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The Sutherlands #1
The Highlander's Prize
BASTARD ROYAL DAUGHTER, PAWN IN A DEADLY GAME
Sent to Scotland to be the king’s mistress and produce an heir, Clarrisa of York has never needed a miracle more. But the brusque Highland laird who kidnaps her is a bit too rough to be considered divine intervention.
HE’LL DO ANYTHING TO THWART HIS KING
With rival lairds determined to steal Clarrisa from him and royal henchmen searching for her all over the Highlands, Laird Broen MacNicols has a mess on his hands. Worse yet, there’s a magnetic attraction between them, although he’s betrothed to another. But even an independent–minded lady like Clarrisa knows that a Highlander always claims his prize…
Sent to Scotland to be the king’s mistress and produce an heir, Clarrisa of York has never needed a miracle more. But the brusque Highland laird who kidnaps her is a bit too rough to be considered divine intervention.
HE’LL DO ANYTHING TO THWART HIS KING
With rival lairds determined to steal Clarrisa from him and royal henchmen searching for her all over the Highlands, Laird Broen MacNicols has a mess on his hands. Worse yet, there’s a magnetic attraction between them, although he’s betrothed to another. But even an independent–minded lady like Clarrisa knows that a Highlander always claims his prize…
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
215 people are currently reading
1798 people want to read
About the author
Mary Wine
83 books817 followersMary Wine has written over twenty novels that take her readers from the pages of history to the far reaches of space. Recent winner of a 2008 EPPIE Award for erotic western romance, her book LET ME LOVE YOU was quoted “Not to be missed…” by Lora Leigh, New York Times best-selling author.
When she’s not abusing a laptop, she spends time with her sewing machines…all of them! Making historical garments is her second passion. From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date. She’s also an active student of martial arts, having earned the rank of second degree black belt.
When she’s not abusing a laptop, she spends time with her sewing machines…all of them! Making historical garments is her second passion. From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date. She’s also an active student of martial arts, having earned the rank of second degree black belt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
did-not-finish
January 26, 2016DNF @ 40%
I guess my DNF shelf was feeling lonely with neglect. Well here shelfie....TAKE IT. This was probably more of 'too many books not enough time, I have no patience for this' kind of deal. I usually never have trouble reading Highlander books and I probably could have finished this one. I could...if I had the patience or care. For some reason nothing here was clicking for me. I felt nothing for the hero, no matter how gruff and ruggedly handsome he sounded. The lack of depth to the characters and loose careless world building also didn't help matters. But what really cinched it for me was the insufferable tstl heroine Clarrisa.
I just wanted someone to drop this haughty little know-it-all on her head and be done with it. Good grief. She is the perfect example of what authors should not do when they try to write an independent out-spoken heroine. Having your leading lady question, challenge, and argue every. single. thing. the hero says simply because she sees it as her right is not brave or courageous to me. It's down right idiotic especially when said heroine argues & questions the hero at the most inopportune times--like saving her ass from the clutches of a sex crazed perverted king.
Oh no. She needs to wave her flag and stand her ground cause that's what brave lasses do in those days, don't you know? With endless thrusts of her chin and a toss of her head (is this woman a horse??..please stop) she's just pure fire, bless her heart. And she knows the way of men. She overheard it from the maids before her elders spirited her away to her ivory tower. BUT SHE KNOWS EVERYTHING.
I'm sorry but this trite cliche never worked for me. I need more than haughty chin thrusting and waspish retorts to convince me someone is courageous and brave. I tried numerous times to just keep trudging on but Clarrisa's mouth made it impossible. Lawd this girl had more sass than common sense and reason.
And what era was this supposed to be set in where the English heroine wears her hair down in long braids and wears a hat?? I found that odd. And the hero who is a Scottish laird wears a bonnet which I'm assuming is a beret of some kind. Isn't that specifically for only high ranking military formal uniform? Like I said the details are super loose and all over the place. And I don't know why but the visual of these huge Highlander warriors lifting their 'plaids' up over their heads to sit on the ground gave me a serious case of the giggles. I know it's not the same as a kilt but still...
Yep. That's all I got.
I guess my DNF shelf was feeling lonely with neglect. Well here shelfie....TAKE IT. This was probably more of 'too many books not enough time, I have no patience for this' kind of deal. I usually never have trouble reading Highlander books and I probably could have finished this one. I could...if I had the patience or care. For some reason nothing here was clicking for me. I felt nothing for the hero, no matter how gruff and ruggedly handsome he sounded. The lack of depth to the characters and loose careless world building also didn't help matters. But what really cinched it for me was the insufferable tstl heroine Clarrisa.
I just wanted someone to drop this haughty little know-it-all on her head and be done with it. Good grief. She is the perfect example of what authors should not do when they try to write an independent out-spoken heroine. Having your leading lady question, challenge, and argue every. single. thing. the hero says simply because she sees it as her right is not brave or courageous to me. It's down right idiotic especially when said heroine argues & questions the hero at the most inopportune times--like saving her ass from the clutches of a sex crazed perverted king.
