Aileen McKendrick is on the way to her aunt when The McDougal abducts her. Both clans had been rivals for more than a century. No matter because seeing its chief Taran makes her so dazed she forgets he's her clan's enemy. But he abducts her to seal an alliance between both clans with marriage. Not to him. To his eighteen-year-old son. No way will she allow her destiny to be decided by the implacable giant. Defying him makes millions of sparks fly over the loch as her will to resist their attraction dwindles by the minute.
Taran McDougal has had a bad marriage with his long deceased wife and no intention of repeating the mistake. His plans for an alliance sound solid up to the minute he sets eyes on the uncompliant, dazzling lass. The untamable shrew fakes a scandal to thwart his designs and now they have to marry. She makes his blood boil with vexation and desire. As the later starts winning the race, he is on the verge of losing control and giving in to their explosive passion.
Lisa Torquay comes from a multi-cultural family. She graduated in History and earned a Master’s Degree in British Empire. She has worked as an English and History teacher at high schools. She married a Norwegian and moved to Norway, where she has lived for three years. Writing has been her passion since she was thirteen. When she’s not writing, she’s messing up in the kitchen because she loves cooking as much as she’s clumsy.
I usually don't read historical romance so if you like this genre then i can recommend this book. Firstly I should say that book give you mostly anything you can expect after reading blurb.
So there is blurb.
Aileen McKendrick is on the way to her aunt when The McDougal abducts her. Both clans had been rivals for more than a century. No matter because seeing its chief Taran makes her so dazed she forgets he's her clan's enemy. But he abducts her to seal an alliance between both clans with marriage. Not to him. To his eighteen-year-old son. No way will she allow her destiny to be decided by the implacable giant. Defying him makes millions of sparks fly over the loch as her will to resist their attraction dwindles by the minute.
Taran McDougal has had a bad marriage with his long deceased wife and no intention of repeating the mistake. His plans for an alliance sound solid up to the minute he sets eyes on the uncompliant, dazzling lass. The untamable shrew fakes a scandal to thwart his designs and now they have to marry. She makes his blood boil with vexation and desire. As the later starts winning the race, he is on the verge of losing control and giving in to their explosive passion.
Like I said usually if the book dwell on romance more than other things, this just make me uncomfortable so I usually keep my distance from this genre. But the idea Alien make Taran insane all the time seemed interesting and she really doing good job in that :) Until they after that for me things become boring.
Story began really fast and don't make you upset about Alien. She is tomboyish, stubborn and won't change her way with any threat. She grow up 3 brothers who all the time trying to make her listen them because of that she is used to strong male who try make everything go the way they want so she use to cope with strong man without bending. Taran who used to be obeyed by people, don’t know how to handle with her and be amazed by her all the time. It was fast paced and easy to read.
Thank you, Lisa Torquay, for gifting me a copy of “The Lass Defied the Laird” in exchange for an unbiased review.
Laird Taran has devised a sneaky plan to unite his clan with the McKendrick's and cease the fighting by capturing Aileen McKendrick and marrying her to his son. Only he never imagined that he might develope his own feelings for her. With her in his home, he tries to keep her at arm's length by holding her accountable for the sins of his deceased wife, only to find that she is inadvertently healing wounds of the past. But is it too late?
Aileen is determined to be treated fairly and justly, which doesn't always sit well with the laird that has captured her. She expresses this will by escape attempts and a cunning plan to undermine his intention to wed her to his son, only to have that plan backfire serendiputously. Can she hold out against her physical desires long enough to teach him how to treat her?
The book was fast paced, exciting, and well written, plus the environments, settings, and fashion are in keeping with the historical times, which the author maintains consistently. You will be glad you picked this book up.
Full review to come! I'm giving this book a temporary 3.5 for now.
I honestly had to put the book down and fully intend to return to it. I enjoyed another book Lisa had written and couldn't wait for this one. My issue is a language barrier. I love learning new words, in this case historical words, but there's a lot I don't know I think do to the authors overseas origin being different than my own. As frustrated as I was, the story did try to take hold of me. I will return to it when I have a few days where I can give this book my undivided attention!
1809, Scottish Highlands. Laird McDougal (father) wanted to know what he could offer Aileen McKendrick. Sam McDougal (16, son) was offered up as an eligible suitor. Weeks later; Bruce Fleming (solicitor) came with the legal papers that had been drawn up. Taran McDougal (18) has gotten over his 1st. wife Shannon (died). Father Robert (Priest) was reading the wedding vows to Taran & Aileen.
She flatly refused. Taran (Oxford) wasn’t ready to give up & came to plead his hand in marriage to Aileen, Wallace McKendrick father, Drostan McKendrick eldest brother, Fingal McKendrick brother, & Lachlan McKendrick brother. Father Munro finally married the 2.
