Laiden's Daughter

Clan MacDougall #1

by Suzan Tisdale

Betrayed by lies before her birth, Aishlinn believes kind and honorable men do not exist. Raised in near seclusion by a cruel stepfather, she is traded to work at Castle Firth in Penrith England for the price of two sheep. When the despised Earl of Penrith attacks her late one night and attempts to rape her, Aishlinn stabs him in self-defense and flees England for the safety of the Scottish highlands. Surviving the horrific beating at the hands of the Earl, Aishlinn is rescued by a fierce band of highland warriors who swear their allegiance to her for killing the hated Earl--the same man who had destroyed their village and killed their families when they were boys. Duncan McEwan, future chief of the Clan MacDougall, has survived countless battles and bed innumerable women. He has scaled mountains, survived a horrific storm at sea and even hand-to-claw battle with a ferocious cat-o’mountain. But none of that could have prepared him for how his life is forever changed one fateful spring day when he rescues a very battered young woman. Together with his men, they risk everything to take her to the safety of their clan.She soon learns that kind and honorable men do exist and one in particular changes her heart forever. She discovers an inner strength and it will be tested to the limits when she is forced to make a heart wrenching decision--allow the English to kill those she loves or surrender for the crime she committed. With an intense code of honor Duncan must now battle the feelings for the beautiful Aishlinn. He will do anything to keep her as his own and he’ll do anything to keep her out of the hands of the English.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Medieval, Scotland, Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 2011

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, storyteller and cheeky wench, SUZAN TISDALE lives in the Midwest with her verra handsome carpenter husband. All but one of her children have left the nest. Her pets consist of dust bunnies and a dozen poodle-sized, backyard-dwelling groundhogs – all of which run as free and unrestrained as the voices in her head. And she doesn’t own a single pair of yoga pants, much to the shock and horror of her fellow authors. She prefers to write in her pajamas.
Suzan writes Scottish historical romance/fiction, with honorable and perfectly imperfect heroes and strong, feisty heroines. And bad guys she kills off in delightfully wicked ways.
She published her first novel, Laiden’s Daughter, in December, 2011, as a gift for her mother. That one book started a journey which has led to more than twenty published titles. To date, she has sold more than 750,000 copies of her books around the world. They have been translated into Italian, French, German, and Spanish.
You will find her books in digital, paperback, and audiobook formats.

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come.

[Jewel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has everything a Highlander book needs, all the elements were there, but that wasn't good enough, the book I think was lacking where the writing is concerned.

I think it was Aishlinn's character that is the reason I didn't enjoy the book much, it was very inconsistent, one part she is this shy and clueless orphan, and the next she is fighting a battle and killing men!

The writing was immature I think, which can be remedied in future book. I was not really impressed with this one, but it made really want to go and grab a Garwood!!!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aishlin has spent her entire life being abused by her step-father and brothers. After escaping from being raped by an English lord, she runs into the Highlands and is rescued by a warrior, Duncan. As she slowly begins to heal and fall in love, the identity of her long-lost father is revealed and a shocking secret comes forth.

This book was very well written (with only one historical howler) and was pretty clean; the sex scene is 3/4s of the way through the book and is on the wedding night. Not to mention a lovable giant named Wee William who has a soft-spot for babies.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Laiden's Daughter last night, and I can't stop thinking about the characters today.

I have a special place in my heart for the Scottish Highlands, so when I saw that this book featured fierce Highland warrior Duncan and his clan I knew I had to read it.

Aishlinn suffers endless tortures before being taken in by the MacDougall clan. She has been beaten to near death when they find her, and her spirit is near broken. Through time and love, she is able to regain a strength she didn't even knew she possessed.

Of course, my favorite part was seeing the transformation through the eyes of her champion, Duncan. He is honorable and gives her time and space to heal, all the while falling deeper and deeper in love with her.

Their love story is sweet and slow to unfurl, which is just the way I like it. When they finally come together, it's like a double hot fudge sundae, all rich and sweet and you never want it to end!

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow but intriguing

I definite!h enjoyed this novel about Aishlinn and Duncan. They found her beaten and bloody and took her home to nurse her back to health. A vile evil earl tried to have his way with her and she fought back and he beat her mercilessly. She stabbed him and ran away and was found by honorable Highlanders. There they call in love and in the meantime the English are hunting her and she is ready to fight back. Lots of twists and turns. Entertaining but dragged a little. Safe and free in KU!

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 1 out of 5]

READER BEWARE EXTREME PHYSICAL ABUSE TO THE HERIONE AISHLINN!!! This story starts out with extreme physical abuse to the Heroine Aishlinn. The beating and punching is so descriptive it made me SICK!! I could not read pass page 20 of this story. Rape or attempted rape does not make a romance story!!

I read HR for the romantic nostalgia of the historical era. Not to be horrified because of the abuse inflected on the Aishlinn the heroine of the story.

[Atunah · Rating 3 out of 5]

First half was pretty good, if you can handle the damsel in distress.

I think it fell apart at the end when this very small tiny woman that had no backbone at all in the beginning, suddenly turned into Xena warrior princess without any training swinging a sword. Way to silly.

Lots of promise though as I did like the way the Hero and the other characters were written. But the inconsistencies with the heroine took this down a notch.

All in all pretty average and I was a bit surprised at the high average rating of this book both here and on Amazon. But then tastes vary a lot. What bugs me, might not bug someone else and vice versa. *shrugs.

[Celestine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I pretty much agreed with the other three-star reviews of this book, right down the line, for the same reasons.

Interesting story, characters.
Lagged a bit at times.
Heroine needed to get a sense of humor.
Her personality flipped on a dime (mouse to ninja).
Save me from the sacrifice of stupid women.

However, I enjoyed this book enough that I will pick up the next in the series at some point. It was foreshadowed some in this book, and could be interesting.

[Maida (Medley of Books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

RATING: 2.5 Hearts! :)

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Laiden's Daughter is the first book in the Clan MacDougall series by Suzan Tisdale. I have really been looking forward to picking up these books, since we see the main characters in other books so I was really looking forward to reading Duncan and Aishlinn'sstory.  This was a super fun story to read and boy I had so many barrels of laughs with this one because Aishlinn doesn't just win Duncan's heart but the hearts of his people very quickly.

Aishlinn, was left to be raised with her step father when her mother died when she was only four years old. Her step father trained her to fight and to hunt because he tended to "put her down" and not believing that she could ever marry. But then her step father died and her step brothers sold her as a servant at Castle Firth for two sheep. And when the Earl attempts to rape her, she stabs him and thinking that she has killed him she runs north to the Highlands which is where she is found by Duncan McEwan. Duncan while out hunting for raiders of some cattle, comes across a lass near freezing and he and his men help her and return her to their keep. Aishlinn has been a servant all of her life, but the Scots treat her as an equal and she can't deny the feelings she feels for Duncan and how welcoming his people have been for her. But there is a danger, the Earl is alive and will stop at nothing to have her back....Will Aishlinn have to make the greatest sacrifice to save the clan of will the love Duncan has for her be strong enough to fight the English?

This was such a beautifully written story and so much depth to the story. Not only do we have a wonderful love story that comes into play here, but there is also a mystery solved about Aishlinn's real parentage and who her birth father really is and why her step father was so cruel to her over the years. I really loved the mystery behind it and when the truth is revealed....this scene is so built up through the story it really tears at your emotions. The love between Duncan and Aishlinn is so tender and poignant. I love that Duncan is so devoted to Aishlinn...he isn't perfect by any means, and boy does he get jealous and yeah this is where you just fall for Aishlinn's strong spirit because she is even tempered and sweet but when she is angry watch out and her character was so fantastic. She is perfect for Duncan including not letting him getting away with possessive overbearing behavior that sometimes erupts. This story had me in and out with my emotions and I love how Brad Wills (the narrator) just brings these stories to life!!! A PHENOMENAL ROMANCE!



 



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[WhiskeyintheJar · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Gerbera_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Suzan Tisdale's work, and I enjoyed her writing style. It was easy to read and follow the story. The characters both main and secondary were likable, the plot was intriguing. It had dual POV, had plenty humor and was not overly long to become tedious.

I liked Aishlinn for the most part. She lived through abuse and that kind of conditioning by her stepfather that made her believe anything he told her and be grateful for it. But she escaped into Highlands badly hurt and stumbled upon Duncan and his riding party. I liked her resilience, her kind-hearted nature and that ability to see the best in people. I didn't care for her naive notion that if she gave herself up to the English that she thus would save her family and clan from danger. Did she think that her new husband would just let her go? He raced to her rescue in the end and got hurt for no reason. I just really dislike when heroines go off half-cocked thinking they are saving everyone, when instead they only make it worse.

I loved Duncan. He is charming, kind and loyal. He treats Aishlinn like a princess. It was really amusing to watch him struggle and try to overcome his jealousy when it came to Aishlinn and all the men who could not take their eyes off her. Their courtship was sweet and romantic. He and his clan helped Aishlinn to finally see her true beauty and know that she is an intelligent and brave young lady.

The plot twist in the end was unexpected, and I loved it. Aishlinn's life finally was as it should have been since her birth. The ending was lovely. Duncan and Aishlinn are just one of those couples you can't help but look and sigh over because they are so cute together. I liked how the Highland accent was presented in the book. It gave the story more zing. I enjoyed the story, and recommend it.

[Emery Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping and emotionally charged story from the first page. The developing romance was engaging and tender. It was sweet torture how the author kept the hero and heroine apart but the anticipation made it all the more satisfying and passionate when they finally came together.
Highly recommended to lovers of Scottish Historical/ Highlander romances.

[Rhode PVD · Rating 1 out of 5]

Note to self: never buy or read this author’s books because she tweeted a 12-minute apologist video defending well-documented white supremacist Sue Grimshaw who has actively harmed WOC’s writing careers, saying it was just one little liked tweet. (Spoiler: it was an avalanche of evidence over decades, plus one tweet.)

I don’t support racists or friends of racists with my pocketbook.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tacco12 - per RFS
.
Buongiorno, Fenici.

È tempo di vacanze, siete pronte a fare un bel viaggetto nel tempo?

Eccoci nel 1343, siamo in terra inglese e proprio qui incontriamo Aishlinn, una giovane ragazza che dalla vita, fino a quel momento, non ha avuto molto.

Orfana di madre dall’età di cinque anni, negli anni seguenti è in balia di un padre e tre fratelli che non hanno fatto altro che disprezzarla e sfruttarla, rifiutandosi persino di crescerla nel modo opportuno per una donna; si ritrova, ora diciottenne, a sfuggire all’inaudita violenza del Conte di Penrith.

Nella sua disperata fuga dall’Inghilterra verso la sconosciuta Scozia, viene tratta in salvo da alcuni Highlander che, mossi dalla compassione per la disperata condizione fisica in cui la giovane riversa, una volta messi a conoscenza della sua storia, decidono di proteggerla.

Tra loro c’è Duncan McEwan, un valoroso guerriero destinato a diventare il successore del capo Clan e che, più di tutti, si sente responsabile di quel malmesso scricciolo di donna.

Durante il viaggio Aishlinn scoprirà che esistono persone buone, capaci di aiutare gli altri senza un tornaconto personale e che ci sono uomini con un sano codice d’onore.

L’arrivo al Castello di Gregor rappresenterà una rinascita per lei: supportata da Duncan e la meravigliosa gente del villaggio, la timida e paurosa ragazzina si trasformerà in una donna coraggiosa e caparbia, capace di prendere in mano la sua vita. Imparerà ad avere maggiore fiducia in se stessa e a guardare il futuro con speranza.

Ma il passato è sempre in agguato e minerà la felicità e l’amore appena conquistati.

La storia mi è piaciuta, sebbene i moltissimi (troppi) refusi l’abbiamo resa a tratti davvero difficoltosa e, confesso, hanno influito sul mio voto generale.

Il personaggio di Aishlinn è ben sviluppato, molti aspetti del suo carattere hanno ragionevolmente origine dalla sua infanzia non certo felice. Una donna con un’anima forte capace di rialzarsi dopo una sconfitta, una persona che vuole migliorarsi, una combattente che non ha nulla da invidiare al più valoroso dei guerrieri… ma al contempo “umana”, in quanto (a volte) passibile di decisioni stupide.

I meravigliosi paesaggi scozzesi fanno da cornice a questo simpatico racconto, rendendone ancora più piacevole la lettura.

[Regan Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining 14th Century Highlander Romance

This was the author’s first novel (and is book 1 in the Clan MacDougall series).

It begins in 1329 in Northern England (prologue) as 5-year-old Aishlinn’s mother Laiden is buried. Then fifteen years later, in 1344, Aishlinn escapes a beating and near rape by an earl to run to Scotland where, she is told by a kind castle guard, she will find “her people.” She knew the man who raised her was not her real father, and that her brothers sold her into servanthood, but she knows nothing about her real family.

On the road without shelter, warm clothing or food, Aishlinn is saved from death by a band of Highlanders led by Duncan McEwan searching out cattle thieves. They take her to their castle where their clan cares for her—and unknown to Aishlinn, she instantly recognized by the laird’s wife. In the Highlands, Aishlinn finds acceptance and discovers she is not plain as her half brothers told her she was. When her wounds heal, she finds one prospective suitor after another, including the man she is most attracted to—Duncan—whose family was killed many years ago by the same earl who tried to rape her.