Oh no. She needs to wave her flag and stand her ground cause that's what brave lasses do in those days, don't you know? With endless thrusts of her chin and a toss of her head (is this woman a horse??..please stop) she's just pure fire, bless her heart. And she knows the way of men. She overheard it from the maids before her elders spirited her away to her ivory tower. BUT SHE KNOWS EVERYTHING.
I'm sorry but this trite cliche never worked for me. I need more than haughty chin thrusting and waspish retorts to convince me someone is courageous and brave. I tried numerous times to just keep trudging on but Clarrisa's mouth made it impossible. Lawd this girl had more sass than common sense and reason.
And what era was this supposed to be set in where the English heroine wears her hair down in long braids and wears a hat?? I found that odd. And the hero who is a Scottish laird wears a bonnet which I'm assuming is a beret of some kind. Isn't that specifically for only high ranking military formal uniform? Like I said the details are super loose and all over the place. And I don't know why but the visual of these huge Highlander warriors lifting their 'plaids' up over their heads to sit on the ground gave me a serious case of the giggles. I know it's not the same as a kilt but still...
Yep. That's all I got.
December 13, 2013
Clarissa has always known that she is a bastard of England's King. Her mother died years before from a illness and she has been under her uncle's guardianship. Her uncle has ordered her up to Scotland to be Scotland's crown prince's leman (or also known as mistress). The last thing she desires is to be someones bed mate, but she has little choice. When she arrives in Scotland, she is kidnapped by Laird Broen, who is making a political move to benefit his clan. Ever since Broen's father died, he has had to take over responsibility of many who depend on him. So when he decides to kidnap the England King's bastard daughter, he never realized how his world would turn upside down. Broen believes he is doing her a favor, many would kill her even though she is innocent in this game that she has been brought into. From their first meeting sparks fly between Broen and Clarissa, and a passion erupts between them. Even though Broen is betrothed to another woman, and Clarissa has no future, it doesn't stop a beautiful love to blossom between the two.
I found The Highlander's Prize a lively romance that takes you back to medieval Scotland. This is the first in the Sutherland series, and the first book I have had a chance to read from by this author. I have been wanting to read her for quite some time. Many of her books have such magical romantic covers, and blurbs to match, so when I saw this title on the shelf of my local library, I couldn't resist. Besides I do love the arms of the cover model--pure gorgeous male specimen. I love anything set in the Medieval time period, but most especially set in Scotland, where war and passion rivaled any other country. This story is set in the 1400's, and the author does quite a good job on researching the time period and its very obvious in her writing. As a history buff, I am always impressed when a author does a job well done on a time period that would be challenging to write in. From the first few chapters, there is a delicious tension between Broen and Clarissa, and I was laughing quite a bit at the drama of it all. There is a instant attraction from the time Broen kidnaps Clarissa to the time where she is settles in his castle. In the beginning Clarissa tries to resist the attraction she feels toward her captor, but he is anything but a mean captor. He is passionate, tender and adventurous. The story only gains in its intensity and I was at the edge of my seat for the last half of it, wondering how these two would ever find their HEA. But going to spoil it a bit, and say that they did even though it was quite a fight before they were able to attain it.
I loved the characters in this story. As this is my first book from this author, I was impressed. Even though it took me a little while to really get into the story, once I did I was so glad I picked this one up. There was such a dramatic connection between the two, but not overly done, I enjoyed every moment these two lashed out at each other, quite entertaining. Broen is pure alpha male of this time period, throw a woman over the shoulder if she argues too much kind of man. Which is my favorite. Not subtle in any way. I loved how bold he was and willing to fight for what he loved the most. Clarissa is your usual spitfire heroine, but not hard on the inside. She does have a soft side, and I enjoyed seeing how the author balanced it out. Some of the side characters were very amusing, and there is a little start to a love story (which I believe they get their own story in the next installment in the series --so very excited to read that one :).
Overall a stellar romance that is set in beautiful Scotland, with plenty of humor, adventure, romance, and history. Mary Wine brings richness and excitement to this love story that is a keeper!!!
I found The Highlander's Prize a lively romance that takes you back to medieval Scotland. This is the first in the Sutherland series, and the first book I have had a chance to read from by this author. I have been wanting to read her for quite some time. Many of her books have such magical romantic covers, and blurbs to match, so when I saw this title on the shelf of my local library, I couldn't resist. Besides I do love the arms of the cover model--pure gorgeous male specimen. I love anything set in the Medieval time period, but most especially set in Scotland, where war and passion rivaled any other country. This story is set in the 1400's, and the author does quite a good job on researching the time period and its very obvious in her writing. As a history buff, I am always impressed when a author does a job well done on a time period that would be challenging to write in. From the first few chapters, there is a delicious tension between Broen and Clarissa, and I was laughing quite a bit at the drama of it all. There is a instant attraction from the time Broen kidnaps Clarissa to the time where she is settles in his castle. In the beginning Clarissa tries to resist the attraction she feels toward her captor, but he is anything but a mean captor. He is passionate, tender and adventurous. The story only gains in its intensity and I was at the edge of my seat for the last half of it, wondering how these two would ever find their HEA. But going to spoil it a bit, and say that they did even though it was quite a fight before they were able to attain it.
