobella in…even though he doesn’t trust women and believes she is an English spy. Her beauty does take his breath away, but beauty isn’t enough to overcome the scars of his past.

Isobella loves learning about an archeological dig while it is still a real live active moment in time. She finds herself fitting in well in the past. The only thing she can’t figure out is her place in Alysandir’s life. She is attracted to him and knows he wants her, but she doesn’t want to be a mistress. She worries that she could be whisked back to the 21st Century at any given moment and doesn’t want to have a child left behind…especially an illegitimate one.

Can Alysandir fight the demons of his past and trust enough to love again? Will Isobella ever stop fighting fate? Can they find a way to make it work?

What an amazing story. While it’s paranormal in the sense that she travels back in time, it really turns quickly into a true Highland romance. Having a modern girl put back in time is such an interesting premise that the story never got old or stale. She’s got modern thinking as far as women being equal to men, but she has to temper that with what is accepted in that period of time. She’s a spitfire in their eyes, even though she doesn’t always mean to be contrary.

Alysandir is an enigma. It took me a while to figure him out. He’s really very tenderhearted underneath his clan leader mantle and the wall he has erected around his heart. He is a man that proves chivalry was truly alive and well in the Highlands. And let me just say, he’s one of the sexiest men I’ve read about in a long time. And it’s not just his looks, it’s the package of mind and heart and chivalry that goes with his looks that makes him so attractive.

Alysandir and Isobella’s interactions were always entertaining and certainly never dull. I was always anticipating what they would do next. At times, they went through their own version of one-upmanship. This story was a delight to read from first page to last. I see the third book in the series will be released next year. It won’t come soon enough for me!



Time travel romance is not the same thing as sci-fi romance or sci-fi time travel. In The Return of Black Douglas, there is no bouncing back and forth between different times, but there is a ghost. Twin sisters Isobella and Elizabeth Douglas, go to Scotland to trace their ancestors and learn about their past relatives as a trade off for a honeymoon that never took place, because Isobel’s fiance took off with his dance teacher instead.

This story starts in present time as the girls are starting their day exploring tombs of Douglas ancestors. They find the effigy of The Good Sir James of Douglas and Isobel is so overcome with emotion that she cries. That night Isobel dreams about a medieval dark haired man who wanted to make love to her. The next day the sisters plan on visiting Beloyn Castle and the portrait of the Black Douglas, who died in the fourteenth century. They are in awe of the painting and Isobel touches the bottom of his boot then everything goes black.

The ghost of the Black Douglas has whisked them from the present day, to the sixteenth century to the Isle of Mull, Scotland. They have absolutely no idea where they are and he is not giving them any straight answers. Do ghosts ever give straight answers?

As for the hero, Chieftain Alysandir Mackinnon, he and the rest of the Mackinnon clan are on their way back from delivering their sister to a nunnery, because she does not wish to wed a Maclean when they are ambushed by the Macleans. During the battle the Douglas girls are noticed by the men. Fighting stops and the Macleans look as if they are leaving but then four men on horseback go after the girls. They run but Isobel falls into a crag and the Macleans sweep up Elizabeth and ride off with her. Two of the Mackinnons give chase to save her from them and Alysandir Mackinnon goes after Isobel.

The story continues on with Isobel at Marrach Castle while Elizabeth is with the Macleans at Duart Castle. The ghost of the Black Douglas appears occasionally to answer (but not really answer) Isobel’s questions and he gives no indication as to when or if they will return to their own time, only saying that the answers will be appearing when the time is right. The girls fear being called witches at first and then find some acceptance as to their being there. They are some interesting things that happen throughout the story but you must read it to find out what happens.

I think The Return of Black Douglas is a great book to cuddle up on the couch. The use of current English, Gaelic and old English makes this book an interesting read and gives an idea how they spoke in Medieval times while the translations to current times help understanding.

Rating: 4 Stars



I enjoy a good Scottish historical romance but I love when it includes time travel. Elaine Coffman is the author of over 25 historical romance novels but is a new to me author. Whilst this is the 1st book I’ve read of hers it won’t be the last.


