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Duet
A heartbroken Highlander, a Druid’s whispered spell, the promise of a future.A conqueror’s decree couldn’t separate Aillil Callaghan from his Scottish pride. He wears his clan’s forbidden plaid as a badge of honor, living for the day he can restore his family name and overthrow English tyranny.Fleeing England and persecution, violinist Malcolm Byerly accepts a post in the Highlands as tutor for the sons of Laird Callaghan. He never expects the kilt-wearing force of nature, the Laird’s eldest son, Aillil, or the man’s bitter hatred of all things English, including Malcolm. He doesn’t expect their shared love of music to overcome the barriers between them. Or for their love to be short-lived.Distraught and alone, Aillil grasps for a second chance at love, and vanishes into Highland legend to await the rebirth of his lover.Concert violinist Billy Byerly’s arrival at Callaghan Castle feels like coming home, and the gift of an antique violin awakens memories of another time and place. Billy doesn't believe in ghosts, but a dark-haired Highlander haunts his dreams and the antique violin releases tunes he doesn’t remember learning.But the Lost Laird knows his own.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2010
9 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
Eden Winters
98 books674 followersYou will know Eden Winters by her distinctive white plumage and exuberant cry of “Hey, y’all!” in a Southern US drawl so thick it renders even the simplest of words unrecognizable. Watch out, she hugs!
Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.
She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures, she has written over thirty gay romance novels, lost count of novellas and short stories, has won Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.
When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s cosplaying for children's charities or hanging out at the farm being a mother, grandmother, and vegetarian.
Her natural habitats are hardware stores and on the backs of motorcycles.
Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.
She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures, she has written over thirty gay romance novels, lost count of novellas and short stories, has won Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.
When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s cosplaying for children's charities or hanging out at the farm being a mother, grandmother, and vegetarian.
Her natural habitats are hardware stores and on the backs of motorcycles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
August 23, 2014
When words run out, there's only this.
18th century Scotland, fighting off the ruins of rebellion
A castle with four boys desperately in need of a teacher
A bitter Laird loathing the English ways and set to defend what's his
A red-haired English violinist scared to love
Two souls colliding
Enemies meant to be lovers
Music uniting what's always been theirs
A tragedy as old as time
And centuries to wait
Heartbreak, sorrow, tears of pain
And TEARS OF FUCKING JOY
It doesn't matter what you believe. You will believe in Máel Caluim and Aillil.
You will believe in Fate. And a forever kind of Love.
18th century Scotland, fighting off the ruins of rebellion
A castle with four boys desperately in need of a teacher
A bitter Laird loathing the English ways and set to defend what's his
A red-haired English violinist scared to love
Two souls colliding
Enemies meant to be lovers
Music uniting what's always been theirs
A tragedy as old as time
And centuries to wait
Heartbreak, sorrow, tears of pain
And TEARS OF FUCKING JOY
It doesn't matter what you believe. You will believe in Máel Caluim and Aillil.
You will believe in Fate. And a forever kind of Love.
July 2, 2014
BMB Reviews June Author of the Month
Aye these highlanders are a melt worthy bunch, no?
4.5 HEARTS--Forever. A love that literally lasts forever.
How to fully describe Duet by Eden Winters? Beats the heck out of me. It's Highlander historical/paranormal/contemporary/ghosts/with a smidge of light time-travel? Heh. Say that ten times fast. It is two stories with a common bond, intertwined to make nearly seamless music that is the novel named "Duet".
Warning: There is character death. But there is a HEA as well!
"Duet" starts in eighteenth century England and Scotland where a virgin teacher who is gay but most certainly did not succumb to his desire named Malcolm. He's the third son of a baron, no real prospects in sight at a stuffy school in Kent England. He lands a job to tutor a laird's four sons in Scotland and makes to move to escape the scrutiny and try to deny who he is. What Malcolm did not count upon? The laird's oldest son, the heir, Aillil. Aillil hates all thing English and the new tutor brought by his father to teacher his four younger brothers? Aillil hates Malcolm on sight. He accuses Malcolm for a crime most heinous. Malcolm, the smaller, ginger haired musician is anything but soft. And though he's small in stature, he has no problem standing his ground against the towering, brute in a kilt. The two begin to become closer through a shared love of music namely violin playing.
Aillil is not out of the closet but loves to love men. He somehow sets his sights on the fiery redhead, can't get him out of his mind. The two fall in love, it's sweet. Their story drips with romance but if you read the blurb, expect tragedy.
The lengths Aillil goes for his love is what makes this story work. It's believable...exclude the Druid magic and ghosts. I think the first half is damn near flawless. One thing I've noticed with this author is that she researches very well but does not information dump you to death. I learned without feeling like someone but the entire search engine's results into the story. Scotland is quite the beautiful country and learning about the English oppression back in the eighteenth century was cool.
The second half was good but not as great to me as the first half. I'd give the first half 5 hearts and the second 4, hence my rating. The contemporary half has the reincarnated lover reunited with his ghostly Scotsman. Some parts were a little funny like the Aillil vs. Luke possessive "mine" bits. I don't think it was intentional but I giggled. Also the rush for the 'big plan' to be put in place...something about it was not as smooth as I'd have liked it to be.
Is there sex? Yes. However, don't expect heavy kilt sexing at every scene. the three love scenes are key parts that make the story sigh-worthy.
Overall, an all encompassing love story that carries throughout the centuries.
I definitely plan on reading more stories from this author. There is something about her writing that I enjoy discovering. I can't pin what it is (as this is only my 2nd) could be the awesomeness of a ginger MC in both stories, could be the vulnerability of her characters that make them feel life like or could be she just has serious story skills. Whatever it is, I really dig it. I loved her possums and now her highlanders. So happy I finally got a chance to read this book.
This book is a little bit of everything but leaves a lasting impression.
Definitely recommended.
Aye these highlanders are a melt worthy bunch, no?
4.5 HEARTS--Forever. A love that literally lasts forever.
How to fully describe Duet by Eden Winters? Beats the heck out of me. It's Highlander historical/paranormal/contemporary/ghosts/with a smidge of light time-travel? Heh. Say that ten times fast. It is two stories with a common bond, intertwined to make nearly seamless music that is the novel named "Duet".
Warning: There is character death. But there is a HEA as well!
"Duet" starts in eighteenth century England and Scotland where a virgin teacher who is gay but most certainly did not succumb to his desire named Malcolm. He's the third son of a baron, no real prospects in sight at a stuffy school in Kent England. He lands a job to tutor a laird's four sons in Scotland and makes to move to escape the scrutiny and try to deny who he is. What Malcolm did not count upon? The laird's oldest son, the heir, Aillil. Aillil hates all thing English and the new tutor brought by his father to teacher his four younger brothers? Aillil hates Malcolm on sight. He accuses Malcolm for a crime most heinous. Malcolm, the smaller, ginger haired musician is anything but soft. And though he's small in stature, he has no problem standing his ground against the towering, brute in a kilt. The two begin to become closer through a shared love of music namely violin playing.
Aillil is not out of the closet but loves to love men. He somehow sets his sights on the fiery redhead, can't get him out of his mind. The two fall in love, it's sweet. Their story drips with romance but if you read the blurb, expect tragedy.
The lengths Aillil goes for his love is what makes this story work. It's believable...exclude the Druid magic and ghosts. I think the first half is damn near flawless. One thing I've noticed with this author is that she researches very well but does not information dump you to death. I learned without feeling like someone but the entire search engine's results into the story. Scotland is quite the beautiful country and learning about the English oppression back in the eighteenth century was cool.
The second half was good but not as great to me as the first half. I'd give the first half 5 hearts and the second 4, hence my rating. The contemporary half has the reincarnated lover reunited with his ghostly Scotsman. Some parts were a little funny like the Aillil vs. Luke possessive "mine" bits. I don't think it was intentional but I giggled. Also the rush for the 'big plan' to be put in place...something about it was not as smooth as I'd have liked it to be.
Is there sex? Yes. However, don't expect heavy kilt sexing at every scene. the three love scenes are key parts that make the story sigh-worthy.
Overall, an all encompassing love story that carries throughout the centuries.
I definitely plan on reading more stories from this author. There is something about her writing that I enjoy discovering. I can't pin what it is (as this is only my 2nd) could be the awesomeness of a ginger MC in both stories, could be the vulnerability of her characters that make them feel life like or could be she just has serious story skills. Whatever it is, I really dig it. I loved her possums and now her highlanders. So happy I finally got a chance to read this book.
This book is a little bit of everything but leaves a lasting impression.
Definitely recommended.
September 1, 2016
4.5 Stars
This review is going to be short, but, damn, Duet kind of shredded me. In a totally good way. I loved watching Malcolm and Aillil go from enemies, to lovers even as the story took a turn that broke my heart and made me ugly cry. Then we get a couple time jumps before the story hits modern times when our MC's are finally reunited. When Malcolm and Aillil got their happy, I might have cried some more. Allegedly. Maybe.
This review is going to be short, but, damn, Duet kind of shredded me. In a totally good way. I loved watching Malcolm and Aillil go from enemies, to lovers even as the story took a turn that broke my heart and made me ugly cry. Then we get a couple time jumps before the story hits modern times when our MC's are finally reunited. When Malcolm and Aillil got their happy, I might have cried some more. Allegedly. Maybe.
