"Another wondrful highland tale from Laurin Wittig"
If looking for a Scottish themed historical romance with a
heartwarming story and a plot sure to captivate, CHARMING
THE SHREW is the one to read. Tayg Munro's elder brother is dead... the one who was to
become the next Chief of their clan. Tayg has proven his
merit in the Army of King Robert the Bruce, yet he never
aspired to be more than a soldier free of responsibility,
a charming one available to woo all the young lasses he
desired. But that is not meant to be. Now he must assume
what should have been his brother's duties to protect his
clan and support his King. He must now settle down and
find a wife to be by his side for his new future... But not
before getting in one more adventure. He undertakes one
more mission for his King, buying himself some time before
he has to settle down and marry. Catriona MacLeod has ever been the shrew, to protect
herself from the indignities forced upon her by her
brothers, and their cruel treatment of her. When she
discovers she is being forced to wed Duff "Dogface"
MacDonell, a man she has always despised, to cement the
alliance between their clans, she has had enough. She
flees, hoping to make it to her aunt's village, where she
can live in peace and out of the reach of her brother's
greedy reach. Unfortunately, her sense of direction is far
from astute and she finds herself lost just as the typical
highland winter storms begin. Stumbling upon a lowly bard,
they travel together to find safety from the elements. This second book by relative newcomer Ms. Wittig again
showcases her talent for portraying characters clamoring
to be heard. Tayg and Cat are personalities full of such
life and vigor that one can't help but love them both. Cat
is vulnerable but fiery, hiding years of pain between her
harsh tongue and prickly façade. When she finally learns
to let someone in, to get to know the real Catriona,
readers too will love her. Tayg has ever been the
warrior "playboy." All he wants is for someone to like him
for himself, not the heartbreaker he acted for years, or
his prowess as a soldier for the King. His acting the bard
for once gives him a chance to truly be himself, and fine
those he will appreciate him for it. When he and Cat come
together, it is guaranteed that their love will be as
vibrant and passionate as they are. Adventure abounds in this story as well. When Tayg finds
out Cat's brother, Broc, and her betrothed's plot to
conquer the king, his plans change and he and Cat must
race against the Highlands to warn him in time, all the
while having to elude Broc and Duff to keep Cat safe.
Readers also get a good sense of landscape in this book,
with brilliant descriptions of scenery and even the wintry
weather. They'll feel as though they are in the story with
Tayg and Cat, suffering through the biting winds and deep
snows. This is most certainly one book which will wrap
fans of Ms. Wittig, be they old or new, in its clutches,
holding tight through the end of tale. It was truly a pleasure for this reviewer to once again
get to experience the magic of this Rising Star of
Romance. One can only hope more fascinating stories will
follow in the wake of the incredible CHARMING THE SHREW. © Kelley A. Hartsell, April 2004. All rights reserved.
Reviewed by Kelley Hartsell
Courtesy Love Romances
Posted May 3, 2004
I'll not marry. I'll not bend to the likes of any man.
SummaryFrom the award-winning author comes a captivating story
filled with the passion, intrigue, and magic of historical
Scotland--where a sharp-tongued beauty meets her match in
a
man who vows to tame her with the power of his love.
Known far and wide as the Shrew of Assynt, Catriona
MacLeod
has fled her home and ridden out into the Highlands, where
she vows to live on her own terms and submit to no man.
Until the storm-tossed night she meets a handsome bard who
offers her his protection. Though Tayg Munro is not the
minstrel he appears to be, sudden passion flames into a
union to be tested again and again. As Cat and Tayg fight
to thwart a scheme that could topple thrones and destroy
their homeland, they discover a love that will take
everything they have to give...
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