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Children of the Mist
Kat MacGregor--daughter of a banished clan...and heir to its fury and shame...her beauty was beyond compare, her spirit defiant...she swore to protect her family from a tragic fate.
Darach Campbell--proud son of a rival clan...dark, brooding, and treacherously handsome, his reluctant love for the ebony-haired Kat forced him to deny a legacy of passion and vengeance.
Fired by a smoldering sensuality, which once released could not be long denied...torn by the blood and rage of a bitter heritage...they fought the storms of their families' injustice on love's battlefields -- and surrendered their hearts to burning desire...
Darach Campbell--proud son of a rival clan...dark, brooding, and treacherously handsome, his reluctant love for the ebony-haired Kat forced him to deny a legacy of passion and vengeance.
Fired by a smoldering sensuality, which once released could not be long denied...torn by the blood and rage of a bitter heritage...they fought the storms of their families' injustice on love's battlefields -- and surrendered their hearts to burning desire...
392 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1986
1 person is currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Aleen Malcolm
6 books24 followersAILEEN MALCOLM-NARIZZANO
Artist, writer, actress, lover, mother, sister, friend, world traveler, activist, inspiration and so much more,
Aileen was born in Merton, Surrey, England, lived in Canada and the United States and traveled extensively before choosing Tortola as her home more than 25 years ago. She was a deeply private and passionate person who was blessed with a massively enquiring mind and a great joy of life. She saw beauty where others don't and championed the causes of the under-privileged and unrepresented everywhere. She had many hobby horses, which often made for lively and contentious discussion around the dinner table after a good meal and the digestifs had appeared.
Aileen was first and foremost an Artist and may be best known on Tortola for her beautiful watercolor paintings of Main Street - which are currently on display in the BVI Administration Building. Aileen was a prolific painter; published books; wrote poems and plays that were not only staged but archived in the New York City Performing Arts Library. Aileen was a lover, mother, sister, mentor, widow, world traveler, activist, protestor, planter, cook, dancer, swimmer, helper, giver, teacher, painter, writer, author, poet and golfer.
Aileen lived her life to the fullest - her way. She continues to be an inspiration to us all.
-Obituary
Artist, writer, actress, lover, mother, sister, friend, world traveler, activist, inspiration and so much more,
Aileen was born in Merton, Surrey, England, lived in Canada and the United States and traveled extensively before choosing Tortola as her home more than 25 years ago. She was a deeply private and passionate person who was blessed with a massively enquiring mind and a great joy of life. She saw beauty where others don't and championed the causes of the under-privileged and unrepresented everywhere. She had many hobby horses, which often made for lively and contentious discussion around the dinner table after a good meal and the digestifs had appeared.
Aileen was first and foremost an Artist and may be best known on Tortola for her beautiful watercolor paintings of Main Street - which are currently on display in the BVI Administration Building. Aileen was a prolific painter; published books; wrote poems and plays that were not only staged but archived in the New York City Performing Arts Library. Aileen was a lover, mother, sister, mentor, widow, world traveler, activist, protestor, planter, cook, dancer, swimmer, helper, giver, teacher, painter, writer, author, poet and golfer.
Aileen lived her life to the fullest - her way. She continues to be an inspiration to us all.
-Obituary
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 28, 2025
Read: 1/5/25
I'm a little late with my review of this book.
I think this is my favorite book by this author. It was really good. I loved the history of the clans, especially the McGregor clan.
This book contains all the ingredients that AM seems to put in all her books:
Set in 1750- 1760s Scotland ✔️
The h has black hair and unusual green eyes ✔️
The h has a way with animals and has adorable pets ✔️
An Alpha-male H ✔️
One character is an old maid at 19 years old ✔️
The h is 16 years old ✔️
Married by announcing this person is his spouse ✔️
The h dress in boys clothes ✔️
A secondary romance ✔️
I guess if the formula works, it works. Still, AM could have mixed up the descriptions between books.
Plot:
The story starts with Kat's mother dying. She goes to retrieve her father from the brothel. By the time they arrived, her mother was dead. Kat promised her mother she'd look after her siblings even though she's the middle child. As they bury her poor mother in an unmarked grave by the Seine, Kat vows to never marry. She will never blindly look the other way like her mother did.
