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Kilmartin Glen #1
The Devil of Kilmartin
In the dark of night, Elena of Lamont must flee her home after her father's death to escape the brutal clansman determined to satisfy his lust for power -- and for her. But as the captivating beauty runs from one dangerous man she finds herself landing in the arms of another, one whose passionate embrace offers perils of its own...
As the chief of the Lachlan clan, Symon MacLachlan vows to protect the fiery-haired lass whose gentle touch relieves the demons clawing at his soul. Despite her fierce denials, he is certain Elena is the legendary Lamont healer -- and certain that he must have her for his own. Desperate for her soothing caress -- and unable to quell the desire burning inside him -- Symon is compelled to lure Elena into marriage. But will he be able to win the love of the tender enchantress who has stolen his heart?
As the chief of the Lachlan clan, Symon MacLachlan vows to protect the fiery-haired lass whose gentle touch relieves the demons clawing at his soul. Despite her fierce denials, he is certain Elena is the legendary Lamont healer -- and certain that he must have her for his own. Desperate for her soothing caress -- and unable to quell the desire burning inside him -- Symon is compelled to lure Elena into marriage. But will he be able to win the love of the tender enchantress who has stolen his heart?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2002
About the author
Laurin Wittig
12 books242 followersLaurin writes bestselling and award-winning Scottish medieval romances and lives in southeastern Virginia.
For more information about all of Laurin’s books, please visit her web site, http://Heartlightjoy.com/books.
For more information about all of Laurin’s books, please visit her web site, http://Heartlightjoy.com/books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 30, 2008
I'm partial to this book -- it was my first!
January 30, 2016
I was willing to overlook how corny this cover is because I know that there are many good books hidden behind crappy covers. I was even okay with the premise of the story itself. I haven't read any historical romances in a while and I thought it would be a fun read. I love having two characters thrust together under dramatic circumstances. All that said, I didn't like this at all. I tried. I really did, but I just couldn't get into this book. The romance wasn't the best. I wanted to feel the passion of the characters, but I couldn't bring myself to be emotionally invested in them. The story itself was really predictable and I saw every twist before it happened. There were several times where I wanted to shake the characters because the answer was right in front of them. I swear the only way the twists could have been more obvious would be if the author had written it out. I probably would have been alright with this book if the sex scenes were any good, but even they were kind of boring as well.
To be honest, I didn't care much for the two lead characters. They both had potential to be really likeable and interesting people. Elena turned out to be horribly selfish and stupid. The choices she made during the course of the book made me want to pull my hair out. There were several times where Elena would try to act all selfless and end up putting Symon and others at risk because of her being an idiot and putting herself in danger. I get her stigma about using her healing powers, but as the book went on, it was like 'enough already'. I got so mad when someone was terribly injured and she was only thinking of herself as the person laid there in pain. I wanted to like Symon so badly, weird spelled name and all. When Elena first ran into him, I was intrigued by the stories told about him and from his description on the back of the book. From all the hype, I was expecting a crazed, alpha male with a wild temper. I felt so disappointed by what I got. I don't want to be mean, but Symon was a complete pansy. I don't think that all heroes in romance books need to be aggressive, jealous men that will throw the heroine on the dirt and have his wicked way with them. I don't mind reading about a nice hero, but there has to be more than that to their character. Symon was just so freaking nice and boring. As I read, I found myself saying 'THIS is the Devil of Kilmartin'?? When it came to Elena, he was the biggest pushover. Symon acted more like Elena's #1 fan than a tough clan leader. He didn't have to be a douche, but I wished he had more spine. He was such a doormat and it made me sad. I couldn't bring myself to root for Elena and Symon because I couldn't stand either of them.
To be honest, I didn't care much for the two lead characters. They both had potential to be really likeable and interesting people. Elena turned out to be horribly selfish and stupid. The choices she made during the course of the book made me want to pull my hair out. There were several times where Elena would try to act all selfless and end up putting Symon and others at risk because of her being an idiot and putting herself in danger. I get her stigma about using her healing powers, but as the book went on, it was like 'enough already'. I got so mad when someone was terribly injured and she was only thinking of herself as the person laid there in pain. I wanted to like Symon so badly, weird spelled name and all. When Elena first ran into him, I was intrigued by the stories told about him and from his description on the back of the book. From all the hype, I was expecting a crazed, alpha male with a wild temper. I felt so disappointed by what I got. I don't want to be mean, but Symon was a complete pansy. I don't think that all heroes in romance books need to be aggressive, jealous men that will throw the heroine on the dirt and have his wicked way with them. I don't mind reading about a nice hero, but there has to be more than that to their character. Symon was just so freaking nice and boring. As I read, I found myself saying 'THIS is the Devil of Kilmartin'?? When it came to Elena, he was the biggest pushover. Symon acted more like Elena's #1 fan than a tough clan leader. He didn't have to be a douche, but I wished he had more spine. He was such a doormat and it made me sad. I couldn't bring myself to root for Elena and Symon because I couldn't stand either of them.
