Book Review: Between a Highlander and a Hard Place by Mary Wine

Author: Mary Wine

Title: Between a Highlander and a Hard Place

Series: Highland Weddings #5

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 320

Published:  November 6, 2018

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Athena Trappes thinks she's in love...until she discovers the scoundrel only wanted her as his bit on the side. Enraged, she does what any spirited Englishwoman would set fire to his belongings, incur his dangerous wrath, and flee—immediately. With nowhere else to turn, she seeks freedom in the wilds of Scotland.

Highland Laird Symon Grant lost his wife years ago, and it's his duty to find another. Athena is not exactly what the clan has in mind for him, but Symon's heart burns with unexpected passion for the woman who would risk everything to be free.

Review:

Weee Symon's story!!!

Here we continue with seeing Symon finally find love after an arranged marriage. It's his duty to marry and provide an heir, but no one seems to fit what he wants...until he meets Athena Trappes. Athena thought she was in love until she discovered that he only wanted her as a mistress since he had his eyes on a richer prize. She runs away and seeks a new life. 

This was all unrealistic and sometimes silly, but for some reason it all seemed to be crazy enough to work. 

I liked Symon and Athena. They were perfect for each other. I loved the fact that Symon fell hard first and fell fast. Athena was worried...but look at happened when she thought she loved someone? So I get her taking time and made Symon do the work to woo her. 

The external and internal struggles worked very well. I loved the whole scene with the King near the end. I was unsure how everything was going to play out. Bless you Brenda! You are the darling of the clan!

The ending left on a HUGE cliffhanger........what are they going to do? EEEE *requests the next book to the series right away from the library* I gotta know. 

My biggest issue with the book.............Athena's name. The probablity of a 16th century English woman having that name is slim to none. It bugged me. Maybe there was one or two but one of nobility? Eeeee not sure about that one captain!

All-in-all, just a couple little bugs that annoyed me, but I enjoyed this quite a bit. The last couple have been just okay, but this was much better and worth wading through the others to get here. 4 stars from me.

 

Favorite Character(s): Brenda

Least Favorite Character(s): Esme......

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #14

Book Review: Highland Flame by Mary Wine

Author: Mary Wine

Title: Highland Flame

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 313

Published: September 5, 2017

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Laird Diocail Gordon has just come into his title and inherited his father’s run down castle and rag-tag clan. He knows the sorry sight of the castle would send any woman running, but is determined to find a wife to help return his home to its former glory.

Widow Jane Stafford is on a mission—return to England even if it means trudging through the Scottish Highlands on foot. Her travels lead her straight to the path of danger until a mysterious, brawny man comes out of nowhere and saves her—and the spark between them is immediate. With a target on Jane’s back, she knows the only way to stay safe is to go with Diocail. But the real trouble will be guarding her heart from her newly ignited Highland flame…

Review:

Been meaning to push forward in this series for a while now, but you know life....things sometimes get forgotten or pushed back. But yayy. Finally back on track!

Here we follow Jane and Diocail. Jane is a newly made widow and she isn't sad about it. He was a bad husband in a lot of ways. She wants to go home one way or another even if that means walking the whole way. However, her plans are thwarted when she is saved by Diocail. He has just inherited his father's clan and it needs some serious work to get the clan back to it's former glory. First step...find a good and loyal wife to help. Jane is not that woman, but he can't help but be enchanted by the little English spitfire. 

This was a nice read. Loved Diocail and Jane. There is some drama, but nothing major. There are major trust issues they both have to work through...especially at the end. However, as every HR tells you......they work it out and they live happily ever after. 

I do wish we had more external drama that didn't involve someone trying to continuously kidnap Jane. Ugh. It got old. I would've liked a little more drama that might've brought Diocail and Jane together. I think it would've been nice to see them work on a problem together maybe. There is an external story going on at the same time, but it seemed to be slowed down to nearly a pause here. Hopefully we see more action in the next.

What else to say?

Loved Muir. 

Loved Jane and Diocail. You could see the lust and love bubbling there. They were perfect for each other even before they knew it. 

I can't wait to get to Brenda's book. She is my favorite but her book is last. We have one more tale to read before then. 

All-in-all, I have enjoyed the series so far. It is a cute and has some lovely steamy scenes. And the story is fun to watch unfold! This was a little slower for the external story, but still fun overall. I'll give this a 3. 

Favorite Character(s): Brenda is my girl

Least Favorite Character(s): The baddie(s) here

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #13

- Romance Reading #17 (Highland in title)

Blodeuedd's Monday: Laird of Misrule by Mary Wine

By: Mary Wine

Narrated by: Antony Ferguson

Series: The Enchanted Well, Book 1

Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins

Release date: 03-25-25

Publisher: Tantor Media

Categories: Historical romance

Recieved from tantor for a review

Wine sure does writing about bitchy women who tries to bully our heroine. It is not the first time.

I so disliked the lady of the manor. I wanted to slap her, sooo much. Ok backtrack.

Prudence is a puritan who ventures out to a Samhain fire. Her puritan dad would not like that. She meets a hot Scot and he helps her home. Because the party is getting wild and he is a gentleman.

In comes bitchy Lady of the Hay. Dugan is a bastard, and his father´s wife does not like that he is so respected. She fears for her own son. While Dugan does not really give an F about lairdship. So this horrid woman kidnaps Prudence and says it is for her own good because evil Dugan spoiled her and her family would have cast her out. Why you wonder, well the Scots hates the English and Prue is English so they will loose respect for Dugan when he has to marry her. Arghhh, it made me so mad! Prudence was so nice, Dugan was so nice. And many others were not.

But these two trust together will fall in love, and Prudence will show she is more than just a sweet girl.

I enjoyed it, and Anthony Ferguson is always a brilliant narrator. I like his Scottish accent and this is not my first Wine book by him. They are always fun to listen too.

Tonight, Dugan planned to make sure the little lass venturing out to peek at her future got what she was looking for.

One moonlit encounter. That was all it might ever be, and yet, Dugan discovered he craved more. Much more. At the end of the harvest, Samhain bonfires had been held under the moon for as long as anyone remembered. Were they sinful? Perhaps. But they were fun, and Dugan intended to give himself another chance to see the lass he’d encountered at the well.

Tonight though, he’d go so far as becoming the Laird of Misrule. The position came with a very pretty queen consort while the bonfire blazed.

Her mother warned her against indulging in impulses. But that didn’t stop Braylin from sneaking out to dance around the bonfire on the first night of Samhain. It was a chance to be free, if only for one stolen moment.

But fate has other ideas. Dugan is illegitimate, and his stepmother is determined to make sure he will never inherit the Hay lairdship. When the lady hears that Dugan has danced the night away with an English, a Puritan girl, it’s the perfect chance to ensure her own son inherits instead of Dugan. For if Lady Hay brings the English girl to Hay land, Dugan will have to wed her or see his honor tarnished.

Book Review: Highland Hellion by Mary Wine

Author: Mary Wine

Title: Highland Hellion

(Highland Weddings #3)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 320 

Published:  June 6th 2017

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

KATHERINE CAREW

Illegitimate daughter of an English earl… Abducted to Scotland at age 14… No family, no reputation… No rules

ROLFE MCTAVISH

Heir to an honorable Highland laird… Can’t believe how well tomboy Kate can fight… About to learn how much of a woman she really is

Scotland is seething with plots, the vengeful Gordons are spoiling for a fight, and the neighboring clans are at each other’s throats. All it takes is a passionate hellion with a penchant for reckless adventure to ignite the Highlands once more.

Review:

Yayy book 3!!

Here we follow Katherine and Rolfe. It has been a few years since the last book ended. Katherine is the illegitimate daughter of an English earl. She was technically abducted by Marcus and taken to Scotland when she was 14, but in reality, Marcus saved her and gave her freedom. Rolfe is the heir to an honorable Highland laird. Scotland is seething with plots, the Gordons are spoiling for a fight, and the neighboring clans are at each other's throats. Perhaps a reckless adventure from Katherine the Hellion can save her clan and the others. 

This does work as a standalone, but I would suggest at least reading book 2. There is some backstory I think would be helpful in understanding Marcus and Katherine. Oh! And you will only truly appreciate and love Brenda Grant if you read at least book 2. That poor thing deserves the world!!

Katherine was allowed to learn how to fight because Marcus was worried about her being English and people may want to hurt her or even use her as a pawn. However, he may have given her too much freedom because she does get herself in some trouble. Yes, she was doing the right thing but thank goodness Rolfe feels indebted to her and saves her butt. 

Rolfe is a good egg. Not sure how that happened because his father is an asshat and selfish and mean. Loved Rolfe. He is the perfect match for Katherine and she to him. They are perfect for each other but it does take a minute for them to see it and not just think it is lust. 

I was so nervous for our folks. I like them all and want them happy. There are some new faces so we shall what happens in the book. I want to see Brenda find love. I want her cousin to find love. I also want Rolfe's mentor to find love or some sort of happiness. He is a wise and kind man. He is the only reason why Rolfe isn't like his father. 

The last two I did the audio version of. This time I did the ebook (mainly because the audio was not available at my library...only the ebook). It worked well even though I did sort of miss the narrator's voice sometimes. But this did well without someone narrating so you can't go wrong. 

Now...I did struggle for a small chunk of the book. The beginning started off so great, but then it seemed to come to a screeching halt for a few chapters. I just wanted things to go but the plot seemed to be stuck in the mud. Once a certain event happened, then we were back off to the races and I couldn't put it down. 

I hope we see more of them in the next book. I want to see Katherine and Rolfe stand up more against his father and the others who hate her. There are a lot of loose ends with that household that need tying up. 

There is also a huge cliffhanger from some of our characters. Hopefully, we get to see some more resolutions. 

In the end, I enjoyed this. I loved watching Rolfe and Katherine find each other. Save each other. And finally, find love. It took a while for them to get past the lust stage and actually trust each other. There was one big lull, but once you get past that you won't be able to put it down. There are some loose ends I hope get tied up in book 4. But yes, this was good and I enjoyed it. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Highland Vixen by Mary Wine

Author: Mary Wine

Narrator: Antony Ferguson

Title: Highland Vixen

(Highland Weddings #2)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: February 7th 2017

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Fierce Highland war chief seeks comely lass for fun, frolic, and marriage

Marcus MacPherson is every inch the fearsome Highlander. He's used to men averting their eyes and women cowering before him. He thinks he'll eventually settle down with a nice, obedient bride. Instead, he gets Helen Grant... Stubborn as the day is long, fearless and dedicated to raising as much hell as possible, Helen is definitely going to challenge Marcus. And challenge him some more. And then some.

It's anyone's guess who'll win this battle of the heart... 

Review:

Read book 1 a while back. Seen this one as an audio from my library so why not. 

We follow Marcus who is every inch the fearsome Highlander. He's used to men averting their eyes and women cowering. Not Helen Grant though. She is stubborn, fearless, and dedicated to challenging Marcus every step of the way. 

I barely remember the happenings from book 1...it has been so long, but this did okay as a standalone. There were some reminders and conversations about the events of the past, so I was able to remember some stuff. 

I remember not liking Marcus AT all from book 1. I think that is why I didn't hustle to read book 2. He is an arse with a couple A. However...we got to learn more about him and see the real man behind the tough exterior. He really had to earn Helen's love! GOOD. She didn't just give in. It took a while. 

Which, I love Helen. She was perfect for Marcus and never lost an inch of herself. They will make an excellent team. I feel like there are some bad storms heading towards the MacPherson lands. Darn, that Earl. 

Ugh...I did get really annoyed at how often poor Helen was kidnapped and taken throughout not only book 1, but here too. Sighs. I just wanted her to grab a sword and be her own hero.

Awwww poor Brenda. She deserves the world and then some! I am really mad at how dirty the author did her. I believe she gets a book of her own later on, so that person better be a saint and bow down at her feet. She is a hero!

