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Guardians Of The Targe #1
Highlander Betrayed
Hidden deep in the rugged Scottish Highlands lies the Highland Targe, an ancient relic guarded for centuries by clan MacAlpin. It is said the Targe can shield the heart of the Highlands from invaders and now, as part of his plan to crush the Scottish rebellion, the English king wants the Targe for himself...
Rowan MacGregor, orphaned niece to the chief of the MacAlpins and the rock her family depends upon, is worried. With the dwindling health of her aunt, the Guardian of the Targe, the protections that have kept the clan safe and prosperous are fading, and the new Guardian, one of her cousins, has yet to be chosen. Rowan wants nothing more than to see the clan protected again, but when it seems that will never happen, she despairs—even when a handsome and charming stranger comes to her aid.
Nicholas fitz Hugh is not what he seems. Half-English, half-Scottish, he turned his back on his Scottish heritage early in his life, giving his loyalty to England instead. Now he is a talented and cunning spy charged with finding and stealing the Highland Targe for his king.
But when Nicholas finds himself falling for the bonny Rowan and wanting to protect the family she holds so dear, he is forced to choose between his king’s will and his own: Will he betray his king and his mission? Or will he turn his back on the woman he has come to love?
264 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2013
376 people are currently reading
1484 people want to read
About the author
Laurin Wittig
12 books241 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 116 reviews
July 27, 2013
I loved this author... If you like historical Scottish romance, you should try this author out! she was excellent in her descriptions, but not so descriptive that it took over the book! The feelings and attitudes of people were described as well as charater detail, landscapes etc., with enough visualisation that you could see it and feel it as the story unfolded.
Nicholas is sent to Scotland to steal the "Highland Targe" from the clan MacAlpin. It is the magical shield preventing King Edward from marching on the Highlands. In King Edwards mind, once he posesses it, the Scottish would bow to him as the rightful king out of pure fear.
As Nicholas moves through his mission, his priorities change when he finds real friendship and a woman he is completely drawn to, Rowan MacGregor. She has a power, not only magical, that draws Nicholas in.
The love & relationship grew & the romance fit exactly where it was supposed to. It had purpose & was covered well!
This is the story of love, loyalty & protection and who deserves it more.
It is a 4.5 star rating, so I rounded it up!
Nicholas is sent to Scotland to steal the "Highland Targe" from the clan MacAlpin. It is the magical shield preventing King Edward from marching on the Highlands. In King Edwards mind, once he posesses it, the Scottish would bow to him as the rightful king out of pure fear.
As Nicholas moves through his mission, his priorities change when he finds real friendship and a woman he is completely drawn to, Rowan MacGregor. She has a power, not only magical, that draws Nicholas in.
The love & relationship grew & the romance fit exactly where it was supposed to. It had purpose & was covered well!
This is the story of love, loyalty & protection and who deserves it more.
It is a 4.5 star rating, so I rounded it up!
September 25, 2019
Hold onto your highlanders kilt! This book is so clever and brilliant I loved it! As always Laurin Wittig puts out another amazing book with all the elements you want love, magic, betrayal, mystery, murder adventure plus some true Scottish history. I enjoyed this book very much.
It's about a master spy Nicholas fitz Hugh master spy for King Edward I Longshanks of England. He wants Nicholas along with another spy the evil Archie to steal the Targe to stop the Scottish rebellion. Problem is they don't exactly know what the Targe is.
The heroine Rowan MacGregor is orphan niece to Lady Elspet the current guardian of Targe an ancient highland relic and to the chief Kenneth of Clan Alpin. Rowan is a strong woman the rock of the family caring for everyone even Elspets daughters Jeanette and Scotia whom all three are like sisters. Since Rowan was orphaned at such a young age. As Nicholas sneaks in castle pretending he is something he is not he starts seeing the man he wants to be not what he has been. Of course a big part is due to him falling in love with Rowan, a man that has never know love only rejection his entire life. Of course all his lies catch up with leaving Rowan broken hearted and the chief wanting to hang him.
Also Lady Elspet is dying and preparing her eldest daughter to take guardianship of the Targe but as they say things don't always go as planned plus there is a murderer on Mac Alpin lands! This book has so many twists and turns and has you holding in to that kilt I mentioned earlier for dear life! I can't wait for thie next book in this series Highlander Avenged followed by Highlander Redeemed. This book is truly brilliant, I loved it!
It's about a master spy Nicholas fitz Hugh master spy for King Edward I Longshanks of England. He wants Nicholas along with another spy the evil Archie to steal the Targe to stop the Scottish rebellion. Problem is they don't exactly know what the Targe is.
The heroine Rowan MacGregor is orphan niece to Lady Elspet the current guardian of Targe an ancient highland relic and to the chief Kenneth of Clan Alpin. Rowan is a strong woman the rock of the family caring for everyone even Elspets daughters Jeanette and Scotia whom all three are like sisters. Since Rowan was orphaned at such a young age. As Nicholas sneaks in castle pretending he is something he is not he starts seeing the man he wants to be not what he has been. Of course a big part is due to him falling in love with Rowan, a man that has never know love only rejection his entire life. Of course all his lies catch up with leaving Rowan broken hearted and the chief wanting to hang him.
