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The Legacy of MacLeod #2
Daring the Highlander
“Wittig truly captures the essence of the Scots — their deep passion for freedom and justice, love of their homeland and fierce pride — in her remarkable characters and their colorful, historically accurate, highly romantic love story. She’s well on her way to becoming one of the genres finest story tellers.”
Kathe Robin, Romantic Times BOOKClub Magazine
The story of the stormy MacLeods of Assynt continues...
Ailig MacLeod must become the chief of his clan in order to prevent Robert the Bruce, king of Scotland, from killing his traitorous older brothers and setting his clan to fire and sword. But his father refuses to step aside to make Ailig chief, and few in the clan believe that's a problem.
Morainn MacRailt vows never to marry again. One bad marriage to a clan warrior who never loved her was enough. But when Ailig returns home with an impossible task he convinces her to help him set the castle to rights. As she helps him maneuver the treacherous undercurrents, and open distrust, of the clan, she discovers he is nothing like the warriors she has known before.
As they work together to save the castle and the clan, passion flares, but their love is put to the test by a dangerous and uncertain future...
"Laurin Wittig has proven with DARING THE HIGHLANDER that she is a force to be reckoned with. This is a fantastic book with real heroes, true daring, devastating betrayal, surprising loyalty, and passionate romance."
~ A Perfect 10!
~ Catherine McHenry, Romance Reviews Today
“Laurin Wittig shows once again with Daring the Highlander that she is a powerful force in the Scottish historical genre. Her descriptive imagery will transport readers to the Highlands and the turbulent times when Robert the Bruce tries to unite all of Scotland. Readers will feel the wind on their faces, as they see and smell the winter snow along with the characters.
One can never go wrong with a book by Ms. Wittig.”
~ 4 1/2 Stars Kelley Hartsell, Love Romances
If you're dying to know what happened to the stormy MacLeods after Cat and Tayg got their happily ever after in Charming the Shrew, you need only pick up a copy of Daring the Highlander to continue the adventure!
Kathe Robin, Romantic Times BOOKClub Magazine
The story of the stormy MacLeods of Assynt continues...
Ailig MacLeod must become the chief of his clan in order to prevent Robert the Bruce, king of Scotland, from killing his traitorous older brothers and setting his clan to fire and sword. But his father refuses to step aside to make Ailig chief, and few in the clan believe that's a problem.
Morainn MacRailt vows never to marry again. One bad marriage to a clan warrior who never loved her was enough. But when Ailig returns home with an impossible task he convinces her to help him set the castle to rights. As she helps him maneuver the treacherous undercurrents, and open distrust, of the clan, she discovers he is nothing like the warriors she has known before.
As they work together to save the castle and the clan, passion flares, but their love is put to the test by a dangerous and uncertain future...
"Laurin Wittig has proven with DARING THE HIGHLANDER that she is a force to be reckoned with. This is a fantastic book with real heroes, true daring, devastating betrayal, surprising loyalty, and passionate romance."
~ A Perfect 10!
~ Catherine McHenry, Romance Reviews Today
“Laurin Wittig shows once again with Daring the Highlander that she is a powerful force in the Scottish historical genre. Her descriptive imagery will transport readers to the Highlands and the turbulent times when Robert the Bruce tries to unite all of Scotland. Readers will feel the wind on their faces, as they see and smell the winter snow along with the characters.
One can never go wrong with a book by Ms. Wittig.”
~ 4 1/2 Stars Kelley Hartsell, Love Romances
If you're dying to know what happened to the stormy MacLeods after Cat and Tayg got their happily ever after in Charming the Shrew, you need only pick up a copy of Daring the Highlander to continue the adventure!
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2005
240 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
Laurin Wittig
12 books240 followersLaurin writes bestselling and award-winning Scottish medieval romances and lives in southeastern Virginia.
For more information about all of Laurin’s books, please visit her web site, http://Heartlightjoy.com/books.
For more information about all of Laurin’s books, please visit her web site, http://Heartlightjoy.com/books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
October 2, 2012
Well, I'm flying through these Highlander books...
I must say that I really enjoyed this book. I was pleasantly surprised with the first novel of the series, but I think this one might be better. For anyone interested in the series, I recommend starting with the first book. This is the sequel and takes place where the last book ends. The back story is important to appreciate this tale.
I'm not sure why reviews aren't higher for this story. Nonetheless, I couldn't find fault with this book and will write a full review ASAP.