Will the rivalry cease between the 2 families? Will Aileen adapt to her new lifestyle?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written 19th Century Scottish historical romance book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great 19th Century Scottish romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Author; PDF book Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
I have received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. It was a great read for this genre! This book is not about guns blazing and fights or wars even though it has plenty of action also. It is a book about feelings and emotions, about a strong, proud and wounded laird and an even stronger and prouder woman. By all accounts it is a great love story! I loved the book because it has a lot of feeling - and for me there is no proper romance without feelings! The writing runs smooth and easy and the characters are so vivid that they practically jump of the pages. The story grabbed me from the first page and kept me interested till the end. And that's a five star for me. I found myself chuckling a few times, feeling with the laird and his lady and always waiting too see what happens next. What more do you want in a book?! I highly recommend it to all fans of historical romance.
I received the Lass Defied the Laird (ARC) was provided to me by the author, Lisa Torquay, for an honest review.
The book opens with Aileen sneaking off to visit her Aunt. During her journey her carriage is attacked in the Scottish Highlands by her family rivals - The McDougal clan. Aileen is not a skittish Lass, but takes to attacking her kidnappers and even attempts to turn the table on their leader. Laird Taran has decided to end the clan feuding and marry Aileen to his son. He's the mastermind behind the ambush. I don’t want to give away any of the story line, but I can share that this story is captivating. I enjoyed the bantering between Taran and Aileen. Also the plotting between Aileen and Sam. The barriers the main characters placed around their hearts are slowly torn down. It really was a beautiful love story. The characters are all well developed. Throughout the story I found myself cheering on Aileen, the Taran and even Sam. I couldn't put the book down and devoured it in a day. I would highly recommend the Lass Defied the Laird.
A scheming Laird is trying to unit his clan with their rivals by abducting Aileen McKendrick and arranging for her to marry his son. However he does not anticipate falling for her himself. I found the novel fast pace and well written I got a real sense of the period and place. The author really knows their craft and have produced a book that is very difficult to put down.
DNF AT 70%. THE BLURB REELED ME IN BUT I'M AFRAID THE STORY ITSELF WASN'T THAT ENGAGING. IT WAS A SIMPLE, STRAIGHTFORWARD ROMANCE, NOTHING INTENSE OR OVERLY DRAMATIC.
HERO is a oafish and sometimes I wonder if he's truly a laird when he's forcing his 18 year old son to marry a woman 7 years his senior AND one he kidnapped at that. Honestly it didn't make sense AT ALL. He's much too selfish in a way, and he was instantly attracted to our heroine almost immediately, it takes the fun out of it. He's also quick to jump to conclusions, acting like a jealous bear and isn't the most patient of man. Not the kind of hero I usually enjoy reading about.
HEROINE was a bit more headstrong than most headstrong heroines I have read and while she had a big heart, I can't help but feel she's too modern for the story. Unlike the hero, I did like her better because she seems to be the one with the rational mind even if she's desperately clinging onto her independence yet wildly attracted to the hero.
OVERALL the story began with a silly reason and it's quite sad that it lost its potential with a hero who was a bit too extreme. Forget being honorable or a warrior, there wasn't anything special about him or the female lead. The question that one should ask themselves after reading a story is what is it about the leads that takes your breath away and makes them linger in your memory?
I really loved the passionate plot between the main characters. I loved how Aileen brought a warmth to Taran's home. I loved her go-get'em attitude and how you first come across her besting a man! She is strong willed, but had such a "female motherly" side that saw straight away what was best for Sam. Loved the hot scenes of wild passion between the two souls. Aileen and Taran are a force as a couple. Noticed a few typos. What I didn't like so much of the "fancy" wording. I get that the author is trying most likely to stand out, but it was too much. It was like she was constantly using a thesaurus to replace common words and to me it just got really irritating. With that said, this is still really a great love story of two strong willed and well matched souls. There was also what seemed to be a possibility of a second book in the series, but mentions nothing at the end, so you are left wondering.
I read book 3 in this series first and enjoyed it enough to start from the beginning of the series. The premise of this book is one I like - the Laird kidnaps a woman from the rival clan to arrange a marriage with his son. Instead there's instant attraction with the Laird and the lady. Unfortunately the execution is not what I expected - and mainly I'm referring to the language in the book. Some of the lines of dialogue are just...problematic. Either a non-typical word that took me out of the story or a grammatical error.
"an ineluctable impulse" "And deflagrated raving damage" "It was to the later he directed his wolfish green gaze and got dished with an avalanche of loath, anger."
ARC Ms Torquay is great when she is about a total Alpha, which is the case here. The clash between Taran, the bossy leader of the McDougal clan, and Aileen, the headstrong McKendrick, sets fire to the book. She will thwart him every step of the way, which will make him even hotter for her. The book has steam enough to melt an iceberg and you feel the level of attachment between Hero and Heroine. The author's writing is intense and elegant, sucking you in. I could not stop reading it to the last page. Will be watching out for the next in the series. Keep it up, Ms Torquay!
This was a great story of Aileen McKendrick and Taran McDougal from two different clans , Taren kidnaps her in her way to her Aunts house and wants to form a peaceful union between the two clans by marrying her to his son , Sam who is only 18. Sam is not interested in marriage at his age , But Taran falls madly , deeply , irrationally in love with Aileen himself and eventually is the one who Marrys her . This story held my interest but the author clearly has trouble with the English language and much of the language was stilted or awkward . Bit three stars for. Great effort
Taran is The McDougal and his clan has clashed with the McKendricks over the years. In an attempt to form an alliance he abducts 25 year old Aileen McKendrick to marry his 18 year old son Sam. His son doesn't want to marry and Aileen refuses. She and Sam plan a trick to get her out of it but it backfires and results in Taran insisting she marry him. She again refuses and escapes to her home. Taran follows and she agrees to marry him but this is not an easy relationship. There is lust but also stubbornness. Two pig-headed people who must figure out how to be together.
The story started out great. The heroine is strong willed but not too stubborn. The hero had a bad marriage that affected his views. Their chemistry is strong. I did think this could have used more efficient editing and less flowery words when describing intense scenes. The latter chapters dragged a bit. But the epilogue was a nice touch.
I liked this book. The way Taran and Aileen met, and got together was entertaining. Also, the glimpse into their future was great to see. However, I would have liked more descriptive sex scenes. Also, I don't feel that the part with Freya was necessary to this book.
The story itself wasnt bad which is the only reason I finished this. The writing however was horrible. The author seemed obsessed with using a thesaurus and it distracted from the story and hurt the flow. There were also editing errors in sentence structure that further distracted from the story.
Talk about emotions. This book is too filled with them. We have the villains. Our main character is A villain there’s really not anything nice I can say about this book. It has a terrible ending. And it’s not something I would ever read again
THE LASS DEFIED THE LAIRD is book one in Lisa Torquay's Explosive Highlander series and she certainly knows how to begin with a BANG!!!!! I love stories about Socttish Highlanders and this one is no exception. Lisa has given her readers two very strong characters and one thoroughly enjoyable story.
Aileen McKendrick, now there is one fiesty woman!!! Strong willed, sassy, determined and totally unforgettable. Abducted by the McDougal clan, to be united in a marriage that she does not want. Aileen is a proud woman and will do what it takes to stay out of this marriage. Taran McDougal, leader of the McDougal clan, is the man behind the abduction. He wants Aileen to marry is son - thinking it will end a rivalry between the two clans. He is a man of massive proportions, strong, stubborn, determined and equally sure that the marriage will go ahead.
I'll not give away any spoilers but the relationship between Aileen and Taran is simply superb. Both proud people they are not willing to give in to the other. Their's is a relationship that will endear them to your heart. You'll laugh, cry and get a little bit angry with both of them.
What ensues is a wonderful story ful of passion, lust, pride and so many more emotions. The story, as you're reading it, pulls you in and it feels as though you are actually back in the 1800s living in the Highlands. Ms Torquay's descriptions are so vivid that you feel and see everything, just as the characters do.
An excellent read and I look forward to reading the next one in the series, when it is released.
So this is my second book by this author and i really enjoyed both. Although historical novels are not my first choice this was an easy read and i finished it in one sitting. Thanks to the author for an ARC.
This story was just annoying. The lass defied the laird.... yeah not so much. She went along with way too much. It just drove me nuts. The laird was a controlling, overbearing jerk.
The book sucked me in from the first page. The plot was well developed. In the first part, before Taran and Aileen get married, they engage in a war of wills, as both have strong personalities and the fire sparks in every page. In the second part, the fire continues sparking, but the story gets more mature, as they have to face Taran's ghosts from his first marriage. A marriage arranged by his father when he was barely eighteen, which left him with a son to bring up at such tender age. This story left me satisfied and in expectation for the next instalments of the series.
I received this as an ARC. The only negative thing about this book is that it finished. I had sooo much fun reading it. The clash between Taran and Aileen leaves you breathless for the passion it unleashes. This book is full of action, emotions and has some lighter parts which will elicit a chuckle or two. And it's hot, boy, it's hot. I loved the steam and I think it was well integrated in the plot to show H & h emotional states. First in this series, I'll go and grab the next ones when they're out.
3 1/2 stars this book (arc) was given to me for an honest review. historical romance is not some thing I normally read, in saying that I really enjoyed the book it was a very cute story and if you are into historical romance you should definitely give it a go .
The plot of this novel is colourful and intriguing. The author uses language well, describing the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands in vivid detail. The leading characters, Aileen and Taran, were strong, complex, and believable. I loved the way that they were torn between each other's personalities and sexual appeal! I also loved the way that both of them evolve during the novel, Taran becoming more open and vulnerable, and Aileen more understanding of Taran’s jealous behaviour. A great read!
Aileen is daughter of a laird and in her trip to aunt house she is abducted by the laird Taran whom had a died with her clan. He dictates she will marry his son but she fights him all the way till they have to marry. He been burned in marriage before and can't trust women she is headstrong woman who refuses to obey or be controlled. Will these make it have they met their match
This book was obviously written by a non-native English speaker and it was self-published because no professional editor would allow it to go to print in its current incanation. There are awkward phrasings and missing words galore. The plot is solid but that's about the only saving grace.