’they resemble rounded loaves of bread fresh from the over, all huddled together. The lovely hills are somehow irresistibly attractive, with their pasture-covered slopes and fairy-like meadows, where clear streams murmur through rolling undulations of thick woodlands...’


I absolutely loved the description in this book, it was so vivid and easy to paint in my mind. The story begins in 1515, Lanarkshire, Scotland with the beautiful description above and then you meet Alysandir with his black hair and blue-grey eyes. Then in the same place at the present time you’ll meet a broken hearted Isobella and her twin sister Elisabeth. The twins cross into 1515 and that’s all I can tell you without ruining the story. One of my favourite parts of the story was the epilogue when the twins broken-hearted parents go to the last place the girls where seen.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more books by Elaine Coffman.

Twin sisters Isobella and Elisabeth Douglas are visiting Scotland after Isobella’s broken engagement. The trip was supposed to be her honeymoon. She’s sad about it and is complaining that there are no men like Mr. Darcy. The ghost of Black Douglas, a long-distant relative, hears her and decides to interfere, transporting Isobella (an archaeologist) and Elisabeth (a doctor) back to 16th century Scotland. Elisabeth is taken by the Maclean Clan, while Isobella is rescued by Alysandir Mackinnon.

While waiting for Alistair to rescue her sister, she gets to know him better. She also meets his family, and takes an unexpected family member under her wing. Throughout it all, there’s a ghost playing matchmaker between a headstrong 20th century archaeologist and a stubborn 16th century Clan Chief.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed the story and wanted to give it a 4, but for me it did drag a bit in the middle. It was exciting at first - 20th century women suddenly transported back in time - and one gets stolen!!! But then, from the moment he rescued her (around ARC page 75) until they finally gave in to each other (ARC page 245), I kept waiting for something to happen - that’s a lot of pages to wait (granted, it is a 415 page ARC); it seemed like they weren’t doing anything to rescue Isabolla’s sister, and Isabella didn’t seem too concerned about it, which I found strange.

Once things got going though, I loved it! You could tell they cared for each other but each had reasons not to open up and show how they really felt. Between Alysandir’s inability to trust, or rather, to allow himself to trust Isobella, and her inability to give herself fully to him, the poor Ghost of Black Douglas had his hands full! When Isobella finally got frustrated and went to see her sister, I was thrilled; I liked her sister and was interested in what was going on over at the Maclean castle. Isobella’s "adopting" of young Bradan was sweet - I was honestly a bit surprised at Alysandir’s treatment of the child and was happy to see how things worked out.

I’m not usually a fan of ghosts in stories, but I liked the ghost of Black Douglas - he was a big plot point but didn’t have a big part, if that makes any sense.

I really enjoyed the story and have already ordered the first book in the series, The Bride of Black Douglas. I am hoping Elisabeth’s story is next...

Scottish dialogue, men in kilts — need I say more? Coffman does a remarkable job of painting the background of the Scottish Highlands. The dialogue is superb and the passionate scenes not overdone, which seems to be the norm lately. This is the story of Isobella and Alysandir. Elisabeth’s story will hopefully be in the next book. Timetravel has to be written well, or it ruins the whole feel of the book. Coffman succeeds admirably, and although I really didn’t love the character of Alysandir, in time I liked him. If you’re looking for a sweet romance set in a different time, pick up The Return of Black Douglas!


A matchmaking ghost, time travel and Highland hunks. What more can you ask for in a romance?

Welcome to Elaine Coffman’s The Return of Black Douglas.

Archaeologist Isobella Douglas lives in the wrong century. She needs a Mr. Darcy, especially after her rat of a fiancé elopes with his dance instructor a week before their wedding. So, Isobella and her twin sister, Elisabeth, visit the Scotland of their heritage. At Beloyn Castle, one of the ancient Douglas strongholds, they view a portrait of their ancestor, The Black Douglas. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a man like that?