Their father decides to bring the family home to Scotland. He plans his revenge on his rivals, the Campbell. For 4 years, Kat and her siblings have lived secluded in a freezing manor that belonged to her aunt. The only inhabitants are old people. They rarely see their wastrel father, which is a blessing. One day, he arrives home with Laird Campbell's brother. It's time to implement his plan and forces Kat to help.
Darach has been sent from London because his ne'er do well brother is missing. He was kidnapped by a man who befriended his brother a year ago. A note arrives suggesting they play cards. If Darach wins, he gets his brother back. If he loses, he has to hand over his family estate. Yeah, no holes in that plan! The plan goes south when the widow, who owns the house, in a opium dream state, sets herself and the home on fire. As her father is dying, he cursing Kat's name. Darach takes the boy with him only to discover he's a beautiful woman. Other events happen that led to Darach announcing his marriage to Kate. I guess that's all it takes to be man and wife. Kat is terrified what Darach would do if he learns her last name. The consequences have been hammered into her since childhood. Kat has to escape for her family. There is no one else to take care of them. Darach is possessive of his wife and is determined to learn the truth. So a tug of war begins. Kat is trying to leave, and Darach is stubbornly holding on. The chemistry is off the chart with these two!
Part 2:
Meanwhile, Risch wakes up with a horrible headache and tied to a bed. In the room is the most stunning woman he has ever seen. Timid Marlene (can't remember name) has decided this is the man she's is going to marry. She helps Risch detox from opium. Though he doesn't know how he came to be in this dilapidated house but he needs to leave. They have no valet or any servants. Barbarians! Later, he is tricked into a deathbed promise to take care of this family. It was hilarious to watch this flop try to cut wood or shoot a bird. His whole life, his brother has been better at everything, so he never tried to learn even basic skills. Taking care of the McGregors is the first time he felt like a man. He loves Marlene and her sick little brother. How will he act when he learns of their father's betrayal? Was he betrayed by the woman he loves? This was a sweet, slow burn romance. Though, I still prefer Kat and Darach. I didn't mind this 2nd romance.
The secondary characters were fantastic! Each had great character depth and truly enriched the story. They were also the comic relief. The two villains were bat shite crazy but interesting! Was her dad truly evil? Yes! The author found a good balance between humor and serious subject matters.
Conclusion;
The pacing of the story was much better than her other books and just great writing! I would recommend this book for first-time readers of AM.
History sidenote: in the early 1600s, King James I took the McGregor land (known as children of the mist) and gave the land to the Campbell's. Later, after the 1715 Grant Rebellion, McGregors were banished, and their name outlawed. Anyone could hang you without a trail for having the name. AM adds an extra touch of history by making Kat the granddaughter of the infamous Rob Roy (McGregor) . This book does an excellent job explaining for those who don't know the history. I usually stay away from books involving this clan because the history is so sad.
I'm a little late with my review of this book.
I think this is my favorite book by this author. It was really good. I loved the history of the clans, especially the McGregor clan.
This book contains all the ingredients that AM seems to put in all her books:
Set in 1750- 1760s Scotland ✔️
The h has black hair and unusual green eyes ✔️
The h has a way with animals and has adorable pets ✔️
An Alpha-male H ✔️
One character is an old maid at 19 years old ✔️
The h is 16 years old ✔️
Married by announcing this person is his spouse ✔️
The h dress in boys clothes ✔️
A secondary romance ✔️
I guess if the formula works, it works. Still, AM could have mixed up the descriptions between books.
Plot:
The story starts with Kat's mother dying. She goes to retrieve her father from the brothel. By the time they arrived, her mother was dead. Kat promised her mother she'd look after her siblings even though she's the middle child. As they bury her poor mother in an unmarked grave by the Seine, Kat vows to never marry. She will never blindly look the other way like her mother did.
Their father decides to bring the family home to Scotland. He plans his revenge on his rivals, the Campbell. For 4 years, Kat and her siblings have lived secluded in a freezing manor that belonged to her aunt. The only inhabitants are old people. They rarely see their wastrel father, which is a blessing. One day, he arrives home with Laird Campbell's brother. It's time to implement his plan and forces Kat to help.