Also Lady Elspet is dying and preparing her eldest daughter to take guardianship of the Targe but as they say things don't always go as planned plus there is a murderer on Mac Alpin lands! This book has so many twists and turns and has you holding in to that kilt I mentioned earlier for dear life! I can't wait for thie next book in this series Highlander Avenged followed by Highlander Redeemed. This book is truly brilliant, I loved it!
March 18, 2014
I must say that no matter what sort of caffeine drink I dosed myself with, whenever I picked this book up to force myself to finish I ended up falling asleep.
I tend to love all things Scottish (I would love my own man in a kilt!) and when I looked at the reviews of this book I was happy to pick it up. It had gotten such glowing reviews. What, I wonder, did they read that I missed?
This could have been an interesting story - Nicholas, a spy is commanded by his king (English of course) to go to
Scotland and to steal the Targe - naturally Nicholas meets the lovely Rowan during a most unusual circumstance and they start to have feelings for each other. The 'romance' is at best tepid, the action is nearly yawn worthy and the mystical plot is weak. The characters and dialog are wooden and dull.
If you stuck it out through the first 3/4 of the book the ending was worth it...but why should a reader have to 'stick it out' to get to the good stuff?
I tend to love all things Scottish (I would love my own man in a kilt!) and when I looked at the reviews of this book I was happy to pick it up. It had gotten such glowing reviews. What, I wonder, did they read that I missed?
This could have been an interesting story - Nicholas, a spy is commanded by his king (English of course) to go to
Scotland and to steal the Targe - naturally Nicholas meets the lovely Rowan during a most unusual circumstance and they start to have feelings for each other. The 'romance' is at best tepid, the action is nearly yawn worthy and the mystical plot is weak. The characters and dialog are wooden and dull.
If you stuck it out through the first 3/4 of the book the ending was worth it...but why should a reader have to 'stick it out' to get to the good stuff?
January 11, 2014
Highlander Betrayed by Laurin Wittig is a 2013 Montlake Romance publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rowan has been having sharp headaches and experiencing some frightening occurrences. Something is amiss. Rowan's Aunt Elspet is in ill health. She is the guardian of the Highland Targe. Without a replacement being named, Rowan is becoming nervous. One of her cousins will inherit the responsibility, but no one has been named yet. Their safety depends of the Targe and it's guardian.
Nicolas and Archie are sent from England by King Edward to retrieve the Targe. Nicholas, a half English , half Scottish spy manages to infiltrate the area near the village of Oban and the Castle Dunlairig. A kink is thrown into his plans when he meets Rowan. Now he will have to decide once and for all which side he will stand on. But, if Rowan discovers he is a spy there will be hell to pay.
This action, suspense, paranormal, historical, Highlander romance was a real delight. As you can tell, there was a bit of everything mixed in to this one. The legend of the Targe and the guardian that protected it and kept the people of the Scottish Highlands safe from attack has King Edward thinking of removing yet another protector from Scotland to send a message that he was capable of doing them harm. His choice in sending the master spy, Nicholas was certainly by design. Nicholas could use his heritage to get close to the guardian and to the Targe. Rowan, rattles him good. She is pretty and honorable, and loyal and will fight for her loved ones. Nicholas begins to question his own loyalties the more time he spends with Rowan. After all he is part Scottish. Will he decide to embrace this part of his lineage? What of his partner in crime, the diabolical Archie? Who will be the next guardian of the Targe?
I love anything to do with Scottish Highlanders. I also liked the legends and stories about the Targe. Of course, the family dramas and the danger and intrigue were great too. The romance was done right as well. Nicholas was a hottie, but in keeping with the time frame which is way back in the 1300's, stealing a kiss was big deal. The steam level was about a 2.
I wish this one could have been a just a little longer. Stay tuned though- there will be more in series.
Overall this one is an A.
Rowan has been having sharp headaches and experiencing some frightening occurrences. Something is amiss. Rowan's Aunt Elspet is in ill health. She is the guardian of the Highland Targe. Without a replacement being named, Rowan is becoming nervous. One of her cousins will inherit the responsibility, but no one has been named yet. Their safety depends of the Targe and it's guardian.
Nicolas and Archie are sent from England by King Edward to retrieve the Targe. Nicholas, a half English , half Scottish spy manages to infiltrate the area near the village of Oban and the Castle Dunlairig. A kink is thrown into his plans when he meets Rowan. Now he will have to decide once and for all which side he will stand on. But, if Rowan discovers he is a spy there will be hell to pay.