Be careful what you wish for…

The ghost of The Black Douglas catapults Isobella and Elisabeth back to 1515 Scotland. After dumping them into the middle of a battle between the Mackinnons and the Macleans, the meddlesome spirit abandons them. The Macleans take Elisabeth, but the Mackinnon chieftain, Alysandir, saves Isobella. Although a warrior, Alysandir is kind and understanding to the disoriented Isobella. A fierce attraction rapidly develops between them, but Alysandir mistrusts her. Where did she come from? Is she a spy? And he doesn’t want to marry and Isobella does.

In order to succeed, time travels need to juxtapose the past and present in a believable manner. Ms. Coffman has the task down pat. Alysandir, while every inch the Highland warrior chief, is also kind and caring, a man for any woman’s dreams. Twenty-first century Isobella has just enough of the traditional to fit into historic Scotland while retaining her modern spunk. While mainly serious, The Return of Black Douglas also contains plenty of comic relief to lighten the darker moments. And there are lots and lots of hunky men in kilts to please the most rabid Scottish historical fan.

A wonderful journey to the Scotland of the past with a hero to die for and a heroine who matches him—The Return of Black Douglas has it all.

Alysandir MacKinnon is the chief of the powerful Clan MacKinnon and he rules with an iron fist. He had never wanted to be the leader, but that is what fate has given him. Riding through the Lowlands, the only thing he wants is to return to his home in the Highlands. The son of their enemy Angus MacLean was dead set on marrying their sister Barbara, but she wanted nothing to do with him. So Alysandir and his brother Drust had taken Barbara to safely tuck her away in a nunnery. Their brother Collin was waiting for them on the Isle of Mull with fresh horses, eager to hear news of their progress.

In present day, Isobel Douglas is touring Scotland with her twin sister Elizabeth. Though the twins were identical, they could not be more different in other ways. Elizabeth is a medical doctor and only believes what can be proven to her. She would soon start her last year in residency at Johns Hopkins. Isobel has just completed six years of college with a bachelor in anthropology and a master’s in Celtic studies. Isobel tended to amble along, wanting to see everything around her while her sister, used to walking the corridors at the hospital, walked with a longer stride, in a hurry to get where she was going. Isobel should have been on her honeymoon, but she had been jilted by her fiancé. She couldn’t help wondering what had happened to the men of old times and believing that she was born a couple hundred years too late.

Isobel has taken her sister with her to visit the old castles in Scotland. While visiting St. Bride’s Kirk, visiting the effigy of their ancient ancestor, Sir Jamie, the Black Douglas, Isobel touches the stone effigy and breaks down in anguished sobs. His life was so tragic, she was deeply moved. Returning to the car, sudden thunder rolls in without any rain and the sound of a man’s laughter is heard. However, Elizabeth does not believe in the supernatural.

As Alysandir and his brother pass St. Bride’s Kirk where many heroes of the past are buried, including many with the surname Douglas, he sees a pretty girl carrying a basket of eggs beneath an old tree. Though she was pretty, he passed her by, despite the yearning he feels. He has no plans to ever marry because the mate for him would be a very virtuous woman and he does not believe one exists. When he states his belief as they are riding by the crypts of the ancients, he hears laughter coming from St. Bride’s Kirk and suddenly feels a chill.

The next day, during a visit to the Boleyn castle, Isobel touches a portrait of the Black Douglas. Suddenly, the girls are thrown back in time six hundred years to the Isle of Mull with the ghost of the Black Douglas as their escort. After taking the girls to the Isle of Mull where fighting is going on between the MacKinnons and the MacLeans, who have discovered that Barbara has been hidden, the Black Douglas disappears. Seeing the girls suddenly appear, the MacLeans leave, but not before kidnapping Elizabeth. Alysandir manages to get to Isobel and takes her with him. Spending time with her, he finds his desire for her hard to control. Isobel falls in love with her dashing Highlander, but can she convince him that fate meant for them to spend their lives together, even sending her back six hundred years to find him?