I loved the characters in this story. As this is my first book from this author, I was impressed. Even though it took me a little while to really get into the story, once I did I was so glad I picked this one up. There was such a dramatic connection between the two, but not overly done, I enjoyed every moment these two lashed out at each other, quite entertaining. Broen is pure alpha male of this time period, throw a woman over the shoulder if she argues too much kind of man. Which is my favorite. Not subtle in any way. I loved how bold he was and willing to fight for what he loved the most. Clarissa is your usual spitfire heroine, but not hard on the inside. She does have a soft side, and I enjoyed seeing how the author balanced it out. Some of the side characters were very amusing, and there is a little start to a love story (which I believe they get their own story in the next installment in the series --so very excited to read that one :).
Overall a stellar romance that is set in beautiful Scotland, with plenty of humor, adventure, romance, and history. Mary Wine brings richness and excitement to this love story that is a keeper!!!
August 12, 2012
It's fair to say I use a totally different set of criteria when reviewing my hunky highlander books than I do for any of my other genres. Really, I'm just looking to fall a little bit in love, or at the very least, enjoy watching the two main characters fall in love. And in this book, I got just that.
They are two very likeable main characters as well. You've got Clarrisa, illegitimate but acknowledged daughter of the late King of England, and you have Broen, the young, recently appointed Laird of the MacNicols clan. Both had their merits; Clarrisa was strong emotionally after the awful upbringing she'd received. It seemed no one really knew what to do with someone of royal blood that should on the one hand be respected, but as a bastard, was also to be sneered at. So it seemed they ostracised her quite a bit and this formed the incredible character we meet in this book, as she's about to be married off, or sold off is probably more accurate, to the King of Scotland who hopes to create ties to England with the marriage and to hopefully therefore prevent any future attacks.
Broen was a much more simple character but no less endearing. He is an attractive man and as such has a certain way with the ladies, but since the death of his father and being made the new Laird, hasn't really given the lasses much of his time. Until the feisty Clarissa stumbles into his lap of course. I really enjoyed watching Broen's playfulness. Enticing Clarissa into letting him steal a kiss, then further challenging her to kiss him back. It was all quite heady stuff. Their relationship was totally believable and I even shed a few tears right at the end at the seemingly awful situation they faced.
My only complaint would be that as much as I enjoyed the chase, the teasing and the hot smexy times, I just wish they had gotten to the love stage a bit earlier on. I felt like they had only just reached the point of understanding their feelings when the book ended. I believe if that point had been brought forward a little, the stressful part at the end would have had even more impact.
That said, I really enjoyed reading this and will add Mary Wine to my ever-increasing and growing larger by the second list of good hunky highlander writers.
4 Stars! ★★★★
Review Copy: Received from the publisher for an honest review
They are two very likeable main characters as well. You've got Clarrisa, illegitimate but acknowledged daughter of the late King of England, and you have Broen, the young, recently appointed Laird of the MacNicols clan. Both had their merits; Clarrisa was strong emotionally after the awful upbringing she'd received. It seemed no one really knew what to do with someone of royal blood that should on the one hand be respected, but as a bastard, was also to be sneered at. So it seemed they ostracised her quite a bit and this formed the incredible character we meet in this book, as she's about to be married off, or sold off is probably more accurate, to the King of Scotland who hopes to create ties to England with the marriage and to hopefully therefore prevent any future attacks.
Broen was a much more simple character but no less endearing. He is an attractive man and as such has a certain way with the ladies, but since the death of his father and being made the new Laird, hasn't really given the lasses much of his time. Until the feisty Clarissa stumbles into his lap of course. I really enjoyed watching Broen's playfulness. Enticing Clarissa into letting him steal a kiss, then further challenging her to kiss him back. It was all quite heady stuff. Their relationship was totally believable and I even shed a few tears right at the end at the seemingly awful situation they faced.
My only complaint would be that as much as I enjoyed the chase, the teasing and the hot smexy times, I just wish they had gotten to the love stage a bit earlier on. I felt like they had only just reached the point of understanding their feelings when the book ended. I believe if that point had been brought forward a little, the stressful part at the end would have had even more impact.
That said, I really enjoyed reading this and will add Mary Wine to my ever-increasing and growing larger by the second list of good hunky highlander writers.