May 11, 2021
It only took me about 6 years from purchase to read this. Btw, why aren't there more m/m highlander books out there?
I really enjoyed this enemies-to-forbidden lovers story. A romance interrupted, a highlander not willing to let go, some druid magic, and several centuries later a chance at reunion. Yes, there's heartbreak, but the romance is kept fairly light. I loved the musical aspects and how they wove into the story. Throw in a little time travel and I'm a happy reader. Glad I finally got to this one.
I really enjoyed this enemies-to-forbidden lovers story. A romance interrupted, a highlander not willing to let go, some druid magic, and several centuries later a chance at reunion. Yes, there's heartbreak, but the romance is kept fairly light. I loved the musical aspects and how they wove into the story. Throw in a little time travel and I'm a happy reader. Glad I finally got to this one.
November 1, 2020
I have to say I'm often pleasantly surprised by my resistance to reading blurbs before reading a book, and Duet is now top of my list of 5 Star surprises. Not only is the story amazing, and the audio gorgeously performed by Michael Ferraiuolo, but I unwittingly listened to it from 31 October - 1 November.
What starts as a lovely historical romance soon blossoms into a full fledged ghost story, crafted spectacularly well by Eden Winters. Weaving the tale of the devoted laird waiting through 200 years for the reincarnation of his lost love, and incorporating stunning details of music, history, and folklore into the tale, Winters has truly outdone themselves.
Just lovely.
What starts as a lovely historical romance soon blossoms into a full fledged ghost story, crafted spectacularly well by Eden Winters. Weaving the tale of the devoted laird waiting through 200 years for the reincarnation of his lost love, and incorporating stunning details of music, history, and folklore into the tale, Winters has truly outdone themselves.
Just lovely.
September 2, 2010
Excellent m/m romance that's a bit challenging for me to categorize. The first half takes place in the Scottish Highlands 200 years ago and the second half takes place in the present day. This is a story about an English tutor/violinist and about a Scottish heir who despises the English. It's the story about a love that transcends the ages. Oh, whatever - it's just a darn good love story. :)
August 27, 2010
I couldn`t stop reading. I was smiling,crying and getting goosebumps.
Duet is an amazing romantic-mystery. - Highly recommended!
Duet is an amazing romantic-mystery. - Highly recommended!
September 8, 2024
✰ 3 stars ✰
“Discreet we must be, but mark my word, Mael Caluim, we will be.”
And with these fateful words, twenty-five-year-old Ailil promises a future where even death would not prevent him from reuniting from his lost love, Malcolm. To wager life against the hope of a Druid's spell - to awaken when the chance of love returns - to believe that love can come back - no matter how long the wait may be - with only his music lingering in the echoes of his violin - traces of the memories that they created - the forgotten whispers of a heartbreak etched forever - waiting for someone to heal the wounds dealt to his heart. 🥺
Sounds appealing, doesn't it?
“What would it be like to give in to temptation, to experience firsthand being held, being loved?”
I adored the beginning. 💛💛 1758 and love between two men forbidden & warned against. A romance between an Englishman and a Scot - highly unthinkable. But, when Malcolm arrives to tutor Ailil's younger brothers, the desire is too tempting to ignore, when the attraction is simmering between the two between games of the Fox and the Chase, and the violin lessons that play the notes of their unsaid emotions - a Duet that spoke of a love that could transcend time. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 Ailil who boldly wears a kilt as a second skin, who sees his duty as the future Lord is tested in his fierce longing for this gentle, but passionate redhead who swayed the melodies of his heart in ways he cannot fathom.
Malcolm's innocence and purity was a sharp contrast to the Highlander's tempestuous emotions, but how they fell in love - however brief - felt real. 'Aillil now realized he’d been right to suspect Malcolm of thievery, for the Englishman had snuck in and stolen his heart.' 🥹 It was such a unique part of their relationship. Malcolm, who fled persecution in fear of being outed, finally found a tether to the one who did not fear who he was, yet scorned Malcolm for what he represented. And yet - they surprised one another - in more ways than one.
“What’s it like? Is it all the poets say? Is it worth dying for?”
“Not in my experience,” he replied after much deliberation.
“Then what’s the point?” Malcolm appeared crestfallen.
“I suppose if you truly cared for one another, it might be.”
Setting aside his pride by the charm of this compassionate soul, the two of them finally connected. Tenderly touched upon, but achingly soft, they gravitate towards one another in earnest, till forces not in their control tear them asunder. A love so fleeting, it feels surreal to lose it. 💔 My heart broke at Ailil's tears, and ached for his determination to find his way back. The bittersweet parting - the sadness that followed - sacrificing love in the name of honor and family duty - 'he was the laird; the clan must come first.' Captured in the fierce compulsion never to let go speaks of how desperate the flame stays lit to capture the tune once more that captured his heart. 🎻💞
The writing was a bit on the simplistic side for me; I understood how the time jumps were meant to capture how time was still slipping through their fingers for their destined reunion, but it wasn't as well-hashed out as I would have liked. 🙁 But, it was comforting to see familiar faces - old and new - return. To see how the hands of fate were still at play, fulfilling an ancient Druid spell's loyal wish of coming true. It felt like something inevitable was to happen, just not knowing when. And If I was to speak of the yearning - and the parallels the author drew to the characters of the past, and how a fateful Druid spell brought them all back together - that really spoke to me. The feeling that happiness was not fleeting - that even unto death, magic can still ignite. ❤️🩹 ❤️🩹
“The harmonies of two instruments tentatively touched then backed away like nervous lovers, only to rejoin, the joyous meeting of kindred souls.”
When concert violinist Billy Byerly arrives at Callaghan Castle, it feels like coming home, with dreams that speak of a life he once lived. That apprehension of whether or not the lover’s lonely vigil of Ailil's is finally over was so tangible - and so wanting to finally find his love again... It felt like everything in Billy's loveless life had led to this moment of bringing to life tunes that were not of his own making. 'The distinct sounds entwined and merged, the violins becoming lovers just as surely as the men who played them.' 🥺 And you could then feel the shift in the air - how unseen forces were at play; it was almost playful, and yet - certain. That this was it - but, would Billy recognize those cherished thoughts that were mere memories? The tension - the longing of a touch - the author played the build-up to their emotional reunion with a lovely ease that I felt. A sweet and beautiful reincarnation story of two souls who were torn apart by tragedy, but one who was determined to reunite with his love, no matter how long. 🤍 ❇️
“Discreet we must be, but mark my word, Mael Caluim, we will be.”
And with these fateful words, twenty-five-year-old Ailil promises a future where even death would not prevent him from reuniting from his lost love, Malcolm. To wager life against the hope of a Druid's spell - to awaken when the chance of love returns - to believe that love can come back - no matter how long the wait may be - with only his music lingering in the echoes of his violin - traces of the memories that they created - the forgotten whispers of a heartbreak etched forever - waiting for someone to heal the wounds dealt to his heart. 🥺
Sounds appealing, doesn't it?
“What would it be like to give in to temptation, to experience firsthand being held, being loved?”
I adored the beginning. 💛💛 1758 and love between two men forbidden & warned against. A romance between an Englishman and a Scot - highly unthinkable. But, when Malcolm arrives to tutor Ailil's younger brothers, the desire is too tempting to ignore, when the attraction is simmering between the two between games of the Fox and the Chase, and the violin lessons that play the notes of their unsaid emotions - a Duet that spoke of a love that could transcend time. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 Ailil who boldly wears a kilt as a second skin, who sees his duty as the future Lord is tested in his fierce longing for this gentle, but passionate redhead who swayed the melodies of his heart in ways he cannot fathom.
Malcolm's innocence and purity was a sharp contrast to the Highlander's tempestuous emotions, but how they fell in love - however brief - felt real. 'Aillil now realized he’d been right to suspect Malcolm of thievery, for the Englishman had snuck in and stolen his heart.' 🥹 It was such a unique part of their relationship. Malcolm, who fled persecution in fear of being outed, finally found a tether to the one who did not fear who he was, yet scorned Malcolm for what he represented. And yet - they surprised one another - in more ways than one.
“What’s it like? Is it all the poets say? Is it worth dying for?”
“Not in my experience,” he replied after much deliberation.
“Then what’s the point?” Malcolm appeared crestfallen.
“I suppose if you truly cared for one another, it might be.”
Setting aside his pride by the charm of this compassionate soul, the two of them finally connected. Tenderly touched upon, but achingly soft, they gravitate towards one another in earnest, till forces not in their control tear them asunder. A love so fleeting, it feels surreal to lose it. 💔 My heart broke at Ailil's tears, and ached for his determination to find his way back. The bittersweet parting - the sadness that followed - sacrificing love in the name of honor and family duty - 'he was the laird; the clan must come first.' Captured in the fierce compulsion never to let go speaks of how desperate the flame stays lit to capture the tune once more that captured his heart. 🎻💞
The writing was a bit on the simplistic side for me; I understood how the time jumps were meant to capture how time was still slipping through their fingers for their destined reunion, but it wasn't as well-hashed out as I would have liked. 🙁 But, it was comforting to see familiar faces - old and new - return. To see how the hands of fate were still at play, fulfilling an ancient Druid spell's loyal wish of coming true. It felt like something inevitable was to happen, just not knowing when. And If I was to speak of the yearning - and the parallels the author drew to the characters of the past, and how a fateful Druid spell brought them all back together - that really spoke to me. The feeling that happiness was not fleeting - that even unto death, magic can still ignite. ❤️🩹 ❤️🩹
“The harmonies of two instruments tentatively touched then backed away like nervous lovers, only to rejoin, the joyous meeting of kindred souls.”