Great narrator!
April 24, 2012
Daring the Highlander by Laurin Wittig is a short, light Highlander romance. This is the second book in the series, ( which I was unaware of when I checked it out of the kindle library),copyrighted in 2005, and I will now go back and read the first one. This is the story of the Macleod Clan. Ailig has returned home alone after leaving with his four older brothers to find his runaway sister. The problem was that his sister was promised to another clan, but ran away and married another man. Ailig's older brother was in league with his sister's intended and conspired to kill the king. Now, Ailig has to return home and inform his father of these happenings and the king's commands.
Moriann, was widowed and still pretended to be in mourning. Her heart had been broken by her husband, and she was really sad when he died, but was no longer in mourning. She just wanted to be left alone to live her life in peace. She swore she would never marry again.
But, with the clan's sister gone from the castle she is asked to get the kitchen back in running order. This puts her in the castle and in contact with Ailig, who falls instantly in love with her.
Ailig is a warrior, but not over the top alpha male. Morainn is independent, but slowly learns to open her heart, even if there is great risk of getting hurt. A nice happy ending. Highly recommend.
Moriann, was widowed and still pretended to be in mourning. Her heart had been broken by her husband, and she was really sad when he died, but was no longer in mourning. She just wanted to be left alone to live her life in peace. She swore she would never marry again.
But, with the clan's sister gone from the castle she is asked to get the kitchen back in running order. This puts her in the castle and in contact with Ailig, who falls instantly in love with her.
Ailig is a warrior, but not over the top alpha male. Morainn is independent, but slowly learns to open her heart, even if there is great risk of getting hurt. A nice happy ending. Highly recommend.
March 17, 2016
Disclaimer: Scottish romance is not my thing - seeing the accent written out drives me a little batty. The good news is that there wasn't too much of that here, and while the romance was secondary between two likable people (fine, whatever) there was a strong political intrigue plotline that kept me turning the pages. Ailig has to take over as chief of his clan - by the king's command. That said, seeing him talk the sitting (aging ) chief around and determining where all the clan members loyalties lay was fascinating stuff. Nice job!
February 8, 2018
Daring The Highlander
Book number 2 by Laurin Wittig. Excellent writing and great page turner.
Ailig and Morainn are the hero and his love. They have fallen in love with each other almost immediately. This book is well balanced with adventure and romance. You must read the series to get the best reading experience. Both books are stand alones but I would recommend reading book 1 and then book2.
HAPPY READING!!!!
Book number 2 by Laurin Wittig. Excellent writing and great page turner.
Ailig and Morainn are the hero and his love. They have fallen in love with each other almost immediately. This book is well balanced with adventure and romance. You must read the series to get the best reading experience. Both books are stand alones but I would recommend reading book 1 and then book2.
HAPPY READING!!!!
October 22, 2024
Ailig and Morainn
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
Daring the Highlander by Laurin Wittig. The Legacy of MacLeod series, book 2. Dual POV. Solo style narration. Slow burn, historical Highland romance. It's listed as 8 hours 40 minutes; I listened at speed 2.25 for 3 hours 51 minutes. Unnecessary intro and finalé music. Although his voice is clearly older than the characters' voices, narrator Ralph Lister's Scottish accent and pace were perfect for the story and easy to understand. Content warnings: H found out the man who raised him isn't his father; Duff broke out of jail and returned to H's clan to take a woman; and arsonist burned h's home.
Scotland, Mid-January 1309
Ailig MacLeod is the youngest of his brothers and an unlikely clan chief. In book one, his sister encouraged the king to choose Ailig as the future chief of their clan. The king agreed with her and told Ailig to return home and tell his father that if his clan doesn't want to be turned out, they will be loyal to Ailig and the king. Ailig returns home to tell his father that his oldest brother is dead, that his three directly older brothers are now serving in the kings guard, that his sister is married, and that he is now the chief of the clan. His father refuses to "give" him the clan. After several days, his father announces what has happened and that while the king wants Ailig to be the new chief, that is not their tradition. Morainn MacRailt (aka Mora) is a childless widow who has no intention of ever marrying again, but she is quite skilled so Ailig chooses her to run the house, spy for him, and advise him. They struggle to keep their attraction under control. In the end, Duff is dead, Ailig is the clan chief, and Ailig and Morainn are engaged. JP
1.5 out of 5 on my spice scale.