4 Stars! ★★★★
Review Copy: Received from the publisher for an honest review
September 27, 2017
Sent to be King's mistress, Clarrisa was being used as a pawn in a deadly game. Laird Broen MacNicols, was seeking justice for his Father. Broen kidnaps Clarrisa, and sparks fly between them. For Clarrisa this could be divine intervention, for Broen this will be the woman that this Highlander loves. Everyone knows that a Highlander always claims his Prize.
July 22, 2021
Dialog. Not so much.
I read it. Predictable plot. Too much yes yes yes no no no stuff. Not enough men in kilts and good food. But couldn’t put it down.
I read it. Predictable plot. Too much yes yes yes no no no stuff. Not enough men in kilts and good food. But couldn’t put it down.
April 3, 2012
Clarrisa was raised as a commodity rather than as a person. She has always known that her purpose in life is to help her family and their royal bloodline. It comes as no surprise when she is shipped off to Scotland to be the king’s brood mare. She has never been able to make her own choices in life and when the opportunity comes up she grabs it. I loved her spirit, wit and courage. I also admired her ability to separate herself from her emotions and make the best of any situation she found herself in.
Broen is the young Laird of his clan. The Highlands are in troubled times and nobody knows whom to trust. Every decision he makes requires him to put the good of the clan before himself. This causes some issues when he becomes obsessed with Clarrisa, the most wanted woman in Scotland. Broen is a very typical Highlander hero, at least typical in the romance book version of one. :) He is tough, ruthless, loyal, mischievous and smokin’ hot. One thing kept striking me as odd, he regularly allowed Clarrisa to disrespect him in front of his clan. I wanted him to stand up to her and put her in her place. I liked when she showed spirit and stood up to him in private but it bothered me that he laughed off the public disrespect. It was a small issue and one that probably stems from me reading too many Highlander novels but every time it happened it rubbed me wrong.
From the very first chapter I knew this wasn’t going to be the typical Highlander romance novel. It has a dark overtone from the start. The relationship between Clarrisa and Broen is doomed to fail and they both know it. It becomes a question of grabbing happiness while they can or staying away from each other to spare themselves pain. If you enjoy a love story with many obstacles then this is a good choice. It seemed that every time they had even a glimmer of hope for happiness it would get brutally destroyed. I love stories like that and I really liked Clarrisa and Broen so I’m a little confused as to why I didn’t love this book.
I think it all comes down to me not being emotionally invested in the story. There were times when Clarrisa was in a horrible situation that should have been heart-wrenching but I never felt it. Somehow I always felt detached from her misery. If you have ever read Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander you might know what I’m talking about. While I was reading Outlander there were times where I had to stop reading because I was crying so hard I couldn’t see the page. Highlander’s Prize has similar scenes but somehow I never felt it. I wanted that type of emotional investment in the book but never got it.
Highlander’s Prize is a very good book, I really enjoyed the ups and downs of the story even though it lacked the emotional connection I was hoping for.
Broen is the young Laird of his clan. The Highlands are in troubled times and nobody knows whom to trust. Every decision he makes requires him to put the good of the clan before himself. This causes some issues when he becomes obsessed with Clarrisa, the most wanted woman in Scotland. Broen is a very typical Highlander hero, at least typical in the romance book version of one. :) He is tough, ruthless, loyal, mischievous and smokin’ hot. One thing kept striking me as odd, he regularly allowed Clarrisa to disrespect him in front of his clan. I wanted him to stand up to her and put her in her place. I liked when she showed spirit and stood up to him in private but it bothered me that he laughed off the public disrespect. It was a small issue and one that probably stems from me reading too many Highlander novels but every time it happened it rubbed me wrong.
From the very first chapter I knew this wasn’t going to be the typical Highlander romance novel. It has a dark overtone from the start. The relationship between Clarrisa and Broen is doomed to fail and they both know it. It becomes a question of grabbing happiness while they can or staying away from each other to spare themselves pain. If you enjoy a love story with many obstacles then this is a good choice. It seemed that every time they had even a glimmer of hope for happiness it would get brutally destroyed. I love stories like that and I really liked Clarrisa and Broen so I’m a little confused as to why I didn’t love this book.
I think it all comes down to me not being emotionally invested in the story. There were times when Clarrisa was in a horrible situation that should have been heart-wrenching but I never felt it. Somehow I always felt detached from her misery. If you have ever read Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander you might know what I’m talking about. While I was reading Outlander there were times where I had to stop reading because I was crying so hard I couldn’t see the page. Highlander’s Prize has similar scenes but somehow I never felt it. I wanted that type of emotional investment in the book but never got it.
Highlander’s Prize is a very good book, I really enjoyed the ups and downs of the story even though it lacked the emotional connection I was hoping for.