Rompalicious, THE RETURN OF THE BLACK DOUGLAS, a witty and heated historical romance, takes readers for a romp across medieval Scotland. Although Isobel is thrilled to be in the past, this is not Elizabeth’s cup of tea. As Elizabeth is captured by a rival clan, the twins are separated. Though Isobel misses her twin, she finds herself captivated by Alysandir and her discoveries in the past. Alysandir is so against his former wife that he even turns his back against his son, denying him. But Isobel sees the small boy who has stolen her heart and she is determined to see to it that he is treated like the other children in the clan and recognized as the son of the chief, as she waits to be reunited with her twin. Delightfully infused with suspense, humor, heartache, an entertaining plot, well-drawn characters and a wily ghost, this story is a keeper. Be sure to get a copy of THE RETURN OF BLACK DOUGLAS. Do not miss it!


Elaine Coffman’s time travel romance, takes readers back to the Scottish Highlands in the year 1515. The Return of Black Douglas is filled with handsome highlanders and strong, intelligent women who love them. Readers will find themselves escaping back in time right along with Isobella and Elizabeth. Coffman’s ability to recreate the time period, customs and culture sets this novel apart from the rest.

Isobella Douglas is a hopeless romantic at heart. When she and her sister Elizabeth travel to Scotland to find out more about their ancestors, Isobella is drawn to the tragic story of Black Douglas. When she touches a portrait of Douglas in Boleyn Castle she and Elizabeth are transported through time back to the Scottish Highlands of old. When Elizabeth is captured by a ruthless clan, it is up to Isobella to convince Alysandir Mackinnon to rescue her. As Alysandir and Isobella begin to butt heads, they soon realize that their attraction is more than just a passing fling. Both having been hurt before, will they be able to trust each other and their hearts? Or will Black Douglas return once again to tear them apart?

This was a great time travel romance. There were so many good things about it. The fact that the author, Elaine Coffman took to heart the feelings of her fans in writing this book is exceptional. Coffman fans had long been asking her to write more about the mischievous ghost, Black Douglas and Coffman answered. Readers first met Black Douglas in the 2000 and will be happy to find that he hasn’t changed his devilish ways. This time he brings twin sisters Isobella and Elizabeth along for the ride. I thought the author did a great job of showing Black Douglas as a fun-loving ghost with a taste for matchmaking.

Isobella Douglas wants nothing more than to find love. The problem is she feels like she was born in the wrong time. She wants a man like Mr. Darcy and they just don’t exist in the modern world. After a failed romance she decides to swear off men, but the ghost of Black Douglas has other ideas when he puts in the path of Alysandir Mackinnon. Highland laird, fierce warrior and passionate lover, Alysandir is all she could want and more, but what happens when she has to go back to her own time. Is she in for a heartache once again? I loved Isobella’s characters she was intelligent and spunky. She was as stubborn as the day is long and Alysandir really had his hands full with her.

Alysandir is loyal and caring. He takes his responsibilities seriously and he can’t leave a damsel in distress to fend for herself. He is what every woman wants. Sexy and daring, but strong and courageous as well. He gives off an air of authority but he still shows his vulnerable side. He was married before, but it wasn’t what he expected or wanted and he has sworn off woman, at least in the romantic sense, until he meets his equal in Isobella. Alysandir’s character was so much fun to read about, his mannerisms and actions were surprising and very engaging. It was certainly a battle of wills between two stubborn people with Isobella and Alysandir, that will leave readers wanting more. I thought the author did a fantastic job of showing a romance between two very passionate people.

The time travel aspect of the story came across as believable and realistic. If a character is going to be transported back in time there has to be viable reason why and a vehicle for the change. Isobella cannot find the kind of man she wants in the modern world and Black Douglas becomes the catalyst to take her back where she can find someone who is everything she ever dreamed. I thought readers would find the story plausible and buy into the idea that the ghost caused it to happen and that he had a direct hand in what was going on. Coffman’s descriptions of the time and the customs was remarkable and lent a sense of authenticity to the story. Her research must have been extensive and it’s easy to see why readers love her writing so much.

I recommend this one to historical romance readers as well as those readers who love a good time travel romance. This one will really hit the spot if you enjoy books that make you feel like you are right there with the characters. I am of Scottish ancestry myself and I found the book to be spot on with the ideas and customs of the Highland people.

The Return of Black Douglas is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I’m giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!



Sometimes the Scottish accent works and sometimes not. This time it worked for me and I do think I know the reason. The Hero had his accent, the heroine not, so it was never too much. Which I am glad for since it can be pretty hard sometimes to understand.