1st listen 10-21-24 (KU Read & Listen program)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2019
A rousing tale of clan problems in old Scotland
Ailig had never planned to be chief of his clan, but with his oldest brother dead and the other three in forced service to King Robert the Bruce as penance for their treachery to the king, Ailig had returned to his clan with the King's order to become chief. His father, Chief Nieall, tried to keep it from happening, even though he is increasingly I'll with what appeared to be small strokes. In the meantime, he met Morainn, a young widow afraid to risk her heart after a short, but disastrous marriage. The attraction between the two is instant and becomes obsessive.
The only problem I had with this book was with the obsessive attention to every sexual thought that passed through Ailig and Morainn's minds. Other than that, it was an exciting tale of two people overcoming great odds to save their clan and find each other. Anyone who enjoys Highland tales will enjoy this book.
Ailig had never planned to be chief of his clan, but with his oldest brother dead and the other three in forced service to King Robert the Bruce as penance for their treachery to the king, Ailig had returned to his clan with the King's order to become chief. His father, Chief Nieall, tried to keep it from happening, even though he is increasingly I'll with what appeared to be small strokes. In the meantime, he met Morainn, a young widow afraid to risk her heart after a short, but disastrous marriage. The attraction between the two is instant and becomes obsessive.
The only problem I had with this book was with the obsessive attention to every sexual thought that passed through Ailig and Morainn's minds. Other than that, it was an exciting tale of two people overcoming great odds to save their clan and find each other. Anyone who enjoys Highland tales will enjoy this book.
August 13, 2018
Loved this story!
The author builds a rich tapestry of story telling. I adored the hero and admired the euro in of this story. I read the series in order in both have their own unique element. The author has changed the Highlander romance genre for the better. One of the my favorite things about the story what's the historical accuracy and how spot on the author was to the time period and the way they spoke. The narrator was a great touch as well. I wish that there was an epilogue so I could see a future for these 2!
The author builds a rich tapestry of story telling. I adored the hero and admired the euro in of this story. I read the series in order in both have their own unique element. The author has changed the Highlander romance genre for the better. One of the my favorite things about the story what's the historical accuracy and how spot on the author was to the time period and the way they spoke. The narrator was a great touch as well. I wish that there was an epilogue so I could see a future for these 2!
December 18, 2021
Similar to the first book in this duology, I’m giving this an average rating. It had a weak plot and a love story that that evoked no emotion at all. However, the characters were likable individually and the dialogue was a slight improvement over the first book. Basically the strengths and weaknesses of the two books were opposite of each other. I’m glad there are only two books in this series because I would not continue reading.
April 26, 2018
Daring hero and strong heroine,
I enjoyed Ailig in Charming The Shrew, but he had hidden depths in Daring the Highlander. MOIRRANA wasdaring, yet vulnerable.
I really enjoyed reading about her. Duff McDonnell was a true villain. I hated him in Book 1. He was even more hateful in this book.
I enjoyed Ailig in Charming The Shrew, but he had hidden depths in Daring the Highlander. MOIRRANA wasdaring, yet vulnerable.
I really enjoyed reading about her. Duff McDonnell was a true villain. I hated him in Book 1. He was even more hateful in this book.
October 20, 2017
Good
This sequel was as good as the first. It still was a bit wordy but the characters were very good written. I would have liked more info about cat but hopefully there will be a book 3
This sequel was as good as the first. It still was a bit wordy but the characters were very good written. I would have liked more info about cat but hopefully there will be a book 3
February 28, 2021
Dating the highlander
The tapestry of the storyline only enhances the characters and the setting. The power struggles, the greed, the power struggles added to every twist intern accomplish the task by drawing the reader head to the point of never wanting to put the book down
The tapestry of the storyline only enhances the characters and the setting. The power struggles, the greed, the power struggles added to every twist intern accomplish the task by drawing the reader head to the point of never wanting to put the book down
July 28, 2022
Another really solid kilt romance. Great political drama and a good romance. The narrator for the audiobook was the same as for the first, but he was miles better in this one (maybe because he didn’t have to narrate a shrew this time around). I wish there were more in the series.
January 23, 2017
Love
Much better then the 1st book. Story was good and did not bore with to many details as the first one
Much better then the 1st book. Story was good and did not bore with to many details as the first one
June 16, 2017
Strong woman character
September 25, 2017
Godd
Really liked the story, but was disappointed in the ending. Should of had an Epilog to show how their lives faired.
