Daring the Highlander

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques Ailig MacLeod has just returned to his family home after finding his sister, and bears a message from the King that he knows his father will hate. How can he tell him that his beloved eldest son is dead from treason and the other two brothers were pressed into service in Robert the Bruce's army? And that's not even the worst of it... the real shocker is that Ailig has been ordered by the King to take over as clan chief, effective immediately. Morainn MacRailt is a young widow who is content in her life on the edge of the village. She has sworn she will never marry again, but will remain free to live as she pleases. When Ailig returns, she feels for his plight but believes he will succeed. Her support means much to Ailig, even though she resists the attraction between them, remaining true to her vow to stay independent. The situation has yet to grow even more tense, however. A rival clan wants more power, Ailig's father refuses to step down as Clan Chief until Ailig proves himself, and the doubts of the clan threaten all they hold dear. Will Ailig and Morainn's bond be enough to bring peace to their clan? And what of her vow to never love or marry again? Laurin Wittig shows once again with Daring the Highlander that she is a powerful force in the Scottish historical genre. Her descriptive imagery will transport readers to the Highlands and the turbulent times when Robert the Bruce tries to unite all of Scotland. Readers will feel the wind on their faces, as they see and smell the winter snow along with the characters. Ailig is a young man thrust into a position he never dreamed of having. His doubts are real, as are his internal strength and sharp mind. He knows his position is tentative and that many in his clan are hoping for his failure, but he never lets that sway him. He still goes his way and holds on to his desire to make things right, knowing that is the only way to earn respect. Morainn is a kind and generous woman who wants her independence, just not at the cost of others. When Ailig needs her help, she never gives it a second thought and just comes to his aid, knowing he deserves to be chief. Though she values her independence above all else, she surprisingly finds herself succumbing to his desire. When Ailig and Morainn finally come together, their mutual respect, love and passion leap from the pages straight into the reader's heart. The blend of characters in this book gives a wonderfully developed story that will engross one from beginning to end. Everyone has their role to play, from Skaeth the mercenary and Neill the chief of Clan Leod to Duff MacDonell of the rival clan and Giorsal the healer. Without every character, the tale would fall flat, not being as beautiful as it is. One can never go wrong with a book by Ms. Wittig and this reviewer eagerly awaits the next story. © Kelley A. Hartsell, January 2005. All rights reserved.

In this memorable tapestry of politics, greed, treachery, and everlasting love, Laurin Wittig has created a book to place on your keeper shelf. The tale of Morainn and Ailig is intertwined with passion and rich historical flavor. Ms. Wittig has an obvious love for her highland tales, and it shows. For readers of historical romance who love a mix of adventure and unforgettable characters, I recommend Daring the Highlander or any of Ms. Wittig's books.

What a refreshing romance! It's set against a lush backdrop of characters and politics in highland Scotland. A great balance between the central characters and the active environment of the time. I loved rooting for the underdog! Instead of the usual mysterious, arrogant, overconfident hero, this one is so much more human, with human doubts and worries, yet he shows such honor without any of the usual bragging. The herione is also different in refreshing ways. How wonderful to read about someone who is experienced, has known happiness, not cruelty, yet like the hero, is not arrogant or bossy. She takes on new challenges with the usual human worries, and rediscovers herself as a worthy person. If you are looking for a historical read that offers something different in the plot and in the characters, try this fabulous book! It is the first time I have read anything by this author, and I have already ordered her previous book, Taming of the Shrew.

Like Wittig's first 2 books, Daring the Highlander has all the essential ingredients of a great romance: a heroine you'd want as your best friend, a hero you'd leave your significant other to be with, a spectacular cast of secondary characters, and a plot that keeps you up way past your bedtime. This book has it all!

Laurin Wittig does it again. I couldn't put Daring the Highlander down. From the first page, I cared what happened to these people. Ailig and Morainn aren't your typical romance hero and heroine. Ailig doesn't want to be the leader of his clan, but it's being forced on him by the king. Morainn doesn't want to be his wife, or anyone's. But outside events force them to make hard choices and soon Ailig realizes the only one he can trust is Morainn. Daring the Highlander was one of the richest, most satisfying romances I've read in a long, long time.