When concert violinist Billy Byerly arrives at Callaghan Castle, it feels like coming home, with dreams that speak of a life he once lived. That apprehension of whether or not the lover’s lonely vigil of Ailil's is finally over was so tangible - and so wanting to finally find his love again... It felt like everything in Billy's loveless life had led to this moment of bringing to life tunes that were not of his own making. 'The distinct sounds entwined and merged, the violins becoming lovers just as surely as the men who played them.' 🥺 And you could then feel the shift in the air - how unseen forces were at play; it was almost playful, and yet - certain. That this was it - but, would Billy recognize those cherished thoughts that were mere memories? The tension - the longing of a touch - the author played the build-up to their emotional reunion with a lovely ease that I felt. A sweet and beautiful reincarnation story of two souls who were torn apart by tragedy, but one who was determined to reunite with his love, no matter how long. 🤍 ❇️
February 15, 2015
If I have to summarize this novel in three words, they would be: cute, short and neat. It’s a lovely combination, like mixing chocolate, ice cream and a stick!
Not my favorite, though. I’m the Häagen-Dazs caramel type, Bradley Cooper’s.
But I won’t say “No” to a Magnum, if you ask me.
This book is one of the most TENDER stories I’ve read lately.
And I’m not into kilts. Apart from Jamie Fraser, I can count with the fingers of one hand the romances with highlanders I have ever read. I never understood the appeal of wearing a skirt.
Firstly, imagine running or riding horses with nothing under it! THAT has a lot of possibilities of movement!
It hurts only imagining it, forget about testicular torsion. Well, ok, testicular torsion is bad enough, but you get my point, yeah?
My second reason is I only can think about how dirty it would be with no toilet paper at all. Think about it for a minute. Sorry I put that picture in your mind but you see what I was talking about, don’t you?
So, yes, kilts are not something that attractive to me. The super muscled man holding the almost climaxing lady never has been my favorite hero in romances.
But if the highlander loves boys… that is an entirely different story and I’d consider reading it. What is the difference between a kilted hetero highlander and a kilted homo highlander? Well, it’s very obvious, there is no almost-climaxed lady, but a man! That’s the issue about reading m/m, after all.
However, I must admit that this book is not based on an original premise. There is a strong similarity to Kiss of the Highlander. So, the surprise factor is lost for me. That doesn’t mean it didn’t touch my heart, just that I expected all along what was going to happen.
The book has two different parts very clearly delimited. The first part is set in the 18th century. Malcolm Byerly is an teacher and a violinist. He is English. And he is not able to love a woman.
Aillil is the proud heir of a Scottish clan. He hates Englishmen. And he is not able to love a woman, either.
But what they share is not enough to forget what they don’t. Aillil despises Malcolm (or he tries to) but as days pass by, Aillil finds it harder and harder to remember that important fact that keeps them apart. Malcolm just finds Aillil frustrating and full or prejudices, but he can’t help himself from looking at him or thinking about him.
The second part is about the present times. I’m not going to tell why we jump to today. But don’t fret about it, I was delighted with it.
The book is like a fairy tale (no pun intended), it’s told in a measured and quiet way, only portrayed limited specific moments while the rest refills the gaps when needed. It doesn’t seem much but the point isn’t to write an epic story of love and war, the aim is to make big a deceivingly ordinary love story. So, the first part of the tale is one of those we could call “simple” but then we get into the sad part and everything changes into magic.
I was all the time wondering the reason of the title of this book. And I didn’t get the answer till that moment. And believe me, it’s the correct one.
So, if you are looking for a feel-good book, this is it.
July 20, 2014
OH MY GOD I LOVED THIS!!
This is my first Eden Winters book and I will not be my last! I read this because it had highlanders, I love me a man in a kilt, the accent, castles, the romance, etc. *sigh* This story is a historical, contemporary, tear-jerker, paranormal and a 5 alarm tissue alert! What makes all of this work of course if the superb writing, I could kick myself for waiting so long to read one of this authors books.
Malcolm Byerly is teacher and violinist in England, 1758. He lives in fear of being discovered he is a lover of men. When he is recommended to teach for a family in Scotland, he jumps at the chance to escape his current conditions. Once he arrives in Edinburgh, Scotland he meets his pupils and their older brother Aillil Callaghan *swoon*.
Ok it’s hard for me to talk about this without giving anything away, so I will simply say I devoured this book. Malcolm and Allil, simply took my breath away, broke my heart, put it back together and cleaned me out of tissues!
I read in hopes of finding books that move me like this one did. Highly recommended!
This is my first Eden Winters book and I will not be my last! I read this because it had highlanders, I love me a man in a kilt, the accent, castles, the romance, etc. *sigh* This story is a historical, contemporary, tear-jerker, paranormal and a 5 alarm tissue alert! What makes all of this work of course if the superb writing, I could kick myself for waiting so long to read one of this authors books.
Malcolm Byerly is teacher and violinist in England, 1758. He lives in fear of being discovered he is a lover of men. When he is recommended to teach for a family in Scotland, he jumps at the chance to escape his current conditions. Once he arrives in Edinburgh, Scotland he meets his pupils and their older brother Aillil Callaghan *swoon*.
Ok it’s hard for me to talk about this without giving anything away, so I will simply say I devoured this book. Malcolm and Allil, simply took my breath away, broke my heart, put it back together and cleaned me out of tissues!
I read in hopes of finding books that move me like this one did. Highly recommended!
April 20, 2012
Oh! This was soooooo good! I started reading this quite honestly a few months back and couldn't get into it right away and set it down. I think I didn't get into it mostly because it's a little bit of a historical fiction. But after reading Angel of 13th Street, also by Eden Winters, I enjoyed that book so much I thought I would give this one another try. I'm so glad I did. This book has made my favorites shelf.
Malcolm Byerly is a violinist that accepts a tutoring position in the Highlands in order. He is introduced to four young charges that are sons of the Laird Callaghan. The young boys take to him immediately, but the same can't be said of their older brother and heir, Aillil Callaghan. After the English beat the Scotsmen and invoked many harsh rules that take away the Highland culture (no tartans, no bagpipes, no gaelic) Aillil views all Englishmen as evil. He keeps a suspicious eye on the young tutor to make sure that his brothers are not falling under his evil influence.
Aillil's relationship with his father is stilted at best. Feeling like his father betrayed their countrymen to suck up to the English, Aillil rebels by wearing his tartans and doing everything a true Scotsman would do. I thought Aillil's character was extremely well-developed and you could feel his loyalty and his heart in everything he did. I fell in love with Aillil and it was extremely fun to watch his relationship with Malcolm develop.
About halfway through the story there was a heart-wrenching but extremely interesting twist. I did not read any descriptions prior to reading this book so I was really surprised. I think they should take out the spoilers in the description because without the spoilers, this book blew my mind when I read it. I had an honest to goodness WTF moment.
The first half of the book and the second half of the book felt almost like different books to me, but I enjoyed that aspect as well. If you haven't read this book, and you like historicals, I think you will love this book.
Malcolm Byerly is a violinist that accepts a tutoring position in the Highlands in order. He is introduced to four young charges that are sons of the Laird Callaghan. The young boys take to him immediately, but the same can't be said of their older brother and heir, Aillil Callaghan. After the English beat the Scotsmen and invoked many harsh rules that take away the Highland culture (no tartans, no bagpipes, no gaelic) Aillil views all Englishmen as evil. He keeps a suspicious eye on the young tutor to make sure that his brothers are not falling under his evil influence.
Aillil's relationship with his father is stilted at best. Feeling like his father betrayed their countrymen to suck up to the English, Aillil rebels by wearing his tartans and doing everything a true Scotsman would do. I thought Aillil's character was extremely well-developed and you could feel his loyalty and his heart in everything he did. I fell in love with Aillil and it was extremely fun to watch his relationship with Malcolm develop.
About halfway through the story there was a heart-wrenching but extremely interesting twist. I did not read any descriptions prior to reading this book so I was really surprised. I think they should take out the spoilers in the description because without the spoilers, this book blew my mind when I read it. I had an honest to goodness WTF moment.
The first half of the book and the second half of the book felt almost like different books to me, but I enjoyed that aspect as well. If you haven't read this book, and you like historicals, I think you will love this book.
August 30, 2014
This is an extraordinarily beautiful romance set in the wildness of the Scottish Highlands. I tried to tell a friend about this book and my words just couldn't capture the beauty of the story. I struggled to explain my love for this book but I couldn't describe how the story touched my heart and emotions in a very deep way.
It is a beautiful and surprising story with a hint of magic and I love it. Malcolm Byerly a teacher arrives to tutor four young boys but it is their older brother Aillil who he finds challenging, wild but strangely attractive.
Aillil also finds Malcom attractive even though he is a hated sassenach, an Englishman and therefore one of the oppressors. Over time Aillil and Malcolm form a strong friendship forged over their love of music, violins and forbidden bag pipes. And so a new love is born but danger and death lurk ahead and the life of music and learning in the castle is threatened by both visible and invisible enemies. But is this a love that is stronger than death?