Darach has been sent from London because his ne'er do well brother is missing. He was kidnapped by a man who befriended his brother a year ago. A note arrives suggesting they play cards. If Darach wins, he gets his brother back. If he loses, he has to hand over his family estate. Yeah, no holes in that plan! The plan goes south when the widow, who owns the house, in a opium dream state, sets herself and the home on fire. As her father is dying, he cursing Kat's name. Darach takes the boy with him only to discover he's a beautiful woman. Other events happen that led to Darach announcing his marriage to Kate. I guess that's all it takes to be man and wife. Kat is terrified what Darach would do if he learns her last name. The consequences have been hammered into her since childhood. Kat has to escape for her family. There is no one else to take care of them. Darach is possessive of his wife and is determined to learn the truth. So a tug of war begins. Kat is trying to leave, and Darach is stubbornly holding on. The chemistry is off the chart with these two!
Part 2:
Meanwhile, Risch wakes up with a horrible headache and tied to a bed. In the room is the most stunning woman he has ever seen. Timid Marlene (can't remember name) has decided this is the man she's is going to marry. She helps Risch detox from opium. Though he doesn't know how he came to be in this dilapidated house but he needs to leave. They have no valet or any servants. Barbarians! Later, he is tricked into a deathbed promise to take care of this family. It was hilarious to watch this flop try to cut wood or shoot a bird. His whole life, his brother has been better at everything, so he never tried to learn even basic skills. Taking care of the McGregors is the first time he felt like a man. He loves Marlene and her sick little brother. How will he act when he learns of their father's betrayal? Was he betrayed by the woman he loves? This was a sweet, slow burn romance. Though, I still prefer Kat and Darach. I didn't mind this 2nd romance.
The secondary characters were fantastic! Each had great character depth and truly enriched the story. They were also the comic relief. The two villains were bat shite crazy but interesting! Was her dad truly evil? Yes! The author found a good balance between humor and serious subject matters.
Conclusion;
The pacing of the story was much better than her other books and just great writing! I would recommend this book for first-time readers of AM.
History sidenote: in the early 1600s, King James I took the McGregor land (known as children of the mist) and gave the land to the Campbell's. Later, after the 1715 Grant Rebellion, McGregors were banished, and their name outlawed. Anyone could hang you without a trail for having the name. AM adds an extra touch of history by making Kat the granddaughter of the infamous Rob Roy (McGregor) . This book does an excellent job explaining for those who don't know the history. I usually stay away from books involving this clan because the history is so sad.
December 12, 2014
"So, I hae to pull my drunken father out of a whore's bed and bring him home to my dying mother?"
Clan MacGregor: known as the Children of the Mist, and banished from Scotland - only one son of the notorious Rob Roy MacGregor still alive - and he's a shifty one. Once a proud member of an elite French guard, his drinking, whoring and gambling (he cheats!) has brought the last of the MacGregors as low as low can be. Kat's only twelve or so when the story begins, and on the death of her mother in a run-down hovel, her father decides it's time to sneak back into Scotland and take revenge on the clan he blames for all their woes...
Clan Campbell: now led by Darach Campbell after the death of his father, and despite power and wealth life isn't a bowl of cherries since he's got his hands full dealing with his fop of a half brother and his slutty and nutty English stepmother. Younger half-brother Riach has gone missing after his most recent round of gambling (and losing) and opium binging he's 'saved' from having to settle his gambling debts when Kat's father befriends him and steps in under an assumed name.
The trap is set and Kat's father is ready to spring it on Darach with the lure of saving his younger (and missing!) brother. Kat (now about sixteen) is brought along dressed as a boy to aid her father in the sting, but things go terribly wrong and...
I'm not going to tell you, just be assured that it brings our hero and heroine together in a very stormy relationship. Kat has quite a hot temper and she's been raised since a child to hate those evil Campbells with every fiber of her being. Darach, on the other hand, has no idea what to do with the spitfire he's got on his hands - but he does know she holds the key to locating his young brother and he's not about to let her go until he gets some answers.
I loved this story and couldn't put the book down, my only quibbles would be taking too long and one or two too many would-you-two-just-please-talk-to-each-other arguments to get to the inevitable HEA. This is a bit old-skoolish, and there is a small spanking in it, but this time Kat's the more violent one - she can hit and kick with the best of them. Poor Darach is pretty bruised and battered by the end of this.
