Highlander Avenged

Guardians of the Targe, Book 2

By: Laurin Wittig

Narrated by: Phil Gigante

Although the English king tried to wrest it away, the Highland Targe - ancient relic and protector of Scottish lands - still lies safely in the hands of clan MacAlpin. But for how long?

Jeanette MacAlpin trained her entire life to become the next Guardian of the Targe, but that duty has now fallen to her cousin Rowan - a duty Rowan can't seem to master. Fearful for her clan's future, Jeanette seeks the solace of a sacred wellspring, and there encounters tawny-skinned Highland warrior Malcolm MacKenzie.

Wounded in battle, Malcolm is desperate to regain the use of his sword arm and strikes a deal with Jeanette. In return for her skills as a healer, Malcolm will advise the MacAlpins in their resistance against the English. And when he can once again swing a blade, he'll return to the ranks of the Scottish army to fulfill his duty as a soldier.

But as passion grows between the golden warrior and the fair-haired healer, duty collides with love. Will they follow their hearts, or will clan loyalties keep them forever apart?

©2014 Laurin Wittig (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Cliffhanger-y..UGH!!

Any additional comments?

So, I was a little more than half way through this book and got bored. I read 2 other books before going back to this one yesterday and finally finishing it. And it did get better. I just happened upon a part that was boring and gave up. Shouldn't have done that.
Anyway, I really did enjoy the last half. I liked both Jeanette and Malcolm but Scotia was a mess. She went from acting like a little tramp to getting someone who tried to protect her killed. What a waste of a character. Since this book really didn't end, that means there will be another one in a few months or a year. Had I known, that I certainly would not have gotten these two books. I'll make my own ending in my mind and call it good. I absolutely hate books that are not finished and the next book is not available. Besides, the third book is probably about Scotia and I could stand her so I wouldn't be interested in a book about her. I feel like I wasted my time reading these two books.

As to the narrator: Mr. Gigante did a fine job and the men and really tried to do the women but he didn't do the females so well. But kudos for trying.

Highland lass learns to accept altered destiny

Jeanette MacAlpin trained her whole life to become the next Guardian of the Highland Targe, so when her cousin Rowan is unexpectedly chosen for the honor when her mother is murdered, Jeanette is left not only grieving, but also feeling completely adrift. Compounding her misery, Rowan seems utterly unable to master the skills Jeanette must now teach her to be an effective Guardian for their clan. Their mutual frustration, compounded by fears of an impending repeat attack by the English, lead Rowan and Jeanette to argue over Jeanette's disappointed hopes and dreams for being the clan's Guardian. She leaves the castle in a huff and stumbles upon Malcolm MacKenzie, an injured warrior and heir to clan MacKenzie, desperately trying to heal his sword arm. He and Jeanette strike a bargain: Jeanette will use her healing skills to rehabilitate his sword arm in exchange for his lending his skills in battling the English as an advisor to the MacAlpins until he is well enough to return to Robert the Bruce's army. But as Jeanette heals his arm, he heals her wounded heart and passion simmers between them. When Rowan has already been chosen as Guardian, why would Jeanette be developing any gifts now? What does that mean for her role in clan MacAlpin? When his arm heals, will Malcom forsake his duties as a soldier to Robert the Bruce and as heir to the lairs of clan MacKenzie or is his love for Jeanette strong enough to compel him to stay? Does Jeanette have a significant enough role to compel her to stay with clan MacAlpin, or will her love for Malcolm give her a new purpose and direction in life?

This sequel to Highlander Betrayed delivered all I expected from the series in terms of action and suspense. The author does a good job depicting the enmity between the Scots and the English, as well as the perfidy of some Scots clans that chose to fight on the English side. The use of magic requires a little too much suspension of belief for my taste (seems like to an even greater degree than in book 1 in this series), but since this is listed under the "paranormal" genre, and the Highlands are full of stories about magic and the fae, I suppose I can't argue too much. I listened to this book on audible, and as is always the case with Phil Gigante, the performance was excellent. His deep, resonant voice is particularly suited to Scottish warriors!

Wonderful and sweet.

The continuing story in the trilogy Guardians of the Targe, is exciting but also heart warming. I highly recommend it.

Supernatural mixed with historical

I loved the mixture. Very passionate love scenes, even when it was just a kiss. The hero is a typical man, ruled by desire and can’t stay away from the heroine knowing he can’t stay with this clan. The heroine is very willing to take what she can from the hero even if it means he will take her innocence and leave. That was the only part I had a hard time believing since times were not so easy on those who lost their virginity outside of marriage. I absolutely enjoyed listening to this book, even though I don’t believe in supernatural powers. So keep an open mind because this book will not disappoint.

What not seen

The Book shows you what lies will do.Not and outsider. But right a home. What done in the dark comes out in the light.