This story was just so beautiful and gently romantic. Interwoven with the history of an oppressed Scotland and druid magic, resistance and rebellion it made for some lovely reading. I really enjoyed it. The story was just so poetic and emotive, and truly enjoyable. I loved it so much I nearly cried and I never cry over books. I had this on my kindle for ages and I have a few other books by this author waiting to be read. This lovely story has given me a well needed to nudge to read the others and to do so asap.
It is a beautiful and surprising story with a hint of magic and I love it. Malcolm Byerly a teacher arrives to tutor four young boys but it is their older brother Aillil who he finds challenging, wild but strangely attractive.
Aillil also finds Malcom attractive even though he is a hated sassenach, an Englishman and therefore one of the oppressors. Over time Aillil and Malcolm form a strong friendship forged over their love of music, violins and forbidden bag pipes. And so a new love is born but danger and death lurk ahead and the life of music and learning in the castle is threatened by both visible and invisible enemies. But is this a love that is stronger than death?
This story was just so beautiful and gently romantic. Interwoven with the history of an oppressed Scotland and druid magic, resistance and rebellion it made for some lovely reading. I really enjoyed it. The story was just so poetic and emotive, and truly enjoyable. I loved it so much I nearly cried and I never cry over books. I had this on my kindle for ages and I have a few other books by this author waiting to be read. This lovely story has given me a well needed to nudge to read the others and to do so asap.
August 12, 2016
Ahhh...yesssss. This was so f'ing lovely..until it started leaking like a sieve with bionic speed..after the first half. Descending downhill after the speedy-anticlimactic sex moment. Followed by some monumental deaths glossed over, eternal love spell inductions, spirits-on-ice-in-the-afterlife, ghostly wanderings, paranormal encounters/activity, reincarnations, time jumps, astral dreaming, etc.
Someone needed to take away this person's writing utensils before operation-throw-in-everything-but-the-f'ing-kitchen-sink. At least I would have liked it better.
Unfortunately-(for me) the milestone sex moment was my f'this-shit point when it consisted of..not much.
And (IDK) something about fluttery-descriptive-worded sex scenes of men fucking really smells too floral for the real BO expected between men.
'Aillil wrapped a skillful hand around Malcolm’s erection..' (like technically-qualified skillful?)
And just once I'd like to see an over abundance of the word COCK instead of interspersing it with ERECTION. Like we're going to melt if we read COCK too much on one page. So the answer is to mix it up w/the technical term ERECTION. Because that sounds so much better.
I can't imagine any reader thinking "Ya-know there's just too much COCK in this book. They really need to mix this shit up w/an ERECTION or two."
Some stars for the first half. Just going to pretend it ended then.
Someone needed to take away this person's writing utensils before operation-throw-in-everything-but-the-f'ing-kitchen-sink. At least I would have liked it better.
Unfortunately-(for me) the milestone sex moment was my f'this-shit point when it consisted of..not much.
And (IDK) something about fluttery-descriptive-worded sex scenes of men fucking really smells too floral for the real BO expected between men.
'Aillil wrapped a skillful hand around Malcolm’s erection..' (like technically-qualified skillful?)
And just once I'd like to see an over abundance of the word COCK instead of interspersing it with ERECTION. Like we're going to melt if we read COCK too much on one page. So the answer is to mix it up w/the technical term ERECTION. Because that sounds so much better.
I can't imagine any reader thinking "Ya-know there's just too much COCK in this book. They really need to mix this shit up w/an ERECTION or two."
Some stars for the first half. Just going to pretend it ended then.
March 2, 2014
Absolutely lovely!
July 29, 2015
DNF @ %54
I am truly sorry but i cannot be sure if the author is adult; cos the writing was as 12 yo kid's writing. Are you kidding me? Have some respect to the Scottish and British History please...
I am truly sorry but i cannot be sure if the author is adult; cos the writing was as 12 yo kid's writing. Are you kidding me? Have some respect to the Scottish and British History please...
September 20, 2016
The narrator, Michael Ferraiuolo, did an amazing job!
July 16, 2023
This had the potential to be a 4.5 star read up until the halfway mark, where it plummeted downwards. The first half was a wonderful Highlander romance between an English tutor and a Scottish laird-to-be. Unfortunately, at 50% and the second half of the story is a badly paced, confusing and boring paranormal reincarnation story.
I loved the first half so much! The author's writing style fit the 1750s Scottish setting perfectly and I immediately felt immersed in the time period and specifically, Castle Callaghan. The author did a wonderful job adding in real historical facts from the time period and used that to create two wonderful MCs (Malcolm and Aillil). In particular, I loved how Malcolm had an instant fascination and respect for Scottish history and culture and how eagerly he learned everything that Aillil was willing to share about his heritage.
The different locations, side characters and plotlines that were used in this part of the story were perfect and I adored the slow romance progression between Malcolm and Aillil as they go from being antagonistic enemies to friends and then lovers. In particular, I loved that the author's reasoning behind the MCs dislike for each other fit the time period and their personalities (Aillil hates all English people for what they had done to Scotland and it's people, and Malcolm finds Aillil's constant bad attitude off-putting). The way the author had these two slowly bond over their shared love for violin playing and Aillil's four younger brothers (who were Malcolm's students) was perfect and I adored their romance. If the story had focused purely on Malcolm and Aillil's romance during the 1700s, I would have give this book 4.5 stars because I adored that section so much. The only reason I would have removed 0.5 stars is because that old Druid woman's Scottish brogue infused dialog was incomprehensible and I have no idea what she said the majority of the time, which was annoying because she's an important part of the entire story. But everything else was amazing.
Unfortunately, the author's main interest in the story wasn't the historical angle but the reincarnation/paranormal stuff. At the halfway mark, the wonderful slow pace is suddenly sped up and we get the following events in rapid succession: . Side characters who hadn't played an important role up to that point suddenly get POV scenes where they take on roles that are important for the reincarnation bit and the rest of the story focuses exclusively on as fate tries to reunite them.
The problem is that the reincarnation plotline was way too complex to squeeze into just 100 pages. The sped up pacing was also a jarring contrast to the slow pace of the first half. There were some parts of the reincarnation plotline that I enjoyed, like how the author heavily involved Malcolm and Aillil's love for violin playing throughout the whole thing, making every aspect of that shared love an important part of the reincarnation process (the two violins, them playing together etc). I also enjoyed the brief scenes in the mid 1800s and during WW1 in 1915 where we see . That was really cool and I liked how well the author incorporated historical facts with the passage of time and the importance of certain plot elements, like how we see Castle Callaghan changing over time as different generations of Callaghans live there.
Despite these positive parts, I didn't like the reincarnation plotline for several reasons. One of my major gripes was how confusing it was due to the introduction of a barrage of side characters and re-using names and roles from the 1750s timeline. For example, we randomly get scenes from the descendants of those side characters who played an important role in setting things up for the reincarnation but because we spent so little time with those characters and the scenes with their descendants were so brief, I had no idea who was who.
Another thing I struggled with was the confusion over all the characters named Nial and later, Neil. For context: the original Nial is the second oldest Callaghan brother and the name is given to multiple Callaghan descendants. After finishing the story, I understood that the author merely re-used the role of Aillil's brother over and over again but the problem is that the story blurb is vague so I spent a lot of time thinking the present-day Neil was supposed to be the reincarnated Aillil or that Neil and Billy (who turns out to be present-day Malcolm) will be the endgame couple. I didn't realize until a few chapters from the end that the point of the reincarnation/ghost plotline was . Because this wasn't made clear earlier, I spent much of the second half confused over who the final couple was going to be.
Another annoyance was that the second half included too much clutter which was the last thing the story needed because the pacing moved at breakneck speed during that section anyway. The author spent way too much time including details about Billy's life as a professional violinist and details about Neil's personal life (which turned out to be irrelevant).
I also hated how rushed the entire thing was. By the 80% mark, Billy still thinks the Lost Laird story is just a legend, he doesn't believe in ghosts and although he's having some weird dreams and felt a strange connection with the old violin he picked up in that random shop, that's all a long way from him understanding and accepting he's really the reincarnated Malcolm. Then at 94%, he randomly starts calling himself Malcolm and it's as if the author just swapped Billy with the original Malcolm because the guy is suddenly all about reuniting with Aillil and resuming the romance that had been tragically cut short 250 years ago. The pacing of the whole thing was absurdly fast and unrealistic.
It's really unfortunate that the reincarnation plotline was done so poorly because all the ingredients to make it great were there. But I would have preferred leaving all the fantasy elements out of the story entirely because the first half was one of the best historical romances I've read, which is made even sadder by the fact that Highlander MM romances are extremely rare so I had high hopes for this one.
I loved the first half so much! The author's writing style fit the 1750s Scottish setting perfectly and I immediately felt immersed in the time period and specifically, Castle Callaghan. The author did a wonderful job adding in real historical facts from the time period and used that to create two wonderful MCs (Malcolm and Aillil). In particular, I loved how Malcolm had an instant fascination and respect for Scottish history and culture and how eagerly he learned everything that Aillil was willing to share about his heritage.