Aishlinn is a wounded soul, an orphan who is terribly insecure. Duncan will one day be leader of his clan and enjoys women but until he met Aishlinn had no intention of settling down.

I found the story immediately absorbing and believe Tisdale can write well (even though there were a few historical inaccuracies such as English “soldiers” in red uniforms and buttons on gowns). But half way through the book, when Aishlinn still continued to think of herself as a plain girl with no prospects even though all the Scots told her she was beautiful, I began to think she was dense. Then suddenly she decides she is attractive after all and becomes a strong-willed shrew who will have her way. The change seemed a bit abrupt. Her expertise in archery and swordsmanship seemed a bit over the top, too, even for a lass trained in those arts. There were enough interesting characters, however, that I wanted to read more in the series. I expect Tisdale’s writing will only improve with each book.

The Clan MacDougall series thus far:

Laiden’s Daughter
Findley’s Lass
Wee William’s Woman
McKenna’s Honor (coming fall 2013)

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe I have a soft spot for highlander men. However Suzan Tisdale's, Duncan was definitely no Diana Gabaldon's, Jamie. I enjoyed reading this book, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the Scotland setting as I do.

I thought this author had a lot of promise as I felt the writing was good but seemed a bit amateurish. I had a lot of issues with one of the main characters, Aishlinn, which is essentially why I rate this one only 3 stars. Aishlinn's character was so inconsistent! At the beginning of the book she's a helpless, blithering idiot who thinks of herself as "plain" but by the end of the book she's supposedly becomes some kind of warrior princess hell bent on justice. It just wasn't believable at all. Speaking of the "plain" princess, this was another issue I had with the book. The author felt like it had to be mentioned ALL the time that Aishlinn thought she was plain and everyone else thought she was beautiful. OK I GET IT! STOP BRINGING IT UP! I just really don't believe anyone can be that naive. I literally rolled my eyes after the 100th time it was mentioned.

On a different note, I really enjoyed the other characters. Duncan, Isobell, Bree, and Angus. I felt all of them were strong characters. I also enjoyed some of the plot twists towards the middle and end of the book however predictable they were- it made me keep reading!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful Scottish Romance! I was hooked from the first page! I adored Aishlinn's strength, will and determination. She is a wonderful main character who fights for what she loves, holds dear and believes in! I admired her sheer will, motivation and ability to eventually see past lies told to her!
Suzan painted a wonderful picture in my mind about the group of Scottish men that we are introduced to early on and how Aishlinn felt about them!
The story made me laugh, want to cry at times and pulled at my heart at other times! I was shocked by some of the secrets revealed, which made it all the more interesting!
I felt the story flowed very well and I had a hard time putting it down! I loved how the story ended and cannot wait to read the next story!
Thank you Suzan for such a wonderful book! You are a very talented writer!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page, I was drawn into this book. When Ashlynn is almost raped by an English nobleman, she flees to Scotland to find her mother's relatives. Exhausted and lost, she is rescued by a band of scottish warriors led by the brave warrior Duncan. He brings her to his home where she is taken care of by their family and finds herself romantically involved with duncan. But there is more, and when she had to dave them in order to go back after the murder of the englishman, the tale takes a swift turn. An unexpecter turn makes the story even more interesting, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first half of the book and the premise, but as the heroine healed, she seemed more immature and her actions at the end were hard to swallow. There were a lot of editing errors as well, simple typos like lightening for lightning, breath for breathe, etc. But I did like the writer's style and would try another one of her books. She writes heroes really well!

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book, I loved the story line and the characters. With all the paranormal romances that are out there it's refreshing to have a real scottish romance full of adventure, humor and lets not forget the highland love..This book made me laugh and cry. I highly recommend Laiden's Daughter and Suzan Tisdale has created a wonderful series full of passion.. 10 stars for sure!

[Megan (BookWifeReviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have the romance package with audible so I am trying out all kinds of new authors. And some times the books are good and sometimes they aren't. I have been listening to a bunch a bad ones this week. This one wasn't terrible.. Aishlinn just wasn't the best heroine. She has a shit life. No joke it was terrible.. But she was just so meek and she cried soooooo much. I don't want to listen to a book about a crying girl. She did get better towards the end.

[Bree Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I admired most was the heroine's strength in the face of all the tragedies she suffered. She never gave up hope...and was rewarded for her perseverance. A truly touching story!

