Daring the Highlander

The son of a Highland chief must battle his clan and their enemies to find peace and love…

Ailig MacLeod was dreading his meeting with his father, the chief of the Clan Leod. He had set off with four brothers and his sister’s betrothed, Duff MacDonell, to bring back his sister. He returned alone, ordered by the King to take over from his father as Chief. Ailig knew that his father would be devastated to learn that Broc, his heir was killed as a traitor to the king, and that his other sons were serving in the army at the King’s command. The chief and his council deny Ailig’s right to control their Clan. As the youngest son he was always the most unlikely and undeserving. He is challenged all round and must prove that he is worthy. Ailig is stunned that his people would openly defy the King and risk the lives of their families.

Slowly, Ailig’s allies make themselves known. They are a motley bunch – Skaeth, a mercenary fighter, Tamas – a childhood friend, Angus, an old man who wishes to live in comfort and sweet Morainn. Ailig noticed Morainn’s charms as soon as her saw her anew. As he makes plans to smooth the running of his father’s castle, Morainn is soon given a position running the kitchen. Just one kiss is not enough for Ailig, but he senses that Morainn holds back; he does not understand what she fears, but he is determined to find out. His attraction increases each time he sees her.

Morainn had not enjoyed her first marriage, and even felt relief when her young husband was killed. She has no wish to ever be trapped again. She has vowed never to marry another… but there is something about Ailig…

Whilst describing everyday events and the stark, yet awesome Scottish landscape, Laurin Wittig takes readers back to a time where comfort meant a warm fire and a full belly. Using snippets of Scottish language, the author brings alive the atmosphere and light-hearted moments necessary for an authentic backdrop. The mix of characters is excellent. Ailig is an uncertain leader who rises to action when it is crucial. He proves to himself and his clan that his potential is solid. Morainn is afraid to love again. She admires Ailig because he is honest and fair and is taken by surprise as her attraction grows. Very quickly, Morainn is caught up in her need to be by Ailig’s side even though his future looks bleak.

Ailig’s struggle to follow the king’s orders and keep his enemies, both inside and outside the castle, at arm’s length kept this reader glued to the pages. As much as Ailig longs to cast aside duty and be with Morainn, he must follow his head before he can listen to his heart. Ironically, his determination and willingness to go against his clan are what will draw Morainn closer to him. Allies, enemies and family serve to build up the tension; they become familiar to the reader and highlight the difficulties of life during this period. Passionate moments are snatched and simple; the focus is on one man’s struggle to find his place and his love in this world. The feel of Daring the Highlander is one of reality; the romance is believable because of this. Daring the Highlander continues on from Charming the Shrew, but it is not necessary (although definitely recommended) to read one after the other. Fans of true Scottish Romance are sure to want to put Laurin Whittig’s tales in their collection. Laurin Wittig is certainly an author to place on your must-buy list.

Reviewed by: Naomi