The different locations, side characters and plotlines that were used in this part of the story were perfect and I adored the slow romance progression between Malcolm and Aillil as they go from being antagonistic enemies to friends and then lovers. In particular, I loved that the author's reasoning behind the MCs dislike for each other fit the time period and their personalities (Aillil hates all English people for what they had done to Scotland and it's people, and Malcolm finds Aillil's constant bad attitude off-putting). The way the author had these two slowly bond over their shared love for violin playing and Aillil's four younger brothers (who were Malcolm's students) was perfect and I adored their romance. If the story had focused purely on Malcolm and Aillil's romance during the 1700s, I would have give this book 4.5 stars because I adored that section so much. The only reason I would have removed 0.5 stars is because that old Druid woman's Scottish brogue infused dialog was incomprehensible and I have no idea what she said the majority of the time, which was annoying because she's an important part of the entire story. But everything else was amazing.
Unfortunately, the author's main interest in the story wasn't the historical angle but the reincarnation/paranormal stuff. At the halfway mark, the wonderful slow pace is suddenly sped up and we get the following events in rapid succession: . Side characters who hadn't played an important role up to that point suddenly get POV scenes where they take on roles that are important for the reincarnation bit and the rest of the story focuses exclusively on as fate tries to reunite them.
The problem is that the reincarnation plotline was way too complex to squeeze into just 100 pages. The sped up pacing was also a jarring contrast to the slow pace of the first half. There were some parts of the reincarnation plotline that I enjoyed, like how the author heavily involved Malcolm and Aillil's love for violin playing throughout the whole thing, making every aspect of that shared love an important part of the reincarnation process (the two violins, them playing together etc). I also enjoyed the brief scenes in the mid 1800s and during WW1 in 1915 where we see . That was really cool and I liked how well the author incorporated historical facts with the passage of time and the importance of certain plot elements, like how we see Castle Callaghan changing over time as different generations of Callaghans live there.
Despite these positive parts, I didn't like the reincarnation plotline for several reasons. One of my major gripes was how confusing it was due to the introduction of a barrage of side characters and re-using names and roles from the 1750s timeline. For example, we randomly get scenes from the descendants of those side characters who played an important role in setting things up for the reincarnation but because we spent so little time with those characters and the scenes with their descendants were so brief, I had no idea who was who.
Another thing I struggled with was the confusion over all the characters named Nial and later, Neil. For context: the original Nial is the second oldest Callaghan brother and the name is given to multiple Callaghan descendants. After finishing the story, I understood that the author merely re-used the role of Aillil's brother over and over again but the problem is that the story blurb is vague so I spent a lot of time thinking the present-day Neil was supposed to be the reincarnated Aillil or that Neil and Billy (who turns out to be present-day Malcolm) will be the endgame couple. I didn't realize until a few chapters from the end that the point of the reincarnation/ghost plotline was . Because this wasn't made clear earlier, I spent much of the second half confused over who the final couple was going to be.
Another annoyance was that the second half included too much clutter which was the last thing the story needed because the pacing moved at breakneck speed during that section anyway. The author spent way too much time including details about Billy's life as a professional violinist and details about Neil's personal life (which turned out to be irrelevant).
I also hated how rushed the entire thing was. By the 80% mark, Billy still thinks the Lost Laird story is just a legend, he doesn't believe in ghosts and although he's having some weird dreams and felt a strange connection with the old violin he picked up in that random shop, that's all a long way from him understanding and accepting he's really the reincarnated Malcolm. Then at 94%, he randomly starts calling himself Malcolm and it's as if the author just swapped Billy with the original Malcolm because the guy is suddenly all about reuniting with Aillil and resuming the romance that had been tragically cut short 250 years ago. The pacing of the whole thing was absurdly fast and unrealistic.
It's really unfortunate that the reincarnation plotline was done so poorly because all the ingredients to make it great were there. But I would have preferred leaving all the fantasy elements out of the story entirely because the first half was one of the best historical romances I've read, which is made even sadder by the fact that Highlander MM romances are extremely rare so I had high hopes for this one.
August 30, 2010
Aillil, future laird of the Callaghan clan, hates everything English. When his father brings in Englishman Malcolm Byerly as teacher to his younger sons, Aillil is determined to dislike the man. Yet, he can't fight fate which forges the two together over a shared passion for the violin. When Malcolm dies from a fever, Aillil only wants to follow his love into the grave. But ancient Druid magic promises him a second chance at life, and Aillil grabs it without hesitation.
Two hundred years later an American violinist comes to Callaghan Castle for a concert. Strange things happen to Billy Byerly from the moment he sets foot on Scottish soil, beginning with a violin he doesn't so much find in an Edinburgh music shop as the instrument finds him, to strange melodies he's never heard before yet plays perfectly on the antique instrument up to an oddly familiar dark-haired, kilted man who haunts Billy's dreams. Slowly, reluctantly at first, but with growing certainty Billy comes to belive the old legends must be true, and Aillil Callaghan has been waiting for him for two centuries.
This was a really outstanding book. The concept alone was intriguing, not your garden variety ghost story but with the music as vessel to transport feelings, memories and magic, just fitting the way Aillil and Malcolm connect with each other. Not only the main characters, but also the secondary cast was colorful, lively and well-drawn, with the motive of rebirth repeated within them. (I particularly liked Ian and Ethan making an appearance in the present, although I missed Rory.)
Duets is another one of Eden Winter's books with the "from the heart feeling" this author creates so well with her distinctive and true voice. The narrative flowed, in simple words without florish, it sucked me in after the first chapter, so much that by the end, my own heart beat faster with Malcolm's driving urgency to reunite with Aillil.
Everyone who takes up this book needs to make sure to have a lengthy stretch of reading time ahead of them, it's impossible to put down. Highly recommended.
Two hundred years later an American violinist comes to Callaghan Castle for a concert. Strange things happen to Billy Byerly from the moment he sets foot on Scottish soil, beginning with a violin he doesn't so much find in an Edinburgh music shop as the instrument finds him, to strange melodies he's never heard before yet plays perfectly on the antique instrument up to an oddly familiar dark-haired, kilted man who haunts Billy's dreams. Slowly, reluctantly at first, but with growing certainty Billy comes to belive the old legends must be true, and Aillil Callaghan has been waiting for him for two centuries.
This was a really outstanding book. The concept alone was intriguing, not your garden variety ghost story but with the music as vessel to transport feelings, memories and magic, just fitting the way Aillil and Malcolm connect with each other. Not only the main characters, but also the secondary cast was colorful, lively and well-drawn, with the motive of rebirth repeated within them. (I particularly liked Ian and Ethan making an appearance in the present, although I missed Rory.)
Duets is another one of Eden Winter's books with the "from the heart feeling" this author creates so well with her distinctive and true voice. The narrative flowed, in simple words without florish, it sucked me in after the first chapter, so much that by the end, my own heart beat faster with Malcolm's driving urgency to reunite with Aillil.
Everyone who takes up this book needs to make sure to have a lengthy stretch of reading time ahead of them, it's impossible to put down. Highly recommended.
July 11, 2017
Ein sturer Schotte und ein zurückhaltender Engländer, die nach der Zeit der englischen Eroberung in Schottland zusammenfinden? Kann das funktionieren?
Und ob. Wenn auch nur für eine Weile, denn Aillil Callaghan und Malcolm Byerly leben nun mal in einer Zeit, in der eine offene gelebte Liebe zwischen zwei Männern schlicht unmöglich ist. Dennoch finden die beiden nach einem schwierigen Start zusammen und ich habe mich beim Lesen bald gefragt, wo da die Verbindung zur aktuellen Zeit herkommen soll. Aber Eden Winters hat das Problem in einer Art und Weise gelöst, die auf den ersten Blick grausam daherkommt, auf den zweiten jedoch den Auftakt zu einer Liebesgeschichte bildet, die über den Tod und die Zeit hinausgeht.
Nur müssen die beiden Männer sich in der neuen Zeit erst mal wiederfinden und da kommt Malcoms Freund und Agent Neil ins Spiel, der heimlich Fäden zieht, um dafür zu sorgen, dass aus einer uralten Legende endlich Wirklichkeit wird.
Was soll ich sagen? Ich liebe das Buch. Die Bedeutung des Titels »Duett« ist wunderbar gewählt und auch wenn Malcoms neues Ich sich anfangs eine Weile fragt, ob er verrückt ist, weil er ständig jemanden in seiner Nähe Violine spielen hört und nachts von einem Mann verführt wird, der seit Jahrhunderten tot ist, bringt das eine Form von Romantik in die Geschichte, bei der ich einfach nur selig seufzend Seite um Seite genossen habe.
Schottische Legenden, Druiden und wiedergeborene Männer weit über eine Generation hinaus. Diese zuerst seltsame Mischung ist wunderbar gelungen, daher gibt es volle 5* und eine Leseempfehlung obendrauf.
Und ob. Wenn auch nur für eine Weile, denn Aillil Callaghan und Malcolm Byerly leben nun mal in einer Zeit, in der eine offene gelebte Liebe zwischen zwei Männern schlicht unmöglich ist. Dennoch finden die beiden nach einem schwierigen Start zusammen und ich habe mich beim Lesen bald gefragt, wo da die Verbindung zur aktuellen Zeit herkommen soll. Aber Eden Winters hat das Problem in einer Art und Weise gelöst, die auf den ersten Blick grausam daherkommt, auf den zweiten jedoch den Auftakt zu einer Liebesgeschichte bildet, die über den Tod und die Zeit hinausgeht.
