"The latest dashing Scottish Highlands tale by Laurin Wittig"
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.
Reviewed by Kelley Hartsell
Courtesy Love Romances
Posted August 24, 2005
SummaryIn the glorious Scottish Highlands of Robert the Bruce,
independent young widow Ailig MacLeod faces a difficult
challenge: can she help an unlikely leader bring honor and
prosperity back to their clan—without losing her own
cautious heart?
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