Historical
romance fans won't be surprised to see how many Scottish romances we
have on our list of "feuding families." There is nothing like a pair
of star-crossed lovers from opposite clans in Scotland to capture
our romantic hearts! But whether lovers on our list are Scottish,
the modern day incarnation of a happier Romeo and Juliet, or Tony
and Maria in West Side Story (feuding gangs), the story of love
prevailing over conflict will always transpire in romance…heart
warming isn't it?
Thank goodness for love at first
sight–without it none of these lovers would be together. Blood
feuds are as passionate as the lovers that threaten to dissolve
them. Whether it's a century-old dispute between clansmen, or rival
law firms fighting over the same case, one thing remains constant:
both parties think they're right! Is compromise possible? Lovers are
the only ones foolish enough to risk it all for their greatest
passion–and in the process heal the wrongs committed in the
name of love!
What's The Appeal?
The Capulets and the Montagues, the
Hatfields and the McCoys–two sets of families that couldn't be
more different, yet share a vital similarity: they hate one another.
Whether real or imagined, these are families that have feuded over
land, power and status, and have betrayed each other somewhere along
the way.
When Romeo and Juliet meet and fall in love, they see
beyond their last names but can't share their love–the vendetta
between the families is so deep-seated that the hatred will never
dissipate.
True love is such an intense emotion, that when you
find it you want to share it with the world–particularly with
those closest to you. When your family chooses to condemn rather
than rejoice in your union, you are forced to make a terrible
choice. Isn't it paradoxical that when you find togetherness with
your lover, you must choose estrangement from your family?
As a
result, the foundation of the romance must be based on secrecy and
lies. Stealth and subterfuge prevail, adding to the mystique of the
love, but sharpening the loneliness and the loss. Lovers who gain so
much must lose as well.
If your family categorically rejects the
partner you have selected based on their bloodline, they may reject
your offspring, too. And if your family is predisposed to hate your
kids because of their genetics, how can you explain that to them?
But even in an arranged marriage you might not have your parents'
approval, for royalty would often marry mortal enemies to stop blood
feuds.
Fortunately, our traditional romances end happily, and not
as poignantly or as tragically as Romeo and Juliet's.
-Kate Ryan
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