Nur müssen die beiden Männer sich in der neuen Zeit erst mal wiederfinden und da kommt Malcoms Freund und Agent Neil ins Spiel, der heimlich Fäden zieht, um dafür zu sorgen, dass aus einer uralten Legende endlich Wirklichkeit wird.
Was soll ich sagen? Ich liebe das Buch. Die Bedeutung des Titels »Duett« ist wunderbar gewählt und auch wenn Malcoms neues Ich sich anfangs eine Weile fragt, ob er verrückt ist, weil er ständig jemanden in seiner Nähe Violine spielen hört und nachts von einem Mann verführt wird, der seit Jahrhunderten tot ist, bringt das eine Form von Romantik in die Geschichte, bei der ich einfach nur selig seufzend Seite um Seite genossen habe.
Schottische Legenden, Druiden und wiedergeborene Männer weit über eine Generation hinaus. Diese zuerst seltsame Mischung ist wunderbar gelungen, daher gibt es volle 5* und eine Leseempfehlung obendrauf.
September 20, 2011
I wish I could remember who recommended this book to me, because I want to thank them! This was a new-to-me author, and the premise had me hooked right away—Ms. Winters had me at "violin" basically, but I'm also enchanted by the idea of reincarnated lovers, and the book had just enough angst to satisfy me. Well-drawn characters that you root for, some excellent writing, and a premise I hadn't really seen before made this an excellent read for me. I had a few niggles (namely that my background knowledge as a violinist myself made me a little overcritical of the passages about music, but I'm definitely not a composer nor any good at improvising, so I raised an eyebrow at some of those bits but let it go). I only wish the second half of the book had been a little more developed; the historical section, really the first half of the novel, is fantastic, but the second half loses some momentum, and we hardly spend any time at all with the characters once they find each other again, which I would have liked to have seen.
November 18, 2010
Comparable to Liquid Glass in plot. Perfect book for the ailing soul. The only thing is I could have used a bit more voyeurism at the end. There was this big finish with over 200 pages leading up to it and then it just seemed to be over. Would have liked a bit more whipped cream with my desert.
February 9, 2019
Schon als ich den Klappentext gelesen habe, wusste ich, dass ich dieses Buch lesen muss. Wer sich ein bisschen mit der schottischen Geschichte beschäftigt (hat), weiß, dass die “gemeinsame” Vergangenheit “England/Schottland” keine schöne und angenehme ist. Auch heute noch gibt es – egal auf welcher Ebene – viele “kleine” Nicklichkeiten zwischen den Almanachs und den Sassenachs. Von daher wollte ich unbedingt die Geschichte des stolzen Aillil Callaghan lesen. Das auch ein bisschen Mystik – diese gehört ja zu Schottland wie die Highlands und die Burgen & Schlösser – mit enthalten ist, war dann das Tüpfelchen auf dem “i” UND ich wurde nicht enttäuscht.
Fast über die Hälfte des Buches wird die Geschichte aus der Zeit um 1760 erzählt. Zu dieser Zeit lernt der stolze Aillil als Erbe des Clans den Engländer Malcolm Byerly kennen. Dieser wird als Hauslehrer für die jüngeren Brüder von Aillil angestellt. Da es bisher nur negative Erfahrungen mit den Sassenachs für Aillil gab und er eine vorgefertigte Meinung über diesen Menschenschlag hat, ist es ein schwieriger und von Misstrauen geprägter Weg bis die beiden sich näher kommen. Immer auf der Hut, vor seinem Vater und dessen “Freunde”, aber auch vor seinen eigenen Gefühlen, geht Aillil seinen Weg. So verschlossen, verschroben und derb er sich auch gibt, er hat – denen gegenüber, die er mag und liebt – ein riesengroßes Herz. Bereits ganz am Anfang des Buches hat er es geschafft, dass, egal was er tut, ich zu ihm gehalten hätte.
Aber es gibt ja auch noch Malcolm, einen jungen, schwulen Gelehrten, der sich aus Angst vor Bestrafung, permanent zurückhält, versteckt und nur in seiner Musik aufgeht. Als er genau zum richtigen Zeitpunkt ein Angebot erhält, nach Schottland zu gehen, nimmt er dieses an und lernt so die Callaghans kennen. Der große, derbe Aillil verschreckt ihn einerseits, fasziniert ihn jedoch auch über alle Maßen. Über die Musik kommen sie sich näher und näher. Näher, als es zu der damaligen Zeit gesund für beide ist.
Beide Männer müssen auf der Hut sein. Für sie stellen das Oberhaupt des Callaghan-Clans und dessen Freunde die größte Gefahr für eine Trennung dar. Das diese auf eine ganz andere Art daherkommt, damit konnte man (auch) als Leser bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt nicht wirklich rechnen. Ich habe mit den beiden Männern mitgelitten und massig Tränen vergossen (grade beim Schreiben schon wieder). Zudem konnte ich mir bis dahin immer noch nicht vorstellen, wie der Sprung in die Gegenwart gelingen soll. Hier aber hat Eden Winters eine wunderbare Brücke geschlagen, so dass das Ganze in sich absolut schlüssig und nachvollziehbar ist.
Der Weg, bis die beiden Liebenden wieder zueinander finden, wird von Mystik und Druiden, ebenso wie von treuen Freunden – egal in welcher Epoche das Buch gerade spielt – begleitet und von der Autorin liebevoll erzählt.
Als Billy Byerly nach 250 Jahren das Schloss besucht, ist das für ihn wie ein “nach Hause kommen” und dies kommt auch genau so beim Leser an. Die zweite Hälfte des Buches erzählt u.a. wie Billy sich fühlt, wie er mit seinen Déjà-vus zurechtkommt und wie ein “Lord” seinen “Besitz” verteidigt.
Viel mehr kann ich eigentlich nicht dazuschreiben, denn sonst müsste ich spoilern. Ich darf euch allerdings versichern, dass sich jede Seite dieses Buches lohnt, es gibt keine Längen oder “schwachen Stellen”, inklusive einem wunderschönen Happy End. Als Leser hat man die Chance, seine eigene Phantasie spielen zu lassen und dadurch auch das mystische Detail nur soweit an sich herankommen zu lassen, wie man möchte.
Ich liebe diese Geschichte und werde sie sicherlich nicht zum letzten Mal gelesen haben.
Fast über die Hälfte des Buches wird die Geschichte aus der Zeit um 1760 erzählt. Zu dieser Zeit lernt der stolze Aillil als Erbe des Clans den Engländer Malcolm Byerly kennen. Dieser wird als Hauslehrer für die jüngeren Brüder von Aillil angestellt. Da es bisher nur negative Erfahrungen mit den Sassenachs für Aillil gab und er eine vorgefertigte Meinung über diesen Menschenschlag hat, ist es ein schwieriger und von Misstrauen geprägter Weg bis die beiden sich näher kommen. Immer auf der Hut, vor seinem Vater und dessen “Freunde”, aber auch vor seinen eigenen Gefühlen, geht Aillil seinen Weg. So verschlossen, verschroben und derb er sich auch gibt, er hat – denen gegenüber, die er mag und liebt – ein riesengroßes Herz. Bereits ganz am Anfang des Buches hat er es geschafft, dass, egal was er tut, ich zu ihm gehalten hätte.
Aber es gibt ja auch noch Malcolm, einen jungen, schwulen Gelehrten, der sich aus Angst vor Bestrafung, permanent zurückhält, versteckt und nur in seiner Musik aufgeht. Als er genau zum richtigen Zeitpunkt ein Angebot erhält, nach Schottland zu gehen, nimmt er dieses an und lernt so die Callaghans kennen. Der große, derbe Aillil verschreckt ihn einerseits, fasziniert ihn jedoch auch über alle Maßen. Über die Musik kommen sie sich näher und näher. Näher, als es zu der damaligen Zeit gesund für beide ist.
Beide Männer müssen auf der Hut sein. Für sie stellen das Oberhaupt des Callaghan-Clans und dessen Freunde die größte Gefahr für eine Trennung dar. Das diese auf eine ganz andere Art daherkommt, damit konnte man (auch) als Leser bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt nicht wirklich rechnen. Ich habe mit den beiden Männern mitgelitten und massig Tränen vergossen (grade beim Schreiben schon wieder). Zudem konnte ich mir bis dahin immer noch nicht vorstellen, wie der Sprung in die Gegenwart gelingen soll. Hier aber hat Eden Winters eine wunderbare Brücke geschlagen, so dass das Ganze in sich absolut schlüssig und nachvollziehbar ist.
Der Weg, bis die beiden Liebenden wieder zueinander finden, wird von Mystik und Druiden, ebenso wie von treuen Freunden – egal in welcher Epoche das Buch gerade spielt – begleitet und von der Autorin liebevoll erzählt.
Als Billy Byerly nach 250 Jahren das Schloss besucht, ist das für ihn wie ein “nach Hause kommen” und dies kommt auch genau so beim Leser an. Die zweite Hälfte des Buches erzählt u.a. wie Billy sich fühlt, wie er mit seinen Déjà-vus zurechtkommt und wie ein “Lord” seinen “Besitz” verteidigt.
