"Two Hurting Souls find love in medieval Scotland"

When a Scottish warrior is banned from his clan is it any wonder the one woman who touches his embittered heart is yearning to return to her Irish clan to escape a horrendous marriage? Blending mist, magic and mystery Elizabeth English, who first introduced the bitter Alistair Kirallen in THE BORDER BRIDE, has created a hero legends are made of. Not an easy task after fashioning Alistair as such a disagreeable character in the first book, but with a skill seldom seen in a novice author she will have readers drooling over this refreshingly complex hero.

Wandering the Borders of Scotland, Alistair is forced to offer his sword for hire. So when he meets with Fergus, a spiritual seer of clan Kirallen, he takes a mystical journey which begins to sooth his aching soul, by revealing his heart's desire. Is the lovely creature by the pool where a kiss is stolen, a promise of things to come or an omen for a doomed future?

Deirdre Maxwell has lived four tortuous years with the barbaric Maxwell clan longing for her idyllic life in Donegal, Ireland with her small clan, descendents of the mythical high kings of Ireland. . Brodie Maxwell, her Scottish husband, has taught her little about the depth of love between a man and woman. Certainly the last four years at the hands of this barbarian has taught her to survive in any way she can, if only to ensure her daughter's future happiness. Maeve is the one bright spot in Deidre's life. Deirdre will endure any and all physical and emotional abuse, to ensure Maeve does not have a loveless existence within the clan.. But could a searing kiss with a mystery man from her dream be a promise of love in her future or spell trouble for both her and Maeve?

Alistair, has decided to offer his sword arm to the Maxwells, who are at war with a neighboring clan. Despite his banishment, it doesn't seem to bother Brodie Maxwell as he hires Alistair as a mercenary anyway. Alistair has second thoughts, but needs the job. However, things become even more complicated when the mysterious woman of his dream is in reality Brodie's wife. That Brodie seems to get enjoyment in abusing Deirdre angers Alistair, yet he struggles to keep these feelings and what he feels for her in check. Even though she recognizes him from their shared encounter, she knows she must stay clear of him However, despite their best intentions Alistair is drawn toward her and her delightful daughter and leaves at battle's end.. Circumstances of the battle force Deirdre to make plans to leave for Ireland with her daughter. Unfortunately the Laird of the Maxwells has other ideas, Deirdre realizes to save herself and daugher she must escape with Maeve. Unfortunately the fates have other ideas placing them in Alistair's path. As both are on the run from their pasts toward an uncertain future, the reader will find them returning to the Kirallen's for protection but at what cost and to whom? What awaits Alistair upon his return to his clan will change his and Deirdre's life forever, much to the reader's delight with some interesting twists and turns..

Although this book can stand alone, for the reader to really enjoy Ms English's unique voice I would suggest reading THE BORDER BRIDE first. I had strong doubts Ms English could pull off Alistair as a hero, but after his first interaction with the shy Maeve, I was wrong.. readers will enjoy Alistair's journey from a brooding antagonist toward becoming a hero reader's dreams are made of. There is even a different twist as she continues the paranormal element introduced in the first book. This was a well crafted addition, sure to provide readers with more depth and add a few well-planted seeds for future stories.

With rumblings from readers saying historical romances are dead or at best are dying a lingering death, it is nice Jove has provided an avenue for Rising Stars like Elizabeth English to share their talents. If today's romance reader craves complex heroes, strong independent heroines and stories that linger long after the last page is turned, then LAIRD OF THE MIST and THE BORDER BRIDE by Elizabeth English will satisfy this craving.

Reviewed by Jody Allen
Posted January 25, 2002

Summary

Banished from his clan, Alistair Kirallen is a sword for hire and a man with a dream: to avenge his brother's death. Until he meets Deirdre Maxwell. She is his heart's desire, his one true destiny--but she is only a fleeting vision.

Deirdre Maxwell has also seen a vision, a wild dream of a man she believes cannot possibly be real...until she meets her husband's new swordsman. Brave and brooding, Alistair Kirallen is haunted by demons, and Deirdre may be his only salvation. But the power that pulls them together is not a dream at all.

It is desire.