I really, really liked the sub-story of the crumbling old mansion forgotten by everyone but the MacGregors and the young spoiled Riach having to sober up, drop his fancy silks for working man's clothes and learn how to work the land and take care of the two young MacGregor children. His reaction to working men's boots (used!!) and a leather vest with another man's sweat stains under the arms? Priceless. Having to carry a corpse and dig a grave and dirty his manicured nails? Priceless.
I also enjoyed the shenanigans and Scots humor of the secondary characters of Uncle Angus and the Hag (the healer), "A wild-haired old crone shuffled about waving clumps of dried weeds and muttering strange incantations." Lol. Added bonus of to the story was Darach's slutty stepmother always trying to find a way into his bed and/or knocking off rivals to her getting into Darach's bed.
An all-around darned good read, and as I said previously, it's one that I couldn't put down. I've read two books now by this author and currently on a third - her books should appeal to those needing an Outlander fix. This one is going on my keepers shelf.
Many thanks to the very-much-missed-from-Goodreads Linda Hilton for recommending this book to me.
Clan MacGregor: known as the Children of the Mist, and banished from Scotland - only one son of the notorious Rob Roy MacGregor still alive - and he's a shifty one. Once a proud member of an elite French guard, his drinking, whoring and gambling (he cheats!) has brought the last of the MacGregors as low as low can be. Kat's only twelve or so when the story begins, and on the death of her mother in a run-down hovel, her father decides it's time to sneak back into Scotland and take revenge on the clan he blames for all their woes...
Clan Campbell: now led by Darach Campbell after the death of his father, and despite power and wealth life isn't a bowl of cherries since he's got his hands full dealing with his fop of a half brother and his slutty and nutty English stepmother. Younger half-brother Riach has gone missing after his most recent round of gambling (and losing) and opium binging he's 'saved' from having to settle his gambling debts when Kat's father befriends him and steps in under an assumed name.
The trap is set and Kat's father is ready to spring it on Darach with the lure of saving his younger (and missing!) brother. Kat (now about sixteen) is brought along dressed as a boy to aid her father in the sting, but things go terribly wrong and...
I'm not going to tell you, just be assured that it brings our hero and heroine together in a very stormy relationship. Kat has quite a hot temper and she's been raised since a child to hate those evil Campbells with every fiber of her being. Darach, on the other hand, has no idea what to do with the spitfire he's got on his hands - but he does know she holds the key to locating his young brother and he's not about to let her go until he gets some answers.
I loved this story and couldn't put the book down, my only quibbles would be taking too long and one or two too many would-you-two-just-please-talk-to-each-other arguments to get to the inevitable HEA. This is a bit old-skoolish, and there is a small spanking in it, but this time Kat's the more violent one - she can hit and kick with the best of them. Poor Darach is pretty bruised and battered by the end of this.
I really, really liked the sub-story of the crumbling old mansion forgotten by everyone but the MacGregors and the young spoiled Riach having to sober up, drop his fancy silks for working man's clothes and learn how to work the land and take care of the two young MacGregor children. His reaction to working men's boots (used!!) and a leather vest with another man's sweat stains under the arms? Priceless. Having to carry a corpse and dig a grave and dirty his manicured nails? Priceless.
I also enjoyed the shenanigans and Scots humor of the secondary characters of Uncle Angus and the Hag (the healer), "A wild-haired old crone shuffled about waving clumps of dried weeds and muttering strange incantations." Lol. Added bonus of to the story was Darach's slutty stepmother always trying to find a way into his bed and/or knocking off rivals to her getting into Darach's bed.
An all-around darned good read, and as I said previously, it's one that I couldn't put down. I've read two books now by this author and currently on a third - her books should appeal to those needing an Outlander fix. This one is going on my keepers shelf.
Many thanks to the very-much-missed-from-Goodreads Linda Hilton for recommending this book to me.
May 21, 2017
Suspenseful Love Story of a Campbell and a MacGregor in 18th Century France and Scotland
This is not my first by Malcolm and there is a reason. She writes great stories.