Viel mehr kann ich eigentlich nicht dazuschreiben, denn sonst müsste ich spoilern. Ich darf euch allerdings versichern, dass sich jede Seite dieses Buches lohnt, es gibt keine Längen oder “schwachen Stellen”, inklusive einem wunderschönen Happy End. Als Leser hat man die Chance, seine eigene Phantasie spielen zu lassen und dadurch auch das mystische Detail nur soweit an sich herankommen zu lassen, wie man möchte.
Ich liebe diese Geschichte und werde sie sicherlich nicht zum letzten Mal gelesen haben.
January 9, 2017
I'd been wanting a Highlander romance and this satisfied that craving. I'll admit I did enjoy the first portion of the book more than the modern day stuff but overall it was a good book.
August 4, 2013
“On the fateful night he set foot on the road to destiny, the notes formed on the strings fluently spoke the language of heartbreak.”
So begins the lovely saga called Duet by Eden Winters. A stunning love story that spans not just decades but centuries as true love, a selfless and sacrificial love cannot be denied or buried but, instead, left waiting for its moment of rebirth. Duet is a lyrical love story that sings to the reader, calling into play the mysteries of highland magic along with an against all odds coupling of two men born before their time and a love that carried with it a death sentence for each if caught and found. Step back in time with me to the beginning of this beautifully lush and smartly written love story.
Malcolm Byerly knows two things well, one is how to play—no make love to—the violin and produce music that flows with passion and is thrilling to the soul. And the other? He is also a lover of men and must hide it from everyone or bring shame to himself and his wealthy family, as well as lose his job as music teacher in a private school. So he hides his passion well, until Thomas Kinnerly comes on staff. Thomas is also a lover of men but much bolder, more obvious, more dangerous in his openness. And Thomas likes Malcolm—way too much and way too publicly.
Before long, Thomas is dismissed after a sound thrashing (read gay bashing in modern language) by his fellow teachers and Thomas heads off to the coast of Scotland to take a private tutoring job. Little did he know that the heir and oldest son of the Laird was also a lover of men and a harbored a fierce hatred of the plundering Sassenach (English). The two men meet, passion flairs and, over time, they fall deeply in love. But the story takes a decided twist when the plague strikes the coast of Scotland and takes with it scores of villagers and spares none in its path…be they English or Scottish they fall and death carries the day.
I am going to stop there—but know this, that the story has actually just begun. How the plague impacts Malcolm, Aillil, and his family is devastating but all is not lost and hope prevails. Now time must work its magic and bring together two lovers who vow to be together despite the passing of the years and distance.
The sweep of this novel was absolutely breathtaking. How Eden Winters managed to pull us across centuries and weave into this tale a happy ever after when no such result was even within sight was stunning. She is a master storyteller, her imaginative storylines interwoven to create characters that are both compelling and fully integrated into the novel. Each one binds itself to the other until even the most minor of players has some impact on the eventual happiness of Malcolm and Aillil.
Her historical references were true and she maintained them consistently throughout the novel, making them not the focal point but almost a secondary character from the language, to the costuming, to the larger than life historical figures. Never once was I pulled from this story because of a glaring misstep or historical faux pas. It was seamless—lovely, just lovely.
So begins the lovely saga called Duet by Eden Winters. A stunning love story that spans not just decades but centuries as true love, a selfless and sacrificial love cannot be denied or buried but, instead, left waiting for its moment of rebirth. Duet is a lyrical love story that sings to the reader, calling into play the mysteries of highland magic along with an against all odds coupling of two men born before their time and a love that carried with it a death sentence for each if caught and found. Step back in time with me to the beginning of this beautifully lush and smartly written love story.
Malcolm Byerly knows two things well, one is how to play—no make love to—the violin and produce music that flows with passion and is thrilling to the soul. And the other? He is also a lover of men and must hide it from everyone or bring shame to himself and his wealthy family, as well as lose his job as music teacher in a private school. So he hides his passion well, until Thomas Kinnerly comes on staff. Thomas is also a lover of men but much bolder, more obvious, more dangerous in his openness. And Thomas likes Malcolm—way too much and way too publicly.
Before long, Thomas is dismissed after a sound thrashing (read gay bashing in modern language) by his fellow teachers and Thomas heads off to the coast of Scotland to take a private tutoring job. Little did he know that the heir and oldest son of the Laird was also a lover of men and a harbored a fierce hatred of the plundering Sassenach (English). The two men meet, passion flairs and, over time, they fall deeply in love. But the story takes a decided twist when the plague strikes the coast of Scotland and takes with it scores of villagers and spares none in its path…be they English or Scottish they fall and death carries the day.
I am going to stop there—but know this, that the story has actually just begun. How the plague impacts Malcolm, Aillil, and his family is devastating but all is not lost and hope prevails. Now time must work its magic and bring together two lovers who vow to be together despite the passing of the years and distance.
The sweep of this novel was absolutely breathtaking. How Eden Winters managed to pull us across centuries and weave into this tale a happy ever after when no such result was even within sight was stunning. She is a master storyteller, her imaginative storylines interwoven to create characters that are both compelling and fully integrated into the novel. Each one binds itself to the other until even the most minor of players has some impact on the eventual happiness of Malcolm and Aillil.
Her historical references were true and she maintained them consistently throughout the novel, making them not the focal point but almost a secondary character from the language, to the costuming, to the larger than life historical figures. Never once was I pulled from this story because of a glaring misstep or historical faux pas. It was seamless—lovely, just lovely.
December 9, 2015
Though this book has been out for three years, I just got around to reading it. Knocking off a book that's been sitting in my TBR file for a long time is a satisfying accomplishment. I'm a bit disappointed in myself for having bypassed it so many times, because it really is such a beautiful story. In many ways it's atypical of the m/m romance stories within this genre. Duet actually crosses the boundaries of several sub-genres, including historical, gay romance, and paranormal/ghost.
Writing this story must have been quite an undertaking simply because of the research required to accurately and realistically depict the centuries-old setting. The first two thirds of the story was set in 1700s Scotland. During this time period, the Scots were enemies of the Brits, and the story itself is about an unlikely romance between an English tutor who falls in love with the uncle of his Scottish pupils.
Tragedy befalls the couple when a typhoid epidemic devastates the community, and the teacher, Malcolm, falls to the plague. His lover Ailill is so heartbroken that he simply disappears. Two centuries later, the story resumes in modern times. Malcolm has been reincarnated into the body of Billy. The story is about how the two lovers reconnect.
I've read several of Eden Winters's books, and this is probably my favorite. Eden's subtle, nuanced writer's voice sets her apart in this genre. Her characters are relatable and appropriately sympathetic, though not exaggerated or overblown. Duet was a wonderful reminder of why I love this author.
Writing this story must have been quite an undertaking simply because of the research required to accurately and realistically depict the centuries-old setting. The first two thirds of the story was set in 1700s Scotland. During this time period, the Scots were enemies of the Brits, and the story itself is about an unlikely romance between an English tutor who falls in love with the uncle of his Scottish pupils.
Tragedy befalls the couple when a typhoid epidemic devastates the community, and the teacher, Malcolm, falls to the plague. His lover Ailill is so heartbroken that he simply disappears. Two centuries later, the story resumes in modern times. Malcolm has been reincarnated into the body of Billy. The story is about how the two lovers reconnect.
I've read several of Eden Winters's books, and this is probably my favorite. Eden's subtle, nuanced writer's voice sets her apart in this genre. Her characters are relatable and appropriately sympathetic, though not exaggerated or overblown. Duet was a wonderful reminder of why I love this author.
July 21, 2015
da www.sognipensieriparole.com
Ecco cosa capita a non leggere la trama prima di iniziare.
Ho visto la cover, ho letto i primi capitoli con davanti agli occhi questo highlander con chioma selvaggia corvina e sono andata in modalità "OMG". E mi sono detta: finalmente un m/m a sfondo storico. Vai!
Aspettative e tensione sensuale sempre più stellare, finchè... BANG.
Superata la metà del libro, ho passato dieci minuti a fissare lo schermo dell'e-reader: ma perché???
Ho passato alcuni giorni in stato confusionale prima di riuscire a decidere come interpretare la seconda parte e di capire se mi è piaciuta. Alla fine, no. Una prima metà molto bella e una seconda metà che non sembra scritta dalla stessa mano.
(SPOILER*) L'idea in sé poteva essere avvincente (la non consumazione dell'amore che si tramuta in una sorta di maledizione, facendoti aspettare nei secoli dei secoli...), però il tutto è reso in modo caotico, lentissimo, senza spiegazioni convincenti. Se c'era tutta questa magia di mezzo, perché non fare reincarnare subito l'amato? E soprattutto perché propinare pagine e pagine su impresari, organizzazioni di concerti, registrazioni documentari, ecc.? Dov'è questo grande amore? A furia di aspettare nei secoli, si è perso per strada.
Ecco cosa capita a non leggere la trama prima di iniziare.
Ho visto la cover, ho letto i primi capitoli con davanti agli occhi questo highlander con chioma selvaggia corvina e sono andata in modalità "OMG". E mi sono detta: finalmente un m/m a sfondo storico. Vai!
Aspettative e tensione sensuale sempre più stellare, finchè... BANG.