The narrator was good. I enjoyed his voices overall. The girls all sounded the same, but if you pay attention there were small changes. 

Overall, I enjoyed this. Lots of drama. Lots of issues between Marcus and Helen, BUT it was needed. I am mad about how badly Brenda was treated, so I hope she gets her justice soon. In the end, I'll give this 3 stars

Challenge(s):
- #27 for Audiobook challenge

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: The Highlander's Destiny by Mary Wine

Narrated by: Timothy Campbell

Series: Highland Rogues, Book 2

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Release date: 07-20-21

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

To review

I do wish at that one book would have a woman come in to a new keep and everyone would be all; Nice to meet you! Oh we like you, let's be friends! But alas no, everyone be bitches.

Cora has an intended she has never met. But she is fierce, strong, and sure she would like to meet him, but she also wants more.

Faolan is a bastard, and well that blurb is weird. The whole keep is close to the coast and that tower is used for protection. A lot of people gets sent there. But many are asshats since he is the son of the previous ruler, and his half brother rules now.

Faolan and Cora meets during a storm. Why she isn't just sent back the next day, dunno. But instead she meet everyone at the castle. Ugh everyone is calculating, or mean. There is always a bitchy woman too. But things does progress quickly. Things go down and since we all know they will fall in love they will. A rocky road, but she wont let anyone hold her down, not the Church (booo you guys), or someone else.

I do like these books. Some hardships and love conquers all, and then everyone thinks they are awesome.

I also like that there are always new characters that intrigue me. I want Rolf to find someone, and Cormac. I need those books

I also think the narrator is great. I have listened to lots of highland romances with him now and I think he is great at accents and different voices. He fits well

Faolan McKay was the spawn of recklessness. A child conceived by moonlight outside the bonds of wedlock. His mother was banished to the rocky shores of the Highlands where she committed an even greater sin than seducing the laird’s son—she survived. And raised her son to be everything everyone whispered about him. To be feared was better than any position or sword.

Cora Mackenzie has been promised since she was five. But her intended has never even penned her a single note. Cora takes to the moors, finding satisfaction in building strength and pitting herself against the elements. She discovers a thirst for succeeding where everyone says a girl shouldn't.

Faolan wasn't one for tales by the firelight, but seeing the woman perched on the rocks of his island made him stop and stare. Battered by the wind and rain, she cared nothing for her hair or dress. Instead, she stood in the face of the elements, celebrating her survival. Aye, a mythical creature, one he should ignore but just can't seem to. Fate has locked them together, leaving him battling to resist the pull of his guest.

Whether or not she wants to know the man who saved her isn't up to her. A storm forces them to shelter together or die if they attempt to leave. She might not survive the encounter, but it's hardly the first time life has offered Cora no choice but to face what is placed before her.

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: The Highlander's Demand by Mary Wine

Narrated by: Tim Campbell

Series: Highland Rogues, Book 1

Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins

Release date: 12-17-20

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

To review

Maybe it is the times we live in, but I felt Rhedyn deserved better. I know it got good in the end, but if these times have thought me anything, you do not need toxic people around. You are much happier without them.

Buchanan thinks Rhedyn's dad was behind the death of Buchanan's half brother. So he takes Rhedyn to settle the score. Of course every asshole in the keep thinks she should be killed, like hello, what did she do? Where is the evidence against her dad? So Buchanan is always kind, I do not blame him, he thought he did the best thing cos he did not want to start a war. And he does look after her, but, omg everyone at the keep is horrid. I mean this book had me crying because they were so evil. And at the end everyone is forgiven, like no, I do not forgive you! Rhedyn was way too nice, I would have told them all to shove it and leave, even though Buchanan was a total hottie, and kind, just, the people! Though his sister was nice, and her champion

Oh I rambled, but hello, it made me cry cos they were so mean.

Love conquers everything, and mean people turn nice, and even evil people have happy endings (even though they totally do not deserve it). Only the baddest baddie got what he deserved.

I enjoyed it, but aye, it was sad too. But Mary Wine never disappoints me, her highlanders are always so fierce.

Male narrator! Oh he got me, great voices and a total feel for the story told . He made the accent thick so I had to listen and not stray as I sometimes do, which is a good thing then

Buchanan Mackenzie is a new laird, and he’s about to be tested. When his half-brother is killed, he must seek vengeance or face the rage of his clansmen. Beyond spilling blood, fate offers him another solution. Taking the daughter of his enemy will appease his angry men, but it leaves him struggling to find peace over making a hostage of a woman.

Rhedyn Lindsey has been raised to shoulder her duty. For her kin and clan, she will make the best of a future that will be decided based on alliances. But she never expects it to come in the form of being taken as a hostage.

In an instant, her life is turned inside out. Perhaps for the best, though, for the alternative would have been to see her father's blood spilled. Now she’s at the mercy of a man who has every reason to hate her. Regardless of what fate throws her way, she won’t crumble. She’ll stand up to Buchanan Mackenzie. Just because she’s a woman, doesn’t mean she lacks courage.

Will Buchanan Mackenzie give in to the demands of his men who seek revenge for the death of his half-brother, or will he rely on the wisdom his beloved father taught him, and take his time in deciding what will happen to his beautiful captive—Rhedyn Lindsey—a woman who has captured his attention, respect, and quite possibly his heart?

Audiobook Review: Highland Spitefire by Mary Wine

Author: Mary Wine
Narrator: Antony Ferguson
Title: Highland Spitfire
(Highland Weddings #1)
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: February 2nd 2016
Where I Got It: My shelf (Xmas Gift)


Passion flares between enemies
Two hotheaded Highlanders, the offspring of feuding lairds, are tricked by the King's Regent into a desperate choice: marry or die. Bhaic MacPherson is more disposed to lead his clan into battle than stay married to the daughter of his enemy. But perhaps the intensity of his feelings has more to do with desire than hostility.

And the Highlands ignite
Ailis Robertson wanted a husband, not a savage-but when her family was faced with a deadly ultimatum, she had no choice. The union of a MacPherson and a Robertson could end three generations of hostilities between the two families, but can bitter rivals truly become lovers?

Thank you to Blodeuedd for this as my xmas gift! :) She spoiled me and got me a few audios a couple xmases ago. 

The story follows Bhaic and Ailis. The two are from feuding lairds. They are tricked by the King's Regent into either getting married and ending the feud or the lairds being killed. Do you blame the Regent? This feud has caused SO MUCH WAR AND DEATH! He wants peace. So the two are rational and get married. However, there is a lot of issues between these two enemies. As there would be. A couple of generations of hate doesn't stop in a single night for sure. 

I felt so bad for Ailis. She really got the crappy end of the deal. SHE has to go with her enemies and live among them. They spit at her and call her names and are asshats to her. Poor girl, but she is strong and she is smart. She realizes the only way to gain their trust is to prove herself and be the bigger person. Kuddos to her. 

Sure Bhaic has his issues too. There is a woman he thinks is hot, but she is the enemy and he is expected to bed her properly. Conflicting emotions for sure. 

I am soooooooooo glad it took an eon for the two to finally love each other. They had the lust but the love and trust are hard earned. Lots of bickering. Lots of hurt feelings. Lots of growing up. I liked it and it felt realistic. 

Grrr I did not like Marcus. Sure, he had his reasons for being horrible to Ailis, but still. He DOES get better at the end there and he actually ends up liking Ailis. Sure. But Grrr and he is the star in book 2...so I am unsure about that one. 

I really had no major issues with the story. There was a lot of repeating bits that got annoying. Like yes, I get it and I remember. However, it didn't bug me TOO much. 

The narrator was pretty good. He had a pleasant voice. He had the same girl voice for all the girl voices so you had to be paying attention. Other than that, no issues. I liked him and I want to listen to more. 

Overall, I liked this story. It was good. Only a couple small hiccups, but easy to look past. I am a little unsure of book 2. Marcus rubbbed me the wrong way. Sure he got better, but I was convinced he was up to something. Haha. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Whooo! Highlander *stamps*