[Cat The Curious · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give the audible version a 4. It's quite unbelievable how a tiny beaten woman could turn into a skilled fighter so fast but the audible was done really well. I am not sure I would give reading the book so high though. The narrator Erin Jones did an impeccable job. There are many audibles I do not bother finishing. So I give a 4 for this one. It kept me interested.

[Daisy Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Highlander stories. They are so romantic. Big brutish men, who go off to battle for honor and clan but are all gooey and mushy on the inside, how can you not love them? Laiden’s Daughter definitely delivers on that front!

Suzan Tisdale weaves a story that will pull at your heartstrings one minute and having you smirking the next. Aishlinn is a wounded young woman who flees for her life as horrible, evil men search for her. Along the way she finds honorable Highlander men who teach her about family, loyalty, and love. I could not put this book down and I seriously considered calling in sick to work, just so I could finish it!

I thoroughly enjoyed taking Aishlinn’s journey with her as she breaks out of the shell she’s lived in for so long out of self-preservation to become the spirited woman she should have been all along. I found myself smirking and cheering her on as she found her voice and conviction and stood up to the big marshmallow Highland warriors.

The main characters in the book are so well developed I felt like I knew them personally and I took their challenges and victories to be my own. The periphery characters are well developed as well and I loved them all! I’m so excited that this is the first in a series and I can’t wait to read the rest of the stories.

Castle Gregor has many more stories to tell and I can’t wait to read them all. Unfortunately I have to wait until December to get my greedy little hands on the next one! Findley’s story looks to be as interesting and compelling as Aishlinn and Duncan’s.

Laiden’s Daughter is currently available on Amazon for $0.99. That’s a fantastic find as it’s definitely worth more than that!

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth Bennet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I read reviews saying they felt the writing was juvenile but I did not feel the same way. You do not have to wait long before the action begins in this book. Straight from the beginning you learn of Aishlinn's string character. She is a woman who has had to deal with her mother's death at 5 years old and shortly after finding out the man she thought was her father was not. He treated her as a servant abusing her both physically and verbally and as if that weren't bad enough her step brothers joined in. They sent her away as if she were nothing to them to the Earl of Penrith. He was just as cruel and his intentions ran far darker than her father's.

Duncan is a brave and fierce leader and comes across Aishlinn while she's running from the English. Right away you can feel the gentleness he shows her. She is very confused and does not know who to trust but the more time she spends with Duncan the more hope begins to build with in her. She becomes more confident in herself and for the first time has a roof over her head and people who shows her how a family really treat each other.

There is a lot of action in the book and the love story does not suffer from that. It is a traditional Highland story in my opinion. The clan have their rugged personalities and the strong loyalty that I love with in a clan. So excepting the clan was and after all Aishlinn had to endure previously she finally could feel loved and protected. There is a some pretty vivid scenes of violence that was right on the border of being unbearable. It was graphic but just enough to add drama to the story without becoming nauseating. A very good read to add some zing to your day.

[Krystal Shannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzan Tizdale's characters practically leap off the page and drag you away to her world of 14th century Scotland where hunky highland men wait to sweep you off your feet!

I instantly fell in love with Duncan and his mischievous personality. Ashlinn was inspiring and I rooted for her through the whole book. It was non-stop action (just the way I like it) and if something wasn't happening to poor Ashlinn, she was creating problems without realizing it!

The scenery and history was seamlessly woven through the story and the language was also very well done.

Now for the pink parts.... This book was beautifully done and wrought with sexual tension between Duncan and Ashlinn. The love scenes were tender, sizzling, and passionate and I wanted to read them over and over. They will leave you sighing with satisfaction, I promise!

Fabulous happily ever after and I can't wait to read the next book. I hear they are about Duncan's friends!

5 Pillows - Satin Sheets Romance Reviews

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/2012: I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I can't give it a better rating, because I've read many others of the same kind that were much better, in writing, plot & characters. There were also a ton of editing errors, but that doesn't really bother me. I found this to be 'light' reading, a little amateurish, but somehow that didn't detract from my enjoyment. Some parts were a little racy for me - I usually prefer to keep those parts a bit more vague, but a good love story anyway.

Update: I really enjoyed this audiobook. I liked the book better the second time.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

Lovers of medieval Scotland and Julie Garwood, rejoice! Here is a story rife with brogues and Gaelic love words, brawny Highlanders and giants named Wee William.

Read full review in the 2012 July/August issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved


I love love this book it was very hard to push down truth when it ended it was sad caus Ethernet book was so good