Superata la metà del libro, ho passato dieci minuti a fissare lo schermo dell'e-reader: ma perché???
Ho passato alcuni giorni in stato confusionale prima di riuscire a decidere come interpretare la seconda parte e di capire se mi è piaciuta. Alla fine, no. Una prima metà molto bella e una seconda metà che non sembra scritta dalla stessa mano.
(SPOILER*) L'idea in sé poteva essere avvincente (la non consumazione dell'amore che si tramuta in una sorta di maledizione, facendoti aspettare nei secoli dei secoli...), però il tutto è reso in modo caotico, lentissimo, senza spiegazioni convincenti. Se c'era tutta questa magia di mezzo, perché non fare reincarnare subito l'amato? E soprattutto perché propinare pagine e pagine su impresari, organizzazioni di concerti, registrazioni documentari, ecc.? Dov'è questo grande amore? A furia di aspettare nei secoli, si è perso per strada.
September 4, 2016
Turned out to be mostly just ok. Yeah the middle bit was sad, but the end felt incredibly rushed. It kinda lacked all the chemistry that the two MCs had back in ye olden Scottish times. I loved the premise of the book, but a lot of the time it felt like the author was more focused on getting the characters to the next major plot twist then she was on building up a story between those points.
Also, I'm not exactly sure I buy that Malcolm would be constantly reincarnated looking exactly the same, each time. From a purely biological standpoint that seems highly unlikely. Not to mention that he'd basically ends up with the same name.
Also, I'm not exactly sure I buy that Malcolm would be constantly reincarnated looking exactly the same, each time. From a purely biological standpoint that seems highly unlikely. Not to mention that he'd basically ends up with the same name.
September 17, 2018
Audiobook review4,5 stars
This book.... I'm lost for words.. How I loved listening to this book. The love, the agony. The tears! So many, many tears. But it was so worth all the tears.
Duet is divided into two parts. Back in 1758 when it all started, when we meet Malcolm Byerly and Aillil Callaghan, and then present time when it all begins again, when legends aren’t just legends anymore…
Malcolm Byerly is a quiet soul. He lives for his violin and to educate young minds. When we first meet him he works it a school in Kent. One day a new teacher comes to the school, a teacher that might just threaten the quiet life he leads. Fear of getting caught has him running to Scotland to become a tutor for the younger boys in the Callaghan family. If only the oldest brother didn’t hate him so much.
Aillil hates the English and everything they stand for. Actually hate is too tame a word for the loathing he has for those people, that country. He’s just biding his time for when he can take over the family title and restore his family name and heritage. So when his father hires an English tutor for his brothers, he is furious and more than a little suspicious of the man. After all Englishmen can’t be trusted.
As time pass and through careful observations, he comes to realise that Malcom might not be as bad as he first believed him to be. Not only that, they share some common interests and secrets. Their relationship slowly develops through a shared love for music. Aillil slowly teaching Malcom about intimacy with another man, and Malcom teaching Aillil about love. Their relationship is a beautiful one. It’s tender and sweet and forever.
Until the day when an unforeseen foe tares them apart and they become a legend at Castle Callaghan. About two young lovers separated, to be reunited when the time is right. About the laird playing his lover home at night. Only the wait is long, longer than he imagined, but he played when his lover was near. Until finally one day, the time was just right, and Billy sets foot in Scotland. He finds the violin that's been kept safe for him all these years and hears the music that might just bring him home again.
I loved this book. I loved Malcom and Aillil’s love story. Their love shone through it all. It truly became the stuff of legends. The kind of love people dream of having, that they would do absolutely everything and then some to keep. You felt it all right along with them. The happiness when they were together, and the pain when they were separated. The promise of a someday in the future. Which is why, when that future finally arrived I was disappointed by the ending of the book. It felt anticlimactic to say the least. We’ve been waiting for them to finally reunite, to finally be able to love again, and it all was over in just a few minutes. I wanted more. A lot more if I’m being honest.
Michael Ferraiuolo narrated this book perfectly. There wasn't one thing that I'd change. He sure brought me back in time, all the way back to 1758. I was there for every sweet moment between Malcom and Aillil. And I was right beside Aillil mourning his lover, chasing death in hopes for the two lovers to be reunited once more. Ferraiuolo made me feel every single thing these men shared, the good and the bad. I loved every second of this book.
Duet was a truly beautiful story about an epic love. It was beautifully written and Ferraiuolo added another layer with perfect narration and feelings to it. I had a wonderful time listening to this book, and I’m definitely recommending it to you to read. But bring tissues, you’re going to need them.
A copy of this book was generously provided in exchange for an honest review
May 22, 2017
Me ha gustado bastante, sobre todo la primera parte de la novela, pero luego... no sé, demasiadas teorías en muy poco espacio, sin embargo, es entretenida y seguro buscaré más de la autora,
July 3, 2011
Eden Winters has become a must-read author for me.Duet is the second book I have read by her, and once again, I found the story to be absolutely spellbinding and delicious. Typically I do not enjoy reading historical fiction and when I began this book, I thought, “uh-oh, what did I get myself into?” T my great pleasure, Eden created a book that handled historical fiction with authenticity, portraying a world in which the characters followed the norms of a specific time, yet she managed to highlight how certain emotions and feelings are timeless; especially love.
The story is crafted in a way I have not yet encountered. The first half of the book takes place in one time period, then there is a chapter that carries us through two centuries, and the remainder of the story takes place in the present. From the start, we meet Malcolm and Aillil, both men who have issues that they must overcome before being willing to accept another into their life. When Malcolm and Aillil meet, their attraction is immediate, although we must suffer through several scenes where they posture until they finally connect.
The fact that this book seems to span more than one sub-genre within m/m erotic romance is one of the traits that makes it such a fantastic read. You begin with a historical piece, but once you transcend into the present, you realize that the time period may have changed, but that the story remains the same. Characters that existed in the past resurface as new characters in the future, ghosts of their past selves revealing themselves.
Central to both time periods is the love between Aillil and Malcolm. As if drawn together by fate, the stars, magnetism, and God all at once, this love is unequalled. I’m talking Romeo and Juliet level here. It has been quite some time that I have felt this level of angst and longing to see two protagonists find their happily-ever-after. What both heroes must endure to finally be together is far beyond what is normally covered in most novels out there.
Some might feel that crossing sub-genres is confusing and perhaps distracting, and if you are a person who wishes to stick with one sub-genre from the beginning to end of a story, this book is certainly not for you. But the magic of Ms. Winters’s craft is at its best in this tale and her skill and putting together a complex story along a singular plot line is nothing short of brilliant.
On top of the depth of emotion, the sex between the two main characters is piping hot. There is something so erotic and raw about seeing two historical figures engaging in carnal love, uninhibited by the fears of disease and protection that contemporary stories must address. Aillil, a virile man, is nonetheless a tender and passionate lover and watching him love Malcolm made my heart race and my eyes sweat.
The first story I read by Ms. Winters was Angel of 13th Street which was a contemporary romance. That story also tugged at the heart strings and drew readers in, forcing you to sit on egg-shells wondering how the story would resolve. Now having read Duet, I can say with confidence that Ms. Winters is a master at the art of creating strong characters whose love is compelling and whose struggles cause heightened levels of worry, stress, and ultimately celebration for lave achieved.
The story is crafted in a way I have not yet encountered. The first half of the book takes place in one time period, then there is a chapter that carries us through two centuries, and the remainder of the story takes place in the present. From the start, we meet Malcolm and Aillil, both men who have issues that they must overcome before being willing to accept another into their life. When Malcolm and Aillil meet, their attraction is immediate, although we must suffer through several scenes where they posture until they finally connect.
The fact that this book seems to span more than one sub-genre within m/m erotic romance is one of the traits that makes it such a fantastic read. You begin with a historical piece, but once you transcend into the present, you realize that the time period may have changed, but that the story remains the same. Characters that existed in the past resurface as new characters in the future, ghosts of their past selves revealing themselves.
Central to both time periods is the love between Aillil and Malcolm. As if drawn together by fate, the stars, magnetism, and God all at once, this love is unequalled. I’m talking Romeo and Juliet level here. It has been quite some time that I have felt this level of angst and longing to see two protagonists find their happily-ever-after. What both heroes must endure to finally be together is far beyond what is normally covered in most novels out there.
Some might feel that crossing sub-genres is confusing and perhaps distracting, and if you are a person who wishes to stick with one sub-genre from the beginning to end of a story, this book is certainly not for you. But the magic of Ms. Winters’s craft is at its best in this tale and her skill and putting together a complex story along a singular plot line is nothing short of brilliant.
On top of the depth of emotion, the sex between the two main characters is piping hot. There is something so erotic and raw about seeing two historical figures engaging in carnal love, uninhibited by the fears of disease and protection that contemporary stories must address. Aillil, a virile man, is nonetheless a tender and passionate lover and watching him love Malcolm made my heart race and my eyes sweat.
The first story I read by Ms. Winters was Angel of 13th Street which was a contemporary romance. That story also tugged at the heart strings and drew readers in, forcing you to sit on egg-shells wondering how the story would resolve. Now having read Duet, I can say with confidence that Ms. Winters is a master at the art of creating strong characters whose love is compelling and whose struggles cause heightened levels of worry, stress, and ultimately celebration for lave achieved.
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