Really liked the story, but was disappointed in the ending. Should of had an Epilog to show how their lives faired.
January 1, 2018
What an awesome story. It kept me on the edge of my seat most of the time. The story kept me turning pages to see what would happen next.
February 18, 2019
The audible narration was THE BOMB.
The story was great - picked up from the last. I hope this isn’t the last of this series!
The story was great - picked up from the last. I hope this isn’t the last of this series!
Read
November 5, 2019Firstly, I must mention how annoying the people of the clan and Ailig’s father are.
January 18, 2023
Very good read
This book is a very good read. It has surprise, hate, stupidity, love and action. This book should be read.
This book is a very good read. It has surprise, hate, stupidity, love and action. This book should be read.
June 2, 2023
great audible book!
I love this audible book and the one before they were both very interesting and I can’t wait to see if you
they have another story
I love this audible book and the one before they were both very interesting and I can’t wait to see if you
they have another story
July 13, 2024
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator wasn't to my liking. I enjoyed the story.
March 15, 2017
Entertaining read
Interesting plot, engaging characters, a story well told and with a good pace. A tale of schemes, betrayal, loyalty and romance against the backdrop of Scotland at the time of Robert the Bruce. This is a very entertaining read.
Interesting plot, engaging characters, a story well told and with a good pace. A tale of schemes, betrayal, loyalty and romance against the backdrop of Scotland at the time of Robert the Bruce. This is a very entertaining read.
July 20, 2013
Title: Daring the Highlander
The Legacy of MacLeod
Author: Laurin Wittig
Review Rating:Five+Stars
Reviewer: Linda Hays-Gibbs
Genre: Romantic Fantasy With a Historical setting
Exciting Romantic Adventure
This Highland tale has lots of intrigue and suspense. You never know how it is going to end until the last minute.
I was enthralled by the mystery and romance too. Ailig MacLeod is in a dire situation as the unfavored youngest son of Neill MacLeod the Chief. Ailig is ordered by King Robert, the Bruce to take over the reins of Chiefdom from his father. Since his father seems to despise him anyway, the news his beloved heir is dead and Alig's two other brothers are put into military service at the King's order is a but much for him. He will not concede to Ailig. Ailig has a clan to protect in spite of his father. If he doesn't take over, the clan will be killed and forfeit all property.
His father and clan fight him. He even has the MacDonells in house to placate. His sister ran off rather than marry their chief. They feel they are owed a bride.
Ailig has two friends a mercenary, Skaeth and Tamas. He has to fight his own clan champion Baltair.
Morainn is the widow Ailig meets upon his return with his horrible news about his brothers. She is beautiful and there is an immediate attraction. She has sworn to never marry again because she was used so horribly. It was not a happy marriage and she doesn't want that pain again. It is hard for her to fight her attraction to Ailig though. He cares for the clan and her no matter what happens. He is so different from his brothers and from her dead husband.
She finds that she can deny him nothing. He is always only trying to protect the clan.
There are a lot of twists and turns but the one constant is Ailig. He never falters in trying to protect and care for others.
It is a spectacular Highland romance filled with suspense and intrigue. The clan chief must be quite a brave and resilient man. He needs strength, brains and diplomacy.
Laurin gives you a glimpse into this historical period with its austere lifestyle and makes it ever so enjoyable to read.
I give it Five Stars with a plus and await more of these ever so exciting tales of Highlander life and love.
Linda Hays-Gibbs
The Legacy of MacLeod
Author: Laurin Wittig
Review Rating:Five+Stars
Reviewer: Linda Hays-Gibbs
Genre: Romantic Fantasy With a Historical setting
Exciting Romantic Adventure
This Highland tale has lots of intrigue and suspense. You never know how it is going to end until the last minute.
I was enthralled by the mystery and romance too. Ailig MacLeod is in a dire situation as the unfavored youngest son of Neill MacLeod the Chief. Ailig is ordered by King Robert, the Bruce to take over the reins of Chiefdom from his father. Since his father seems to despise him anyway, the news his beloved heir is dead and Alig's two other brothers are put into military service at the King's order is a but much for him. He will not concede to Ailig. Ailig has a clan to protect in spite of his father. If he doesn't take over, the clan will be killed and forfeit all property.