To the book then, it was sweet and fun. Isobella Douglas is visiting Scotland and soon she and her sister stands in a battlefield. Ok at the side, and they watch some handsome, really handsome highlanders fight each other. Every woman’s dream (the hunky guys in kilts, not the fighting). Elizabeth is soon gone and then we have our hero and heroine, Isobella is a modern woman and she will let no man tell her what to do. But she is falling for Alysandir who do not want a woman again after being hurt. And Elizabeth knows that a mistress is of no worth. Alysandir did have some moments where I just shook my head. But then you saw it so much better in this book because they were from different times. But I was also sure that the heroine could transform him.

These two are slowly falling in love, Isobella wants help getting her sister back, and then she discovers a neglected child and takes the child under her wings. There is also a big question hanging in the air, will The Black Douglas suddenly come and take her back home, what if she wants to stay?

And the best of all, I know I always come back to my oh no! She is ruined bit, but here I did not care since this was a modern woman, so she could just do as she pleased ;)

Conclusion:
I finished this book rather fast because it was easy and fun. A good highland romance with a couple that is nothing alike.

Rating:
A fast read. Escapism

Magical time travel romance.

Isobella and Elizabeth are visiting Scotland whhen Isobella wishes she had her ’Mr. Darcy’. When she touches a painting of Black Douglas, all three of them disappear and reappear in the year 1515. Each of the sisters are ’picked up’ by warring clans. Will they be able to find each other, let alone their way back home?

Ah so much fun! I love time travel and this one has such a great twist! The ghost of Black Douglas transports them back and then decides to stick around and drive the girls crazy throughout the book. Our ghost adds a much-needed humor element.

The romance portion of the story involves Isobella and Alysandir. Thankfully, Isobella has done her homework, so she knows how to behave and what to expect of the time period. Of course, they have the more than typical romance issues in coming together. The romance portion is excellent with just enough of that ’I’m a high school kid and this is my first love’ feel to keep you tingling all over. There are a few sex sections, but they’re easy enough to skip over if you like. I didn’t find anything spectacular about them.

What I loved most about this book is the phrasing. There were some parts where I actually stopped and reread a section several times because it just sounded so beautiful in my head. In places the characters make profound comments that are absolutely lyrical. I’ve never read Elaine’s work before, but if this is typical of her writing, I’m definitely a fan. Most of the book is a fun, quick, and quirky read, but once you hit these choice morsels you realize that you’ve really hit upon something special. I’m thankful the entire book isn’t written this way, as I would never actually finish it (because I kept rereading so often!), but there’s just enough in there to keep me coming back for more.

I adore a time-travel romance, and when it’s a scottish, time travel romance, I’m in heaven for sure!

I was impressed with the very creative idea of twins traveling back in time. I’ve never had the pleasure of reading a story quite like The Return of Black Douglas by Elaine Coffman. No matter what the twins went through, they always knew they had each other.

Isobella and Elizabeth met up with the Black Douglas ghost, but he was just as troublesome as he was helpful. He transports the twins back in time where they are bound to learn of their destiny with a little nudge or two from him. As Isobella and Elizabeth suddenly appear in the middle of an ongoing battle, they are each captured by opposing sides and separated. Alysandir promises Isobella he’ll do everything he can to get Elizabeth back.

As Isobella tries to come to terms with her feelings for her rescuer, Alysandir, she’s unsure if she’ll be whisked back to her life in the future or stay in the past with Alysandir. She’s afraid to get too close to him and end up with a broken heart if she has to leave him.

The adventures Isobella goes through are fun, emotional, and romantic. The interaction with Isobella, Alysandir and his family is sweet and caring with perfect bits of humor. Because Isobella has her twin there to consort with, the story is that much more unique than other time-travel stories and very enjoyable.

Ms. Coffman writes a well-detailed book, with enough meat to the story to make it a substantial romance with a humorous touch. I loved it!

As soon as I received this book in the mail, I devoured it! I was hooked from the moment I read about Alysandir wearing his shiny chain mail.

