It’s tough to read a book when you feel that the story is solid and could be really, really interesting, but the storytelling just isn’t there. For me, that basically sums up Michele Sinclair’s Desiring the Highlander. The storytelling keeps what might have been a good book from being a memorable experience.

Cole McTeirnay (yes, a Cole way back in 1301 – needless to say, it bugged me the entire reading experience) is on a mission into England for his very pregnant, very manipulative sister-in-law. He must retrieve someone who means a great deal to her: One of her many best friends in the world, Ellenor Howell. Though he resents his task because he is a warrior who should be fighting the English instead of rescuing them, he encounters a woman who is one of the few people on earth who does not fear him and can actually make him laugh. Even though he quickly realizes how unique Ellenor is, he can’t risk any sort of relationship with her since he’s bent on revenge against the English for murdering his best friend years ago, as well as potentially becoming a laird of his own ragtag clan. You see, he has a lot on his plate and has no time for love or the softer emotions.

After her father’s murder, Ellenor acts the part of a lunatic in order to protect herself from those around her, including her own family. When the Highlanders show up to claim her without explanation, she’s afraid, but sees it as her opportunity for freedom. From the beginning, she feels a special connection to Cole and instantly realizes that, despite his size and bluster, he’s honorable and won’t hurt her unlike others from her recent past.

Once at their destination, it doesn’t take the two long to find a way to one another. However, their trials aren’t over so easily and the plot grows thicker by Cole’s newfound lairdship and discontent among his new people.

As I read, I couldn’t help but sense an underlying immaturity within the characterizations. From their tickle fight on their journey into the Highlands, the countless bosom buddies that the heroine encounters among her new family, her unparalleled ability to flawlessly run a household set among a foreign culture on to the hero’s over the top jealously, his constant need for revenge for a death that didn’t seem to need that much avenging, the immaturity was present and I couldn’t put it out of my mind. Plus, the characters lacked any sense of authenticity in regards to the time period. It simply didn’t feel like a Highland romance in any form or fashion – well, other than the kilt mentioned periodically. Most importantly however, the relationship lacked sexual tension, or at least I didn’t notice any.

Despite all that, the story had potential. I was genuinely interested from the time of Ellenor’s introduction, as her character is much more interesting than the hero’s. The plot itself isn’t half bad – two falling in love on a journey, both realizing that the timing isn’t perfect, and then struggling to put their lives to rights in a setting that’s new for both. I so wanted the writing to live up to the plot. Though I didn’t enjoy Desiring the Highlander, I’m not giving up on the author yet because I think that there is just too much untapped potential. Here’s hoping I’ll enjoy her next one more.