Shannon MacLeod brings us riveting fantasy romance with a sprinkle of time travel for good measure in Embrace the Lace. At the age of 25, Andrew MacIver is the laird of his clan and already a widower. It is the year 1659 and the entire MacIver clan is due to gather at the castle. Andrew will have to choose a bride for himself if he wants the clan to survive. Now, when it comes to Scotland and the highlands, it seems the fae will always want to interfere. In comes Evangeline Darling, Van for short. She is feisty, knows how to defend herself, loves Doctor Who, and needs a good mouth-scrubbing once in a while. But things get serious when Andrew’s uncle arrives for the gathering and believes he should be the rightful laird.

Author Shannon MacLeod has just created an entirely new set of rules regarding the fae! This novel is filled with amazing sensory stimulation and will leave you breathless on more than one occasion. From start to finish, you will not want to stop reading. True love saturates these pages in the most amazing way. I adored the small mentions of iconic symbols from the 90s to the present, which makes this novel that much more enjoyable. Embrace the Lace is witty, fantastical, and endearing. Due to some bottom lip-biting moments and sharp intakes of breath, this book is not recommended for younger readers. Oh, there is also explicit language. For the rest of us, indulge away. It is so worth it!

Embrace the Lace by Shannon MacLeod pays homage to the time-travel and Highland romance genres as well as the ever-popular Outlander! Sitting at a faery pond and saying that you’ll leave it up to the universe shouldn’t be able to transport you back to Scotland in 1659, right? Well, you’ll be wrong because that’s exactly where lovable Van found herself, and in the arms of a laird no less. Having been warned of the fae his entire life, Laird Andrew MacIver knows that when Brown Tom makes an appearance, mischief is afoot. In this case, mischief landed in his arms in the guise of a young woman with mesmerizing eyes that seemed to keep him up at night. Grab your copy and be whisked away to a land charged with magic.

One unspoken rule when traveling through time is not to change the course of history. Shannon MacLeod stayed true to this and only took creative liberties with Embrace the Lace where history has allowed. I loved her fresh take on the female lead being transported through time. Van is such a strong and outspoken character with her modern ideas and I applaud her for it. This beautiful soul is exactly what Andrew needed to right his world, especially after suffering the loss of those closest to him. As a fellow Tony Stark fan myself, I enjoyed the little references MacLeod scattered throughout the book which had me laughing. This made for a fun read, and the love story of Van and Andrew is a bonus. This book is definitely a new favorite and I hope there is more to come.

Embrace the Lace by Shannon MacLeod is a time-travel historical romance set in medieval Scotland. Andrew MacIver, a widowed Laird is overwhelmed by his responsibilities as a chieftain. After his mother, father, and wife pass away, he is under increasing pressure to find a suitable noble, obedient bride at an upcoming clan gathering. However, his plans take an unexpected turn when the fae intervene and he crosses paths with Paisley Evangeline Darling (Van). During a Renaissance event, Van, a spirited 21st-century woman, finds herself unexpectedly transported back to 17th-century Scotland. Rescued by the handsome but stressed-out Andrew, she brings a breath of fresh air and modernity to his life, much to his initial frustration. Determined to help her return home, Andrew finds that Van’s presence sparks an unexpected connection, challenging his sense of duty and propriety. He soon discovers that Van’s unconventional nature brings laughter and love not just to his life but also to his clansmen, challenging their expectations and leading to unforeseen adventures. As Andrew's and Van’s destinies intertwine, Andrew’s uncle Alasdair schemes to seize power. Will betrayal separate them forever, or will their love prevail?
 
Embrace the Lace by Shannon MacLeod is one of my favorite time travel romances this year. Shannon presents the narrative in descriptive detail, painting a vivid and clear picture of the scenes and the characters. For instance, in the very first chapter, the author uses detailed descriptions and dialogue between Andrew and Mrs. Norris to paint a detailed picture of the bustling castle hall. Throughout the story, the author captures the nuances of the Scottish dialect and customs, while blending in history with a touch of humor. Van does stand out as an ‘outsider’ in the early chapters, but you can see her acclimatizing herself to the 17th century as we move further into the story. Despite some historical liberties, such as Van’s modern tweaks in the kitchen and interactions with the smithy, I thought these elements added to the story’s charm. Fantasy adds to the layers of this story. Embrace the Lace is an interesting mix of historical romance and whimsical fantasy, full of endearing characters.

Embrace The Lace is a work of fiction penned by author Shannon MacLeod in the fantasy romance, historical drama, and action genres. It is best suited to mature readers owing to scenes of explicit sex and strong language throughout. This exciting tale transports readers to the rugged highlands of 17th-century Scotland, where Andrew MacIver, a widowed chieftain, navigates familial expectations and a crumbling castle. Amidst clan pressures to secure his lineage, fate intervenes with the arrival of modern-day maverick Paisley Evangeline Darling, known as Van. As Van's spirited presence injects new life into Andrew's world, they embark on a whirlwind journey filled with dragons, faeries, and anachronistic inventions, challenging conventions and igniting a spark of romance amidst the tumultuous landscape of time.

Author Shannon MacLeod utilizes creative charm and vivid historical detail to craft an enchanting blend of romantic intrigue and futuristic flair. The narrative has a natural pace and flow to unveil its inner logic as the time travel plot takes off. It seamlessly weaves together the complexities of 17th-century Scotland with the vibrant energy of a modern-day heroine as we see the world expand through her eyes. Van's adventurous spirit and innovative thinking provide a refreshing contrast to Andrew's traditional upbringing, creating an engaging dynamic between the two protagonists, and this is carried through in every distinct detail of their actions, speech, and thoughts. The clash of cultures is palpable and complex, and I loved the atmosphere of historic Scotland as a worthy and emotive backdrop for such highly charged scenes of drama. As Van and Andrew grapple with love, laughter, and the unknown, the plot carries us through some very well-timed and well-balanced twists and turns to keep the suspense going right to the end. Overall, Embrace The Lace is a delightful tale that I would highly recommend to fans of romantic fantasy novels everywhere.