April 9, 2012
I have read several Highlander romances by Mary Wine, but I believe that The Highlander's Prize is one of my favorites. In The Highlander's Prize, Clarissa is an Englishwoman sent to Scotland and a prize for the king, however the Scottish clans are not happy with the arrangement, and Broen MacNichols is sent to capture her. Once Broen captures his prize, he starts thinking he may just want to keep her, but politics and reality can be difficult to thwart.
I really liked Clarissa, she is technically royal-blooded (she is the bastard daughter of the former king of England), but as a bastard, in England she is looked down upon. However, in Scotland, she is a tool that can be used to get closer to the English throne, a pawn. When Broen captures her, she starts to realize that maybe there are some choices for her, such as who she can share herself with. The more she is around Broen, the happier she becomes. I really like that she is not stuck up, she likes to work, she is not conceited (given, she does have some pre-conceived notions about the crass highlanders to overcome). Overall, I like her character and I felt for her struggle with her status as a pawn and the desire to be free. I also loved Broen MacNichols. He is a laird determined to take care of his people and to keep his Scottish ideals. He clashes with Clarissa quite a bit, but comes to look forward to the confrontations, as did I.
The story line in The Highlander's Prize was very well developed. There were twists and turns, and Clarissa was moved around much more than I had anticipated. I never really knew what would come next for her. The book was rich with history, I really did feel as though I had been transported back in time to the era where the Scots were determined to be free of the English rule, but their leaders were fallible. I was drawn to many of the secondary characters as well, and I find that I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
The Highlander's Prize is an excellent read, combining the fierceness and determination of the Highlander's with an unlikely romance that captured my attention and kept me reading late into the night. The Highlander's Prize is book 3 in a series, but it can be read as a stand alone. I will be reading the next book in the series as well, I can't wait to see what comes next.
Historical and Highlander romance readers, I recommend reading The Highlander's Prize by Mary Wine.
*I received this book for review*
I really liked Clarissa, she is technically royal-blooded (she is the bastard daughter of the former king of England), but as a bastard, in England she is looked down upon. However, in Scotland, she is a tool that can be used to get closer to the English throne, a pawn. When Broen captures her, she starts to realize that maybe there are some choices for her, such as who she can share herself with. The more she is around Broen, the happier she becomes. I really like that she is not stuck up, she likes to work, she is not conceited (given, she does have some pre-conceived notions about the crass highlanders to overcome). Overall, I like her character and I felt for her struggle with her status as a pawn and the desire to be free. I also loved Broen MacNichols. He is a laird determined to take care of his people and to keep his Scottish ideals. He clashes with Clarissa quite a bit, but comes to look forward to the confrontations, as did I.
The story line in The Highlander's Prize was very well developed. There were twists and turns, and Clarissa was moved around much more than I had anticipated. I never really knew what would come next for her. The book was rich with history, I really did feel as though I had been transported back in time to the era where the Scots were determined to be free of the English rule, but their leaders were fallible. I was drawn to many of the secondary characters as well, and I find that I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
The Highlander's Prize is an excellent read, combining the fierceness and determination of the Highlander's with an unlikely romance that captured my attention and kept me reading late into the night. The Highlander's Prize is book 3 in a series, but it can be read as a stand alone. I will be reading the next book in the series as well, I can't wait to see what comes next.
Historical and Highlander romance readers, I recommend reading The Highlander's Prize by Mary Wine.
*I received this book for review*
March 16, 2016
I am stingy with giving out stars, even my favorite authors don't get four or five stars very often. I am giving this 4 stars because of her ingenious way of mixing fiction with historical fact.
This story was such a clever blend of historical fact and fictional characters that I found myself looking up King Edward IV to see if he actually had a bastard child named Clarissa. The author made it seem so believable with her knowledge of English and Scottish history.
Clarissa is one of many bastard children of King Edward IV. Her uncle has sent her to Scotland to be the leman of King James III of Scotland who thinks he can have a child with her and annul his marriage in order to disinherit his eldest son. King James III is an unpopular king with his Scottish subjects who would rather see his son on the throne.
Nobody wants the union between King James III and Clarissa because it could give him more power or something like that. I didn’t really understand how it could be so dangerous to Scotland or the backers of the king’s son. I guess since Clarissa is a noble woman with royal York blood, James III would have ties to England and that would give him too much power and be seen as traitorous in the eyes of a lot of Scottish citizens.
Laird Broen MacNicols kidnaps Clarissa to prevent the union between King James III and her. Broen has been ordered by his Earl to kidnap her and bring her to him so he can deal with her. Many other clans would like to either have control over Clarissa or kill her so she cannot ever be returned to the King so Broen has his work cut out for him.
I liked Clarissa’s character. She had spunk and was able to stand up for herself. Broen was the typical Highland macho man who was honorable and courageous.