Set in France and Scotland in 1764, this is the story of Kat MacGregor, daughter of the banished MacGregor clan who promised her dying mother she would care for her siblings, both older than Kat. For five years she has fought to protect her ailing younger brother and her vulnerable older sister, knowing that if their identity as MacGregors is discovered once they return to Scotland, they could die.
Sir Darach Campbell, Lord of Strathrannoch and Glengrian, knows Kat holds the secret to his missing brother, Riach, and so intends to hold the “ragged chit” close. In front of witnesses, he announces he and Kat are wed. In Scotland, that constituted a valid marriage. Once he decided to make her his wife, Darach begins to acknowledge the fascination he had for her from the first moment he looked into her green eyes five years before in France.
So begins a tug of war as Kat tries to escape to get back to her brother and sister and Darach fearlessly hangs on, all the while trying to solve the mystery behind his wee bride and his missing brother.
I loved both the hero and the heroine. Kat is young but fearless, clever and undaunted by the young Campbell lord. Darach is tenacious yet tender with Kat (well, most of the time). While there is not much history, you can tell Malcolm has done her research with the Gaelic sprinkled throughout and the fear that was real for any MacGregor.
Malcolm does a superb job of keeping us in suspense and turning pages. It’s a great read and highly recommended for readers who love deeper Scottish historicals, which I do. Malcolm is also the author of The Taming, book 1 in the Cameron trilogy, which I also recommend. I consider them all “keepers”.
This is not my first by Malcolm and there is a reason. She writes great stories.
Set in France and Scotland in 1764, this is the story of Kat MacGregor, daughter of the banished MacGregor clan who promised her dying mother she would care for her siblings, both older than Kat. For five years she has fought to protect her ailing younger brother and her vulnerable older sister, knowing that if their identity as MacGregors is discovered once they return to Scotland, they could die.
Sir Darach Campbell, Lord of Strathrannoch and Glengrian, knows Kat holds the secret to his missing brother, Riach, and so intends to hold the “ragged chit” close. In front of witnesses, he announces he and Kat are wed. In Scotland, that constituted a valid marriage. Once he decided to make her his wife, Darach begins to acknowledge the fascination he had for her from the first moment he looked into her green eyes five years before in France.
So begins a tug of war as Kat tries to escape to get back to her brother and sister and Darach fearlessly hangs on, all the while trying to solve the mystery behind his wee bride and his missing brother.
I loved both the hero and the heroine. Kat is young but fearless, clever and undaunted by the young Campbell lord. Darach is tenacious yet tender with Kat (well, most of the time). While there is not much history, you can tell Malcolm has done her research with the Gaelic sprinkled throughout and the fear that was real for any MacGregor.
Malcolm does a superb job of keeping us in suspense and turning pages. It’s a great read and highly recommended for readers who love deeper Scottish historicals, which I do. Malcolm is also the author of The Taming, book 1 in the Cameron trilogy, which I also recommend. I consider them all “keepers”.
October 11, 2019
Best characters. I loved them.
December 28, 2023
A bit too long of an argument between H and H for my liking.
October 4, 2017
This was super weird
May 23, 2012
I just finished re-reading this book and I'm quite disappointed. I enjoyed these when I first read them years ago, but having just finished reading The Daughters of Cameron, I was disappointed on reading this one. It's basically the same story as The Daughters of Cameron (two brothers, two sisters, one sister has traumatic past, one is the strong one in the family). However, I couldn't feel for the main character at all. Her behavior is appalling, criminal and sometimes even downright cruel. What was I thinking the first time I read this?
Also, every other character in the book falls instantly in compassionate love with this girl, despite what she does to them? Totally unbelievable. After reading this, I think I'm going to give up on romances for a while.
Also, every other character in the book falls instantly in compassionate love with this girl, despite what she does to them? Totally unbelievable. After reading this, I think I'm going to give up on romances for a while.
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August 22, 2016I bought this out of print copy online and waited for over a month for it to be shipped to South Africa , I must say it was worth the wait ..... love love love the storyline that encompasses everything from romance to action to history ...all on the highlands of scotland ...
April 9, 2016
This book opened me up to the history of Scotland and the clans. If it wasn't for this book, I might not have picked up Outlander.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews