Highlander Betrayed

By: Laurin Wittig

Narrated by: Phil Gigante

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's Summary

Deep in the rugged Scottish countryside lies the Highland Targe, an ancient relic that, along with its Guardian, protects the heart of the Highlands.

For centuries, the MacAlpin clan has watched over the Targe, but Lady Elspet, the current Guardian, is gravely ill. Her niece Rowan MacGregor, the rock of the family, is doing everything she can to hold her clan together when she meets Nicholas fitz Hugh.

Handsome and charming, Nicholas quickly joins clan life - yet he is not what he seems. A cunning spy, Nicholas is charged by the king of England with stealing the Targe, part of a plot to break the Scottish rebellion.

Despite his loyalty to the king, Nicholas finds himself falling for beautiful Rowan. When Lady Elspet's health worsens and the guardianship is in question, Nicholas must choose between the king’s will and his own. Can he betray his king and mission? Or will he turn on the woman he loves and the family he has come to care for?

©2013 Laurin Wittig (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Adventure, Action, Fantasy, and Romance

When I saw this book was read by Phil Gigante I had to give it a listen....he can make a mediocre book sound wonderful. I was delighted to find out this book was good on its own and he made it even better.

This book is packed with adventure from the start. Nicholas is a spy who is sent to the Highlands on a mission only to find out that his love for Rowan is stronger than deception. Nicholas has to prove himself to Rowan as well as the clan. Rowan is a woman who determined, loyal, and learns how to handle the dishonesty and choose to forgive.

The author wrote the book so that even the minor characters had intriguing personalities. There was so much detail to their personalities and mannerisms they didn't seem so minor. This increased the depth and funny moments of the story which added to the appeal of the book as a whole.

If you enjoy a good highland tale filled with fantasy, adventure, and more romance than sex...then this is for you. I will be pre-ordering the next in the series.

18 of 20 people found this review helpful

Who can resist a Highland hunk

I had never read a story written by Lauren Wittig before but when I saw Phil Gigante was the narrator, well I hit the pre-order button without a backwards glance. You see, Phil could read me the phone book and I would sit enthralled for hours. So I figured how bad can it be? Turns out not bad at all.

Ms. Wittig has woven a story rich in history and Scottish lore. While I felt this story was a little skimpy on the romance, thus only four stars, I still felt it was a very good story excellently narrated. The intrigue and plot twists were very refreshing and I was very pleased with my purchase. I wouldn't use my credits since its under $10 but at that price it's definitely worth a listen.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Great narration; story interesting, slow at times

Phil Gigante does a great job as always. The story was interesting and creative. The idea of the highland targe is a novel one. I like Scottish romances that have a bit of intrigue. There were a few slow parts, but overall I found the audiobook enjoyable. I will likely buy the next in the series.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

MYTHS, MAGIC & MAHEM IN THE HIGHLANDS

Yes this was a historical Highland romance which, of course, caught my eye straight away being a fan of handsome kilted highland hunks (yes I'm that shallow), but when I saw it was read by the Maestro himself - Phil Gigante - I just HAD to get it and before I could say "I love you Phil" it was snuggly in My Library.

It was a well written story as Laurin Wittig is such a talented storyteller and when you hit 'Play' suddenly you're transported to the private rooms of the King of England where you become a willing fly-on-the-wall listening in as a secret evil mission is planned. Then, as the fast-paced moving adventure progresses into the medieval Highlands of Scotland, we encounter Clan conflict, a dying woman, spies, lies, betrayal, murder, revenge, myths, forgiveness, redemption and love.

Nicholas and Rowan are 2 likeable characters but are on opposite sides and Nicholas has to choose between his mission or love but as he does he's betrayed and the do da unfortunately hits the fan with devastating results. Good supporting cast of characters that help or hinder the 2 lovers but Clan loyalty must come first. I should think book 2 will move the storyline further as the Guardians and the English want the same thing - and I can't wait.

Worth a credit? For under $10 I bought it saving my credit for a more costly, but maybe not more worthy, listen. However, if I had spent a credit on this I would not have been disappointed in the least.

13 of 18 people found this review helpful

Excellent!

I am truly looking forward to hearing what comes next in this series! Thank you for keeping it Free to read and listen to thru Kindle Unlimited and Audible. The money I spend for these apps is often more than I can afford, but it is the only thing that allows me to read so many great stories like these, which makes it the only money I spend on myself that's not a necessity every month. I consider it money very well spent! Thank you! :-)

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Worst Scottish Accent ever!

The narrator is talented, but his for Scottish accent got in the way of my enjoyment. The storyline is OK but not as good as it was in The authors shrew novel.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great story..

Any additional comments?

So, the page amount says there's 272 pages but according to my iPad the number is 259, That being said, I just want to let all those who don't like sex that they can stop reading at 253 and miss all the sex there is in the whole book. There is a mention of an arousal 2 or 3 times but that's all.
This was a really good book, however.. I liked Nicholas and Rowan a lot. No angst to speak of. No silly misunderstandings. Just a great love story with paranormal throw in.
I like Jeanette and Scotia, too. AND I absolutely hated the bad guy. Sorry it's a little later in the book before you find out who it is and I don't want to give it away. This wasn't a cliffhanger but if you want to know what happens you should read the second book, which I'm going to do right now.

As to the narrator: If you looked at all my audio books you'd see very few man have narrated the books I listened to. They just don't do the women good enough and then when the hero and heroine have sex it's almost like I'm listening to two men. However, I have to admit that Mr. Gigante did a fine job with the women's voices. I wouldn't hesitate to him again.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

3.5 Stars. Good But Not Enough Romance

Three and a half stars, but I've selected 4 since it's well written. This is one of those stories that teaches you some history and reflects on human nature, with a little magic to boot. The hero changes course when he discovers there's more to life than achievement. I'm not a big historical romance reader but I sometimes like them as a change from contemporary or paranormal, but I like more romance in a romance novel. Possible SPOILER: Sex is withheld until they marry, at the VERY end. They kiss a few times, develop feelings for each other and of course there's a misunderstanding that nearly ruins everything. Just not enough romance for me.

Phil Gigante did a great job with the narration which helped push the story past 3.5 stars

10 of 15 people found this review helpful

Great read

I needed a book to sleep by, but this didn't do it, I just couldn't lput this down. The love story had it all up's downs, and sideways. Story line even made you cry. Loved it!!!

Will he obey his King or follow his heart?

For centuries, clan MacAlpin have guarded the Highland Targe, a mysterious relic said to shield the Highlands from invaders. In order to subdue the Scottish rebellion, Edward Longshanks sends his most trusted spy, Nicholas fitzHugh, a half-English, half-Scottish orphan who left the Highlands long ago and turned his back on his Scottish heritage when little more than a child. The king now charges Nicholas to rely on his long-buried Scottish roots to infiltrate clan MacAlpin to locate the Targe and steal it for England. When Nicholas encounters the MacAlpins, he finds them weakened by a breach in the curtain wall, as well as the declining health of the current Guardian of the Targe. But sparks fly between Nicholas and Rowan MacGregor, niece to the clan chief and one of the caretakers of the Guardian. Will Nicholas be able to betray the trust of Rowan and deliver the Targe to his king, or will he follow his heart and betray his king and keep faith with Rowan and the MacAlpins? Will the MacAlpins be able to defend themselves from Edward Longshanks in their weakened condition, or will he take advantage of their current troubles and seize the Targe and use it to crush the Scottish rebellion once and for all? Or will a new Guardian of the Targe arise to defend the Scottish Highlands?

Rowan's journey is somewhat predictable, generally speaking, but there are enough complications along the way to keep the story interesting. I listened to this book on audible.com, and I thoroughly enjoyed Phil Gigante's performance. I have listened to several books he has recorded, and as usual, he does not disappoint. Overall, I enjoyed this book and am likely to continue listening to the next book in the series.