I think Mary Wine did a spectacular job of writing this book. She made me feel like I was right there with the characters and I truly had no idea how she was going to pull off the ending but it was also very clever. She’ll be going on my list of favorite historical authors.
www.paranormalromanceslut.com
This story was such a clever blend of historical fact and fictional characters that I found myself looking up King Edward IV to see if he actually had a bastard child named Clarissa. The author made it seem so believable with her knowledge of English and Scottish history.
Clarissa is one of many bastard children of King Edward IV. Her uncle has sent her to Scotland to be the leman of King James III of Scotland who thinks he can have a child with her and annul his marriage in order to disinherit his eldest son. King James III is an unpopular king with his Scottish subjects who would rather see his son on the throne.
Nobody wants the union between King James III and Clarissa because it could give him more power or something like that. I didn’t really understand how it could be so dangerous to Scotland or the backers of the king’s son. I guess since Clarissa is a noble woman with royal York blood, James III would have ties to England and that would give him too much power and be seen as traitorous in the eyes of a lot of Scottish citizens.
Laird Broen MacNicols kidnaps Clarissa to prevent the union between King James III and her. Broen has been ordered by his Earl to kidnap her and bring her to him so he can deal with her. Many other clans would like to either have control over Clarissa or kill her so she cannot ever be returned to the King so Broen has his work cut out for him.
I liked Clarissa’s character. She had spunk and was able to stand up for herself. Broen was the typical Highland macho man who was honorable and courageous.
I think Mary Wine did a spectacular job of writing this book. She made me feel like I was right there with the characters and I truly had no idea how she was going to pull off the ending but it was also very clever. She’ll be going on my list of favorite historical authors.
www.paranormalromanceslut.com
April 4, 2012
The Highlander’s Prize by Mary Wine
Historical Romance -April 3rd, 2012
3 ½ stars
Clarissa of York is the bastard child of the king of England. Shipped off to Scotland to be the Scottish King’s mistress until she bears a son for him, Clarissa has no intention of submitting to fate quietly. Fortunately, or unfortunately for her, she receives help in escaping by Laird Broen MacNichols. Broen MacNichols doesn’t want the unpopular Scottish king to have a half-English heir. Together with the rest of the lairds, they plot to kidnap Clarissa to the Scottish highlands. The problem is Clarissa isn’t what he expects. He finds himself intensely attracted to her headstrong and plucky nature. But Clarissa’s royal bloodline invites trouble whether they seek it or not and other lairds are also eyeing her as a prize. Can Broen keep her safe? Can he convince Clarissa to trust him?
Clarissa is different from Mary Wine’s previous heroine. She’s definitely spunkier and much more, bitter, but that’s understandable given her precarious situation. She has always been prized for her bloodline and little else, which made me feel for her. That is also why she took such a long time to warm up to Broen even though he is protective and kind towards her. Broen is the typical rugged, alpha male who is honorable. Only he can give what Clarissa never had - unconditional love and a home.
Another solid Scottish romance from Mary Wine, this is a steamy read that fans of this genre will enjoy.
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Club
Historical Romance -April 3rd, 2012
3 ½ stars
Clarissa of York is the bastard child of the king of England. Shipped off to Scotland to be the Scottish King’s mistress until she bears a son for him, Clarissa has no intention of submitting to fate quietly. Fortunately, or unfortunately for her, she receives help in escaping by Laird Broen MacNichols. Broen MacNichols doesn’t want the unpopular Scottish king to have a half-English heir. Together with the rest of the lairds, they plot to kidnap Clarissa to the Scottish highlands. The problem is Clarissa isn’t what he expects. He finds himself intensely attracted to her headstrong and plucky nature. But Clarissa’s royal bloodline invites trouble whether they seek it or not and other lairds are also eyeing her as a prize. Can Broen keep her safe? Can he convince Clarissa to trust him?
Clarissa is different from Mary Wine’s previous heroine. She’s definitely spunkier and much more, bitter, but that’s understandable given her precarious situation. She has always been prized for her bloodline and little else, which made me feel for her. That is also why she took such a long time to warm up to Broen even though he is protective and kind towards her. Broen is the typical rugged, alpha male who is honorable. Only he can give what Clarissa never had - unconditional love and a home.
Another solid Scottish romance from Mary Wine, this is a steamy read that fans of this genre will enjoy.
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Club
February 6, 2012
I’m not sure there is anything yummier than the cover of this book. If that doesn’t make you pick it up alone, then the fact that Mary Wine is the author should seal the deal for you. Clarrisa is sent to Scotland to marry the king when she is kidnapped by Laird Broen MacNichols. She’s a political captive who soon becomes so much more for the handsome Laird.
This book is full of sweet and spicy confrontations between the hero and heroine. Broen can’t resist Clarissa who is quite the firecracker. The attraction between them is hard to resist and very yummy to read. You’ll fall in love with the whole clan as the characters are not only funny, but fun to read. I would say this is a very light hearted and tender romantic read. You’ll fall in love with Broen and Clarissa as they discover each other on their journey.