September 25, 2019
Laurin Wittig is one of those authors I call the Queens of Scottish historical Romance! Loved this this book from cover to cover well, I did read this on my kindle so I am not exactly how to describe it? Perhaps from the beginning to the end? Anyhow I loved the Devil of Kilmartin and definitely recommends it to anyone who loves the genre of Scottish historical romance like myself. This was a reread a I am looking forward to her new book Highlander Betrayed being released on August 6th. Laurin really is a wonderful writer and "The Devil of Kilmartin" was absolutely amazing as I can't praise it enough!
Just to give you a little info without any spoilers this is about two clans at war with each other Clan Lamont and Clan Lachlan which has been going on quite heavily for the past five years. The year is 1307 and Elena Lamont is the heroine in this story and just recently looses her Father the Chief of Clan Lamont and she is the only heir, that therefore make her automatically the Chief of Lamont. Also Elena is a powerful healer but is used by her own clan members for her gifts especially one evil warrior by the name of Dougal of Dunmore who craves power by any means. All I am going to tell you is he is not a very nice lad, nope not one bit. This is the reason Elena finally decides to runaway and meets the hero of this story Symon MacLachlan present Chief of Clan Lachlan and enemy of Elena's clan.
There are so many twists and turns in this book it keeps you wondering what will happen next. You think you have one plot figured out and you find out your totally wrong. I love that about a book that keeps you guessing. I find this book was amazing and Laurin's debut book which I found incredible she is a brilliant storyteller in my opinion.
This book definitely wowed me!
I loved this book and find Laurin Wittig is a wonderful author if you haven't read her books you should definitely give it a shot and be prepared to be wowed as I did.
Just to give you a little info without any spoilers this is about two clans at war with each other Clan Lamont and Clan Lachlan which has been going on quite heavily for the past five years. The year is 1307 and Elena Lamont is the heroine in this story and just recently looses her Father the Chief of Clan Lamont and she is the only heir, that therefore make her automatically the Chief of Lamont. Also Elena is a powerful healer but is used by her own clan members for her gifts especially one evil warrior by the name of Dougal of Dunmore who craves power by any means. All I am going to tell you is he is not a very nice lad, nope not one bit. This is the reason Elena finally decides to runaway and meets the hero of this story Symon MacLachlan present Chief of Clan Lachlan and enemy of Elena's clan.
There are so many twists and turns in this book it keeps you wondering what will happen next. You think you have one plot figured out and you find out your totally wrong. I love that about a book that keeps you guessing. I find this book was amazing and Laurin's debut book which I found incredible she is a brilliant storyteller in my opinion.
This book definitely wowed me!
I loved this book and find Laurin Wittig is a wonderful author if you haven't read her books you should definitely give it a shot and be prepared to be wowed as I did.
May 3, 2018
Absorbing Highlander Romance!
Set in the Highlands of Scotland in 1307, and mostly at the Kilmartin castle, this is the story of a beautiful woman, Elena of Lamont, who has great healing power in her hands. Her clan’s leaders would use her for their own purposes and, at her father’s death, a ruthless man, seeking to be clan chief, decides he will have Elena to wife to gain the power that her father had. But Elena hates him and hates being used so she flees…right into the arms of The Devil of Kilmartin, the chief of Clan Lachlan, Symon MacLachlan.
Symon is plagued by violent head and stomach aches that he believes Elena can cure. He wants to bind her to him by offering her sanctuary, and perhaps more. And then there is the prophecy about flame and madness mingling to make his clan prosper…
Wittig draws a fascinating picture of clan life and the historical setting of 14th century Scotland. And the emotions that run through the characters are timeless. This is a well-written tale that will hold your attention from page one. I recommend it.
Set in the Highlands of Scotland in 1307, and mostly at the Kilmartin castle, this is the story of a beautiful woman, Elena of Lamont, who has great healing power in her hands. Her clan’s leaders would use her for their own purposes and, at her father’s death, a ruthless man, seeking to be clan chief, decides he will have Elena to wife to gain the power that her father had. But Elena hates him and hates being used so she flees…right into the arms of The Devil of Kilmartin, the chief of Clan Lachlan, Symon MacLachlan.