The character of Isobella Douglas was a brilliant read, and I understood her connection with her Scottish ancestors as I too feel that strong connection with my Scottish roots, so in a way I truly connected with her character. Isobella is on a mission to enrich her connection with her Douglas ancestors as well mend a broken heart, thus she has dragged her twin sister, Elisabeth on a journey to the Scottish Highlands. Seeing the tomb of the Black Douglas, Isobella allows her emotions to take over and in doing so she has evoked the ghost of the Black Douglas who is intent on tormenting her (that how she views it). Now she and her sister find themselves transported to the 16th century, Isobella runs straight into the arms of Alysandir, as a feuding Laird takes her sister captive. As the story progresses we see this modern historian blend into a world that seems she was she was meant for, yet will she be able to conceal the secrets she brings with her while trying to get through the cracks in the armor that surrounds Alysandir’s heart?

Alysandir’s character was so well defined and brilliantly portrayed those qualities you would expect a Highland Laird to portray that it was truly an enjoyable experience to read him. He is The MacKinnon in every sense of the word, putting his clan’s needs and safety above all else, ruling with iron fist, that is fair and balanced. While we see this strong, sturdy Highland Laird, we also see the man that lays beneath the chain mail, the man whose heart has been crushed ands it is those actions that cause him leery of Isobella. We also see that Alysandir is hiding a few secrets of his own.

Isobella never imagined that her search for her Mr. Darcy would lead her to the 16th century.

My Thoughts:

The main characters were very well portrayed as were the secondary characters, and that added a solidness to the plot that made this book a truly enjoyable read. I loved every aspect of this book and the plot was extraordinary. Elaine Coffman brought 16th century Scotland to life with the amazing details that went into this book, each page held something wonderful. I also enjoyed the time travel aspect of this book, transplanting Isobella and Elisabeth into another time and they way that they each brought a bit of the modern world along with them. Vividly composed, rich in detail, this is the type of historical romance that stays with the reader.

This was my first encounter with Elaine Coffman’s writing, and I have to say I am hooked, I will definitely give her other books a go!

* I have to say that I loved this book, and being raised in a Scottish Catholic household I was surrounded by the Scottish superstitions. I was also surrounded by tales of the Black Douglas, some were stories of the man himself others were ghost stories, also my ancestors were from the Isle of Mull, so I felt a real connection to this book.

Cover Thoughts:

The raven-haired Highlander will certainly catch the eye of those who love Scottish themed romances.



Longing for a man like Mr. Darcy and haunted by the feeling she was born two hundred years too late, Isobella Douglas never dreamed she would get what she wished for– until she was hurled back five centuries to the Isle of Mull in the year 1515. She arrived in the midst of a battle between the Mackinnon’s and Maclean’s, only to be abandoned there by the capricious ghost of Black Douglas. Left to the mercy of her fate, she prayed for a hero when she saw him, a man as fierce and wild as the barbarous place that surrounded her.

Alysandir Mackinnon was a man who lived by his wits and the edge of his sword. He was a man of strong desires and in his prime, but what he wanted now were the answers to a lot of questions: Why is she here? Who sent her? And what am I going to do with her? In spite of suspicion that she is an English spy, Isobella adapts readily to castle life, and being an archaeologist, is soon up to her elbows digging in broken crockery bits, ancient bones and priceless relics, in spite of being forbidden to do so. Alysandir finds it difficult to trust the headstrong woman, or believe her preposterous time-travel story and battles the desire and distrust he feels, for Alysandir has been betrayed before.

My Review of Return of The Black Douglas
This was a very fun book to read as I don’t know how many times I have pictured myself in a similar situation. I love history and I would love to be taken back in time, but I don’t think I would want to stay long as I do love modern conveniences. The story of Isobella and Alysandir is something different you have two different worlds colliding and it makes for a very fun story. Women in the modern age are not used to how men once acted and this is both a good and bad thing that leads to many arguments and problems for this couple.

This is a great read if you like historical romance, though I will say the ending may surprise you a little.

Format: Paperback

Dimensions
Length: 6.875 in
Width: 4.1875 in
Weight: 7.92 oz
Page Count: 448 pages