Find my reviews at page 317.
This book is full of sweet and spicy confrontations between the hero and heroine. Broen can’t resist Clarissa who is quite the firecracker. The attraction between them is hard to resist and very yummy to read. You’ll fall in love with the whole clan as the characters are not only funny, but fun to read. I would say this is a very light hearted and tender romantic read. You’ll fall in love with Broen and Clarissa as they discover each other on their journey.
Find my reviews at page 317.
May 28, 2017
Perfect blend of history (loads of Scottish royal intrigue... next stop Google to see if Lord Home was real... if not, great ancillary character) and kilt-laden romance. Loads of chemistry and a peek at our next hero and heroine.
And the first of a series...
And the first of a series...
March 11, 2020
4 Stars
March 20, 2016
Very heavy on the "ye" and "aye." Overall, though, it's a well-crafted story that held my attention.
August 6, 2016
Great writing and characters.
did-not-finish
April 3, 2021Going into this book I expected great things!
I mean, Scotland. Nuff said, right.
I had seen the reviews proclaiming this an excellent story...
So, I am sad to say - I just.Can’t.Continue.This.Book.
It took me 3-days to complete 12% - book instantly put me to sleep each time I tried to read it.
So now I am off to find another Highlander to entertain me...
dnf
September 11, 2017DNF @ 14%
Hate to say it, but I found both main characters to be annoying.
To begin with, the heroine's name, Clarrisa? Yeah, sounds like a prissy, spoiled name for a heroine to me. Then there's the fact that she's constantly blushing (keeps feeling embarrassed) and despite the fact that she's been abducted by a group of strange men, she can't help but feel an instant attraction to their leader, Broen. I mean, for all she knows, they'll abduct her, do unspeakable things to her, then kill her -- but hey, let's worry about what a cute guy thinks of you!
Then there's Broen, who seems to also feel a connection, despite the fact that he's 1) only known her for 20 minutes, 2) aware that she's English -- their hated enemy! -- and 3) he firmly believes that she's the type of person who would prostitute herself to her king so that she could give him little soldiers to use in the power struggle against Scotland.
Other than the blurb, nothing about this novel hooked me in, which is why I'm stopping here.
Hate to say it, but I found both main characters to be annoying.
To begin with, the heroine's name, Clarrisa? Yeah, sounds like a prissy, spoiled name for a heroine to me. Then there's the fact that she's constantly blushing (keeps feeling embarrassed) and despite the fact that she's been abducted by a group of strange men, she can't help but feel an instant attraction to their leader, Broen. I mean, for all she knows, they'll abduct her, do unspeakable things to her, then kill her -- but hey, let's worry about what a cute guy thinks of you!
Then there's Broen, who seems to also feel a connection, despite the fact that he's 1) only known her for 20 minutes, 2) aware that she's English -- their hated enemy! -- and 3) he firmly believes that she's the type of person who would prostitute herself to her king so that she could give him little soldiers to use in the power struggle against Scotland.
Other than the blurb, nothing about this novel hooked me in, which is why I'm stopping here.
December 7, 2018
Man, talk about an abrupt stop!
Broen and Clarrisa's story was going alone just fine when I turned the page and it was about Norris Sutherland wondering how Daphne could easily give up her virginity to Norris and walk away so easily. It was like trying to avoid a fender bender with a hard stop with the first couple. Did their duplicity work; don't know. Nice way to have to buy the 2nd book hoping it will continue. I hate it when movies do that and now books are doing it as well. Well now that I've gotten that out of my system, the first book was good, very good in fact. A lot of different things going on that one doesn't expect and kept you glued to the book. So now I'm onto book two so I can see how book one ends and the second one begins. ☺ happy reading! Donna
Broen and Clarrisa's story was going alone just fine when I turned the page and it was about Norris Sutherland wondering how Daphne could easily give up her virginity to Norris and walk away so easily. It was like trying to avoid a fender bender with a hard stop with the first couple. Did their duplicity work; don't know. Nice way to have to buy the 2nd book hoping it will continue. I hate it when movies do that and now books are doing it as well. Well now that I've gotten that out of my system, the first book was good, very good in fact. A lot of different things going on that one doesn't expect and kept you glued to the book. So now I'm onto book two so I can see how book one ends and the second one begins. ☺ happy reading! Donna
November 23, 2020
A Fine Reading of Highlanders
This tale is punctuated with rapid scene changes, loads of emotional underpinnings, and ruminating on the nature of sex and love as it was seen in the late 15th century. It's so fast paced, you'll likely need to reread several scenes to recognize the different characters. Or at least, I had to. You might be better off.
Nevertheless, the intertwining of the story with the history is fantastic, showing how things were changing in the Lowlands and Highlands with the death of His Majesty Edward the IV.
Broen and Clarrisa make for a fantastic pairing that spark off each other early and never stop. Definitely, I recommend you read it!