This action, suspense, paranormal, historical, Highlander romance was a real delight. As you can tell, there was a bit of everything mixed in to this one. The legend of the Targe and the guardian that protected it and kept the people of the Scottish Highlands safe from attack has King Edward thinking of removing yet another protector from Scotland to send a message that he was capable of doing them harm. His choice in sending the master spy, Nicholas was certainly by design. Nicholas could use his heritage to get close to the guardian and to the Targe. Rowan, rattles him good. She is pretty and honorable, and loyal and will fight for her loved ones. Nicholas begins to question his own loyalties the more time he spends with Rowan. After all he is part Scottish. Will he decide to embrace this part of his lineage? What of his partner in crime, the diabolical Archie? Who will be the next guardian of the Targe?
I love anything to do with Scottish Highlanders. I also liked the legends and stories about the Targe. Of course, the family dramas and the danger and intrigue were great too. The romance was done right as well. Nicholas was a hottie, but in keeping with the time frame which is way back in the 1300's, stealing a kiss was big deal. The steam level was about a 2.
I wish this one could have been a just a little longer. Stay tuned though- there will be more in series.
Overall this one is an A.
March 23, 2018
Highlander Betrayed is the first in the Guardians of the Targe trilogy, about a powerful stone controlled by the chosen Guardian, that protects Scotland from its enemies and invasion. I listened to the audio version courtesy of Kindle Unlimited.
The book’s main character, Nicholas Fitz Hugh, is an English spy sent by the King to Scotland to pose as a Highlander in order to track down the Targe so that the King can invade and claim the land. Nicholas’s dad was an Englishman who raped his Scottish mother, so he was raised in Scotland for a bit before ending up in England. He quickly adopts a Scottish accent and uses his abbreviated experience as a Scotland native to infiltrate the MacAlpin clan after he and his fellow spy Archie witness a stone wall collapse. This leads to Nicholas saving two women, Rowan and Scocha, who turn out to be the niece and daughter of the current MacAlpin clan chief, respectively. Archie, however, stays hidden and grows resentful while Nicholas begins to grow fond of the Highlanders and Rowan.
Nicholas is not the most sympathetic main character. Rowan is hesitant to trust him but after he says and does all the right things, which include appealing to the needs of Rowan’s very sick aunt Elspeth-current Guardian of the Targe and wife to the chief -she eventually falls for him. Nicholas is constantly mulling over the inner turmoil of having to decide whether to betray Rowan or England, and it becomes tiresome after a while. He’s one of the few duplicitous main characters I’ve read where I actually wouldn’t mind him getting found out and punished for it, because he is clearly in the wrong and only bringing harm to the unaware MacAlpin clan. Who is he to deserve love with Rowan, and acceptance into the clan after he’s led a life of lies?
In addition to rooting against the main character, the plot itself never really grabbed me. There’s a “twist” about the new Guardian of the Targe that I guess we were not supposed to see coming a mile away? There’s no action really until the very end of the book, which is resolved enough to close out this first installment but not so much that the trilogy can’t continue. Every time I would put the audiobook on I was never really excited about it. I just had gotten so far into it that I was committed to seeing it through because I’ve marked several recent audiobooks through KU as DNF and I wanted to be able to finish one.
The story has potential, but ultimately was just too boring for me, with a main character I didn’t really care about.
The book’s main character, Nicholas Fitz Hugh, is an English spy sent by the King to Scotland to pose as a Highlander in order to track down the Targe so that the King can invade and claim the land. Nicholas’s dad was an Englishman who raped his Scottish mother, so he was raised in Scotland for a bit before ending up in England. He quickly adopts a Scottish accent and uses his abbreviated experience as a Scotland native to infiltrate the MacAlpin clan after he and his fellow spy Archie witness a stone wall collapse. This leads to Nicholas saving two women, Rowan and Scocha, who turn out to be the niece and daughter of the current MacAlpin clan chief, respectively. Archie, however, stays hidden and grows resentful while Nicholas begins to grow fond of the Highlanders and Rowan.
Nicholas is not the most sympathetic main character. Rowan is hesitant to trust him but after he says and does all the right things, which include appealing to the needs of Rowan’s very sick aunt Elspeth-current Guardian of the Targe and wife to the chief -she eventually falls for him. Nicholas is constantly mulling over the inner turmoil of having to decide whether to betray Rowan or England, and it becomes tiresome after a while. He’s one of the few duplicitous main characters I’ve read where I actually wouldn’t mind him getting found out and punished for it, because he is clearly in the wrong and only bringing harm to the unaware MacAlpin clan. Who is he to deserve love with Rowan, and acceptance into the clan after he’s led a life of lies?
In addition to rooting against the main character, the plot itself never really grabbed me. There’s a “twist” about the new Guardian of the Targe that I guess we were not supposed to see coming a mile away? There’s no action really until the very end of the book, which is resolved enough to close out this first installment but not so much that the trilogy can’t continue. Every time I would put the audiobook on I was never really excited about it. I just had gotten so far into it that I was committed to seeing it through because I’ve marked several recent audiobooks through KU as DNF and I wanted to be able to finish one.
The story has potential, but ultimately was just too boring for me, with a main character I didn’t really care about.
