Daring the Highlander (Berkley Sensation) [Paperback]

Laurin Wittig (Author)

Book Description

Series: Berkley Sensation | Publication Date: May 3, 2005

In 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?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a fantastic book with real heroes, true daring, devastating betrayal, surprising loyalty, and passionate romance. A perfect 10." -- Romance Reviews Today

"Wittig shows once again with Daring the Highlander that she is a powerful force in the Scottish historical genre." -- LoveRomances.com

"Wittig...captures the essence of the Scots in her remarkable characters and their colorful, historically accurate, highly romantic love story." -- RT BOOKClub Magazine

Ms. Wittig has penned another highly emotional, soul-stirring historical novel rich in Scottish history." -- RomanceJunkies.com

About the Author

Award winning author Laurin Wittig loves exploring the world of medieval Scotland, delving into her Scottish roots, digging into the history she shunned in college and generally indulging her enthusiasm for learning about other cultures. Add to that her love of the romance genre and a passion for writing and voila, several novels have been born. Her latest release is Daring the Highlander (Berkley Sensation, May 2005).

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Berkley; Regular Print/Single Titl edition (May 3, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425202925
• ISBN-13: 978-0425202920
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,027 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner from Laurin Wittig, August 30, 2005

By 

Kelley Hartsell "Kelley" (Irving, TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Daring the Highlander (Berkley Sensation) (Paperback)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Two out of three ain't bad, March 14, 2011

By 

Kindlefan - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Daring the Highlander (The MacLeods Book II) (Kindle Edition)

LOVED her first two books. I will still buy anything she publishes (probably without even reading the summary)but this was my least favorite book

- not only did I not get my update on how my Cat and Tayg are doing. She was still known as the Shrew around the clan and not once did her brother stick up for her when people would continue to talk about her. (sorry but that kinda bothered me)

- I do not understand the hate that the Clan champion had for the hero Ailig. As much as he hated that man through out the book (again for no reason I understood) he was able to step aside with simply a grunt.

- I do not understand the hate Neill had for Ailig. I could understand being a little standoffish but from reading all my other books their circumstance was quit the norm back in the day so again personally I just didn't get it and then like the champion poof Neill was all good with Ailig becoming chief

- I'm sure it was just for plot purposes but with one clan leader known for treason I can't believe that the hosting clan would still be expected to allow those folks to stay there (especially with them being so hostile). I just kept scratching my head on that one.

I did enjoy the relationship between Ailig and Mora. I am glad that she didn't let her reservations from her first marriage get in the way of their time together. I did want to scream at her to LET IT GO already. So they didn't love each other after they got married. It didn't sound like he beat her, treated her cruelly or even yell at her. They just didn't care for each other. Not really worth vowing never to marry again...sheesh.

Again I loved the first two and all and all this was alright (I have read much worse and spent a lot more) so will not hesitate to buy another of Laurin's books!

EPILOGUES PLEASE!!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed, October 26, 2011

By 

amazonconsumer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Daring the Highlander (The MacLeods Book II) (Kindle Edition)

I read other reviews about this book and was under the impression that I would enjoy this book more than I actually did. I liked this book more than the first one (about the main character's sister) but I still couldn't finish this one. The story never really hooked me.