This tale is punctuated with rapid scene changes, loads of emotional underpinnings, and ruminating on the nature of sex and love as it was seen in the late 15th century. It's so fast paced, you'll likely need to reread several scenes to recognize the different characters. Or at least, I had to. You might be better off.
Nevertheless, the intertwining of the story with the history is fantastic, showing how things were changing in the Lowlands and Highlands with the death of His Majesty Edward the IV.
Broen and Clarrisa make for a fantastic pairing that spark off each other early and never stop. Definitely, I recommend you read it!
Read
September 27, 2019Leur relation est intéressante à voir évoluer ; j’ai aimé voir comment le héros et l'héroïne ont réussi à tout mettre en place pour être ensemble. La seule chose que j’aurais à reprocher à l’intrigue est qu’elle ne s’attarde pas assez sur les complots qui se trament en coulisse. Cela aurait donné plus d'authenticité à l’histoire.
https://www.sariahlit.com/2019/09/les...
https://www.sariahlit.com/2019/09/les...
May 8, 2021
Broen MacNicols offers to collect Clarissa of York in an effort to learn the truth of his father's and betrothed's deaths on Grant land and hopefully avoid bloodshed.
Clarissa, bastard daughter of the prior English King is given to the King of Scotland as a mistress, but is abducted before her fate is sealed.
Clarissa, bastard daughter of the prior English King is given to the King of Scotland as a mistress, but is abducted before her fate is sealed.
February 25, 2017
Love, lies and intrigue
Really good story I could picture the characters as they wooed and tormented each other. Made the girl clarrissa stand up to the harshness of highland men. I couldn't fault it really well written and readers of strong powerful men will love this book.
Really good story I could picture the characters as they wooed and tormented each other. Made the girl clarrissa stand up to the harshness of highland men. I couldn't fault it really well written and readers of strong powerful men will love this book.
April 14, 2018
this was not the typical romance novel. there was so many politic aspects woven into the plot, it was often hard to follow. and our H/H didn't really get their happy ending. idk, this was disappointing.
September 24, 2020
DNF at 49%. This was a nice read but I just didn't feel like I needed to finish it. The chemistry between the main characters was great but the background felt too weak for me to care about their fates. Still gave it 3 stars because I enjoyed what I did read.
April 28, 2024
Kidnapped by a Highlander
Clarissa was the illeigmite daughter of the English King and was betrothed to the Scottish King. But was kidnapped by Broen McNicolas to stop the marriage.
Clarissa was the illeigmite daughter of the English King and was betrothed to the Scottish King. But was kidnapped by Broen McNicolas to stop the marriage.
September 18, 2024
The story/plot line was quite enjoyable and well written. However, Clarissa (one of the main characters and love interest) left much to be desired. Her behavior was quite bitter and overly aggressive throughout the entire novel making it difficult to keep my interest.
May 28, 2025
Une très bonne romance historique, où l'intrigue politique et la romance s'équilibrent avec soin. Le·la lecteur·ice est baladé·e de retournement en retournement jusqu'à la dernière page, entre stratégies, enjeux et secrets…
On suit une héroïne kidnappée, mais, pour une fois, c'est elle qui choisit de se fier à son ravisseur plutôt qu'à celui qui l'a achetée parce qu'elle est la fille illégitime d'un roi ! Celui qui l'a enlevée agit lui aussi pour une récompense, mais plutôt au nom de la justice. Elle va l'aider à redistribuer les cartes afin d'obtenir des réponses concernant le décès de son père.
La situation initiale est suffisamment solide pour nous permettre de passer un très bon moment. On peut y ajouter une romance qui s'installe à coups de préjugés et d'a priori, ce qui rend l'expérience particulièrement jubilatoire pour nous, lecteur·ices omniscient·es.
On suit une héroïne kidnappée, mais, pour une fois, c'est elle qui choisit de se fier à son ravisseur plutôt qu'à celui qui l'a achetée parce qu'elle est la fille illégitime d'un roi ! Celui qui l'a enlevée agit lui aussi pour une récompense, mais plutôt au nom de la justice. Elle va l'aider à redistribuer les cartes afin d'obtenir des réponses concernant le décès de son père.
La situation initiale est suffisamment solide pour nous permettre de passer un très bon moment. On peut y ajouter une romance qui s'installe à coups de préjugés et d'a priori, ce qui rend l'expérience particulièrement jubilatoire pour nous, lecteur·ices omniscient·es.
June 1, 2017
3.5 stars.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series
September 27, 2017
Great read!
Love the way this story tells of the Highlander's prize and what choices Clarissa must make. Very interesting and hope to read more about the other Highlanders!
Love the way this story tells of the Highlander's prize and what choices Clarissa must make. Very interesting and hope to read more about the other Highlanders!
June 19, 2018
I loved this book and series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews