Charming the Shrew

The Legacy of MacLeod Series, Book 1

By: Laurin Wittig

Narrated by: Ralph Lister

Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Returning to the Scottish Highlands after a fierce battle with the English, Tayg Munro receives a hero’s welcome - and an ultimatum. To take his place as heir to the chiefdom, he must choose a wife or have one chosen for him. Furious and stalling for time, the brooding warrior volunteers for a mission that takes him deep into the Highlands, with no hint of the fateful encounter that awaits him....

Catriona MacLeod is known as the Shrew of Assynt, thanks to her razor-sharp tongue and her unwillingness to yield to her five brothers. When she learns that her eldest brother has promised her hand in marriage to a loathsome man, she flees into the Scottish wilderness, determined to seek the king’s intervention. There she reluctantly joins forces with a handsome traveler, unable to anticipate the treacherous plot that will soon embroil them - or the passion that will ignite between them.

©2012 Laurin Wittig (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"In this exhilarating Highlands adventure Wittig knows how to merge passion, wild adventure, history, and danger into a perfect tale that takes your breath away and tugs at the heart." ( Romantic Times)

Enjoyable!

If you could sum up Charming the Shrew in three words, what would they be?

Fighting For Love

What did you like best about this story?

What I loved most about this, after several hours spent with Sylvia Day, is that every other page is not a sex scene! I think there are only a couple of juicy love scenes, which for me was perfect after the overkill with Sylvia. The story is complex and kept my interest. I was honestly beginning to roll my eyes with all the bedroom talk from other authors.

What about Ralph Lister’s performance did you like?

While he is no Davina Porter, I thought he did a great job narrating this story. A couple of times, his tone was wrong and I would mistake the female lead for the male or vice versa, but other than that, he did pretty well.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I have realized as I mature in reading, and for my own personal tastes, the chase is so much more exciting for me than the "big moment" :-). You will find all of that in this book, and the hero doesn't give up on acquiring his love interest. Its just so sweet, and again, a nice change from the porn most erotica has transitioned to these days.

Meh - Good about 5 hours in

The story was familiar with its Woman meets Man(in disguise) and they fall in love making each other better people along the way. The plot didn't really start until about halfway through. There were some HOT moments and they wernt unrealistic. However, I wish the political plotline was spread more evenly through the book so that I could get a better handle on where everyone was getting the motivations for their actions. Why did the brothers want to kill anyone? I thought I knew why Dogface did not want to marry Kat, but then I was taken off guard when he was upset with her brothers for not giving her to him. I am not a die hard Highland fan, but historically everything felt very accurate and it was wonderful to picture the cold scenery.
The narrator was a bit confusing...everyone sounded very similar ( Have to applaud his accent though, it was really good!). I won't be continuing the series. :(

it was okay

nothing special but tolerably interesting while doing house work. only one sex scene so not difficult to listen to with out headphones

Fantastic

Fabulously written! Great story!! Funny and loving. Really enjoyed this book! Great highland romance! Suggested to historical romance lovers! Thanks!

High Marks

Where does Charming the Shrew rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I don't listen to many audio books, but this one has been among my favorites. The only reason I did not give all 5 stars in the performance category was because at times, the male characters were portrayed in very effeminate tones, as though the narrator forgot which character (male or female) he was reading for. However - I simply ADORED the fantastic Scottish accent he performed them in. It brought so much life to the story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Charming the Shrew?

The best moment in the book was when Tayg made up the very last song in the story.

Which character – as performed by Ralph Lister – was your favorite?

I liked both main characters, as performed by the narrator. His Scottish accent is spot-on and enjoyable.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

They say that music soothes the savage beast....

Any additional comments?

I have read many historical romance stories, most often preferring those set in medieval times, and in the areas of England/Ireland/Scotland. This one has a very good story, with a conspiracy against king and country. It was very entertaining.

Stayed up late listening

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It is exciting, has good character development, interesting twists and great for those enjoying historical settings.

Fun

Where does Charming the Shrew rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is a fun story , love the history

What did you like best about this story?

The way the to main characters met.

Have you listened to any of Ralph Lister’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

very well written

it was very well written. the description of events was very vivid and painted a clear picture. loved the ending.

Tears, betral, treachery, lies, funny, and a happy ending

I saw a review of someone who did not care for the narrator. He would my favorite but am on well done.

My thing is I want about the couples and what happened to them. While they had their happy endings, what came next.

Boring!!

I had high hopes for this book but only made as far as ch 17 before I was over it! It was like listening to two children argue!