Laird of the Mist by Paula Quinn

Book Description:
PROTECTING HER WAS HIS PASSION

High-born though she is, Kate Campbell isn't afraid to draw her sword. When raiders strike, she rushes into the fray...and is lucky when a mysterious Highlander shields her from a deadly blow. Swept onto his stallion, she soon discovers that her rescuer is her clan's most hated enemy: Callum MacGregor, the man they call The Devil. Yet she cannot ignore his achingly tender touch or the way his fiery gaze leaves her breathless.

POSSESSING HER WOULD BE HIS PLEASURE

Callum MacGregor has taken many Campbell lives, but he's never saved one--until now. Mesmerized by this spirited lass, he wants her by his side, even if it means holding her for ransom. As his fingers graze her sumptuous curves and tangle in her unruly tresses, Callum realizes Kate Campbell is his most dangerous foe of all. For he can't make love to her without betraying his kinsmen and his honor...and surrendering his heart forever.

I've heard so many great things about this Scottish Highlander romance, I've been looking forward to reading it for a long time. Now that I've already read upteen million highlander romances, I can't say this was the best I've read, but, in comparison to others, it was pretty good! The storyline was good, though it all seemed a bit predictable, and it didn't help, that I just read (in Highland Warrior) about the feuding Campbells and MacGregors. As soon as I began reading this book and realized it was about these two clans, I said to myself with not a little exasperation, "Again?" All in all, this book had it's good points, and I enjoyed it very much.

Kate Campbell is indeed a feisty and 'braw' heroine. Rescued and then captured by Callum MacGregor the laird of the MacGregors who are proscribed and outlawed throughout Scotland, she and Callum have the usual instant attraction to one another. But at the same time, they must fight it because they are enemies. Callum has a much more complex side to him than Kate. As we learn over the course of the story, Callum and his sister, Maggie were imprisoned for ten years by Kate's grandfather, the Earl of Argyll. To say the least, they carry physical and emotional scars from the ordeal. Callum's hatred of the Campbells runs deep and he has killed many of Kate's kin.

When Callum succeeded in escaping his prison with his sister, he killed every Campbell in sight, and made it his goal to one day kill the Earl who imprisoned him and his son, the present Earl of Argyll, Duncan Campbell, the evil, lecherous and cowardly villain of this novel. Kate has no love for the present Earl (her uncle), who wants to take her to his bed (eww gross). Once taken by Callum and his merry men to Callum's castle on the Isle of Skye she grows to like these MacGregors, especially their chief. She realizes that it is wrong for the MacGregors to have to live as outlaws and becomes a sympathizer towards them. This enlightenment also happens to coincide with her dawning realization that she has fallen in love with Callum. This isn't a Stockholm Syndrome sort of love, she really feels for him and is attracted to him and realizes that her family, the Campbells, were wrong in what they did to the MacGregors. Yet, despite her love for him, she feels he can never return her love because of what her grandfather did to him for all those years. It's a complicated problem, but eventually their passion for one another overcomes their family issues and she wants to be with Callum as his wife, no matter what the consequences. Once they consummate their love for one another, there are a couple of very hot scenes between them. She definitely gave into him body and soul! Who wouldn't? Tall, muscular, handsome, larger than life with a commanding presence - yowza! He's the ultimate alpha male Highlander dreamboat! Yet, I still couldn't shake the feeling of it lacking depth and emotion between them. You know where each of them is coming from, but it seemed a little light in that area. Kate fell in love with Callum, but it seemed more because of the injustices done to his clan, rather than falling in love with him - the man. Callum's falling for her seemed more due to his attraction to her and her bravery. Why did he really love her? It's not too clear.

The story all wraps up with an exciting ending, Kate's brother comes on the scene to rescue her from the Devil MacGregor and all is revealed just how dastardly their uncle Duncan really is. A couple of interesting side characters are in this book as well, Graham Grant, who'd I'd love to see a book about, and Callum's sister Maggie. Maggie suffers from the memories of being imprisoned and witnessing the carnage wrought by her brother on the Campbells. You feel sorry for her, but also admire her for dealing with her demons. The book was well written and fast paced, (though I could have done without all the belching done by Kate after she drinks alcohol - was that really necessary?)

A quick read. I recommend it!

4/5

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