June 5, 2021
Redemption
Nicholas and Rowan came from different worlds and when they met sparks flew. Bad boy Nicholas wasn't ready for the storm that was Rowan. They both fell hard for one another. The action scenes were well written along with the fantasy scenes. Would recommend this book.
Nicholas and Rowan came from different worlds and when they met sparks flew. Bad boy Nicholas wasn't ready for the storm that was Rowan. They both fell hard for one another. The action scenes were well written along with the fantasy scenes. Would recommend this book.
June 12, 2017
Well-written story that kept me guessing until the end.
July 20, 2013
Title: Highlander Betrayed
Guardians of the Targe
Book 1
Author: Laurin Wittig
Review Rating: Five Stars
Reviewer: Linda Hays-Gibbs
Genre: Historical Fictional Romance
Excitement in the Scottish Highlands
Nicholas fitz Hugh is an unlikely hero for he is King Edwards most trusted assassin and spy. He believes in no one but himself and certainly not in love. He is half Scot and the other half is an English Lord's illegitimate son.
His father beat him and his mother could not stand to look at him for he looked like the man who raped her. He was never loved, so he turns to spying for the king for money and power.
He fought hard for his place by the king and he thinks nothing of killing and stealing for his king. He is sent to steal the Highland Targe, which he believes has no power. He thinks it is just a myth made up by superstitious barbarians. His friend and fellow assassin Archie is to help him gain this relic for his king. He leaves determined to do as his king bids him. He is to meet Archie, another spy there. He travels to Dunlairig castle in the Scottish Highlands where he heard the McAlpins have this relic.
Rowan McGregor is niece to Elspet McAlpine and cousin to Scotia and Jeanette. She was raised with her cousins after her parents were both killed. Elspet and her husband Kenneth treat her like their own daughters. She was raised accepted and loved.
The eldest daughter Jeanette is supposed to be the new Guardian of the Targe after her mother dies but things don't always go as planned.
Nicholas scouts the castle and sees a tryst by Scotia and a village lad. He watches as Rowan comes to fetch Scotia but Scotia slaps her and a rock slide almost kills them. Nicholas saves them. They do not trust strangers but Nicholas is determined to win them but still do what his king has commanded.
It is a great love story and a take of betrayal and magic. It was a real page turner for me. I was lost in the Highlands of Scotland and didn't want to leave.
I can't wait till I read the next book. I hope the vengeance King Edward seeks doesn't hurt theses lovely characters but I yearn to hear more from them.
Rowan was so determined and loyal and innocent. As we're her cousins. Nicholas was a different kind of fellow with unbelief and greed in his heart until he sees Rowan.
Even the minor characters in this book were very endearing. I loved Duncan and his practicality. I cared for Uilliam, his bushy eyebrows and his brute strength. All the people of the Highlands were fiercely loyal and smart in this tale.
It was a delight to read this exciting tale. I couldn't put it down. If you believe in the magic of Scotland, you must read this too.
Sincerely,
Linda Hays-Gibbs
Guardians of the Targe
Book 1
Author: Laurin Wittig
Review Rating: Five Stars
Reviewer: Linda Hays-Gibbs
Genre: Historical Fictional Romance
Excitement in the Scottish Highlands
Nicholas fitz Hugh is an unlikely hero for he is King Edwards most trusted assassin and spy. He believes in no one but himself and certainly not in love. He is half Scot and the other half is an English Lord's illegitimate son.
His father beat him and his mother could not stand to look at him for he looked like the man who raped her. He was never loved, so he turns to spying for the king for money and power.
He fought hard for his place by the king and he thinks nothing of killing and stealing for his king. He is sent to steal the Highland Targe, which he believes has no power. He thinks it is just a myth made up by superstitious barbarians. His friend and fellow assassin Archie is to help him gain this relic for his king. He leaves determined to do as his king bids him. He is to meet Archie, another spy there. He travels to Dunlairig castle in the Scottish Highlands where he heard the McAlpins have this relic.
Rowan McGregor is niece to Elspet McAlpine and cousin to Scotia and Jeanette. She was raised with her cousins after her parents were both killed. Elspet and her husband Kenneth treat her like their own daughters. She was raised accepted and loved.
The eldest daughter Jeanette is supposed to be the new Guardian of the Targe after her mother dies but things don't always go as planned.
Nicholas scouts the castle and sees a tryst by Scotia and a village lad. He watches as Rowan comes to fetch Scotia but Scotia slaps her and a rock slide almost kills them. Nicholas saves them. They do not trust strangers but Nicholas is determined to win them but still do what his king has commanded.
It is a great love story and a take of betrayal and magic. It was a real page turner for me. I was lost in the Highlands of Scotland and didn't want to leave.
I can't wait till I read the next book. I hope the vengeance King Edward seeks doesn't hurt theses lovely characters but I yearn to hear more from them.
Rowan was so determined and loyal and innocent. As we're her cousins. Nicholas was a different kind of fellow with unbelief and greed in his heart until he sees Rowan.
Even the minor characters in this book were very endearing. I loved Duncan and his practicality. I cared for Uilliam, his bushy eyebrows and his brute strength. All the people of the Highlands were fiercely loyal and smart in this tale.
It was a delight to read this exciting tale. I couldn't put it down. If you believe in the magic of Scotland, you must read this too.
Sincerely,
Linda Hays-Gibbs
July 25, 2013
Hidden deep in the rugged Scottish Highlands lies the Highland Targe, an ancient relic guarded for centuries by clan MacAlpin. It is said the Targe can shield the heart of the Highlands from invaders and now, as part of his plan to crush the Scottish rebellion, the English king wants the Targe for himself .
Laurin Wittig writes a story steeped in Scottish Mythos.. we are once again dealing with my favorite Edward, even if he is English and wants to conquer Scotland and Wales.. But the Scots don't want to be conquered and they are keeping their hopes up and fighting for all that they believe in with all that they have. Including the Targe.
Rowan MacGregor, orphaned niece to the chief of the MacAlpins believes first and foremost in family. She is determined to keep her wild cousin safe while she acts out. Watching her aunt slowly weaken and lose all that she is is hard on the entire castle and Rowan knows it's up to her to keep the day to day things going as smoothly as possible. After all her oldest cousin is heir to the magic of the Targe and her youngest is just too young and wild. When a mysterious highlander shows up snooping around Rowan doesn't trust him. Even when he saves her life she wonders what is going on.
Nicholas fitz Hugh is the King's man. He left Scotland behind when he went to discover who his father was. Once he wanted nothing more than to become a fine Scottish Warrior but his mother's grief every time she looked upon him stirred him to discover who his father was. Of course his father was a man of war and no conscience and had no desire to be a parent, leaving Nicholas to make his own way and become his own man. Over a lifetime he has become the King's Spymaster and when he is sent to Scotland to find and capture the Targe he is sure there will be no problems.. *shakes head* men, they are so funny. One look at Rowan MacGregor and Nicholas begins to wonder if he is on the right path.
This book is about more the battles that were like a living entity throughout Scottish history, it's about more than a man and woman falling in love. It's about finding your strengths, finding your path and finding the one who was meant to walk it with you. No matter how difficult the path might be. It was an enjoyable read and I can honestly say I am looking forward to the next story in Laurin Wittig's Guardians of the Targe Series
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Highland Betrayed provided by netgalley and scheduled for release on August 5, 2013
July 21, 2013
Wittig is a very talented author, showing us the growth of feelings and the emotional issues that couples work through, even as she takes us on a political and magical journey through Scotland’s rocky past. Nicholas and Rowan were set up from the beginning to fail, only overcoming the odds due to their own stubbornness and belief that their love is the most important thing for them and their clan. Though Nicholas takes a while to come back to his true nature he is, in the end, a real highlander, with all the strength and resolve you could hope to find in such a warrior. Rowan is the true essence of Scotland, carrying the secret magic that so many sought to steal or destroy inside her practical soul. She uses everything in her—her new power, her brains, and her love of Nicholas and her people—to meet any challenge and come out on top. Though the love is apparent, being set in the 14th century, Highlander Betrayed is written with a more subtle passion between the H/H than some are used to, but it in no way detracts from the emotional depth or steam in the story. With stolen kisses and caresses, Nicholas and Rowan let their passion flow and it is very well written, leaving you feeling you were right there experiencing their love. I am looking forward to finding out what comes next and seeing how the MacAlpin Clan beats the pants off Edward.
Rating: 3.5 stars
For full review see my blog at: http://romancewitchreviews.blogspot.c...
Rating: 3.5 stars
For full review see my blog at: http://romancewitchreviews.blogspot.c...
August 5, 2013
Scottish Highlands 1307. Wittig writes a historical romance full of action and betrayal.
Nicholas is a spy for the king sent to acquire/steal the Highland Targe that empowers the Highlanders and protects them from invaders.
Nicholas is half Scot and half English. His Scottish mother was raped by an Englishman. Nicholas lived with the Scots until he was twelve, but when he realizes his mother can't stand the sight of him he leaves. When he finds his father, his father beats him and tells him to get out. Nicholas is not wanted or loved by either side.
When he arrives in Scotland and infiltrates the Scottish keep he finds himself drawn to Rowan the niece of the clan chief. As he searches for the Targe, he grows closer to Rowan not just for her beauty but for her courage and loyalty to her clan. Thus begins this first book of this series. This is a keeper and I highly recommend it.
Nicholas is a spy for the king sent to acquire/steal the Highland Targe that empowers the Highlanders and protects them from invaders.
Nicholas is half Scot and half English. His Scottish mother was raped by an Englishman. Nicholas lived with the Scots until he was twelve, but when he realizes his mother can't stand the sight of him he leaves. When he finds his father, his father beats him and tells him to get out. Nicholas is not wanted or loved by either side.
When he arrives in Scotland and infiltrates the Scottish keep he finds himself drawn to Rowan the niece of the clan chief. As he searches for the Targe, he grows closer to Rowan not just for her beauty but for her courage and loyalty to her clan. Thus begins this first book of this series. This is a keeper and I highly recommend it.
August 4, 2013
THE HIGLANDER BETRAYED is a vibrant, fast-paced, and moving Montlake Romance set in fourteenth-century Scotland. Rowan, the gutsy heroine, falls in love with Nicholas, a braw English spy sent to steal the mythic Highland Targe. Nicolas's growing love for Rowen creates divided loyalties making it difficult for him to complete his mission for King Edward I.
This finely crafted, well-plotted novel transports the reader to the medieval world when the Scots and the English vied for dominance in the Highlands. Will Rowan be able to use the Targe to protect her clan, Dunlairig Castle, and the route into the Highlands? And can Nicholas cast aside his former life, win the loyalty of Rowan's family, and help them defeat the force arrayed against them?
Fans of award-winning author, Laurin Wittig, have long awaited her next rousing Scottish historical romances. They will not be disappointed. The author weaves history and myth into a delightful tale of thwarted desire and intrigue.
This finely crafted, well-plotted novel transports the reader to the medieval world when the Scots and the English vied for dominance in the Highlands. Will Rowan be able to use the Targe to protect her clan, Dunlairig Castle, and the route into the Highlands? And can Nicholas cast aside his former life, win the loyalty of Rowan's family, and help them defeat the force arrayed against them?
Fans of award-winning author, Laurin Wittig, have long awaited her next rousing Scottish historical romances. They will not be disappointed. The author weaves history and myth into a delightful tale of thwarted desire and intrigue.
April 30, 2016
Deep in the rugged Scottish countryside lies the Highland Targe, an ancient relic that, along with its Guardian, protects the heart of the Highlands.
For centuries, the MacAlpin clan has watched over the Targe, but Lady Elspet, the current Guardian, is gravely ill. Her niece Rowan MacGregor, the rock of the family, is doing everything she can to hold her clan together when she meets Nicholas fitz Hugh.
Handsome and charming, Nicholas quickly joins clan life — yet he is not what he seems. A cunning spy, Nicholas is charged by the king of England with stealing the Targe, part of a plot to break the Scottish rebellion.
Despite his loyalty to the king, Nicholas finds himself falling for beautiful Rowan. When Lady Elspet’s health worsens and the guardianship is in question, Nicholas must choose between the king’s will and his own. Can he betray his king and mission? Or will he turn on the woman he loves and the family he has come to care for?
For centuries, the MacAlpin clan has watched over the Targe, but Lady Elspet, the current Guardian, is gravely ill. Her niece Rowan MacGregor, the rock of the family, is doing everything she can to hold her clan together when she meets Nicholas fitz Hugh.
Handsome and charming, Nicholas quickly joins clan life — yet he is not what he seems. A cunning spy, Nicholas is charged by the king of England with stealing the Targe, part of a plot to break the Scottish rebellion.
Despite his loyalty to the king, Nicholas finds himself falling for beautiful Rowan. When Lady Elspet’s health worsens and the guardianship is in question, Nicholas must choose between the king’s will and his own. Can he betray his king and mission? Or will he turn on the woman he loves and the family he has come to care for?
August 28, 2013
MacAlmost
This was a very sweet tale with very nicey nice characters and a somewhat chaste romance. The story was well-written but dull, especially considering the potential. You have a betrayal that could have wrought a lot more heartache than it did - it was all too easily brushed aside. You have paranormal stuff with the guardianship of the targe that's over before it gets going. And you have a villain who is off page too much to present any real sense of danger.
I'm going to recommend this to readers who don't like too much sex in their Highlander romances but enjoy sweet, gentle character exploration and development.
3 Stars ★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very sweet tale with very nicey nice characters and a somewhat chaste romance. The story was well-written but dull, especially considering the potential. You have a betrayal that could have wrought a lot more heartache than it did - it was all too easily brushed aside. You have paranormal stuff with the guardianship of the targe that's over before it gets going. And you have a villain who is off page too much to present any real sense of danger.
I'm going to recommend this to readers who don't like too much sex in their Highlander romances but enjoy sweet, gentle character exploration and development.
3 Stars ★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2015
Highlander Betrayed by Laurin Wittig
I love reading about the Highlanders, and the stories about the Fey! This starts out as a typical romance, yet the author reels you in with with great characters and imagination. With a touch of history, SNAP, you've got me! I'm anxious to move on to the second book, give a more detailed review when I've read more. This is an easy book to read and I'm on to the next book!
I love reading about the Highlanders, and the stories about the Fey! This starts out as a typical romance, yet the author reels you in with with great characters and imagination. With a touch of history, SNAP, you've got me! I'm anxious to move on to the second book, give a more detailed review when I've read more. This is an easy book to read and I'm on to the next book!
September 21, 2013
I did not ken that I would like this book so much.
Historical romance with a dash of espionage plus a smidgen of paranormal? Yes, please.
Yeah, I'm pretty much hooked now & ready for the rest of the trilogy!
October 23, 2024
Nicholas and Rowan
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
Highlander Betrayed by Laurin Wittig. Guardians of the Targe trilogy, book 1. Multiple POV (Nicholas', Rowan's, Archibald's, Kenneth's, and Jeanette's). Beautiful ebook and audiobook cover. Solo style narration. Extremely slow burn, historical Highland romantasy. It's listed as 9 hours 13 minutes; I listened at speed 2.25 for 4 hours 5 minutes. Unnecessary intro and finalé music. Narrator Phil Gigante read well. Although it took two chapters to get used to it, I enjoyed the way he narrated the character dialogue in "their" accents (English and Scottish) and in his own average American accent for everything else. CLIFFHANGER epilogue that added no value to this story and can absolutely be skipped if you aren't interested in the next two books. Content warnings: H is the product of his mother's r@pe; H's mother never accepted him; H's father cast him out when H found him; h's parents d¡ed when she was 10 years old; h's mother had fey powers; Archibald attempted to r@pe h; Archibald set fire to the castle and k¡lled Elspet who had fey powers but was ill; Kenneth k¡lled Archibald; and the story describes but didn't really explain generational fey powers.
Tower of London, February 1307
Scottish Highlands, Spring 1307
Rowan MacGregor (21) was orphaned when she was 10 years old. Kenneth is the chief of the MacAlpins clan, and he is Rowan's biological uncle. They possess and are guardians of the Highland Targe. Rowan didn't know she had fey powers until Elspet transferred her remaining fey powers to Rowan. Elspet, her aunt/Kenneth's wife, was the guardian of the Targe. She's the mother of two daughters (Jeanette and Scotia) and believed one of them would be the next guardian. Elspet's health is failing, and she's been training Jeanette to be the next guardian. Nicholas fitz Hugh (25; aka Nicholas of Achnamara) is a half-English (r@pist father)/half-Scottish (mother) b@st@rd. He turned his back on his Scottish heritage when he was 10 years old, turning his loyalty to England. Now he is a spy and thief who is charged with bringing the Highland Targe to the English king. Archibald (aka Archie) is also a spy for the king and goes with Nicholas to steal the Targe. Nicholas falls for Rowan quickly but realizes she will be hurt when she finds out who he really is. Archibald refuses to give up on the king's command to find and bring him the Targe, attacks Rowan, attacks Nicholas, but convincingly yields to Nicholas' demand to give up. Nicholas let's him go and returned to Rowan. Elspet reveals Rowan as the next guardian. Jeanette is angry she was not the chosen one, but she knows she must help Rowan. Rowan and Nicholas reveal his true identity to Jeanette, then Kenneth. Kenneth arrests and confines Nicholas while they care for Elspet. Rowan tries her powers but can't control them, so Kenneth is forced to free Nicholas to help Rowan. Archibald set the castle on fire, and while everyone was distracted, he went in search of the Targe. He found Elspet and Jeanette and demanded they tell him where it is. Elspet is no longer able to speak, so when Archibald threatens Elspet's life, Jeanette tells Archibald that Rowan has it. Then Archibald k¡lled Elspet, knocked Jeanette out, and searched Elspet's room. When he can't find it, he goes after Rowan and is able to get the Targe from her. Kenneth and Nicholas gather men to go after Archibald. Rowan claims Nicholas as her guardian, making him the new clan chief. At first, Nicholas doesn't believe the clan will accept him as their chief, but Rowan explained that Elspet chose Kenneth and that Kenneth will become part of Nicholas' counsel. They go fight the Englishmen, capture Archibald, get the Targe back, take Archibald to Kenneth, Kenneth k¡lls Archibald, Kenneth declares Nicholas their new clan chief, and they finally consummate their commitment. In the epilogue, the king sends soldiers to capture Nicholas and Rowan, relieve them of the Targe and their heads, and bring them to him. JP
1.5 out of 5 on my spice scale.
1st listen 10-22-24 (KU Read & Listen program)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2023
Nicholas & Rowan: trigger: sexual assault (slight), assault. This book is a touch fantastical as there is some magic involved. I found the story slow in the beginning and for a romance it's definitely a slow burn but it's interesting enough if you can get through the first half. Nicholas is a half breed so to speak, half English, half Scottish. He has been sent by the English King to this Scottish clan to locate and take the Scotland targe. Which essentially something that protects the clan. Now if you look up the word targe, you'll see it's like a shield. The author doesn't not use it in this term. She's made it just a bit more. 😉 Rowan lives with her Aunt, Uncle and cousins with their clan. Her aunt is very sick. There's a big mystery about what's wrong with the aunt and what secrets she and the clan are holding. Nicholas is able to stay with the clan for a time under false pretenses and was he does, he begins to see more in Rowan and can't stop his feelings. He's then left with a choice. Betray the king or the woman he knows he's in love with. The book is very mysterious and mystical. I love how detailed the author is. I just wish there was more of a romantic build up between the main characters. It wasn't a bad read at all, just really long and like I said, slow in the first half.
March 19, 2018
In short: predictable plot. Boring. No real character development and conflict is shown. A female character i detest. Anxious, whinny, uncertain and with a wannabe mentality to care for everyone without actually doing anything. Not a role model i would ever want to read to children or me for that matter. The total opposite of a strong, independent, spunky and kick ass heroine. Even for ancient times, their roles in society and their limited space to manoeuvre.
The same goes for the legacy of McLoad book i read from this author. Although the heroine there showed at least some self-preservation and tried to fight the norms she was forcibly pressed into. But then again she was bitchy and condescending. All in all, none of her female characters were women to identify with or look up to. These women characters are stereotypical and maybe 2 generations past their time to publish for the 21st century. Sadly, mostly female authors put such weak female characters into writing, with no inspiration or long lasting remembrance on the readers.
The same goes for the legacy of McLoad book i read from this author. Although the heroine there showed at least some self-preservation and tried to fight the norms she was forcibly pressed into. But then again she was bitchy and condescending. All in all, none of her female characters were women to identify with or look up to. These women characters are stereotypical and maybe 2 generations past their time to publish for the 21st century. Sadly, mostly female authors put such weak female characters into writing, with no inspiration or long lasting remembrance on the readers.
May 8, 2017
Luckily my grandpa was Scottish
Luckily my grandpa was Scottish along with other relatives so I could get into the flow of the book with it's Scottish terms. I had bought the audio version to go with it, but it has a download issue, so I just read the book, standalone. I do have the next book in the series so I will go to book two after a break, but if I hadn't already bought it, not sure I would buy it now. It was ok, nothing more, nothing less. I will get to book two, just not right away
Luckily my grandpa was Scottish along with other relatives so I could get into the flow of the book with it's Scottish terms. I had bought the audio version to go with it, but it has a download issue, so I just read the book, standalone. I do have the next book in the series so I will go to book two after a break, but if I hadn't already bought it, not sure I would buy it now. It was ok, nothing more, nothing less. I will get to book two, just not right away
June 8, 2017
3.5 stars
The story was good and the characterizations well done --certainly a different slant on the typical fantasy of Scots or Irish lore. I lowered the rating from 4 to 3.5 because of several grammatical or proofreading errors, although not so many or so egregious that it would keep me from continuing to read the series.
The story was good and the characterizations well done --certainly a different slant on the typical fantasy of Scots or Irish lore. I lowered the rating from 4 to 3.5 because of several grammatical or proofreading errors, although not so many or so egregious that it would keep me from continuing to read the series.
September 1, 2018
Nice little reading!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice veggie soup, a little of everything & a surprise or two thrown in to make that pot special. Can't wait to read the other books in the series. One thing to note it is little on the love scenes. I personally like that but I know many like a lot. This is mostly kissing & one soft love scene. Happy reading everyone!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice veggie soup, a little of everything & a surprise or two thrown in to make that pot special. Can't wait to read the other books in the series. One thing to note it is little on the love scenes. I personally like that but I know many like a lot. This is mostly kissing & one soft love scene. Happy reading everyone!
December 20, 2021
A good story..
Magic.. mystery... Betrayal..love.. emotions..
Its very well written..
But..
Nicholas, the hero failed to be hero for me when he spared his friend. It made no sense.
The heroine is not someone who would leave a mark on you... I mean there is nothing you would admire about her strongly..
They are okay okay.. nothing heroic
Magic.. mystery... Betrayal..love.. emotions..
Its very well written..
But..
Nicholas, the hero failed to be hero for me when he spared his friend. It made no sense.
The heroine is not someone who would leave a mark on you... I mean there is nothing you would admire about her strongly..
They are okay okay.. nothing heroic
January 25, 2017
Good story
This was slow getting into. I was afraid that the hero was going to blow it. The story got really interesting.
This was slow getting into. I was afraid that the hero was going to blow it. The story got really interesting.
November 14, 2018
Waiting for Christmas
I normally do not sit and read, but when I started reading this I could not put it down. Books 2 & 3 are on my Christmas list.
I normally do not sit and read, but when I started reading this I could not put it down. Books 2 & 3 are on my Christmas list.
February 4, 2019
Good overall. I would however have liked to know more about Rowan's past.
Loved:
Rowan, Duncan, Nick
Disliked:
Elsbet, Jeanette
Hated:
Scotia, Archie
Loved:
Rowan, Duncan, Nick
Disliked:
Elsbet, Jeanette
Hated:
Scotia, Archie
September 17, 2019
The whole series is great.
November 7, 2019
easy read; not much sex which is fine with me; pretty good dialogue
February 26, 2020
intriguing story of a romance, hard life, and determination
June 12, 2022
3.5 stars.
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