His father and clan fight him. He even has the MacDonells in house to placate. His sister ran off rather than marry their chief. They feel they are owed a bride.
Ailig has two friends a mercenary, Skaeth and Tamas. He has to fight his own clan champion Baltair.
Morainn is the widow Ailig meets upon his return with his horrible news about his brothers. She is beautiful and there is an immediate attraction. She has sworn to never marry again because she was used so horribly. It was not a happy marriage and she doesn't want that pain again. It is hard for her to fight her attraction to Ailig though. He cares for the clan and her no matter what happens. He is so different from his brothers and from her dead husband.
She finds that she can deny him nothing. He is always only trying to protect the clan.
There are a lot of twists and turns but the one constant is Ailig. He never falters in trying to protect and care for others.
It is a spectacular Highland romance filled with suspense and intrigue. The clan chief must be quite a brave and resilient man. He needs strength, brains and diplomacy.
Laurin gives you a glimpse into this historical period with its austere lifestyle and makes it ever so enjoyable to read.
I give it Five Stars with a plus and await more of these ever so exciting tales of Highlander life and love.
Linda Hays-Gibbs
May 4, 2008
Laurin Wittig knows Scotland-especially the Scotland of the historical 1300's. With her last release, CHARMING THE SHREW, she brought us the story of Tayg Munro, a warrior in King Robert the Bruce's army, and one headstrong shrew by the name of Catriona MacLeod. Working together, they managed to intercept the man who would harm their king-one of Catriona's own brothers. In the process, Catriona escaped the dominance of her five over-bearing brothers and found love and passion in Tayg's arms. Now, in DARING THE HIGHLANDER, one of those domineering MacLeod's is back-and about to meet his match in both family matters and those of the heart.
For Ailig MacLeod, returning to his beloved home of Assynt Castle is bittersweet-constantly fighting with his brothers and his father has left him weary, and this tiring trek of attempting to bring his rebellious sister, Catriona, home, has made the journey even more harrowing. Since King Robert the Bruce discovered that Ailig's eldest brother had conspired to bring about his death, he's sent this MacLeod home-with a special task that weighs heavy upon Ailig's heart.
Assynt Castle, as well, is not as he left it only a short month ago. It's fallen into disrepair, the family-and villagers-are feeling the brunt of a harsh winter, and everywhere he looks, spirits are down. Now, to complicate things even further from the task that the king has given him, that of asking his father to relinquish his role as chief of Clan Leod of Assynt, is the all-grown-up, and highly irresistible, Morainn MacRailt intercepting him at every turn.
Ms. Wittig has penned another highly emotional, soul-stirring historical novel rich in Scottish history. With factual historic details, compelling characters, and the combined stories to betrayal and new love, DARING THE HIGHLANDER is another winner.
For Ailig MacLeod, returning to his beloved home of Assynt Castle is bittersweet-constantly fighting with his brothers and his father has left him weary, and this tiring trek of attempting to bring his rebellious sister, Catriona, home, has made the journey even more harrowing. Since King Robert the Bruce discovered that Ailig's eldest brother had conspired to bring about his death, he's sent this MacLeod home-with a special task that weighs heavy upon Ailig's heart.
Assynt Castle, as well, is not as he left it only a short month ago. It's fallen into disrepair, the family-and villagers-are feeling the brunt of a harsh winter, and everywhere he looks, spirits are down. Now, to complicate things even further from the task that the king has given him, that of asking his father to relinquish his role as chief of Clan Leod of Assynt, is the all-grown-up, and highly irresistible, Morainn MacRailt intercepting him at every turn.
Ms. Wittig has penned another highly emotional, soul-stirring historical novel rich in Scottish history. With factual historic details, compelling characters, and the combined stories to betrayal and new love, DARING THE HIGHLANDER is another winner.
August 1, 2015
GOOD STORY BUT NOT MUCH ROMANCE!!
Daring the Highlander bk2 picks up at the end of bk1 Charming the Shrew. Ailig MacLeod has be order by King Robert the Bruce to return to his clan and depose his father Neill MacLeod as Chiefton. The King has order Ailig to take over and make the MacLeod Clan pledge there alliance to him.
On Ailig's return he runs into one of his fathers Champion warrior harassing a the young widow Morainn. Her husband Hamish has been dead for 2yrs and her days of morning are over. Morainn character is ok. She is determine never to marry again and of course she fall in love with Ailig. Ailig does a good job of getting his Clan to except and trust him. In the beginning his father Neill hates the idea an does everything he can to not pass on the Cheifton to him. He seems to hate Ailig and it becomes clear why. The story held my interest. It just doesn't have much romance going on an very little sex nothing even worth mentioning. Bk.1 and 2 just lacks that hot sexy romance story I like in the H/H. These books end abruptly for the couples. There is no epilog to let you know how the couple fared together. There are unanswered question. Such as Morainn believes she is barren. She tried to have children by her dead husband but didn't. This could have been the dead husbands fault!! But the situation is not explored. I got the books on Kindle Unlimited. I am not sure I would spend money buying them now that I have read the first two books in the series. To many unresolved issues in both books.
Daring the Highlander bk2 picks up at the end of bk1 Charming the Shrew. Ailig MacLeod has be order by King Robert the Bruce to return to his clan and depose his father Neill MacLeod as Chiefton. The King has order Ailig to take over and make the MacLeod Clan pledge there alliance to him.
On Ailig's return he runs into one of his fathers Champion warrior harassing a the young widow Morainn. Her husband Hamish has been dead for 2yrs and her days of morning are over. Morainn character is ok. She is determine never to marry again and of course she fall in love with Ailig. Ailig does a good job of getting his Clan to except and trust him. In the beginning his father Neill hates the idea an does everything he can to not pass on the Cheifton to him. He seems to hate Ailig and it becomes clear why. The story held my interest. It just doesn't have much romance going on an very little sex nothing even worth mentioning. Bk.1 and 2 just lacks that hot sexy romance story I like in the H/H. These books end abruptly for the couples. There is no epilog to let you know how the couple fared together. There are unanswered question. Such as Morainn believes she is barren. She tried to have children by her dead husband but didn't. This could have been the dead husbands fault!! But the situation is not explored. I got the books on Kindle Unlimited. I am not sure I would spend money buying them now that I have read the first two books in the series. To many unresolved issues in both books.
February 7, 2021
Ailig MacLeod was mentioned in the previous book in this series as being charged with becoming chief of his clan by the King of Scotland. So this book picks up with Ailig returning to his clan to take up this task, but he receives much resistance, opposition, and hostility from many members of his clan and his father especially. Upon his return he is immediately drawn to the cautious widow Morainn, who is afraid to fall in love again as she knows how quickly those feelings fade. The clan's champion also has his eye on Morainn and sets out to make as much trouble and opposition for Ailig as he can. Ailig struggles to do what's best for a clan that is wholly resistant to his help despite the fact that he's doing all he can to save them from the king's wrath. Ailig enlists Morainn's help and the two become friends and soon grow even closer, but there can be no future between them as long as Ailig's future, and that of the entire clan, is so uncertain. Will Ailig prevail against terrible odds or be forced out in defeat and have no choice but to leave the clan to their fate?
I liked this book much better than the first installment in this series and the narrator's voice was perfect for the setting; listening to it as an audiobook definitely helped. Ailig and Morainn were great characters to read about.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
I liked this book much better than the first installment in this series and the narrator's voice was perfect for the setting; listening to it as an audiobook definitely helped. Ailig and Morainn were great characters to read about.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
April 30, 2012
Entertaining Story of a Reluctant Scottish Laird
This book follows Wittig’s earlier CHARMING OF THE SHREW, and tells the story of Ailig MacLeod, who was to become the chief of his clan by King Robert Bruce’s command following treachery of his older brother. Set in the Highlands in 1309, we encounter Ailig as he returns to Assynt Castle, hoping to win his clan to his rule, though his father is not supportive. To help restore the ruined keep and kitchens, Ailig enlists the aid of the young widow, Morainn MacRailt, who though attracted to Ailig, is determined never to marry again.
Wittig masterfully captures the Highland voice bringing realism to her story set in a time of clan rivalries and uncertain loyalties as King Robert Bruce tries to unite a divided Scotland. This is the story of a young man who did not seek leadership, but who became a wise leader. And it’s the story of a young woman who did not want another disappointing marriage but found her heart longing for a deep love. There’s a lot of introspection in this one that does take the reader out of the action at times and some elements of the plot take quite a while to develop. Still, it’s entertaining; and the entire story takes place in one castle, there’s enough action to hold your interest.
This book follows Wittig’s earlier CHARMING OF THE SHREW, and tells the story of Ailig MacLeod, who was to become the chief of his clan by King Robert Bruce’s command following treachery of his older brother. Set in the Highlands in 1309, we encounter Ailig as he returns to Assynt Castle, hoping to win his clan to his rule, though his father is not supportive. To help restore the ruined keep and kitchens, Ailig enlists the aid of the young widow, Morainn MacRailt, who though attracted to Ailig, is determined never to marry again.
Wittig masterfully captures the Highland voice bringing realism to her story set in a time of clan rivalries and uncertain loyalties as King Robert Bruce tries to unite a divided Scotland. This is the story of a young man who did not seek leadership, but who became a wise leader. And it’s the story of a young woman who did not want another disappointing marriage but found her heart longing for a deep love. There’s a lot of introspection in this one that does take the reader out of the action at times and some elements of the plot take quite a while to develop. Still, it’s entertaining; and the entire story takes place in one castle, there’s enough action to hold your interest.
April 13, 2012
I liked this one more than the first one. Maybe because in this one everything takes place at the castle. No scurrying around the country on horseback or on foot as in the first in the series.
Book two starts only a few weeks after the first one ends. Ailig has sworn to the King to take over as Chief and thereby save the clan.
His father, the current Chief, isn´t to happy with that and dead set on Ailig never becoming Chief.
Morainn is contented with her life as a widow. In her secret heart she is glad that her husband is dead. She thought he loved her and the awakening had hurt her bad. She never wants to be hurt like that again. But meeting Ailig sets things in motion she thought she could live without.
The story is shortish but full of fun and intrigue. I don´t think you have to read the first one to get the hang of all people but it will give you a deeper meaning.
The love that spires between the two is strong but sweet. I liked them both very much and didn´t want the book to end.
Book two starts only a few weeks after the first one ends. Ailig has sworn to the King to take over as Chief and thereby save the clan.
His father, the current Chief, isn´t to happy with that and dead set on Ailig never becoming Chief.
Morainn is contented with her life as a widow. In her secret heart she is glad that her husband is dead. She thought he loved her and the awakening had hurt her bad. She never wants to be hurt like that again. But meeting Ailig sets things in motion she thought she could live without.
The story is shortish but full of fun and intrigue. I don´t think you have to read the first one to get the hang of all people but it will give you a deeper meaning.
The love that spires between the two is strong but sweet. I liked them both very much and didn´t want the book to end.
February 13, 2014
I didn't like this book as much as the first one in this series. And since I mentioned the first book, let me just say that I hate that there was barely a mention of the characters from the first book. Only that they were married. I was hoping for a bit of an update.
The romance wasn't all that interesting. I liked Ailig and Morainn, but didn't feel any deep connection between them other than attraction. There weren't any stupid misunderstandings to keep them apart, and I did appreciate that.
I enjoyed reading about the clan and Ailig's attempt to take over as Chief, more than reading about the romance. It just seemed to grab my attention more.
I did think the issue with Ailig's parentage was a little too glossed over, it needed more of an explanation. I also wish (as I did with the first book) that there had been an epilogue. I like to see a glimpse of what comes after the HEA.
The romance wasn't all that interesting. I liked Ailig and Morainn, but didn't feel any deep connection between them other than attraction. There weren't any stupid misunderstandings to keep them apart, and I did appreciate that.
I enjoyed reading about the clan and Ailig's attempt to take over as Chief, more than reading about the romance. It just seemed to grab my attention more.
I did think the issue with Ailig's parentage was a little too glossed over, it needed more of an explanation. I also wish (as I did with the first book) that there had been an epilogue. I like to see a glimpse of what comes after the HEA.
September 25, 2012
I enjoyed the story, it was a change to have a highlander story where the hero wasn't the biggest baddest mofo around the higlands. The story didn't move all that fast at times but it kept me engaged. BUT I was annoyed that after all the hinting and question asking they NEVER answered
story - 2.5
narrator - 3
I'm giving the narrator a 3 because he kept me laughing. Seriously, he had all the yelling men sound like Ahnuld Swartzinagger (spelled all wrong....lol). It's HILARIOUS!!
story - 2.5
narrator - 3
I'm giving the narrator a 3 because he kept me laughing. Seriously, he had all the yelling men sound like Ahnuld Swartzinagger (spelled all wrong....lol). It's HILARIOUS!!
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