Symon is plagued by violent head and stomach aches that he believes Elena can cure. He wants to bind her to him by offering her sanctuary, and perhaps more. And then there is the prophecy about flame and madness mingling to make his clan prosper…
Wittig draws a fascinating picture of clan life and the historical setting of 14th century Scotland. And the emotions that run through the characters are timeless. This is a well-written tale that will hold your attention from page one. I recommend it.
May 4, 2015
This book.......I don't know what to say........
First of all it is a book with some paranormal elements. This is not usually my thing so I winced whether the heroin "healed" someone by rubbing her hands together. The paranormal elements are however, written nicely and fit in the story well. I did not mind the paranormal thing too much in this book.
I read other reviews and have to agree with them about the heroin. Sometimes she really comes off as "selfish" because she was always thinking about how to "protect herself" and "not letting others know about her ability". But then she goes healing the hero in front of crowds?? I mean come on, can you not wait until they carry him to a private room??
I think it is natural for the heroin to want to protect herself. I just wish these scenes were written differently so that she doesnt appear to be so self-serving. Because she isn't! She suffers the pain from whoever she is healing and it drains her and people might see her as a witch. Of course she should be careful. But the way she is written just makes her look like a bxtch, which is not very fair.
The way the hero is portrayed, I feel, has the same issue. He seems to want to keep the heroin against her will so that he could benefit from it. Again, all understandable. When you suffer from an illness you just want to get better. You cling to whatever that you believe would help you. This is exactly what the hero did. It is just...he seems really self-serving sometimes, especially in the beginning of the story.
For a paranormal romance story I am surprised that I was able to finish the story and did not want to roll my eyes constantly. I wanted to continue reading and find out what happened to the lead characters. Not 5 stars worthy but it is a good 3 stars timepass.
First of all it is a book with some paranormal elements. This is not usually my thing so I winced whether the heroin "healed" someone by rubbing her hands together. The paranormal elements are however, written nicely and fit in the story well. I did not mind the paranormal thing too much in this book.
I read other reviews and have to agree with them about the heroin. Sometimes she really comes off as "selfish" because she was always thinking about how to "protect herself" and "not letting others know about her ability". But then she goes healing the hero in front of crowds?? I mean come on, can you not wait until they carry him to a private room??
I think it is natural for the heroin to want to protect herself. I just wish these scenes were written differently so that she doesnt appear to be so self-serving. Because she isn't! She suffers the pain from whoever she is healing and it drains her and people might see her as a witch. Of course she should be careful. But the way she is written just makes her look like a bxtch, which is not very fair.
The way the hero is portrayed, I feel, has the same issue. He seems to want to keep the heroin against her will so that he could benefit from it. Again, all understandable. When you suffer from an illness you just want to get better. You cling to whatever that you believe would help you. This is exactly what the hero did. It is just...he seems really self-serving sometimes, especially in the beginning of the story.
For a paranormal romance story I am surprised that I was able to finish the story and did not want to roll my eyes constantly. I wanted to continue reading and find out what happened to the lead characters. Not 5 stars worthy but it is a good 3 stars timepass.
September 11, 2015
This is a story of two lost souls who slowly find that they need each other to survive. Elena Lamont is a healer who is harassed by a greedy man who inserts himself into her clan with the intention of taking over as Laird. Unfortunately he needs Elena to marry him to make it happen. Elena refuses and is forced to flee with Dougal right on her tail. Luckily she stumbles upon Symon MacLachlan, the Devil of Kilmartin who everyone fears including Dougal. Symon suffers from madness...or so he thinks and wishes Elena to heal him.
This is a slow and romantic love story that draws you into the plot and forces you to care about these characters and how they are going to overcome Dougal and his shenanigans.
This is the first book I've read by Laurin Wittig but it won't be the last.
This is a slow and romantic love story that draws you into the plot and forces you to care about these characters and how they are going to overcome Dougal and his shenanigans.
This is the first book I've read by Laurin Wittig but it won't be the last.
January 19, 2014
What a truly beautiful story this is. The hero and heroine both have bad things happening in their lives, the hero believes he has been cursed with madness, and the heroine is being chased by a man who wants to force a marriage between them so that he can become the head of their clan. It's only through helping each other that they can find safety, happiness, love, passion and well being. There are twists and turns galore, tears of happiness and sadness, and an altogether captivating read. You don't want to put the book down once you start it. Definitely worth the 5 stars I have given it.
October 22, 2016
Elena runs away from her clan and straight into the arms of the leader of the neighbouring clan. This wouldn’t be such a bad thing but he’s afflicted by a kind of madness and is known by everyone (even his own people) as the Devil of Kilmartin.
But Elena is a healer. Usually she can choose to apply her gifts, but when she touches Symon MacLachlan she heals him.
So he doesn’t want to give her back.
Now, he has to convince her to stay.
***
This was… okay. It had more than a few plot holes.
All that would have been manageable if the relationship, and romance were there. But I didn’t feel it. Symon kept saying he wouldn’t force himself on Elena, but then he’d forget, and while he didn’t behave like the evil guy, he still did it. You know?
It was all too convenient.
I was going to give it three stars and then the first review is from the author giving it five. I hate that.
2 stars
But Elena is a healer. Usually she can choose to apply her gifts, but when she touches Symon MacLachlan she heals him.
So he doesn’t want to give her back.
Now, he has to convince her to stay.
***
This was… okay. It had more than a few plot holes.
All that would have been manageable if the relationship, and romance were there. But I didn’t feel it. Symon kept saying he wouldn’t force himself on Elena, but then he’d forget, and while he didn’t behave like the evil guy, he still did it. You know?
It was all too convenient.
I was going to give it three stars and then the first review is from the author giving it five. I hate that.
2 stars
September 21, 2017
Elena Lamont escapes her home, chased by the clansman Dougal who wants her so he can become the new laird. She runs into the Devil of Kilmartin, Symon MacLachlan, who saves her and takes her home. Elena is a healer, one of those Scottish women who can heal through 'magic' heat in their hands. Symon discovers Elena can cure his madness, which is the result of a poison. The two fall in love but Elena comes up with all sorts of reasons why they can't be together.
Symon was an alright hero, but Elena dithered and made so many wrong choices that I quickly found her unlikeable. Healers should want to heal, but she had to be forced into taking care of a burnt child. There were also too many convenient solutions in the plot: tunnels appeared that no one knew about, the means for the poison was unrealistic, and so on. Still, it's a quick read. I just thought there was potential for much more to this story.
Symon was an alright hero, but Elena dithered and made so many wrong choices that I quickly found her unlikeable. Healers should want to heal, but she had to be forced into taking care of a burnt child. There were also too many convenient solutions in the plot: tunnels appeared that no one knew about, the means for the poison was unrealistic, and so on. Still, it's a quick read. I just thought there was potential for much more to this story.
September 8, 2011
I resisted Lauren Wittig books because, IMO, Highland romances tend to be a bit schlocky. Since reading Diana G's Outlander series, I tend to hold all romances (esp. about Highlanders) up to her strong stories and characters.
Wittig surprises me, yet again, weaving a tale of two lost souls who haven't a clue how much they need each other -- resisting all the way. It sounds schlocky, but it's not. It's well done, with a good touch of prophecy, healing, and Highland life in the 1300s.
I truly enjoyed this story, and I hope Ms. Wittig writes about these characters again.
Wittig surprises me, yet again, weaving a tale of two lost souls who haven't a clue how much they need each other -- resisting all the way. It sounds schlocky, but it's not. It's well done, with a good touch of prophecy, healing, and Highland life in the 1300s.
I truly enjoyed this story, and I hope Ms. Wittig writes about these characters again.
Shelved as 'own-under-diff-title-or-anthology'
December 16, 2014Fabulous Firsts: A Boxed Set of Eleven Full-Length Series-Starter Novels (Jewels of Historical Romance)
January 21, 2022
Loved this story. A little bit of mystery and a really bad villain. The hero is troubled by headaches that bring him near to madness, yet when he rescues the heroine he vows to protect her. The heroine is a healer who can do great feats of healing and has been forced to abuse the supernatural power she's been given. As their love grows, decisions must be made on how to protect themselves, their clans, and their love from those that would force them into oblivion. Characters are likable and relatable.
January 27, 2019
An old friend
I bought this many years ago and when I saw it, I had to get the kindle version. It is every bit as good as I remember. It’s a tale of a healer and the lengths men use to use others to gain power. It’s also a sweet romance. Boy rescues girl. Girl fights attraction. A delicate battle occurs as the couple try to find a traitor in their midst. It’s a good historical romance.
I bought this many years ago and when I saw it, I had to get the kindle version. It is every bit as good as I remember. It’s a tale of a healer and the lengths men use to use others to gain power. It’s also a sweet romance. Boy rescues girl. Girl fights attraction. A delicate battle occurs as the couple try to find a traitor in their midst. It’s a good historical romance.
July 24, 2018
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. This is the reason I read historical romance. At the end of the book I was just.....happy. Still not even sure why but it was nice.
August 24, 2018
Another free kindle unlimited book. Not worth reading.
September 8, 2021
Absolument Captivant
Très bon roman. J'ai adoré le lire, en deux jours. J'ai toujours été captivé par l'Écosse et la vie d'antan. Je le recommande fortement.
Très bon roman. J'ai adoré le lire, en deux jours. J'ai toujours été captivé par l'Écosse et la vie d'antan. Je le recommande fortement.
March 5, 2022
bon petit livre
Simple mais bien écrit,intrigue facile pas de casse tête.un livre rapidement lu.j aurais aimé plus d intrigues ,peut-être même un deuxième tome…
Simple mais bien écrit,intrigue facile pas de casse tête.un livre rapidement lu.j aurais aimé plus d intrigues ,peut-être même un deuxième tome…
September 26, 2012
The story starts with Elena of Lamont, the chief’s daughter and secret village healer, being attacked by a clan member who wants to manipulate the chief-ship of the clan from her and her father. She manages to escape and runs into Symon MacLachlan, chief of a neighbouring clan and well-known by his reputation as The Devil Of Kilmartin (so-called because everyone thinks he’s mad and possessed by the devil). He protects her and takes her back to his village with a plan of persuading her to stay with him and heal his madness.
The start of the book left me a little unsure of how I would feel about the story overall. A lot of this was due to the supernatural themes of healing powers and possession running through the beginning of the story, I didn’t completely buy into it at first. This was also added to by the introduction of a prophecy, provided by a seemingly mad old woman who lived on the outskirts of the village. Reading The Legacy books first had left me with certain expectations, which in hindsight, I am sure were unfair of me to carry over to a completely different story. However, I knew that I had appreciated Wittig’s writing before so I pushed my uncertainty to one side and carried on reading.
The story continues with doubt on both parts and a lot of clan drama from the MacLachlans, including Symon’s seemingly power-hungry brother Ranald attempting to manipulate power from his brother, and Elena’s attacker Dougal waging war on the MacLachlan clan for harbouring “his” woman. The clan itself is given a lot of character, in its suspicion of Symon and his abilities to lead their clan safely, with certain characters coming to the forefront more than others, including a charming appearance by a little girl named Fia. Fia tugged on my heartstrings throughout the book, with her innocent approach to everything and her vulnerability as the plot plays out. She was an unexpected addition to the story and a very pleasant surprise.
The build up of the story is slow and steady, with a lot of focus being placed on the relationship between Elena and Symon and how it changes over time. However, the climax of the story is worth the patience asked for from the reader, as a twist in the plot leads to all strands of the story coming together in a very unexpected way. By the middle to end of the story, I had completely forgotten about my supernatural qualms and had found myself completely lost in the story regardless of it’s real-life plausibility. There is a lot of doubt that plays out between the protagonists, but there is also respect and caring to take into consideration, and we as the reader are permitted to experience those emotions as much as the characters seem to.
The supernatural qualities given to each of the main protagonists actually served to give the characters an extra dimension, something that was not necessarily achieved to the same level in Wittig’s Legacy novels. Elena initially comes across as vulnerable and meek, with a small ounce of strength and defiance within her, but as the story progresses the reader learns to appreciate the courage that has been required of her in her life to this point. The end of the novel leaves the reader with an Elena that is strong, clever and content. Symon is initially portrayed as a distant, tormented, dangerous soul, but as he spends more time with Elena and the reason for his reputation becomes clearer, we see a soft, gentle, courageous man whose only concern is the happiness of his clan. In short, Wittig has been extremely clever in her writing style, in that she has written the story in such a way as to allow the reader to take the same journeys with the characters of her protagonists as the protagonists themselves take within the story.
When I first started reading The Devil Of Kilmartin, I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy it as much as I had enjoyed the Legacy books, but it turns out I had no need to worry. The tone of the book, and the depth of the characters was perfectly pitched and I couldn’t put the book down from start to finish. It was the kind of book I’d be ready to read again and again and again.
The start of the book left me a little unsure of how I would feel about the story overall. A lot of this was due to the supernatural themes of healing powers and possession running through the beginning of the story, I didn’t completely buy into it at first. This was also added to by the introduction of a prophecy, provided by a seemingly mad old woman who lived on the outskirts of the village. Reading The Legacy books first had left me with certain expectations, which in hindsight, I am sure were unfair of me to carry over to a completely different story. However, I knew that I had appreciated Wittig’s writing before so I pushed my uncertainty to one side and carried on reading.
The story continues with doubt on both parts and a lot of clan drama from the MacLachlans, including Symon’s seemingly power-hungry brother Ranald attempting to manipulate power from his brother, and Elena’s attacker Dougal waging war on the MacLachlan clan for harbouring “his” woman. The clan itself is given a lot of character, in its suspicion of Symon and his abilities to lead their clan safely, with certain characters coming to the forefront more than others, including a charming appearance by a little girl named Fia. Fia tugged on my heartstrings throughout the book, with her innocent approach to everything and her vulnerability as the plot plays out. She was an unexpected addition to the story and a very pleasant surprise.
The build up of the story is slow and steady, with a lot of focus being placed on the relationship between Elena and Symon and how it changes over time. However, the climax of the story is worth the patience asked for from the reader, as a twist in the plot leads to all strands of the story coming together in a very unexpected way. By the middle to end of the story, I had completely forgotten about my supernatural qualms and had found myself completely lost in the story regardless of it’s real-life plausibility. There is a lot of doubt that plays out between the protagonists, but there is also respect and caring to take into consideration, and we as the reader are permitted to experience those emotions as much as the characters seem to.
The supernatural qualities given to each of the main protagonists actually served to give the characters an extra dimension, something that was not necessarily achieved to the same level in Wittig’s Legacy novels. Elena initially comes across as vulnerable and meek, with a small ounce of strength and defiance within her, but as the story progresses the reader learns to appreciate the courage that has been required of her in her life to this point. The end of the novel leaves the reader with an Elena that is strong, clever and content. Symon is initially portrayed as a distant, tormented, dangerous soul, but as he spends more time with Elena and the reason for his reputation becomes clearer, we see a soft, gentle, courageous man whose only concern is the happiness of his clan. In short, Wittig has been extremely clever in her writing style, in that she has written the story in such a way as to allow the reader to take the same journeys with the characters of her protagonists as the protagonists themselves take within the story.
When I first started reading The Devil Of Kilmartin, I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy it as much as I had enjoyed the Legacy books, but it turns out I had no need to worry. The tone of the book, and the depth of the characters was perfectly pitched and I couldn’t put the book down from start to finish. It was the kind of book I’d be ready to read again and again and again.
September 15, 2015
An unexpected twist at the end!
Elena is a healer and also the daughter of Fergus of the Lamont clan and when he goes missing and is eventually proved dead, Elena being the only child of Fergus it the rightful heir to Chief of Lamont. But it is not something she wants, she wants desperately to hand that role over to Ian, her cousin, but after being hurt during batter, Dougal tells her he is not healthy enough to run the clan. Dougal informs her that he will be chief, after they are married, but Elena has no desire to marry Dougal or have him become chief, as he is a wretched man who would only bring harm to the clan. After a struggle with Dougal, she rushes off, trying escape his clutches and he gives chase. It is here when she first comes in contact with Symon MacLachlan, chief of the MacLachlan clan and bitter enemy of the Lamont Clan. He helps Elena escape Dougal and what happens next.
Symon MacLachlan, believes he is mad and when he comes in contact with Elena the first time he feels this comfort he has never felt before. He believes her to be the healer that is so well known from the Lamont clan, but he is not sure if it is the healing spirit within her that comforts him or if it is something else.
This was a wonderful tale that started out a little slow, but quickly turned into a real page turner. I enjoyed it tremendously.
Elena is a healer and also the daughter of Fergus of the Lamont clan and when he goes missing and is eventually proved dead, Elena being the only child of Fergus it the rightful heir to Chief of Lamont. But it is not something she wants, she wants desperately to hand that role over to Ian, her cousin, but after being hurt during batter, Dougal tells her he is not healthy enough to run the clan. Dougal informs her that he will be chief, after they are married, but Elena has no desire to marry Dougal or have him become chief, as he is a wretched man who would only bring harm to the clan. After a struggle with Dougal, she rushes off, trying escape his clutches and he gives chase. It is here when she first comes in contact with Symon MacLachlan, chief of the MacLachlan clan and bitter enemy of the Lamont Clan. He helps Elena escape Dougal and what happens next.
Symon MacLachlan, believes he is mad and when he comes in contact with Elena the first time he feels this comfort he has never felt before. He believes her to be the healer that is so well known from the Lamont clan, but he is not sure if it is the healing spirit within her that comforts him or if it is something else.
This was a wonderful tale that started out a little slow, but quickly turned into a real page turner. I enjoyed it tremendously.
March 14, 2012
Elena of Lamont flees her home after her father's death to escape the brutality of her clansman, Dougal of Dunmore. Elena has the power to heal others but suffers their pain when doing so. Dougal is close to capturing Elena in the woods when she is rescued by Symon MacLachlan, chief of the Lachlan clan. Elena's healing touch gives Symon some reprieve from the painful affects of his "madness" and he becomes convinced that she is the legendary Lamont healer. Symon takes her into his clan, promising her protection, shelter, and eventually his love but Elena is less than receptive. He hopes that Elena will use her healing powers to help him and his clan but Elena is reluctant.
The Devil of Kilmartin was a disappointing read. The heroine was self-absorbed, condescending, and bitchy. I felt lukewarm about the hero. He's too weak for my taste: he not only puts up with Elena's crap, but keeps pawing after her; and, he suffers disrespect from his clan too readily.
I'm a huge fan of Laurin Wittig's MacLeods series and I really wanted to like this book too. But the story line was weak and the characters one-dimensional. The Devil of Kilmartin was Wittig's first novel and it showed. I recommend skipping this book and reading her more recent publications.
The Devil of Kilmartin was a disappointing read. The heroine was self-absorbed, condescending, and bitchy. I felt lukewarm about the hero. He's too weak for my taste: he not only puts up with Elena's crap, but keeps pawing after her; and, he suffers disrespect from his clan too readily.
I'm a huge fan of Laurin Wittig's MacLeods series and I really wanted to like this book too. But the story line was weak and the characters one-dimensional. The Devil of Kilmartin was Wittig's first novel and it showed. I recommend skipping this book and reading her more recent publications.
March 1, 2010
All her life, Elena's healing abilities have been exploited by her clan. She has been forced to heal warriors who would have otherwise died, giving her clan an edge that allowed them to continue fighting long after they should have fallen. But now she's had enough. Her father is dead, and a brutal outsider named Dougal has taken over the clan, even though Elena is the rightful heir. Dougal tries to force Elena to marry him to give his claim legitimacy, but she flees into the night. She is rescued by Symon MacLachlan. Symon, known as the Devil of Kilmartin, is an enemy of Elena's people. But he turns out to be a gentle man, plagued by a trouble soul and an unexplainable madness. Symon is desperate for Elena's help, and Elena needs his protection from Dougal. But soon their need for each other turns to love. I truly enjoyed this wonderful historical romance from a talented new author. I highly recommend this book to fans of Scottish or Medieval romances.
August 30, 2014
For the most part, the story was good. Not over the top great but it kept me reading to see how it all played out. I really liked Symon and his patience and strength when interacting with Elena. As for Elena, she was torn between doing what was right and wanting to be as normal as she could. She could have trusted Symon way sooner because it got old having to read about her second guessing him when it was clear he was one who could be trusted.
What I didn't care for was the author's frequent explanations and insertions into the story about the characters feelings. It felt forced. The interactions between the characters was enough to keep the story moving without all the extra.
I don't buy into the healing processes Elena used and would typically not read books like this, but since the description didn't mention anything about it, I didn't consider that when I gave it three stars.
What I didn't care for was the author's frequent explanations and insertions into the story about the characters feelings. It felt forced. The interactions between the characters was enough to keep the story moving without all the extra.
I don't buy into the healing processes Elena used and would typically not read books like this, but since the description didn't mention anything about it, I didn't consider that when I gave it three stars.
May 8, 2018
Elena of Lamont weiß das Sie fliehen muss. Denn ihr Vater kann sie nicht mehr beschützen. Bei ihrer Flucht trifft sie auf Symon MacLachlan und er rettet sie. Er hofft das sie ihn heilen kann, doch sie bestreitet eine Heilerin zu sein.
Es fängt ganz schön düster an. Es bleibt auch eher grau und dunkel, aber dadurch wird die Knospe der Liebe strahlend und schön durch die Dunkelheit brechen. :) Ok, die Charaktere sind sehr sympathisch und streitsüchtig. Das liebe ich ja. Elena und Symon können sich nicht unterhalten ohne das daraus ein Streit wird. Das gibt der ganzen Geschichte noch etwas Würze. Die Spannung bleibt dank der Krankheit von Symon spannend. Ein paar Wendungen fesseln einen an dieser Geschichte. Intrigen, Liebe und Leidenschaft machen das Buch zu einem Erlebnis und man will es nicht aus der Hand legen bis man das Rätsel gelöst hat. Das alles im Rahmen der Highlands.
Es fängt ganz schön düster an. Es bleibt auch eher grau und dunkel, aber dadurch wird die Knospe der Liebe strahlend und schön durch die Dunkelheit brechen. :) Ok, die Charaktere sind sehr sympathisch und streitsüchtig. Das liebe ich ja. Elena und Symon können sich nicht unterhalten ohne das daraus ein Streit wird. Das gibt der ganzen Geschichte noch etwas Würze. Die Spannung bleibt dank der Krankheit von Symon spannend. Ein paar Wendungen fesseln einen an dieser Geschichte. Intrigen, Liebe und Leidenschaft machen das Buch zu einem Erlebnis und man will es nicht aus der Hand legen bis man das Rätsel gelöst hat. Das alles im Rahmen der Highlands.
August 9, 2011
Short novel set in medieval Scotland. Elena is a healer, but needs/wants to escape her home as it has been commandeered by a usurper who is trying to force her to marry him. He also forces her to heal those he chooses, which is rapidly draining her strength. She finds rescue in Symon, a laird, who is plagued by what seem to be fits of madness. The fits are so severe that his own people distrust him, and call him the Devil of Kilmartin. Symon needs Elena's healing power but she doesn't want to get trapped somewhere else as a healer.
Symon had a lot more patience with Elena than a real medieval laird would have, but that's why we read historical romance, right? We love the storybook kind of hero!
Symon had a lot more patience with Elena than a real medieval laird would have, but that's why we read historical romance, right? We love the storybook kind of hero!
February 7, 2017
Love is stronger than any evil.
The people in Laurens stories are so true to my own feelings. I feel like I am part of the story.. Thank you.
The people in Laurens stories are so true to my own feelings. I feel like I am part of the story.. Thank you.
July 15, 2014
GENRE: Highlander romance, Historical romance
SETTING: Southwestern Highlands, Scotland Spring 1307
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: ELENA LAMONT, daughter of Fergus, chief of Lamont; a healer
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTERS: SYMON MacLACHLAN, chief of Clan Lachlan; a man plagued with extremely extreme headaches and dizziness.
SYNOPSIS: Dougal of Dunmore attempting to steal position of clan chief by forcing Elena into marriage. Seeing Elena being hunted down, Symon of MacLachlan fights Dougal in hopes of her healing his madness.
I give this book (THREE) stars because too much repetition of events and too much whining in the story.
SETTING: Southwestern Highlands, Scotland Spring 1307
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: ELENA LAMONT, daughter of Fergus, chief of Lamont; a healer
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTERS: SYMON MacLACHLAN, chief of Clan Lachlan; a man plagued with extremely extreme headaches and dizziness.
SYNOPSIS: Dougal of Dunmore attempting to steal position of clan chief by forcing Elena into marriage. Seeing Elena being hunted down, Symon of MacLachlan fights Dougal in hopes of her healing his madness.
I give this book (THREE) stars because too much repetition of events and too much whining in the story.
October 15, 2011
I love historical romance for a couple reasons. I enjoy being transported back to a time I never knew, to see and feel the costumes of the day, to hear the language spoken and to immerse myself in an unknown culture. And of course I love love stories. With Devil of Kilmartin, Ms. Wittig delivered on all counts, plus a touch of fantasy. I kept wondering what it would be like to have the kind of healing powers the heroine holds, to step inside a circle of grass to find magic within, and when I clicked past the final page on my Kindle, I felt like I was saying goodbye to new friends. :-)
December 3, 2015
Elena finds herself being defended by the Devil of Kilmartin, who just happens to be out of his mind at the time. Her healing powers make her a coveted prize and she has been held hostage by an evil man trying to take over her clan in the absence of her father.
The Devil is really a kind clan leader Symon Lachlan, who is slowly being driven crazy, so he thinks as does his clan. Elena discovers it is not the case at all but one of his being poisoned. She cures him and now he wants to own her. She feels likes she' jumped from the frying pan into the fire.
The Devil is really a kind clan leader Symon Lachlan, who is slowly being driven crazy, so he thinks as does his clan. Elena discovers it is not the case at all but one of his being poisoned. She cures him and now he wants to own her. She feels likes she' jumped from the frying pan into the fire.
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